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Title:
GAS GENERATING CHARGES FOR AEROSOL FIRE SUPPRESSION DEVICES AND THEIR PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2010/137933
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The innovation "Gas Generating Charges for Aerosol Fire Suppression Devices and Their Production Technology" serves for efficient fires suppression in conditionally closed environments by application of a solid composite substance whose combustion enables rapid formation of aerosols that are emitted in the protective area including the technological solution for the production procedure of adequate charges of the substance for application in fire suppression devices. The gas generating charge represents a composite mixture of oxidizers, binders, burning rate modifiers and technological additives where the final geometry of the charge can contain several types of gas generating mixtures with integrated gas generating charge-combustion activation system. The technological procedure consists of two phases where a gas generating mixture and thermo-protective layer are produced in a form of a sheet during the first phase, whereas the second phase consists of producing final products with complex geometry of the gas generating charges into which several mixtures with different properties can be incorporated thus enabling a controlled combustion and emission of the gaseous mixture relative to the specifics of the application.

Inventors:
JANKOVSKI BORIS (MK)
Application Number:
PCT/MK2009/000002
Publication Date:
December 02, 2010
Filing Date:
October 09, 2009
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
JANKOVSKI BORIS (MK)
International Classes:
C06B45/00; A62D1/06; C06B45/12; C06D5/06
Domestic Patent References:
WO2000015305A12000-03-23
WO2002047767A22002-06-20
WO2009023119A22009-02-19
WO2000044690A12000-08-03
Foreign References:
EP0627244A11994-12-07
EP1609507A12005-12-28
US20040200553A12004-10-14
EP0951923A11999-10-27
EP0586060A21994-03-09
DE19528052A11996-02-01
EP0406190A21991-01-02
DE3013490A11981-10-15
US20050115722A12005-06-02
EP0767155A11997-04-09
US5425426A1995-06-20
Other References:
IQBAL M M ET AL: "Burning-rate calculations of wide-distribution ammonium perchlorate composite propellants", JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER, AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS. NEW YORK, US LNKD- DOI:10.2514/1.23748, vol. 23, no. 5, 1 September 2007 (2007-09-01), pages 1136 - 1140, XP002584743, ISSN: 0748-4658
DATABASE WPI Week 197901, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 1979-01462B, XP002605393
DATABASE WPI Week 200211, Derwent World Patents Index; AN 2002-078517, XP002605394
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BERIN LTD (1000 Skopje, MK)
Download PDF:
Claims:
PATENT CLAIMS:

1. Gas generating charge for application in aerosol fire suppression systems indicated as composite mixture of oxidizers, binders, burning rate modifiers and technological additives, where the final geometry of the charge can contain a number of gas generating mixture types into which a gas generating charge-combustion activation system is integrated.

2. A technological procedure for production of gas generating charges in accordance with Requirement No. 1 , indicated as a gas generating mixture and the thermo- protective layer that are produced in a form of a sheet during the first phase whereas the second phase consists of producing final products with complex geometry of the gas generating charges into which several mixtures with different properties can be incorporated thus enabling a controlled combustion and emission of the gaseous mixture relative to the specifics of the application.

3. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1, indicated as consisting of a mixture of at least two oxidizers, such as Potassium perchlorate, Ammonium perchlorate, Ppotassium nitrate, Ammonium nitrate, Potassium, or barium nitrate, which account for 60% to 85% of the total volume.

4. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1 , indicated as having applied oxidizers in at least three different grain sizes.

5. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1 , indicated as having a binder that consists of thermoplastic polymers, such as Polyether block amide, or modified PVC with

Bitadien-acrylonitrile that account for 8% to 20% of the volume and represent the basis for production of the final product obtained through a two-phase technological procedure performed by calendaring and final integration of the technological process by coordinated regulation of temperature, pressure and vacuum in relation to time.

6. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1 , indicated as having a burning rate modifier consisting of at least one component, such as Oxamide, Nitroguanidine, Ferrocene, Iron oxide, which account for 0.5% to 3.0% of the volume.

7. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1 , indicated as having technological additives used to facilitate the production process and direct the chemical reactions where at least two components are used such as Carbon black, or Calcium stearates, Magnesium or Zinc Stearates, or Silicone grease which account for 0.025% to 3% of the volume.

8. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement No. 1, also includes chemical substances that affect the ability to create gaseous products with different molecular masses in relation to the air, directed to protect the designated area at the desired level of protection according to the specific characteristics of the desired type of fire protection, where at least two additives are applied in the gas generating charge accounting for 0.5% to 15% of the volume, such as Potassium chloride, Magnesium, Magnesium carbonate, Dicyandiamide, Ammonium Phosphate, Carbamide and Carbon black.

9. The gas generating charge designed for application in aerosol fire suppression systems, according to Requirement 1 , 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8 indicated as containing a thermo set binder, in the class of melamine resin, Phenol formaldehyde resin, Polyester or epoxy resin, that account for 10% to 20% of the volume of the gas generating charge as a basis of the gas generating charge production by method of squeezing.

10. The technological procedure for producing gas generating mixture in the form of a sheet in the first phase of the technological process in accordance with Requirement 2, indicated as insertion of the prepared gas-generating charge mixture onto the rolls heated to a melting point of the applied polymer and by rotation of the mass in both directions alternately "towards each other" "backwards from each other" for 3 to 10 minutes in order to transfer the mass on the rolls and homogenize it, where the final product which is obtained as a 0.5 to 5.0-mm thick sheet.

11. The technological procedure for production of thermo-protective inhibitor sheet according to Requirement 2, indicated as the oxidizer that is substituted by inert substances in the category of Potassium carbonate, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium oxide, Potassium chloride, where the other chemical components that remain unchanged and the quantity of the binder which remains the same or up to 10% higher, than the applied binder inside the gas generating charge.

12. The geometry of the gas generating charge for application in aerosol fire-suppression systems, according to Requirement no.2 indicated as, gas generating charge in a form of a cylinder, cylinder with a hole, cylinder with inner star shaped hole, open star shape, obtained during the final integration process with the applied inhibitor layer during the technological procedure of final integration

13. Two-phase gas generating technological procedure of production for application in gas generators according to Requirement no.2, indicated as the primary phase of production of semi-products in a form of a sheet with 0,5 to 5,0 mm thickness or 3 x 3 mm granules which during the second phase of production of the gas generating charge achieves the desired geometrical form inside which gas generating fire suppression device activation system is incorporated.

14. The technological equipment for gas generating charge production according to Requirement 2, indicated as the primary phase of the production process which is carried out on two roll mill, where each of the rolls can rotate independently in all possible directions at a speed of 3-28 spins per minute and regulate their temperature with the accuracy of +/- 1 ,00C by means of a thermal oil heating system, where an auxiliary conveyer belt for collection of the waste material is installed below the rolls including a main conveyer belt for collection of the produced sheet, where all technological parameters are guided by remote control command unit.

15. The technological equipment for gas generating charge production according to Requirement 1 and 2, indicated as consisting of an inspection desk for the produced gas generating and inhibitor sheet, over which a tandem of 70 to 100 mm diameter and 500 mm long cylinder is passing having 5 mm long and 1 mm thick pinned needles allocated at a distance of 10 mm from each other used for perforation of the holes with trapped air, indicated as a second 150 to 200 mm and 500 mm long Teflon cylinder that is installed behind this cylinder that can heat up to 1200C and extract the trapped air when passing over the sheet and even out the clogs, behind which a shaft is installed onto which rotating knives for cutting of the sheets at the required dimension can be installed, allocated at a fixed distance from each other.

16. The technological equipment for production of gas generating charges according to Requirement 1 and 2, indicated as, consisting of energetic equipment that can provide vacuum of up to 20 tors, heating temperature of the tools for production of gas generating charges of up to 2000C, pressure force at pneumatic hydro aggregate of up to 30 N/cm2, where the technological parameters can be regulated by a remote control command unit equipped with micro processing unit for guiding and regulation of the technological process.

17. Final integration unit for gas generating charges according to Requirement 2, indicated as, consisting of a set of shapers where the desired final form of the gas generating charge can be processed, forming an integral unit of the gas generating charge which in itself can contain several different gas generating mixtures where each of them can emit gaseous products with different molecular mass or where each of them separately can have a delayed action having time-delayed mixture placed between them.

18. Technological procedure for production of gas generating charges for application in gas generators according to Requirement 2 and 15, indicated as consisting of preparation of the semi-product in a form of a sheet by removal of the dirt, opening of all depots of trapped air by cutting or pressing it between two cylinders with needles and cutting of strips or processing of an external cast with dimensions approximate to the dimensions of the final pill or block and inserting the same inside the shapers, where the secondary phase is carried out.

19. Technological procedure for integration of the subset for gas generating charge activation indicated as the final integration process where 0,3 to 0,7 mm resistant wire is installed on one of the main surfaces or inside the internal hole.

20. The technological procedure of final integration of gas generating charge designed for application in gas generators according to Requirement 1 , indicated as, preparation of production shapers for pills designed for application in gas generators by spooling or embossing of the semi-product in a form of a sheet or by inserting 3x3 mm granules of gas generator composite substance into the pressing tools, where the inhibitor layer is coated on the external surfaces or other surfaces of the gas generating charge and after the pre-form preparation process is inserted inside the final integration equipment, where under coordinated treatment at a melting generating charge and after the pre-form preparation process is inserted inside the final integration equipment, where under coordinated treatment at a melting temperature that cannot exceed 1200C and 300 N/CM2 of pressure, a vacuum of 20 tors in relation to the time of keeping of the substance inside the gas generating charge shaper, until the moment of complete heating of the substance to a melting point, which is a process that lasts for one minute gaining one millimeter in thickness on the web of the gas generating charge.

Description:
Inventor: JANKOVSKI, Boris Attorney: BERIN LTD

GAS GENERATING CHARGES FOR AEROSOL FIRE SUPRESSION DEVICES AND

THEiR PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Technical Area Pertaining to the Innovation

Gas generating charges represent composite substances for application in various types of gas generators and the technology of their production represent an innovation in the area of chemical industry, in the sub-area of explosives and charges, in the category of gas generating substances, in the category of: detonation or ignition devices (sub-type of gaseous or fume generating substances). In addition, the innovation pertains to the area of day-to-day human necessities in the sub-area of human safety and fire protection in the category of: chemical fire suppression devices or suppression of hazardous chemical substances, as well as in the category of fire suppression (under the section of Hand Held Fire Suppression Devices) and handling of the fire equipment. According to the international patent classification, the innovation is marked with the labels: A62C 3/00, A62C 3/06, A62C 3/07, A62C 8/00, A62C 39/00, A 62 D 1/06, C 06 C 5/00, C 06 C 9/00; C 06 D 5/06.

Technical Problem Resolved with the Innovation

The innovation resolves a problem of efficient fire suppression, in conditionally closed environments, by application of a solid composite substance whose combustion enables rapid aerosol activation in the protected area, including a technological solution for production of adequate charges of the substance in fire suppression devices. The gas production - the combustion products fully comply with environmental standards (they are ozone friendly, non-toxic for people and animals, non-corrosive for metals and non- metals) thus enabling efficient fire suppression in conditionally closed environments.

Technical Background

Fire - represents a process of uncontrolled combustion of the burning substance. There are a number of fire suppression devices and equipment that can suppress fire to a bigger or lesser extent, where water discharge, various powders, foams, chemical compounds are used as fire suppression devices, using various types of equipment to direct the fire suppression devices towards the location of the fire. The principle of fire suppression applied in the innovation in question resembles the system based on aerosol discharge, small particles, in the protected area. By application of aerosols a higher level of protection can be achieved due to their tiny dimensions, and the large overall surface which can initiate a reaction together with free radicals generated during the burning process, and can stop the burning process.

In general, in order to ensure an intense generation of gaseous products, it is necessary to make a mixture of oxidizers, binding reduction components and various types of modifiers and technological additives. Depending on the conditions under which the combustion process progresses (primarily on the pressure of the combustion process), and naturally on the composition of the mixture (the composition of components, their granulometric composition and the effect of various modifiers) it can be expected that the fast chemical reactions can produce a gas generation and generation of components that can affect the termination of the combustion of various types of fires. The key to solve the problem with fire suppression, apart from generating necessary gas products which can affect the termination of the combustion process, is to ensure elimination of redundant components that occur as a result of the element content of the chemical substances that make up the chemical composition of the mixture. In addition to this, another problem which arises during this activity is the high temperature level of over 3500 0 K, which can be reached as a result of the exothermic reaction and has to be eliminated efficiently. One of the ways to ensure aerosol generation is by combustion of pyrotechnic mixtures, whose gaseous products can affect the termination of the burning process. In the patent specification US 5,425,426, of 20th of June 1995, there is a principle presented containing in principle nine possible recipes for application of a mixture of oxidizers and binders, whose combustion can generate gases that can affect the termination of the burning process, however the technological manner for their production has not been disclosed. The pyrotechnic aerosol fire suppression composition is presented in the patent specification US 5,831 ,209 of November 3 rd 1998 that contains 67-72% Potassium nitrate, 9-16% Dicyandiamide and 40-12% of Potassium bicarbonate, Potassium benzoate or Potassium hexacyanoferrate and 8-12% Phenol formaldehyde resin. The fire suppression device is produced in a classical pyrotechnic installation where the phenol formaldehyde resin is diluted in a mixture of Ethyl alcohol and Acetone, and the other components are added subsequently to the solution until a uniform mass is obtained by mixing in a mixer which is left to dry afterwards. This mixture is used to fill in the aerosol generators that are afterwards used as fire suppression devices. The Description of the Innovation and the Solution

The proposed innovation consists of:

1. The composition of the gas generating charge in which thermoplastic polymers, such as, polyether block amide and modified Polyvinyl chloride and Butadien-acrylonitrile are used as binders, and

2. The technology for their finalization by means of a two-phase technological process, which enables the production of the gas generating charge and formation of inhibitor surfaces, used for guidance or directing of other crucial parameters applied inside the aerosol fire suppression gas generators. The proposed two-phase technological process enables inserting of compounds with liquid, amorphous and crystal structure into the desired mixture in two phases. The first phase consists of production of semi-product in the form of 0.5 to 5.0 mm thick sheet out of which granules with 3x3mm dimensions are prepared. The second phase represents a final integration of the gas generating charge together with the inhibitor surface of desired geometry. The integration of the gas generators activation subsystem is also performed during this phase, by an electric impulse installed inside the gas generating charge, which significantly raises the safety level during gas generators activation and performance. The gas production - the combustion products fully comply with environmental standards (they are ozone friendly, non-toxic for people and animals, non-corrosive to metals and non- metals) and enable efficient fire suppression in conditionally closed environments.

The gas generator fulfills its function and emits a gas produced in correlation with the following parameters.

Burning Rate (mm/sec) Depending on the type and location for application of the device, the burning rate of the gas generating charge represents an important characteristic that directly affects the basic properties and the use of the gas generator. The burning rate can be induced by granulation of the oxidizers and technological additives and the pressure that can be achieved during the gas generation relative to its construction. Chemical compounds used for regulating the burning rate of the proposed innovation are: Oxamide (C 2 H 4 N 2 O 2 ), Ferrocene (Ci 0 H 10 Fe), Nitroguanidine (CH 4 N 4 O 2 ), Iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ). Oxamide acts as "cool oxidizer", reduces the burning rate up to 50%, as well as the combustion temperature level, while Nitroguanidine act a gas diluting agent. Iron oxide and Ferrocene generate an acceleration of the burning rate. The ratio of the integrated modifiers - the burning rate and the final geometry of the pill - is ensured by the technological capabilities for adhering layers of inhibitor over the body of the pill, determined by the free burning area, by the granulation of the selected oxidizers and the pressure of the chemical reactions performed inside the gas generator. A portion of a minimum one component (0.5 - 3.0)% in quantity is added to the gas generating mixture.

The Efficiency of the Gas Generating Charge (grams/m 3 )

The primary objective is to achieve the biggest possible number of particles (aerosols) in the smallest possible diameter per unit of substance, in order to encompass the largest possible area with aerosols, thus modifying the termination of the burning process. In that context, the high temperature level reached during the combustion process represents a constraint. Due to this fact, necessary compromises in the chemical composition of the mixture have been made, which are not likely to make the construction of the device more complicated, with respect to the applied thermo-protective materials and cooling of the gases emitted at the outlet of the gas generator. At least two oxidizers of defined granulometric structure are selected in this innovation and incorporated in the composition of the gas generating mixture used for producing gas generating charges in combination with other chemical components, especially the integration of a polymer containing a high percentage of oxygen. This reduces the percentage of oxidizer and provides for the possibility to insert other chemical components, by which a highly efficient gas production can be achieved. Depending on the composition applied in the gas generating mixture and other production parameters, the gas generating charge can achieve an efficiency rate of 28 gr/m 3 up to 70 gr/m 3 . This provides for a wide rage of applications, while taking into consideration the required level of safety and the specifics of the protected area.

The Molecular Mass of the Gas Products or Production of Multilayered Gas Generating Charge

Spatial fire suppression systems, to which the aerosol fire suppression systems also belong, require that the protected area is thoroughly filled in with the emitted gas from the aerosol fire suppression device in order to enable a simultaneous termination of the burning process in the entire area. This means that the molecular mass of the emitted gases from the aerosol fire suppression device should have approximately the same molecular mass as the air.

Due to the composition of the gas generating mixture, the proposed innovation offers conditions for the production of gas generating charges, whose combustion can produce gases with smaller, larger or similar molecular masses compared to the air. The suggested production method of the gas generating charges provides for production of an integral gas generating charge which can contain up to three types of gas generating substances (layers), where each layer during its combustion can emit gases with different molecular masses.

It practically means that, in case of a risk from fire, it is most likely to occur at the bottom of the room or at the ceiling, where a gas generator containing two types of gas generating substances can be installed, one which could emit gas with a smaller molecular mass than the air and would elevate itself very quickly towards the ceiling, and another which could have a larger molecular mass and fall on the floor filling up all the holes (canals, etc.).

In this case, the space in between would not be filled with gas, i.e. its concentration would be diluted significantly.

In this manner, we can provide the condition to select the most adequate gas generator that can directly enhance the efficiency of fire safety based on the characteristics of the area.

The constituency of the gas generating composition containing various additives and technological capabilities of the applied method of integrating several types of different substances (physical and chemical) into one set, where each substance carries its own characteristics and functions can create outstanding possibilities for the aerosol gas generating charge of the fire suppression device.

Figure 1 illustrates the standard solution where no.1 stands for the gas generating charge and no.2 signifies the layer over which the combustion area is shown.

Figure 2 illustrates the option where the gas generating charge contains two types of gas generating mixtures, where no.1 stands for the mixture with higher molecular mass than the air and no.2 represents the gas generating mixture having smaller molecular mass than the air, and no.3 the layer of inhibitor.

Figure 3 illustrates the option where the gas generating mixture contains three types of mixtures, where no.1 represents the mixture which has molecular mass similar to the air, no.2 the mixture with a molecular mass larger than the molecular mass of the air, and no.3 the mixture with molecular mass smaller than the molecular mass of the air. No.4. represents the layer of inhibitor.

Geometry of the Gas Generating Charge

The design of the desired technological parameters is conditioned by the gas generating combustion mode. The burning rate of the gas generating charge can be directly affected by its geometry, including the rate of spreading of the gases, the pressure generated inside the fire suppression device, the heat transferred onto the gas generator, i.e. on the overall combustion process, which in itself can affect other characteristics of the gas generating charge. Apart from the geometry of the gas generating charge, the method of putting of the inhibitor layer forming the active burning surface is also important. Among the classical casting or embossing technologies this problem has been resolved in a separate phase of the production. By means of basic sprinkling, the layer of inhibitor is put onto the ready-made charge in a separate process, mainly on the external surfaces. Very often, due to the incompatibility of the substances this layer might detach itself, causing an uncontrolled combustion which might result in an explosion of the fire suppression device.

This innovation proposes an application of a two-phase technological procedure during which the gas generating charge might acquire a shape of a cylinder, a hollow cylinder, or a cylinder with an inner star-shaped hole or an open star-shaped hole, acquired during the final integration process along with the layer of inhibitor applied during the technological procedure of final integration with the purpose of defining the desired combustion area. Possible shapes of the gas generating charge are illustrated in Figure 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 , where Figure 4 shows a cylinder-shaped gas generating charge, Figure 5 shows cylinder- shaped gas generating charge with inner cylinder-shaped hole, Figure 6 illustrates a cylinder- shaped gas generating charge with central cylinder hole, marked as 1 and external surface of inhibitor-coated cylinder marked as 2. Figure 7 illustrates a cylinder-shaped gas generating charge with central hole marked as 1 , inhibited on all external surfaces, marked as 2. Figure 8 is an illustration of the gas generating charge with a central hole, where no.1 represents the layer of the inhibitor, and no.2 and no.3 are inhibitor layers of gas generating substance emitting gases with different molecular masses. Figure 9 represents a cylinder shaped charge with three types of gas generating mixtures marked as 2, 3, and 4, coated with a layer of inhibitor on the external surface marked as 5 for applications where the gas generating charge has to contain up to three types of different generator charges. Figure 10 shows a cylinder-shaped charge with an internal star-shaped gas generator charge marked as 2, inhibited on the external surface, marked as 1. Figure 11 shows external star-shaped gas generating charge, with a cylinder-like surface for applications that require fast dispersion of the gas generating mixture.

1. Chemical Composition of the Gas Generating Charge

A wide range of raw materials is used, considering the essential parameters that can affect the final gas production, as well as other properties by which the gas generating charge production technology can be modified. The following substances are used in the proposed innovation. 1.1. Oxidizers

Solid oxidizers are used, substances that can easily release oxygen from its composition, which enter into chemical reaction (exothermic process) with other components contained in the mixture thus producing gaseous products and heat. The oxidizer should provide a sufficient quantity of oxygen, if possible the maximum quantity, to ensure a complete combustion of the other components of the gas generating charge and produce the least possible quantity of solid residue. The oxidizer accounts for (60-85%) of the volume depending on the portion of the filler (other compounds of the gas generating charge belong here) that the binder can absorb. In order to provide a more efficient spreading in the given area, it is preferred that the oxidizer contains particles of different grain size, so that large granulation particles could be mixed with smaller particles in order to ensure an even distribution of the other components in the gas generating mixture. The granulometric composition of all of the gas generating mixture components is extremely important, especially the oxidizer, since it can directly affect the quality of the gas production. Depending on the desired properties of the gas production - the expected final gaseous products-several types of oxidizers are used in the category of: Potassium nitrate, Potassium perchlorate, Ammonium perchlorate, Ammonium nitrate, Sodium or barium nitrate. There are at least two types of oxidizers included in the gas generating mixture, out of which one portion has the granulation of up to 30 microns, the second portion has a granulation of up to 90 microns and the third portion has a granulation of up to 200 microns.

By means of modification of the granulometric composition of the gas generating mixture, the burning rate of the gas generating charge can be modified, being one of the key parameters of the gas generating charge.

1.2. Binder

It has the function of absorbing the highest possible percentage of the filler, while providing required mechanical characteristics of performance of the gas generating charge under real conditions of performance, in a wide range of applications. This enables a normal performance of the gas generating charge under low and high temperatures (-40 0 C to +6O 0 C) resistance to external forces and it is compatible with the other components of the gas generating charge. Additionally, it has good technological properties and possibilities for mass production, which is one of the constraints for achieving the best performance, i.e. the reason for making compromises in the selection of binders.

The binder determines and defines the gas generating charge production technology. In principle, a wide range of polymers are used as binders that can be divided into thermoplastics and thermo sets. The common product processing methods where thermoplastic polymers are used are by calendaring and extruding, while the thermo sets are processed by casting and squeezing.

The problem in the proposed invention has been solved by introducing two types of thermoplastic binders - Polyether block amide and modified Polyvinyl chloride with Butadien- acrylonitrile.

The two polymers applied are characterized by low temperature and processing, i.e. the polyether block amide processing temperature ranges between 95°C - 120 0 C, whereas the modified polyvinyl chloride ranges between 100 0 C - 120 0 C. The processing temperature is crucial, since it is below the level of dilution of the Ammonium perchlorate when used as an oxidizer to avoid the creation of micro cavities which in turn might result in uncontrolled combustion and very often in explosion of the gas generating charge.

The Polyether block amide based binder of the gas generating charge can ensure stability at -55°C, which enables the use of the gas generating charge under extremely low temperatures, especially for applications in the aviation and space technologies. The binder accounts for 8% to 20% in the composition.

For production of the gas generating charges where Polyether block amide and modified Polyvinyl chloride are used, a two-phase technological procedure is applied where, during the first phase, the gas generating mixture is transformed into a form of a sheet, whereas in the second phase the gas generating charge is obtained by a method of final integration.

Apart form the abovementioned substances, polymers in the category of thermo sets are applied, such as: Melamine resin, Phenol-formaldehyde, Epoxy and Polyether resin that have a share of 10% to 20% in the weight and in that case the gas generating charge is produced by squeezing.

1.3. Burning Rate Regulation Modifier

The combustion rate is equal to the vertical spreading of the zone of reaction on the surface, in a unit of time. It depends on the composition, pressure, temperature, and physical structure of the mixture (transparency, density, granulation). Oxamide (C 2 H 4 N 2 O 2 ), Ferrocene C 10 H 10 Fe Nitroguanidine (CH 4 N 4 O 2 ), Iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ), and Carbon black are applied in the composition of the gas generating charge in quantities ranging from 0.5% to 3.5% in weight.

1.4. Technological Supplements and Additives

The technological additives are introduced to facilitate the processing and to ensure stability of the gas generating charge during its performance, such as the Stearates of

Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Silicon grease and Carbon black. Their function is to prevent the sticking of the gas generating charge during the production of the tools or the rolls, during the process of calendaring.

At least one of the above mentioned technological additives is added to the composition of the gas generating charge in the range of 0.025% up to 2.0%. Additives are added with the purpose of streamlining the chemical reactions to obtain the desired gas production and gas products with various molecular masses where at least two components are used to achieve this, in the category of Carbon black, Magnesium, Potassium Chloride or

Potassium carbonate, Dicyanodiamide, Ammonium phosphate, Carbamide. In the composition of the gas generating charge the quantities of additives expressed in weight ranging between 0,5% to 15%.

1. 5. Thermo-Protective or Inhibitor Layer

Considering the high temperature released during the combustion of the fire suppression substance, it is necessary to supply material compatible with the gas generating charge (that can be glued) in order to secure the gas generating charge from blazing or uncontrolled increase of the combustion area, including optimal protection of device's walls from overheating. In conventional gas generating charge production technologies this operation is carried out separately from the gas generating charge production process with options for putting it on other surfaces, except on the external ones. The production of the inhibitor sheet by means of calendaring is also demonstrated in the proposed innovation, whose composition is based on the quantitative substitution of the oxidizer with an inflammable substance, such as Potassium carbonate, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium oxide, Potassium chloride, whereas the other chemical elements remain unchanged. The quantity of the binder remains the same or is 10% higher than the applied binding component in the gas generating charge, with the purpose of achieving an identical density of the inhibitor sheet with the sheet of the gas generating charge. This enables a full compatibility between the gas generating charge and the inhibitor mixture that is paramount for the technological process of final integration of the gas generating charge. The inhibitor layer plays the role of protecting the gas generating charge from external influences, defining the areas where the combustion process of the gas generating charge will take place, while providing conditions for regulation of the combustion process.

The inhibitor sheet is used in the process of defining of the technological parameters as a complete substitution of the gas generating sheet and the gas generating charge, since it fully defines (imitates) all characteristics of the gas generating charge from a technological point of view. The production technology of the thermo-protective or inhibitor sheet is identical to the production of the gas generating sheet. 1.6. Gas Generating Charge Activation System

This system sends out information about the energy needed to activate the combustion process. Usually, the activation is carried out either by electrical impulse which is received from the fire alarms (various types of sensors) or by manual activation. Industrially produced squibs are used for this purpose consisting of an initiator-electrical igniter, relayed charge usually with gunpowder or pressed pyrotechnic mixture and main charge that enables the ignition of the gas generating charge. In order to raise the safety level for activation of the gas generating devices, double ignition systems are installed.

In the proposed innovation this problem is resolved by incorporating an igniter-electrical lighter, which consists of a 0.3-0.7 mm thick highly resistant wire which is placed on the surface of the pre-form of the gas generating charge during its integration in the second phase of its production process and it is processed together in one integral unit. The electric circuit module heats up the electric igniter which results in ignition of the gas generating charge thus initiating the combustion process and emission of gaseous products from the gas generating fire suppression device.

Figure no. 12 illustrates the manner of setting up the gas generating activation system, where no.1 indicates the gas generating charge, no.2 the igniter and no.3 the protective sheet.

2. The Technology of Production of Gas Generating Charge and Thermo Protective

Inhibitor Layer.

The process of production takes place in two phases. During the first phase, the fire suppression device is produced in a form of a sheet. In the second phase, the fire suppression pill is produced in its final shape, based on the produced gas generating mixture and the layer of inhibitor in a form of a sheet.

2.1. First Phase of the Production Process

For the implementation of the first phase of the production process and in order to obtain a semi-product in a shape of a sheet the following equipment shown in Figure 13 is required where the basic elements are:

2.1.1. Preparation of Raw Materials

A dryer with precise temperature regulation of +/-1 0 C and counter-flow air movement, marked as 1. 2.1.2. Grinding the Oxidizer

A hammer mill or fluid mill with fraction separator in anti-explosive execution, including a remote control system from another room. The mill is produced from non-corrosive materials.

The mill should enable grinding of the raw materials in a wide variety of fractions. The grinding equipment should be placed in another room separated from other facilities, on

Figure 13 marked as 2.

2.1.3. Measuring Raw Materials

Each of the raw materials is poured into vertical vessels (hoppers), with separate dosage systems as shown on Figure 13 marked as 3, 4, and 5. They have a dosing system by means of which the necessary quantities of each substance are poured into a separate vessel, marked as 6, and placed afterwards on digital scales for precise measurements of the components marked as 7, one for measuring the oxidizer, the second for measuring the binder and the third for measuring of the other components.

2.1.4. Preparation of the Gas Generating Mixture

A vertical mixer for mixing the burning rate regulation modifiers and the technological supplements and additives is required for this purpose, marked as 9. Another mixer used for the preparation of the binder with the option of heating up the substance, marked as 8. The measured quantity of oxidizers (6), the prepared polymer (6.1) and the mixture of additives, technological additives and modifiers (6.2)are poured into vertical helicoids mixer marked as 10, where the homogenization of the prepared mixture is performed by adding a homogenous substance which is then transferred into separate vessels that can be sealed hermetically.

2.1.5. Equipment for Production of the Semi- Product in the Form of a Sheet

The technological line for this operation is shown at the bottom in Figure 13, where no.12 represents the two-roll mill that has heating system on the rolls consisting of a heating device for the thermal oil and conveyer belt as an extension of the two-roll mill for collecting final semi-product in form of a sheet, marked on Figure 14.

The rolls are heated up to the processing temperature level according to the characteristics of the applied polymer. Each of the rolls has a drive group that enables their rotation forward and backward as well as regulation of the number of rotations, according to given technological procedure ranging from 5 to 30 rpm, a system for precise separation and approximation of the distance of 0.5 up to 5mm, but also a system of rapid separation in critical situations. A separate control unit is used to operate the technological parameters of the two-roll mill, marked as 11. Stools for placing of the ready made product should be available as auxiliary equipment, marked as 15 on the drawing including equipment for packing and hermetic sealing of the final semi-product in the form of a sheet, including a package for hermetical sealing of the product, in order to store it for longer period of time.

2.1.6. Parameters Required for Performing of Technological Process

2.1.6.1. Preparation of Raw Materials The oxidizer is dried at a temperature of 105 0 C until the full dehumidification of raw materials is achieved.

2.1.6.2. Grinding the Oxidizer.

Basically, this is produced in three gradations: up to 30 microns, up to 90 microns and up to 160 microns, respectively.

2.1.6.3. Measuring Raw Materials

According to the prescribed recipe each of the components is to be measured separately. All chemical compounds, except for the oxidizer are collected in one vessel, whereas the oxidizers are collected in a separate vessel which is to be sealed hermetically.

2.1.7. Preparation of the Mixture of the Gas Generating Substance

All the components, with the exception of the oxidizers, are mixed in a vertical mixer. The mixed raw material is collected in a separate vessel and then poured into another vertical mixer where the oxidizing substances are deposited. The stirred mixture is collected into a separate vessel, which is sealed hermetically. The duration of the mixing process is defined according to the characteristics of the mixture and it is defined experimentally for each type of mixture separately. The mixing process lasts 15 to 60 minutes.

2.1.8. Production of a Semi-Product in Form of a Sheet

One lot of the prepared mixture is poured among the rolls rotating at a low speed, which gradually increases along with the process of jellification reaching a maximum rotational speed of the rolls at a rate of 20 to 28 rpm. The rolls should be heated up to processing temperature depending on the type of polymer used, for the polyether block amide, the temperature of the rolls should range between 95 0 C and 120°C, whereas for the modified Polyvinyl chloride with Butadien-acrylonitrile it should range between 100 0 C and 120°C. During this phase, the rolls rotate towards each other, with tiny alternate change of the rotational speed of each of the rolls, where the gel-like mass is transferred from one roll onto the other, which provides for a good homogenization of the mixture by transferring the mass from one roll onto the other. A horizontal knife to cut and transfer the mass onto the rolls is installed in order to obtain a more homogenous mass and to accelerate the process or in the same can be achieved with the assistance of a worker who can cut the mass with a wooden knife and transfers it onto the rolls in order to obtain a homogenous uniform color mass which is an indication that the mass is well homogenized and that it is ready for extrusion. A command is then given to the rolls to rotate backwards and by an abrupt cut the mass is cut off from the front roll falls onto the conveyer belt and it is separated from two-roll mill. The rotation of the rolls lasts from 3 to 10 minutes depending on the polymer used and the characteristics of the gas generating mixture. The obtained sheet of gas generating charge is then left to stay for several minutes on the conveyer belt until it cools down, after which it is transported onto a separate working table with horizontal wooden panel until it completely cools down at room temperature. The ready-made sheets are rolled onto a cardboard pipe, a special protective sheet is then hauled on top of it and it is sealed in a package together with a dehumidifier and transported to a storage room where it is kept in a horizontal position on separate shelves.

2.2. Second Phase of the Gas Generating Production Process This phase of the gas generating production process is based on the possibility for processing the gas generating charge and the thermo-protective layer (the inhibitor) in a form of a sheet. The desired geometry of the power charge can be achieved by means of different operations including all the accompanying elements and characteristics.

2.2.1. Equipment Required

2.2.1.1. Equipment for Inspection and Tailoring of the Semi-Product in a Form of a Sheet

The working table with a horizontal wooden panel is given in Figure 14, marked as 1 , there are rails on both sides with a cart sliding on top of it, marked as 2, where three shafts are installed one behind the other. A cylinder of 70-100 mm in diameter and 500 mm in length is installed on the front shaft onto which 5 mm long and 1 mm thick needles are pinned at a 10 mm distance from each other, marked as 3. A cylinder of 150-200 mm in diameter and 500 mm in length with a heating system of up to 120 0 C is installed on the second shaft and falls freely on the working table, marked as 4. The surface of the cylinder is Teflon. Rotating cutting knives for tailoring of the semi-product in the form of a sheet (gas generating mixture and inhibitor sheet) are installed on the back shaft marked as 5 on the drawing.

2.2.1.2. Final Integration Equipment for the Gas Generating Charge. Contains the following components, shown on Figure 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.

2.2.1.2.1. The Power Unit, on the Figure15, generating the vacuum, pressure and heating of the thermal oil. Vacuum is generated by means of a two-stage vacuum pump, pressure is generated through an air compressor and pneumatic-hydro aggregate, whereas the heating of the thermal oil by separate units. The processing module for entering and adjustment of the technological parameters during the final integration process is installed as part of this unit.

2.2.1.2.2. Equipment for Final Integration- of the gas generating charge, which consists of a set of shapers whose design is presented in Figures, 16, 18 and 20, marked as 1. The shapers (the tools) have adequate dimensions for production of the final shape. Each of them can be heated, vacuumed and can be compressed from the lower and upper side, or only on one of the sides (upper or lower). At the top or bottom of the shaper there are probes for measuring technological parameters sent to the control unit by means of analogue-digital conversion, etc. Figure 17 by means of which the technological process is guided.

2.2.1.2.3. Control Unit where all the signals from the power unit are received, the final integration unit and the processing computer used for remote control management of the technological process, marked as 5/5 on the page, shown in Figure 17.

2.2.1.3. Auxiliary Equipment

Tools for processing of the pre-form are shown on Figure 19, the body of the shaper, marked as 1, stings - marked as 2, fixtures, pressure plates - marked as 3, equipment for preparing the activation system and its installation, in the pre-form equipment for extraction of the ready-made gas generating charges (extraction from the tools), auxiliary tools and sets, working tables, transport carts for storing the ready-made gas generating charges, packaging equipment.

2.3. Final integration of the gas generating charge The final integration process of the gas generating charge is carried out by several consecutive activities. The typical operations are shown in Figures 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. 2.3.1. A separate set of the required elements of the gas generating and inhibitor sheets is prepared for each unit of the gas generating charge. Pieces of required length are designed in different forms to fill in the potential cavities, and the same applies for the inhibitor sheet. Each piece is placed inside an adequate auxiliary package and it is placed on the pre-form production table.

2.3.2. The necessary tools are arranged according to the specific order on the pre-form preparation table, until it is poured inside the body of the shaper. The igniter is installed to close the body of the shaper with a pressure plate.

2.3.3. In case of production of gas generating charges containing gas generating mixtures that could emit gases with different molecular masses, each segment is prepared separately, and after the completion of the first segment, the second and the third segment are being installed, subsequently.

2.3.4. A layer of delaying mixture is installed among the segments, in case when activation needs to be time-delayed (i.e. in cases when after the activation of the first segment, we need to have an idle phase) that has a several minutes slower combustion, after which the next element is being ignited. Standard pyrotechnic mixtures are used as a delaying mixture, normally used when a delayed activation has to be achieved.

2.3.5. The body of the shaper, in Figure 16 marked as no.4, is installed in the slot of the final integration tools, marked in Figure 15 as 2, the tool is closed by an upper lid - marked as 3 in the Figure and it is placed in the final integration unit, as shown in the Figures 16,17 and 18 marked as 1.

2.3.6. The process of air extraction is carried out - vacuuming at 20 tors, where the gradual heating of the tools to the given temperature, ranging up to 12O 0 C is performed depending on the type on the selected polymer.

2.3.7. After a complete heating of the mass is achieved inside the tool, the mass is pressed with a 300 N/cm 2 hydro cylinder. This pressure is constantly maintained at the same level.

The pressure lasts until the moment of stopping of the rotation. Then it rotates for one more minute, after which the cooling of the tools starts until the tools reach a temperature of 50 0 C. The operation of all fluids terminates and the tools are extracted from the final integration unit.

2.3.8. The shaper is extracted from the final integration unit and is placed on the table where the extraction of the gas generating charges is performed. The gas generating charges are placed in separate slots packaged and transported to an auxiliary storage facility.

2.4. Finalization of the Gas Generating Charge Using Thermo Sets as Binders

2.4.1. Preparation of Raw Materials. The oxidizer is dried until full dehumidification of raw materials.

2.4.2. Grinding the Oxidizer. Basically, it is grinded in three grain sizes: up to 30 microns, up to 90 microns and up to 160 microns, respectively.

2.4.3. Measuring Raw Materials

According to the prescribed recipe each of the components is measured separately. All chemical compounds, except the oxidizers are collected in one vessel, whereas the oxidizers are collected in a separate vessel which is sealed hermetically.

2.4.4. Preparation of the Mixture of the Gas Generating Substance

All the components, with exception of the oxidizers are mixed in a vertical mixer. The mixed raw material is collected in a separate vessel and then poured into another vertical mixer where the oxidizers are deposited. The stirred mixture is collected into a separate vessel which is then sealed hermetically. The duration of the mixing process is defined according to the characteristics of the mixture and it is determined experimentally for each type of mixture separately. The mixing process lasts from 15 to 60 minutes. The prepared mixture is then transferred into vessels that can be sealed hermetically.

2.4.5. Shaping the Gas Generating Charge

The production equipment is identical with the production equipment of the gas generating charges where a thermo set binder is applied. An inhibitor sheet is integrated into the body of the shaper and dosed quantities of the gas generating mixture are added, the mixture is then pressed slightly, after which an electric igniter is installed to the upper surface, the body of the shaper is closed with pressure plate and placed inside the final integration machine. The tools are heated at a processing temperature and closed when the pressing process begins. The pressing lasts for one minute acquiring one millimeter thickness on the web of the gas generating charge. After the completion of the pressing process, the tools are removed and placed on the extraction table and the ready-made gas generating charge is extracted.