Fire Protection Solenoid bursts pressure cylinders.

Press Release Summary:



Able to replace pyrotechnic and mechanical actuated systems, Latching Solenoid features hollow pin design that pierces steel sealing disc and allows gas to exit cylinder. Pin is actuated by compressed spring, which is held together in loaded position by permanent magnet latching solenoid, eliminating risks inherent in explosive devices such as accidental discharge ESD. Operated electrically or mechanically, solenoid can puncture up to 200 cylinders prior to being replaced or rebuilt.



Original Press Release:



TLX Technologies Introduces Fire Protection Solenoid Designed To Burst Pressure Cylinders



In the aftermath of 9/11 many things have changed. We have acquired new terms: terror alert level and homeland security, we expect longer lines and more scrutiny with almost all forms of travel.

One additional change that may not seem apparent to many people is the new shipping restrictions. Products such as pyrotechnic devices have been hard hit by the new shipping limitations.

While pyrotechnic explosive devices may be used in unfriendly manners, they are also used to protect people and property. Devices containing pyrotechnic explosive devices are used within the air bag protection system of our cars, embodied within emergency inflatable life vests, and have come into widespread use on building fire protection systems throughout the world.

Traditionally these fire protection systems have used pyrotechnic devices to send electrical signals and release energy to propel a pin thru a disc located on one end of a high pressure gas charged cylinder once a fire is detected. The output gas is then ultimately is used to open a larger vessel containing a fire suppressant gas without damaging liquid sensitive materials found in such locations as library's, chemical plants, and computer rooms.

Pyrotechnics devices were originally used because of the high force required to burst the stainless cylinder end cap and the response time of the device upon receiving the electrical signal.

With the goal of developing an alternative to pyrotechnics, TLX Technologies, a Wisconsin based manufacturer of custom electro-mechanical solenoids, actuators and fluid control valves, designed a high speed, high force solenoid device capable bursting the required cylinder membrane used in many FM200 fire suppression systems.
TLX Technologies was faced with the challenge of replacing a pyrotechnic device with an electo-mechanical solution while matching the large force requirement previously generated by the violent explosion of the pyrotechnic device.

In order to accomplish the design objectives, TLX engineers had to redesign the method in which the cylinders were activated in order minimize the force requirements.
Previous solutions used a pressurized cylinder sealed by a mechanical valve with an elstomer seal similar to an automotive tire valve. This mechanical valve was then actuated by an electromechanical actuator. This type of system results in a significantly lower actuation force required to activate the mechanical valve system. However, like any elasomer based mechanical valve, the amount of leakage over time is significantly higher than that of a metallic seal. This higher leakage rate requires the cylinder pressure to be routinely checked to ensure internal pressure does not drop below the level required to actuate the fire suppression system, resulting in lost time and money to the user.

TLX Technologies developed a solution using a latching solenoid with stored energy that could upon command "launches" the pin thru the cylinder burst disc. To accomplish this, a specialized hollow pin design which pierces the steel sealing disc and allows the gas to exit the cylinder. The hollow pin is actuated by a compressed spring which is held in the loaded position by a permanent magnet latching solenoid. This process eliminates the risks inherent in an explosive device such as accidental discharge electrostatic discharge.

The TLX Technologies latching solenoid has several performance benefits over the current pyrotechnic actuator as well. The new solenoid can puncture up to 200 cylinders prior to being replaced or rebuilt. In addition the actuator can be operated either electrically or mechanically. An indicator pin which provides a visual indication of the solenoids position while installed in the application was included in the new design. The increased shelf life of 15 years has also reduced the required maintenance on the device.

The TLX latching solenoid can be used to replace both pyrotechnic and mechanical actuated systems used to pierce the sealing disc of pneumatic cylinders.

"The United States Navy is currently testing this product for use on destroyers. In this application, they would be employed to quickly release torpedoes that are locked into place when not in use." Said Neil Karolek, CEO of TLX Technologies.

TLX Technologies has designed products used in a wide rage of automotive, industrial, consumer and off-highway equipment applications.

All Topics