DE3606948A1 - Explosion suppression arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an explosion suppression arrangement for suppressing explosions in explosive charges, comprising a carrier for accommodating at least one explosive charge, a store containing an explosion suppression means which is subject to pressure, a device for releasing the explosion suppression means and a guide for guiding the released explosion suppression means in the direction of the explosive charge, under the force of the pressure. In order to achieve suppression of inadvertent explosions as reliably as possible, a cutting device is proposed which is arranged on the carrier adjacent to the explosive charge and such that it can move in the direction of said charge, the cutting device being positioned in such a manner that it is pressed into cutting engagement with the explosive charge by the released suppression means, so that the explosion suppression means penetrates into the explosive charge.

Description

Graviner Limited Sword House Totteridge Road, High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP13 6RJ

ENGLAND -8 / 54-

Exp1osion suppression arrangement

The invention relates to the suppression and extinguishing fires and ^Exr: o ~ sions. When the suppression of explosions is mentioned below, the extinguishing of fires is also to be considered as being included.

In certain circumstances it is necessary to store explosive substances in environments that are potentially dangerous for such substances, For example, it may be necessary to use explosive substances in environments (e.g. in armored vehicles) that are exposed to an attack. The invention provides improved explosion suppression with respect to such substances.

tM According to the invention, an explosion suppression arrangement for suppression Ij -ken of explosions in explosive charges provided, the assembly comprising a receiving means for receiving at least one explosive charge, cutting means arranged adjacent to the receiving means to the explosive charge and against the explosive charge movably storage means containing a pressurized explosion suppressant, means for releasing the explosion suppressant, and guide means for guiding the released explosion suppressant against the explosive charge

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the force of its pressure, the cutting means so positioned are that they are in cutting engagement with the explosive charge released by the Suppressant arrive to allow the explosion suppressant to reach the explosive charge.

According to the invention is also an explosion suppression arrangement for suppression of explosions in stored explosive cargoes, a container for holding the cargoes in predetermined positions, cutting means, with means for mounting it on a wall of the container are provided to be movable towards the explosive charges in the container to be and a way to cut into every explosive charge, a reservoir for pressurized explosion suppressant, a releasable valve device for releasable shut-off of the suppression means in the memory, means for opening the valve device, wherein the Explosion suppressant under pressure escapes, means for directing the escaping suppressant into contact with the cutting means, around the Propel cutting means forward so that this finds its way into the explosive charge cuts, and guide means for guiding the explosion suppressant included in any explosive charge along this route.

Further refinements of the invention can be found in the following description and to be taken from the claims.

The invention is illustrated below with reference to the accompanying figures Embodiments explained in more detail.

Fig. 1 shows a section through part of an embodiment of an explosion suppression arrangement.

Figure 2 shows, partially in section, a diagrammatic view of an arrangement.

Fig. 3 shows a against unintentional explosion by the arrangement according to 4 and 5 protected projectile.

Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of an arrangement.

Fig. 5 shows an additional embodiment of an arrangement.

In the arrangements described below, the stored ones are explosive Substances propellant charges. One such charge 5 is shown in Figure 1 and comprises a plurality of rod-like lengths of propellant charge explosive (indicated by way of example at 5A and 5B), these rods being stored with their axes vertical (as seen in FIG. 1) and arranged in an outer protective sheath 6. The envelope 6 can have a variety of different shapes. Such a shape that can be used can be made from very consist of rigid cardboard, which is essentially tight and impermeable to water.

Such a jacketed charge 6 can be used inside an armored vehicle, be stored in a battle tank, for example, ready for use. The purpose of the explosion suppression arrangement is to prevent accidental explosions of the material of the encased cargo, for example in the event of a Attack by enemy ammunition.

The jacketed charge 5 is arranged within a cylindrical container 8 which has an upper flange 10. The flange 10 is over not bolts shown attached to an intermediate flange 12, which is formed in one piece with the upper end of a cylindrical guide 14, and also with another flange 16 formed integrally with the lower end of a container 18 for an explosion suppressant. In the tour 14 a hollow cylindrical cutting device 20 is slidably provided, which at its lower end a pair of semicircular cutting blades 22 and 24, which are mounted at right angles to each other. The upper end of the cutting device 20 carries a collar 26. The cutting device 20 is held in the position shown by a thin wire (not shown). The guide 14 has a shoulder 30 on its inside.

The container 18 contains an explosion suppressant 32, which can be a liquid. This is stored in the container 18 under pressure. Of the Leakage of the suppressant from the container 18 is prevented by a thin metal membrane 34 which is held in place by screws 36.

A hollow, shielded tube 38 extends into the extinguishing material 32. A electrically detonable explosion actuator 40 is disposed within tube 38.

In operation, the actuator 40 is electrically responsive to the detection detonable in a state which is considered dangerous for the enveloped cargo 5 will. The resulting explosion within tube 38 creates a shock wave that ruptures membrane 34 and suppressant 32 through the ruptured membrane 34 under the force of the pressure within the container 18 can emerge. The resulting pressure acts downwardly on the surface area of blades 22 and 24. This causes the wire to pull the Cutter 20 holds in the position shown breaks, so that the cutter is quickly driven downwards until it passes through the collar 26 which engages the shoulder 30 is stopped. The blades 22 and 24 pierce the envelope 6 of the encased charge 5 in this way allows the suppression means 32 to freely enter the enclosure 6 where it is very quickly distributed around the bars of explosive material, this is assisted by longitudinally extending air gaps between the rods.

It can therefore be seen that the provision of the cutting blades 22 and 24 ensures that the suppressant is very quickly brought into contact with the actual explosive, although the latter is essentially one impermeable material is arranged. It is important that the suppressant get in with the explosive material as soon as possible Contact comes to lower its temperature and prevent an explosion. Without the provision of the cutting blades 22 and 24, this could not take place.

In addition, the device is advantageous as the cutting blades are in cutting Engagement with the shell 6 by the pressure of the exiting explosion suppressant is driven and no separate drive device is required for this.

In addition, the entirety of the load 5 is protected against contamination by the Suppression means (or by anything else in the vicinity) protected by the enclosure 6 until the actual suppression is activated.

360694a

The surface area that the blades 22 and 24 provide to the exiting suppressant present must be sufficient to ensure that the cutting assembly 20 is propelled downward with sufficient force and speed will. The shape, orientation and / or number of the blades can be varied in a suitable manner.

It is of course advantageous to ensure that the cutting assembly 20 is oriented with respect to the encased charge 6 in such a way that the effect of the explosion suppressant is maximal. Expressed differently the cutter assembly 20 should be positioned so that it is parallel to the axes of the explosive rods in the encased charge 6 b3 ~ away. In this way the longitudinally extending spacings facilitate rapid distribution of the explosion suppressant between the bars.

It can be advantageous, for example with the aid of a pull, to rotate the cutting device 20 to be provided when this is accelerated in the direction of the encased charge 6. Such rotation can reduce the cutting action of the blades Increase 22 and 24.

The cutter 20 need not be arranged so that it is vertical moved downwards. For example, it can move horizontally or vertically upwards, and it is not necessary that it move in a straight line. Everything, what is required is that it be able to move rapidly under the action of the force generated by the escaping explosion suppressant to move in contact with the corresponding part of the envelope 6.

Fig. 2 shows in simplified form a modified arrangement, with corresponding Parts to those of Fig. 1 are provided with corresponding reference numerals.

In the arrangement of FIG. 2, six enveloped charges 5 are provided, from each of which is arranged in its own envelope 6 corresponding to the envelope 6 of FIG and each is also mounted vertically within a respective cylindrical container 8, the wall of which is shown partially broken away is.

360694

Each container 8 is connected to a corresponding suppressant supply line 50 by a flange connection 52. Each feed line 50 is connected via an approach 53 to a distributor 54, which in turn with a supply line 56 is connected to a container 18 for pressurized explosion suppressant.

Each of the six suppressant supply lines 50 holds a corresponding one cylindrical guide 60 in which a cutting device 20 is slidably arranged. Each cutter 20 carries a pair of cutter blades 22 and 24. The cutting devices 20 can be held in the position shown by means of thin wires (not visible).

As can be seen in the supply line 50 on the far right, the line attachment 53 is closed off from the corresponding supply line 50 by a thin metal membrane 34. Immediately adjacent to each membrane 34 is a corresponding shielded hollow tube 38 for receiving an electrically detonable explosive actuator 40 is provided.

The container 18 for explosion suppressant fills the supply line 56, the manifold 54 and all line extensions 53 with pressurized suppressant, this pressure on the underside of each membrane 34 works.

If it is determined that a certain of the encased charges 5 is at risk of explosion, the corresponding detonator 40 is electrically operated. The resulting pressure within the conduit extension 53 ruptures the adjacent membrane 34 and the suppressant quickly passes under it Pressure within the system so that the cutter 20 is moved vertically upward at high speed. The cutting blades 22, 24 therefore penetrate the envelope 6 of the enveloped charge 5 in the manner already described, so that the rods of explosive material are flooded with the suppressant.

The arrangement shown in Fig. 2 requires a single bottle of explosion suppression agents to protect several (in this case six) enveloped charges, but allowing the suppressant to activate individually with respect to each of the enveloped charges will.

The detonators 40 in both of the illustrated arrangements can have different Wise to be activated. For example, they can be activated manually by an operator. Instead, they can also be operated automatically will. For example, each encased charge 5 can be partially or completely through an electrically powered grid or through a printed circuit card be surrounded. If this is penetrated by a fragment of ammunition, for example, a resulting electrical signal is generated that corresponds to the corresponding Detonator 40 detonates. Instead, for example, the detonators 40 could be in Gsag by activating a fire or explosion detection system within the vehicle in which the encased charges are arranged be set.

The devices described so far serve to prevent or suppress accidental explosions of encased charges, the rods; have explosive propellant charges which are arranged together in an outer casing 6 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). However, it can It may also be desirable to suppress unwanted explosions in other types of stored explosive substances, particularly individual ones Ammunition rounds or grenades kept together in a suitable container. Fig. 3 shows an example of such a projectile. This projectile includes a case or case 100 which contains the explosive charge 102 for the projectile. A number of such storeys can together, for example, side by side and vertically within a box or container, such as in a battle tank. Here the Arrangements shown in Figs. 1 and 2 are not used in the same way as described in connection with these figures, to suppress accidental explosions in such stored projectiles. If a container containing a multitude of vertical sides Side arranged projectiles 100, would be placed in the cylindrical container 8 of the arrangement of FIG. 1 in place of the encased charge 5, the Cutting assembly 20 will not be effective to penetrate the appropriate positions on the projectile to release blast suppressants to the explosive To direct charges 102 in the projectiles. In such a case, alternative arrangements are to be used, examples of which are in the following Figures 4 and 5 described are shown.

360694

FIG. 4 shows an example of an arrangement in which the projectiles 100 are vertical are placed upright (i.e., with their tip pointing upwards) in a box 104 (which may have a lid, not shown). Parts of FIG. 4 corresponding to parts of FIG. 2 are provided with the same reference number and the addition "A".

A corresponding suppressant supply line 50A is for each of the four floors 100 are provided. Each supply line 50A is attached to the side of the box 104 by means of a corresponding flange connection 52A, see above that it is positioned in alignment with an opening through the side of the box 104 which, in turn, communicates with the portion of the projectile containing the explosive Charge 102 (see Fig. 3) is aligned. Each supply line 50A is therefore connected via an extension 53A to a distributor 54A, which in turn is connected to a supply line 56A to a container 18A for an explosion suppression agent corresponding to the container 18 of FIG. 1. The container 18A holds the explosion suppressant under pressure.

As with the arrangement of FIG. 2, each of the feed lines 50A holds a corresponding cylindrical guide 6OA in which a cutting device 20A corresponding to the cutting device 20 of FIG. 1 is slidably mounted. Every Cutting device 20A therefore carries a pair of cutting blades 22A, 24A.

The lines 53A are thin compared to the corresponding lines 50A Metal diaphragms 34A completed. Immediately adjacent to each membrane 34A is a corresponding hollow tube, corresponding to tube 38 of FIG. 1, which receives an electrically detonable explosive actuator 40A.

Reservoir 18A fills supply line 56A, manifold 54A, and each line 53A with pressurized suppressant relative to the Lines 5OA is retained by membrane 34A.

If it is determined that a particular projectile 100 (or several of them) are in danger of explosion, the corresponding detonator 4OA is elec-

trically operated. The resulting pressure within the expansion tube or tubes 53A ruptures the corresponding membrane 34A. The means of oppression moves the corresponding cutter 20A at high speed against the corresponding bullet 100 to pierce the side of the bullet and flood the explosive 102 with suppressant.

If the container 104 contains more than four floors 100, additional conduits 50A are provided, each directed to a suitable position on one of those floors. This can, for example, require one or more of these lines through the wall of container 104, or between other projectiles through it, to reach the particular floor to be protected feeding.

FIG. 5 shows another arrangement in which the projectiles 100 are arranged vertically upwards in a rectilinear container 106. Here is the same as with According to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a first corresponding supply line 50A for suppressant means is provided for each floor 100, each line 50A on the side of the container 106 so that it is aligned with an opening in the container 106 which in turn is in alignment with the explosive charge 102 of the corresponding projectile.

The mode of operation is the same as in the case of the arrangement described in connection with FIG. 4.

The detonators 40 of the arrangements of FIGS. 4 and 5 can be of various types Ways are activated, as well as described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Regarding the use of an electrically powered Grid or printed circuit board, as described above as partially or wholly each encased charge 5 in connection with the arrangements of FIG 1 and 2 has been described to detect an attack and to generate an electrical signal to detonate the corresponding detonator 40, is a corresponding arrangement of a grid or a circuit board individually around each floor 100 or around the entire container 104 or 106 around possible.

Instead of an explosive actuator, other means of releasing of the explosion suppressant can be used for various Types of suppressants, which include, for example fluidized powders that are stored under pressure can act, are suitable.

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Claims (9)

Claims 1) Explosion suppression arrangement for suppressing explosions in explosive charges (5; 100), comprising a carrier (8; 106) for receiving at least one explosive charge (5; 100), a reservoir (18; 18A) containing a pressurized explosion suppression agent , a device (34; 40) for releasing the explosion suppressant and a guide (14; 60) for guiding the released explosion suppressant in the direction of the explosive charge (5; 100) under the force of the pressure, characterized in that a cutting device (20) is provided which is arranged on the carrier (8; 106) adjacent to the explosive charge (5; 100) and movable towards the latter, and in that the cutting device (20) is positioned such that it is in cutting engagement with the explosive charge (5; 100) is pressed by the released suppressant so that the explosion suppressant penetrates into the explosive charge (5; 100). 2) Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting device (20) is arranged for linear movement within the guide (14; 60) and that the release device (34, 40) comprises a device (34, 40) which is immediately adjacent is arranged for the cutting device (20) for releasable blocking of the explosion suppressant. 3) Arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that the release device has a destructible membrane (34) and a device (40) for destroying the membrane (34). 4) Arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the device (40) for destroying the membrane (34) has an electrically detonable Includes explosive. 5) Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, in which the explosive Charge comprises a plurality of separate, elongated rods (5A, 5B) of explosive, which are side by side with their axes are arranged in parallel and within a sheath (6) which forms the carrier, characterized in that the cutting device (20) on the enclosure (6) is arranged so that it is movable against the axial ends of the rods (5A, 5B) to prevent the flow of explosion suppressant to maximize longitudinal spaces between the rods (5A, 5B) extending in the longitudinal direction. 6) Arrangement according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of separate sheaths (6, Fig. 2) are provided in each of which a plurality of separate, longitudinally extending rods (5A, 5B) of explosive material side by side with parallel Axes are arranged, and that a plurality of cutting devices (20), one for each envelope (6), is provided. 7) Arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that a single memory (18, 18A) is provided. 8) Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each explosive Charge comprises an individual projectile (100) disposed in a predetermined position in the carrier (106), characterized in that that the cutting device (20) is movable through the wall of the carrier (106) and cuts a path through the projectile (100) itself. 9) Arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that that means for detecting a condition likely to cause the explosion of an explosive charge (5; 106), and is provided for actuating the release device (34, 40).