Fike Corporation

Jef Snoeys

John E Going

Tom Eijkelenberg

Guy Jakus

Marc Van Den Schoor

Sven J R De Vries

A pinch-type isolation valve () is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir () for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve () upon actuation of the valve. Valve () comprises an outer walland an inner wall () which define the pressurized gas reservoir (). An actuator assembly () is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir () into a gas-receiving chamber () defined between the inner wall () and sleeve ().

Pinch valve having integrated pressure chamber

A method and apparatus employing a hydrofluorocarbon agent for preventing a large volume of contained flammable fuel from exploding are disclosed. Generally, a method of the present invention comprises detecting a hazardous condition proximate the contained flammable fuel and applying a hydrofluorocarbon agent to an area proximate the fluid within 3&#x2013;5 seconds of the hazardous condition detection. An apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensing device () for detecting the presence of a hazardous condition proximate a quantity of contained flammable fuel (), and a discharging unit including a pressurizable vessel () containing therein the hydrofluorocarbon agent, and a discharge nozzle () located proximate the contained flammable fuel () and operably coupled with the vessel ().

Pre-inerting method and apparatus for preventing large volume contained flammable fuels from exploding

Deflagration suppression and explosion isolation system ( ) is provided for contained hazardous material. Containment structure ( ) for a highly flammable, particulate or gaseous material is connected by a conduit ( ) to an area ( ) for collection or processing of the material. Normally, the particulate gaseous material is conveyed via the conduit ( ) to the collection or processing area ( ). However, the conduit is of a length and configuration such that upon unforeseen ignition of the material in the containment structure ( ), flame and combustion generated pressure resulting from the incipient explosion in the containment structure can course along the conduit ( ) connected thereto toward the collection or processing area ( ) in the form of a deflagration front that transitions into a detonation stage before reaching the collection or processing area unless adequately suppressed and isolated. A pressure detector ( ) is connected to the containment structure ( ) for detecting a rapid rise of pressure in the containment structure indicative of an incipient explosion. A suppressant device ( ) communicates with the conduit ( ) in disposition to direct a fire suppression agent into the conduit to prevent the flame and combustion generated pressures from the incipient explosion in the containment structure from transitioning from a deflagration stage to a detonation stage in the conduit. A gate valve assembly ( ) is provided in the conduit downstream of the suppressant device ( ) which has a gate member ( ) which is closed in tandem with release of the suppressant agent into the conduit to isolate the flame and combustion generated pressures and thereby prevent the flame and combustion generated pressures from entering the collection or processing area ( ).

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Rijkevorsel, Belgium

Jef Snoeys