Fire suppressor

Abstract

A fire suppressor 10 for attachment to a fire suppression drone (100, Figure 6) comprises a pressurised container 12 for carrying a fire suppressing agent and a diffuser nozzle 14 connected to an outl

Description

The present invention relates to a fire suppressor and particularly but not exclusively to a fire suppressor for attachment to a fire suppression drone, a drone comprising a fire suppressor, and a method for suppressing a fire. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION For the 2022 / 23 reporting year, the Fire Service in Great Britain attended around 234,000 fire related incidents. In countries of conflict or seasonal environmental stress that figure will be substantially higher. In each case a fire can be devastating and life threatening. A fire suppression system is an active fire protection method, usually consisting of a fire suppressing agent being delivered at a calculated rate for a predefined fire load risk. Fire suppression systems are used to suppress, control, fully extinguish or prevent fires from spreading. They are a reactive means of fire protection utilised after the point of ignition. The suppressing agent is distributed at the source of ignition and surrounding area to prevent any further spread of fire and in most instances fully extinguish the flames. Many buildings are equipped with fire suppression systems to suppress fires which are detected in the building. However, fires may occur during construction before these systems have been installed. Furthermore, having fire suppression systems pre-equipped in spaces where fires are likely to occur is not always feasible. For example, in rural areas such as grasslands and woodlands, fires can ignite without a fire suppression system present. Similarly, there may be situations where getting assistance from a fire service is more difficult. For example, on naval vessels at sea. It is an object of the present invention to reduce or substantially obviate the aforementioned problems. STATEMENT OF INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided fire suppressor for attachment to a fire suppression drone, the fire suppressor comprising a pressurised container for carrying a fire suppressing agent, the pressurised container having a diffuser nozzle connected to an outlet of the pressurised container, wherein the diffuser nozzle includes a plug for blocking the outlet of the pressurised container, the plug being held in place by a temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb configured to shatter at a predetermined temperature to release the plug and allow the fire suppressing agent to pass through the outlet; and in which the diffuser nozzle comprises a heating element disposed on or adjacent to the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb for shattering the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb. Advantageously, the fire suppressor can be mounted to a drone to provide fire suppression in scenarios where pre-equipped fire suppression systems are not present. For example, the fire suppressor may be mounted to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) and directed towards a fire in a rural environment. The quartzoid bulb may be a thermally sensitive glass bulb. The bulb may contain a fluid. When the bulb is exposed to a heat source which raises the temperature to above the predetermined temperature, the fluid expands and shatters the bulb. This releases the plug and allows the stored suppressing agent to pass through outlet. The quartzoid bulb provides a means of mechanically releasing the fire supressing agent (i.e. by temperature of the surroundings). The predetermined temperature may be between 50°C to 70°C. The fire suppressor may include a second independent system for deploying the fire suppressing agent. The heating element may be electronically activated to raise the temperature of the fluid and expand the bulb. The heating element may provide a means of electronically releasing the fire suppressing agent (i.e. by electronic heating of the heating element). The heating element may be disposed on or adjacent to the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb. The heating element may be a filament. When a small voltage is passed through the heating element, this may increase the temperature of the fluid to the predetermined temperature. The electronic activation may be activated by a countdown timer. The countdown timer may allow the fire suppressing agent to be released when the fire suppressor has been in a position for more than a set time frame. Alternatively, a signal may be sent through a remote means, for example, an operator of the drone. The fire suppressing agent may be a water-based fire suppressing agent. The waterbased fire suppressing agent may comprise ammonium sulphates to interrupt the chemical chain reaction existing during a thermal event. Ammonium sulphates are preferred due to sustainability, environmental credentials, cooling properties and usefulness against most types of fires. The fire suppressor may comprise an attachment interface for attachment to the drone. The attachment means may be co-operable with or form part a UAV or a UGV. The fire suppressor may include an elongate conduit between a body of the pressurised container and the diffuser nozzle for controlling the direction of the released fire suppressing agent. For example, the elongate conduit may be a pipe. The elongate conduit may direct the suppressing agent to the point of delivery. The elongate conduit may have a length substantially similar to the length of the pressurised container. The length of the elongate conduit may correspond to the size of the drone such that the elongate conduit extends the outlet away from any downwash caused by rotor blades of the drone. The elongate conduit may comprise an arcuate portion. The position of the elongate conduit may be configurable between a stored and deployed configuration in which in the stored configuration, the elongate conduit is disposed adjacent to the pressurised container and in the deployed configuration, the elongate conduit extends away from the pressurised container. Positioning the elongate conduit in the stored configuration keeps the centre of gravity central to the vehicle and avoid any unbalancing of the flight controls. Elastomeric sealed swivel unions may be provided to permit the elongate conduit to rotate up to 180 ° between the stored configuration and the deployed configuration. The elongate conduit may be connected to the pressurised container by at least one swivel joint to allow the elongate conduit to rotate with respect to the pressurised container. At least two containers may be provided for increasing the volume of suppressing agent. The elongate conduit may comprise at least two inlets. Each inlet may be connected to at least one of the at least two containers. The containers may be manifolded to a single elongate conduit. The manifold allows a combined volume of fire suppressing agent to be deployed through a single elongate conduit. Two or more elongate conduits may be provided. Each elongate conduit may be connected to one container. Each elongate conduit may be connected to a diffuser nozzle. Heating elements of each diffuser nozzle may provide a means of electronically releasing the fire suppressing agent from each container independently from each other. The heating element can be used to deploy one system at a time or both at once depending on the effectiveness of using a single container of fire supressing agent. The container may have a volume of 250 cm3 to 750 cm3. The container is sized to be mounted onto a drone. The container may comprise a valve type cylinder head. The container may include a staged manometer for indicating the pressure within the vessel. The container may include a pressure relief valve to prevent over pressurisation of the vessel if in prolonged exposure to heat. The container may include a flexible internal syphon tube. The internal syphon tube ensures the pressurised cylinder vessel is capable of releasing suppressing agent when positioned in a horizontal orientation. The pressurised container may comprise nitrogen gas for forcing the plug out of the outlet when the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb shatters. The nitrogen gas may be provided in addition to a fire suppressing agent. The nitrogen gas may be provided as a propellent to evacuate the fire suppressing agent from the container. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire suppression drone for use in firefighting operations. The drone may comprise the fire suppressor of the first aspect of the present invention. The main advantages have been discussed with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. The drone may have a H-frame structure. In other words, the drone may have a body with a H-shaped profile and four motors, each motor being disposed in a corner of the H-frame structure. Each motor may be provided in a motor mount. Alternatively, eight motors may be provided. Two motors may be provided at each motor mount. For example, motors may be provided above and below each motor mount. The drone may have a width of 400 mm to 700 mm. The drone may have a length of 300 mm to 600 mm. The drone may have a height of 200 mm to 350 mm. The motors may have a propeller diameter of 200 mm to 300 mm. The drone may comprise one or more of carbon fibre, 3D printed PETG, Aluminium or steel CNC machined components. It may also comprise nuts and bolts, preferably metric. In particular, CNC machined components may be used in regions of high stress and mild heat. For example, the motor mounts may be made from CNC machined metal. This is due to the high stresses that will be put upon these components. They may have the capability of taking an electric motor with a maximum mounting diameter of 20 mm. This allows for great diversity in power plant options. Carbon fibre may be used in areas of high stress and mild heat. Carbon fibre is advantageous due to its lighter weight compared to alternative materials. The drone may comprise a camera. The drone may include a fire detection means. The fire detection means may comprise a communication means for communicating to an external control means or companion device. The external control means or companion device may host an object detection machine learning algorithm for recognising a fire. The drone may comprise onboard stereoscopic odometry for allowing automated flight. The drone may comprise light detection and ranging (LiDAR) capabilities to provide information about the area surrounding the drone. For example, the drone may comprise one or more lasers and / or sensors for detecting obstructions. The drone may comprise a fire suppressor mount for receiving the fire suppressor. The fire suppressor mount may comprise a tray. The fire suppressor mount may include a frame. The frame may include two posts. The frame may be connected to the body of the drone. The tray may be fitted or otherwise connected to the frame. The tray may comprise a cradle for receiving at least part of the pressurised container. The cradle may be disposed on an underside of the tray. A plurality of cradles may be provided. Four cradles may be provided. The tray and fire suppressor may slide freely together. The tray may be removable. The tray may be held in place by a securing means. The securing means may include one or more pins. The removable tray may include at least one rail. The or each cradle may be provided on the or each rail for adjusting the position of the cradle with respect to the tray. This allows for multiple variants of the fire suppressor to be fitted. A foam pad may be provided on the underside of the airframe. This is to allow the fire suppressor to be pushed up into the underside of the drone. This takes up any slack in the fire suppressor mount and increase stability of the fire suppressor. Electronic components such as main control boards, cameras, sensors and communication means may be disposed within an electronics bay. The electronics bay may be situated in the body of the drone. This is to provide as much protection as possible for the flight critical components. The front of the electronics bay may be left fully open to allow the drones cameras and sensors to have a clear unobstructed view. A bumper bar may protrude from the electronics bay to prevent damage in case of an impact or crash. An electronics mounting plate may be provided in the electronics bay. Main control boards may be mounted to the electronics mounting plate. The plate may include holes to reduce overall weight of the drone but also to allow the components to expel heat. Vibration dampeners may be used to attach the mounting plate to the body of the drone. The vibration dampeners may isolate the vibrations from the drone in flight to increase flight stability and control. A battery of the drone may be stored in a battery bay. The battery bay may be disposed on the top of the drone to keep the battery as far as possible away from any potential fire that may be below, ensure accessibility, and provide space beneath the drone to accommodate the fire suppressor. The drone body may include vents for cooling the electronic components. Airflow through the apertures may be increased during flight. Airflow may be maintained by the propeller downwash. A fan may be provided for cooling the electronic components. The fan may be disposed at a rear of the drone. A fan mount for receiving the fan may be provided at a rear of the drone. The fan mount may be covered up with a blacking plate. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for suppressing a fire using the fire suppression drone of the second aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: sending a signal to the drone that a fire has been detected; launching the drone; and releasing the fire suppressing agent. The advantages are as discussed with respect to the first and second aspects of the invention. An external fire detector may be used to detect the fire and send a signal to the drone. Alternatively, an operator may send the signal to the drone. The signal may be sent to the drone directly, or via an external control means. The external control means may include the companion device. The method may include using a plurality of drones. This enables the operator to provide larger amounts of fire suppressing agent for suppressing larger fires. The communication means may allow the drones to communicate with each other, either directly or via an external communication means. The drone may travel to the location of the detected fire without an operator controlling the drone’s movements directly (i.e., the drone may be capable of autopilot). The drone may be able to locate and fly towards the fire using information sent from the external control means in the absence of GPS or internet. This is advantageous in rural areas where relying on GPS and WiFi is not feasible. Where the drone comprises a camera, the method may include the step of the drone observing the fire using the camera. The visual feed may be sent to the control means. The method may include the step of the fire being detected by the drone using the fire detection means. This may confirm the location of the fire prior to releasing the fire suppressing agent to ensure the fire is targeted. Detecting the fire may assist the drone in positioning itself. The method may include the step of the companion device determining whether the fire is shown in the visual feed. The companion device may confirm that the fire detected by the drone is a fire using Al image detection. The method may include the step of moving the elongate conduit into the deployed configuration prior to releasing the fire suppressing agent. The method may include the fire suppressor releasing the fire agent mechanically. The heat from the fire may increase the temperature of the bulb to release the fire suppressing agent as described above. The method may include the fire suppressor releasing the fire agent electronically. The heating element may be activated by an operator to increase the temperature of the bulb and release the fire suppressing agent as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fire suppressor in a stored configuration; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the fire suppressor of Figure 1 in a deployed configuration; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fire suppressor in a stored configuration; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the fire suppressor of Figure 3 in the deployed configuration; Figure 5 shows a side view of a diffuser nozzle; Figure 6 shows a front view of a drone equipped with the fire suppressor of Figure 3; Figure 7a shows a top view of the drone with the fire suppressor omitted; Figure 7b shows a bottom view of the drone; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a fire suppressor mount of the drone; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of an electronics mounting plate of the drone; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a battery bay of the drone; Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a body of the drone; Figure 12 shows a schematic of the drone being launched; Figure 13 shows a schematic of the drone identifying a fire; and Figure 14 shows a schematic of the drone extinguishing a fire. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, a fire suppressor is generally indicated at 10. The fire suppressor 10 is a portable means of suppressing a fire which is attachable to a drone (100, Figure 6). The fire suppressor 10 includes two pressurised containers 12. In other embodiments, one or more containers 12 may be provided. Each container 12 contains a fire suppressing agent and is connected to a diffuser nozzle 14 for releasing and dispersing the fire suppressing agent. The diffuser nozzles 14 are discussed in more detail below with respect to Figure 5. The containers 12 are connected to the diffuser nozzle 14 via an elongate conduit 16. The elongate conduit 16 is provided by a pipe having a length substantially similar to a length of the containers 12. The elongate conduit 16 directs the flow of fire suppressing agent. In this embodiment, the fire supressing agent is a water-based agent. The water is potable filtered water. The water-based agent includes ammonium sulphates to interrupt the chemical chain reaction existing during a thermal event. Each container 12 is a cylinder having an internal volume of approximately 350 cm3 Each container 12 includes a flexible dip tube (not shown) disposed inside the container 12. The dip tube is made from a silicone based hollow tube. The dip tube allows the fire suppressing agent to be syphoned through the elongate conduit 16 when the container 12 is disposed in a horizontal orientation. The container 12 is connected to the elongate conduit 16 via a directional pressure valve 20 disposed on the container 12. The directional pressure valve 20 allows safe depressurisation of the container 12, should disassembly be required after the container 20 has been pressurised. Each container 12 includes a pressure gauge 18 to indicate the pressure inside the container 12. In some embodiments, the pressure gauge 18 includes a three-stage visual indicator scale to depict the pressure within the container 12. For example, three coloured bars can indicate whether the pressure is too low, optimal or too high. Each pressure gauge interfaces with one of the directional pressure valves 20. The directional pressure valve 20 is connected to the elongate conduit 16 by a swivel joint 22. The swivel joint 22 is an elastomeric swivel joint and allows each elongate conduit 16 to rotate with respect to the containers 12. The swivel joint 22 permits each elongate conduit 16 to rotate up to 180°. The elongate conduit 16 can rotate between a stored configuration, in which the elongate conduits 16 are disposed adjacent to the containers 12 as shown in Figure 1, and a deployed configuration in which the elongate conduits 16 extend away from the containers 12 as shown in Figure 2. Storing the elongate conduit 16 keeps the centre of gravity central to the drone 100 and avoids any unbalancing of the flight controls. Positioning the elongate conduit 16 in the deployed configuration prevents the diffuser nozzle 14 being affected by downwash caused by rotor blades of the drone 100. Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a second embodiment of the fire suppressor is generally indicated at 10’. The fire suppressor 10’ is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. Where the features of each embodiment are identical, the features will be referenced using identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the fire suppressor 10’ includes two pressurized containers 12, both connected to a single elongate conduit 16. The containers 12 are connected to a manifold 30. The manifold 30 allows a combined volume of fire suppressing agent to be deployed through a single elongate conduit 16. Referring now to Figure 5, the diffuser nozzle is generally indicated at 14. The diffuser nozzle 14 includes a temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40. The temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40 is a glass bulb containing a temperature sensitive fluid which expands at a temperature of around 50°C to 70°C. The temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40 holds a plug (not shown) in place. The plug prevents fire suppressing agent from being released. When the fluid inside the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40 expands, the glass bulb shatters, and the plug is released. This allows the fire suppressing agent to exit from the elongate conduit 16. A heating element 42 is provided on the surface of the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40. The heating element 42 is a filament. The filament is electrically connected to a means of providing a voltage, such as a battery powering the drone (not shown) by a wire 44. The heating element 42 can be heated by supplying a current through the wire 44 and filament, thereby heating the temperature sensitive fluid and electronically shatter the glass bulb. This provides an alternative means of manually releasing the plug should the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40. The diffuser nozzle 14 includes a threaded connection 46 for screwing the diffuser nozzle 14 into the elongate conduit 16. The fire suppressor 10’ is shown fitted to the drone generally indicated at 100 in Figure 6. The drone 100 is primarily constructed from a mix of carbon fibre plates and tubes. The drone 100 has a body 102. The drone 100 has four arms 104 extending from the body 102. The fours arms 104 are parallel to each other. The arms 104 are provided as two pairs. Each pair of arms 104 extends from opposing sides of the body 102. Each pair of arms 104 is connected to a motor mount bar 106, best shown in Figures 7a and 7b. Each motor mount bar 106 extends perpendicular to the arms 104. At each end of the motor mount bar 106, motor mounts 107 are provided. The motor mounts 107 receive the motors and provide a means of connecting propellers to the drone 100 (omitted for clarity). The motor mounts 107 are made from a CNC (computer numerical control) machined aluminium. In other embodiments, CNC machined steel may be used. The motor mounts 107 can accommodate an electric motor with a maximum mounting diameter of 20 mm. The body 102, arms 104 and motor mount bar 106 can be considered to form a H-frame with propellers provided in each corner. Referring again to Figure 6, a leg 108 extends from each of the motor mount bars 106. Feet 110 are disposed at the end of each leg 108. Each foot 110 is provided by a bar extending parallel to the motor mount bar 106. The legs 108 and feet 110 act as a landing gear. A fire suppressor mount 120 is provided on an underside of the drone 100. The fire suppressor mount 120 is shown in more detail in Figure 8. The fire suppressor mount 120 includes a removable tray 122, a frame 124 for connecting the removable tray 122 to the body 102 of the drone 100, and a plurality of cradles 132 for receiving the fire suppressor 10’. The frame 124 includes two posts 126 extending towards the body 102 from opposing edges of the tray 122. The posts 126 are bolted onto the removable tray 122. The two posts 126 are substantially identical to each other. Each post 126 is connected to a body mounting portion 128, the body mounting portions 128 including apertures 130 for receiving one of the pairs of arms 104. The body mounting portions 128 are connected to the body 102 but are not fixed in place, allowing slight movement for fitting the removable tray 122. The cradles 132 are provided on rails 134 in the removable tray 122. The rails 134 allow the positions of the cradles 132 to be adjusted to accommodate fire suppressors 10’ of different embodiments. A foam pad (136, Figure 6) is provided between the removable tray 122 and the body 102 of the drone 100. The foam pad 136 allows the fire suppressor mount 120 to be pushed up into the underside of the drone 100. This takes up any slack in the fire suppressor mount 120 and increases the stability and security of the fire suppressor mount 120 and fire suppressor 10’. Referring again to Figure 6, an electronics bay 140 is provided in the body 102. For clarity, the electronics have been omitted form the Figures, however, it is envisaged that the electronics used to power and control the drone 100 such as main control boards, cameras (e.g. visual cameras or thermal imaging cameras), sensors and communication means are disposed within the electronics bay 140. The electronics bay 140 is encapsulated in the body 102 of the drone 100 to protect the more vulnerable parts of the drone 100. The front of the electronics bay 140 is open to allow the drones cameras and sensors to have a clear unobstructed view. A bumper bar (142, see Figures 7a and 7b) is provided above the front opening to absorb impact or crashes and protect the electronics within. The electronics bay 140 includes an electronics mounting plate 144, best shown in Figure 9. It is envisaged that the main control boards are mounted to the electronics mounting plate 144. Apertures 146 are provided through the mounting plate 144 for weight reduction and cooling by airflow. The electronics mounting plate 144 is connected to the body 102 by vibration dampeners 148. The vibration dampeners 148 will isolate the vibrations from the drone 100 in flight to increase flight stability and control. A battery bay 150 is provided on the body 102. The battery bay 150 houses the battery for powering the drone 100 (not shown for clarity). The battery bay 150 is disposed on the top of the drone 100 to keep the battery as far as possible away from any potential fire that may be below, ensure accessibility, and provide space beneath the drone 100 to accommodate the fire suppressor 10’. The battery bay 150 has a width of approximately 80 mm, a length of approximately 145 mm, and a height of approximately 50 mm. A cable aperture 152 is provided through a rear of the body 102 below the battery bay 150 for receiving cables connecting the battery to the electronics in the electronics bay 140. Referring now to Figure 11, the drone body 102 includes vents 154 for cooling the electronic components. Vents 154 are provided in walls of the electronics bay 140 and battery bay 150. Airflow through the vents 154 is increased when the drone 100 is in flight. Airflow can also be maintained by propellor downwash. This is particularly advantageous for cooling the battery which may be at risk of overheating. A fan mount 156 is provided in a rear of the drone 100 for installing a fan. The fan is provided for cooling the electronic components where the vents are insufficient. The fan mount 156 can be covered up with a blacking plate when the fan is not installed. The drone is shown in use in Figures 12-14. During use, the drone 100 extinguishes a fire 500 as follows. As can be seen in Figure 12, the fire 500 is detected by an automatic fire detector means (e.g. thermal imaging) or by an operator. The fire detector informs the drone 100 by sending a signal to a control means 200 or the drone 100 itself. Referring to Figure 13, the drone 100 flies towards the fire 500. The drone 100 is sent the location of the fire 500 and is capable of autopilot due to onboard stereoscopic odometry. The drone 100 moves towards the fire 500 while avoiding obstacles. Obstacles can be detected using LiDAR. The camera sends a visual feed to the control means 200. In this embodiment, the control means 200 is a companion device. The control means 200 provides Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) Feedback Loop for aiding autopilot navigation. Once the drone 100 reaches the fire, the drones camera observes the fire. This visual feed is processed by the control means 200. The control means 200 passively runs an object detection machine learning algorithm to confirm the presence of the fire 500. When the presence of the fire 500 is confirmed, the drone 100 is directed by the control means 200 to hover over the fire 500. When in position, the drone 100 positions the elongate conduit 16 into the deployed configuration and releases the fire suppressing agent. The fire suppressing agent can be released mechanically, in which the heat from the fire 500 raises the temperature of the temperature sensitive fluid in one or both diffuser nozzles 14, expanding the fluid and shattering the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40, thereby releasing the plug. Alternatively, the heating element 42 can be heated to raise the temperature of the temperature sensitive fluid, expanding the fluid and shattering the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb 40 to release the plug. In other embodiments, multiple drones 100 may be sent to a fire 500 to ensure enough fire suppressing agent is used to extinguish the fire 500. The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without 5 departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fire suppressor for attachment to a fire suppression drone, the fire suppressor comprising a pressurised container for carrying a fire suppressing agent, the pressurised container having a diffuser nozzle connected to an outlet of the pressurised container,wherein the diffuser nozzle includes a plug for blocking the outlet of the pressurised container, the plug being held in place by a temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb configured to shatter at a predetermined temperature to release the plug and allow the fire suppressing agent to pass through the outlet; andin which the diffuser nozzle comprises a heating element disposed on or adjacent to the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb for shattering the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb.

2. A fire suppressor as claimed in claim 1, in which the heating element is disposed on or adjacent to the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb.

3. A fire suppressor as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the heating element is a filament.

4. A fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the fire suppressor includes an elongate conduit between a body of the pressurised container and the diffuser nozzle for controlling the direction of the released fire suppressing agent.

5. A fire suppressor as claimed in claim 4, in which the elongate conduit has a length substantially similar to the length of the pressurised container.

6. A fire suppressor as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, in which the elongate conduit comprises an arcuate portion.

7. A fire suppressor as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, in which the position of the elongate conduit is configurable between a stored and deployed configuration in which in the stored configuration, the elongate conduit is disposed adjacent to the pressurised container and in the deployed configuration, the elongate conduit extends away from the pressurised container.

8. A fire suppressor as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, in which the elongate conduit is connected to the pressurised container by at least one swivel joint to allow the elongate conduit to rotate with respect to the pressurised container.

9. A fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim, in which at least two pressurised containers are provided.

10. A fire suppressor as claimed in claim 9, when dependent on any of claims 3 to 7, in which the elongate conduit comprises at least two inlets, each inlet being connected to at least one of the at least two containers.

11. A fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pressurised container has a volume of 250 cm3 to 750 cm3.

12. A fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the predetermined temperature is between 50°C to 70°C.

13. A fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the pressurised container comprises nitrogen gas for forcing the plug out of the outlet when the temperature sensitive quartzoid bulb shatters.

14. A fire suppression drone for use in firefighting operations, in which the drone comprises a fire suppressor as claimed in any preceding claim.

15. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 14, in which the drone comprises a camera.

16. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 14 or 15, in which the drone includes a fire detection means.

17. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 16, when dependent on claim 15 in which the fire detection means comprises the camera and a communication means for communicating to a companion device hosting an object detection machine learning algorithm.

18. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 15 or 17 or claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, in which the drone comprises onboard stereoscopic odometry for allowing automated flight.

19. A fire suppression drone as claimed in any of claims 14 to 18, in which the drone comprises a fire suppressor mount for receiving the fire suppressor, the fire suppressor mount comprising a removeable tray.

20. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 19, in which the removeable tray comprises a cradle for receiving the pressurised container.

21. A fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 20, in which the cradle is disposed on an underside of the drone.

22. A method for suppressing a fire using a fire suppression drone as claimed in any of claims 14 to 21, the method comprising the steps of:sending a notification to the drone that a fire has been detected;launching the drone; andreleasing the fire suppressing agent.

23. A method for suppressing a fire using a fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 16, or any of claims 17 to 21 when dependent on claim 16, the method comprising the steps of:sending a notification that a fire has been detected to the drone;launching the drone;observing the detected fire using the fire detection means; andreleasing the fire suppressing agent.

24. A method for suppressing a fire using a fire suppression drone as claimed in claim 17 or any of claims 18 to 21, when dependent on claim 17, the method comprising the steps of:sending a notification that a fire has been detected to the drone;launching the drone;the drone observing the detected fire using the camera;the drone sending a visual feed from the camera to the companion device;the companion device determining whether the fire is shown in the visual feed; and5 releasing the fire suppressing agent.19

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