Low-Pressure Propellant Explosion Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion hazard suppression systems in closed spaces are inefficient due to suboptimal utilization of propellant energy and require expensive, complex gas generators and large, heavily regulated pressure vessels.
Innovation Solution
A system that stores an extinguishing agent and a partially liquid propellant under pressure, with an activator creating a fluid passage upon detection of an explosion hazard, allowing the propellant to expand and cool the extinguishing agent, using smaller, less regulated containers and optionally a gas generator for enhanced pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure (60 to 80 bar) storage vessels are used to store propellant, then the propellant can be stored effectively, but the vessels require regular inspection and are subject to strict legal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high pressure (60-80 bar) to low pressure (below 30 bar, preferably 1-10 bar) by using a partially liquid propellant that expands upon release. This parameter change allows the system to achieve the same propellant delivery function while using containers that are not subject to strict pressure vessel regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the propellant from liquid to gas phase. The propellant is stored in a partially liquid state under low pressure and expands to gas phase when released, providing both propulsion force and extinguishing effect. This phase transition enables the system to avoid high pressure storage requirements while maintaining effective explosion suppression
2Stress or pressure
If gas generators are used to generate high pressure at activation, then the necessary pressure can be achieved, but the system becomes expensive and complex in manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing the propellant in a partially liquid state under low pressure in simple containers. The expansion force is prepared in advance through the phase transition potential, eliminating the need for complex gas generators during activation. The activator simply needs to create a fluid passage, and the pre-positioned propellant does the work of expansion and pressurization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the gas generator component from the system entirely. Instead of using a gas generator to create pressure, the system uses the natural expansion of partially liquid propellant when released. This extraction simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining the necessary pressure generation capability
3Quantity of substance
If large pressure vessels are used to store propellant, then sufficient propellant can be stored, but the containers are large and subject to strict legal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the pressure parameter to low pressure and utilizing the partially liquid state of the propellant, the system achieves high density storage without requiring large volume containers. The propellant expands upon release, providing both the necessary quantity delivery and the propulsion force, eliminating the need for large high-pressure vessels
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively suppresses explosions with smaller, less costly equipment, optimizing propellant energy use and providing a cooling effect for enhanced suppression, while reducing the need for large, expensive gas generators and pressure vessels.
Implementation Method 1
the propellant is such that the propellant expands upon activation of the activator and herein absorbs ambient heat
Implementation Method 2
The extinguishing agent will cool due to expansion of liquefied gas in the container
Data Source
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AI summary
System for limiting explosion hazard in a closed space, comprising a storage vessel in which an extinguishing agent is stored, the storage vessel being provided with an outlet connectable to the closed space, wherein the system further comprises at least one container in which an at least partially liquid propellant is stored under pressure; and, for each container, an activator configured to create after activation thereof a passage for fluid between the storage vessel and this container such that, following activation of the activator, the propellant propagates into the closed space together with the extinguishing agent.