DEVELOPMENT of an explosion- and fire-suppression system is described here.
The system consists of two components, a detector and a capsule, which are placed in the volume to be protected. The explosions encountered in aircraft fuel tanks can be started by either high- or low-energy ignition sources, necessitating a wide range of detection times. Therefore, three types of explosion detectors have been designed, two visual, and one pressure rate of rise. Each of these detectors has a particular advantage, making it possible to meet any requirement for a particular installation.
When ignition occurs, the detector senses the explosion, causing an electric current to flow to the capsule. This sets off an explosive charge, which supplies the force to burst the capsule and disperse the suppressing agent.
Of the many fire-extinguishing agents that have been studied, the new halogenated compounds have been found to present the most desirable characteristics. These compounds such as dibromodifluoromethane, monobromotrifluoromethane, and monobromomonochlorodifluoromethane, are outstanding for their low toxicity and corrosiveness.