Thermally activated metal hydride sensor/actuator
A fire protection system which senses the fire and actuates the dispensing of a fire suppressant without the use of electronics or electrical devices. This invention utilizes the process known as occlusion to storage large amounts of hydrogen gas in relatively small confined volumes. When an external heat source is presented to the system, such as that from a fire and/or explosion, the storaged hydrogen-via a metal hydride-is released and thereby builds up a pressure in its confined volume. This pressure is used to do work, namely moving a piston. After the piston moves a predetermined distance, it actuates the release of a gas which in turn fluidizes a dry powder suppressant which is dispensed via hoses and nozzles to the same fire and/or explosion. After the fire is suppressed, cooling of the metal hydride occurs which causes the hydrogen gas to reenter the metal hydride and the pressure in the piston to decrease. A reset spring acting against the pressure build up in the piston volume then resets the system to its initial position for future use.
- Assignee:
- Secretary of the Interior
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4377209
- OSTI ID:
- 6461402
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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