Abstract: An automated fire protection system for a freighter such as an aircraft may include a single fire retardant source for a first deck and a second deck. The system may further include a plurality of sensors for detecting fire and a plurality of nozzles for dispersing the retardant, wherein each nozzle is paired with one of the plurality of sensors. Once a fire is detected by one of the sensors, the fire protection system may eject fire retardant through only one or more nozzles paired with the sensor that detected the fire. Because retardant may be accurately dispersed close to the detected fire location through less than the plurality of nozzles, an amount of on-board retardant may be decreased, thereby decreasing weight of the fire suppression system. In an embodiment, the fire retardant may only be discharged during the descent, further decreasing the weight of the fire system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for a dry powder agent including a nozzle to direct the dry powder agent, and an indicator operable to recognize a dry powder agent discharge event. In an exemplary method, a velocity of the powder exiting the nozzle may be computed, and an agent concentration calibration curve may be selected.

Abstract: A pneumatic detection system and a method of forming the pneumatic detection system are described. The system includes a sealed tube, a refrigerant disposed within the sealed tube, and a switch configured to be activated based on a specified pressure being reached within the sealed tube.

Abstract: A fire suppression system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a high pressure inert gas source configured to provide a first inert gas output and a low pressure inert gas source configured to provide a second inert gas output. A distribution network is connected with the high pressure inert gas source and the low pressure inert gas source to distribute the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output throughout a confined space. A volume reduction system is positioned within the confined space and includes a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to isolate a first volume of the confined space from a second volume of the confined space and reduce an amount of the first inert gas output and the second inert gas output required to respond to a fire threat within the confined space.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for an aircraft includes an air separation module configured to receive exhaust air and ram air, conditioned compressor bleed air, and any combination thereof. The air separation module is also configured to provide nitrogen-enriched air and inert gas. The nitrogen-enriched air flows into a nitrogen-enriched air distribution network for fuel tank inerting. The inert gas flows into an inert gas distribution network for fire suppression in areas of the aircraft other than fuel tanks.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a volume reduction system having a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to seal an opening in a confined space.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a high pressure inert gas source that is configured to provide a first inert gas output and a low pressure inert gas source that is configured to provide a second inert gas output. A distribution network is connected with the high and low pressure inert gas sources to distribute the first and second inert gas outputs. A controller is operatively connected with at least the distribution network to control how the respective first and second inert gas outputs are distributed.

Abstract: An automated fire protection system for a freighter such as an aircraft may include a single fire retardant source for a first deck and a second deck. The system may further include a plurality of sensors for detecting fire and a plurality of nozzles for dispersing the retardant, wherein each nozzle is paired with one of the plurality of sensors. Once a fire is detected by one of the sensors, the fire protection system may eject fire retardant through only one or more nozzles paired with the sensor that detected the fire. Because retardant may be accurately dispersed close to the detected fire location through less than the plurality of nozzles, an amount of on-board retardant may be decreased, thereby decreasing weight of the fire suppression system. In an embodiment, the fire retardant may only be discharged during the descent, further decreasing the weight of the fire system.

Abstract: A fire suppression system for an aircraft includes an air separation module configured to receive exhaust air and ram air, conditioned compressor bleed air, and any combination thereof. The air separation module is also configured to provide nitrogen-enriched air and inert gas. The nitrogen-enriched air flows into a nitrogen-enriched air distribution network for fuel tank inerting. The inert gas flows into an inert gas distribution network for fire suppression in areas of the aircraft other than fuel tanks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement system for a dry powder agent including a nozzle to direct the dry powder agent, and an indicator operable to recognize a dry powder agent discharge event. In an exemplary method, a velocity of the powder exiting the nozzle may be computed, and an agent concentration calibration curve may be selected.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a volume reduction system having a seal member. The seal member is selectively deployable between a first position and a second position to seal an opening in a confined space.

Abstract: A programmable controller for a fire suppression system includes a rewritable memory module and a processor module as well as multiple sensor inputs and control signal outputs.

Abstract: A sensor head for a dry powder agent according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing defined along an axis along which light is communicated, the housing defines a multiple of apertures transverse to the axis and in communication with a measurement volume along the axis. Each of the multiple of apertures defines a longitudinal length along the axis which is less than a lateral length defined around the axis. A minor is within the housing to reflect the light through the measurement volume.

Abstract: A sensor head for a dry powder agent according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing defined along an axis along which light is communicated, the housing defines a multiple of apertures transverse to the axis and in communication with a measurement volume along the axis. Each of the multiple of apertures defines a longitudinal length along the axis which is less than a lateral length defined around the axis. A minor is within the housing to reflect the light through the measurement volume.

Abstract: A fire suppression system includes a high pressure inert gas source that is configured to provide a first inert gas output and a low pressure inert gas source that is configured to provide a second inert gas output. A distribution network is connected with the high and low pressure inert gas sources to distribute the first and second inert gas outputs. A controller is operatively connected with at least the distribution network to control how the respective first and second inert gas outputs are distributed.