Abstract: A fire suppression system for use with lithium-ion battery storage containers is provided. The system utilizes water as a fire suppressant, which is stored in a tank and delivered to a battery module within the container that is experiencing a thermal event. After a predetermined time from the beginning of water flow, a controller within the system actuates one or more fans to ventilate the storage container to expel hazardous gases produced by the thermal event.

Abstract: A bulged, forward-acting rupture disc (10) and a pressure relief device (38) incorporating a rupture disc (10), having a line of opening (28) formed in the transition region (26) of the disc between the bulged section (12) and flange section (14) are provided. The line of opening (28) is a stress-concentrating feature that, in conjunction with a stress-intensifying edge (68) located on an associated outlet ring (42), facilitates opening of the disc (10) when exposed to a predetermined pressure acting upon the concave face (20) of the bulged section (12).

Abstract: A passive explosion isolation valve (10) is provided that comprises vertically-oriented gate members (40, 42) configured to close automatically in response to an energetic event occurring downstream of the valve. The valve (10) may be optionally equipped with a valve seat cleaning assembly (46) configured to removed accumulated particulate material away from the area of the valve seat (48) and/or one or more latch assemblies (44) configured to secure the gate members (40, 42) in the closed position following closure of the valve (10) in response to an energetic event.

Abstract: Intelligent temperature and pressure gauge assemblies (52) for use with vessels (24) having pressurized hazard suppression materials therein include temperature and pressure sensors (136, 138) coupled with a digital processor (72) with associated memory for storing empirical temperature and pressure data. The data includes normalized linear temperature-pressure curves consistent with static or slowly changing temperature conditions experienced by the vessels (24), as well as nonlinear temperature-pressure curves consistent with rapidly changing temperature conditions. In use, the assemblies (52) repeatedly sense temperature and pressure conditions of the hazard suppression material and compare sensed values with stored values, and generate an output in conformance with the comparison. In this fashion, the assemblies (52) compensate for rapidly changing temperatures without generating false failure signals.

Abstract: An igniter device (10) operable to remediate a floating oil spill in a body of water is provided. The device (10) comprises a pyrotechnic device (28) that is actuated through an actuator assembly (20) comprising time delay circuitry (24). Upon actuation, the time delay circuitry (24) begins a countdown permitting the device (10) to be safely deployed from an aerial vehicle. The pyrotechnic device (28) ignites a fuel source (38), which in turn ignites the floating oil spill.

Abstract: An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

Abstract: A passive isolation valve equipped with one or more nozzles configured to deliver a flow of gas to an area adjacent the valve seat so as to remove accumulated particulate material from the area of the valve adjacent the valve seat that otherwise may adversely affect closure of the valve in response to an energetic event.

Abstract: A system (20) and method (100) using decentralized trace gas sensors (44a, 44b, 44c) and a central control element (46) to detect smoldering material in particulate material processing equipment (26) with continuous air flow (22, 24, 34). First and second sensors (44a, 44c) measure gas concentrations at an air inlet (22) and an air outlet (34), respectively. The control element (46) receives the measurements from the sensors (44a, 44c) simultaneously, considers the first and second concentrations simultaneously to determine an amount of gas being produced in the processing equipment (26), determines whether the amount of gas being produced exceeds a threshold value indicative of smoldering, and if so, activates an alarm.

Abstract: A reverse-acting pressure relief device (10) is provided comprising buckling-control structures, namely pocket regions (20, 22) and belt regions (24) having differing material thicknesses. The pocket regions (20, 22) generally comprise areas of reduced material thicknesses and serve to weaken the structural integrity of the bulged section (12) of device (10) so that reversal can be initiated at lower pressures. Belt regions (24) generally comprise areas of enhanced mechanical properties that assist with reversal control and opening of bulged section (12) thereby ensuring complete opening of the device (10).

Abstract: An emergency communication system that is capable of broadcasting a live message to a specific zone of a protected structure, recording the live transmission, and repeating the recorded message to the same protected zone. In certain embodiments configured to protect multiple zones, the system further permits broadcast of a second live message to another zone of the structure, recording the second live broadcast, and repeating the second recorded message in the same zone to which the message was broadcast live. The system includes hardware such as a processing element and speaker assemblies and a computer program for instructing the processing element to carry out the transmission, recording, and re-broadcasting of messages through the speaker assemblies.

Abstract: A vented pyrotechnic device is provided that hermetically seals the pyrotechnic material contained therein under ambient storage conditions, but vents upon exposure to elevated-temperature conditions at or below the outgassing temperature for the pyrotechnic material. The vent passage communicating the chamber containing the pyrotechnic material with the exterior of the device is initially sealed at ambient storage conditions by a temperature-sensitive material. When exposed to a predetermined temperature condition, the temperature-sensitive material undergoes a physical change unblocking the passage and permitting venting of off gases produced by the pyrotechnic material.

Abstract: Explosion test systems for determining explosibility indicies (Kst) of certain dust and gaseous fuels are provided. The test systems comprise a combustion vessel (130) and associated control equipment (110) containing software for operating the combustion vessel and collecting data generated thereby. The combustion vessel (130) generally comprises a test chamber (140) and a reservoir module (150) operable to inject a fuel into the test chamber, wherein an ignition module (170) ignites the fuel.

Abstract: A reverse-acting rupture disc (10) having a laser-defined reversal initiation feature (16) is provided in the bulged section (12) of the disc. The reversal initiation feature comprises at least a first lased area (22) that has a reduced thickness relative to rest of the bulged section. A second lased area (24) may also be provided within the margins of the first lased area. The second lased area has a depth that is greater than the depth of the first lased area. A line of weakness (40) may be formed in the bulged section that functions to direct reversal of the bulged section toward a particular area of the disc, such as line-of-opening recess (56).

Abstract: A two-part starter mechanism for a powder aerosol generator fire suppression system is provided. Generally, the starter mechanism includes a pyrotechnic igniter assembly and a removable mechanical trigger coupled thereto. The igniter assembly is integrally formed with and/or embedded within the powder aerosol generator and operable, upon activation by the mechanical trigger, initiates a chemical reaction leading to the discharge of the powder aerosol fire suppressant. By being detachable, the mechanical trigger may be transported and stored separate from the pyrotechnic igniter thereby improving the overall safety of the fire suppression system.

Abstract: A rapid-closure gate valve (10) comprising pressurized gas reservoirs (37, 39) that are integrated with the valve body (12). Pressurized gas stored in the reservoirs (37, 39) is utilized to shift a gate member (20) from a valve open position to a valve closed position upon actuation of the valve. Actuation of the valve is achieved by an actuator assembly (14) coupled with the valve body. The actuator assembly is configured to initiate a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoirs into a chamber (48) which effects shifting of the gate member.

Abstract: An energy transfer device (10) is provided that is capable of transferring the energy output from one pyrotechnic device (52) to another device (78) for initiating firing thereof. Device (10) comprises a device housing (12) in which a deformable device insert (14) is received. Device insert (14) comprises a central passageway (34) for transmitting the output from a pyrotechnic device (52), including energy, gasses, and/or solids, to another pyrotechnic device (78). The passageway (34) conducts the pyrotechnic device output to a precise location on the second pyrotechnic device (78) where firing is most effectively initiated. The energy transfer device (10) may be employed as a part of a tool (44) used in well completion operations.

Abstract: A pressure relief device and method of making the same are provided. The pressure relief device includes an over-pressure relief area with a plurality of co-linear spaced apart recesses located thereon. Gap segments are interspersed between the recesses to define a line of opening having desired performance characteristics during opening of the over-pressure relief area.

Abstract: A rupture disc (10) is provided comprising a line of opening (16) formed in at least one face thereof. The line of opening (16) is formed by laser machining of the disc's face and includes at least one disc opening control feature (20). The disc opening control feature (20) may be an opening-initiation feature configured to assist with initial rupture of the disc (10). Alternatively, the opening control feature (20) may be an anti-fragmentation feature configured to dissipate the energy acting upon the disc (10) so as to prevent separation of the petal formed upon opening of the disc.

Abstract: Methods of creating various laser-defined control structures on pressure relief devices are provided that utilize a laser having a field of view that is smaller than the overall dimensions of the laser-defined structure to be milled into the pressure relief device. The methods generally involve partitioning the working surface of the device into a plurality of tiles within which a particular segment of the control structure will be milled. Upon milling of a control structure segment in one tile, the pressure relief device and/or laser is repositioned so that a control structure segment in another tile may be created.

Abstract: Improved, non-fragmenting, high efficiency vent apparatus (10, 78) are provided for protecting a structure (12) from potentially damaging or destructive abnormal pressure conditions. The apparatus (10, 78) is positioned in covering relationship to a vent opening (14) formed in the structure (12), and generally includes a burst member (16) and a tab assembly (18) equipped with a series of tabs (56); the tabs (56) bend or buckle to a burst member-clearing position when the vent apparatus (10, 78) experiences an abnormal pressure condition, thereby permitting rapid opening of a central section of the burst member (16) to thus protect structure (12). The burst member (16) may be of domed or flat construction, and can be in the form of a quadrate panel or any other desired shape.