Abstract: A fire or explosion suppression system provided with a source of pressurized suppressant and an apertured release suppressant nozzle which extends into the area protected by the system is provided with a cover unit which prevents the nozzle from becoming clogged or impeded by solid materials present in the protected zone. The cover unit that envelops the nozzle is of elastomeric material and has four internal grooves defining lines of weakness which present a cross-pattern. Upon release of the suppressant, the cover unit ruptures along the lines of weakness whereby the petal-shaped areas of the unit defined by the grooves open up for free flow of suppressant therepast.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting a sudden rise in pressure of a source thereof is disclosed which is especially useful for activating explosion suppression or isolation equipment by virtue of the fact that the apparatus is capable of detecting a sudden, incipient rise in pressure in a containment system which could result in a destructive overpressure in the system. The sudden pressure detection apparatus is provided with a housing having a pair of opposed passages defining fluid inlets closed with deflectable diaphragm means interconnected by a rod assembly having means thereon for operating a switch which controls activation of the suppression or isolation equipment. One of the housing inlets is adapted to be coupled to the source of system pressure. A pressure equalization conduit extends between and intercommunicates the housing passages to equalize the pressure on the diaphragm means.

Abstract: A differential fire and explosioin protection system is for a containment enclosure which receives pneumatically conveyed process air containing a combustible media. A pair of temperature sensors located in opposed relationship in the outlet duct of containment enclosure are responsive to changes in the outflow temperature at different rates. One temperature sensor has a thin metallic sheathed probe, while the other sensor is provided with a relatively thick wall sleeve in surrounding relationship to the probe. Control means connected to the temperature sensors is adapted to activate fire and/or explosion suppression or isolation equipment in response to a predetermined differential in temperature as sensed by the sensors during a certain time interval.

Abstract: A suppressant delivery and release nozzle structure is disclosed for an explosion protection system. The nozzle is a reducing elbow, concentric or eccentric mounting a rupture disc at its small end. A selectively actuatable detonator housed in the nozzle adjacent the disc permits substantially instantaneous opening of the disc upon command for release and delivery of suppressant to a zone to be protected from an explosion hazard. The configuration of the nozzle assures unimpeded discharge of suppressant from the system in a minimum of time without significant two-phase flow. The nozzle is equally adaptable for liquid or powdered suppressant compositions.

Abstract: A high speed, horizontal discharge hazard suppression device for preventing fire and explosions in confined zones such as dust collectors is provided which includes a tank having a generally arcuate tubular elbow extending from the underside thereof, and a selectively operable rupture disc mounted at the end of the elbow remote from the tank. The tank and elbow contain a desired fluid suppressant, and the device is mounted in an upright relation such that the suppressant bears directly against the rupture disc. The device serves to deliver suppressant in reduced time as compared with prior horizontal discharge units, and completely eliminates the costly and inefficient delivery pipe usually provided downstream of the rupture disc.