A method and apparatus for suppressing explosions and fires.

摘要

Apparatus for suppressing explosions comprises a reservoir means (5,25) containing hot pressurised water which is heated by a heating means (9,28). On explosion conditions occurring in an enclosure (2,20,21,22) a high speed differential pressure diaphragm (10,40) is fractured to release a charge of hot pressurised water into the enclosure. When the water enters the enclosure portion it is converted into water droplets to suppress the flame front of a deflagration and portion of the water flashes off as flash steam to reduce the oxygen concentration and suppress the explosion. A differential pressure diaphragm 40 comprises a pair of bursting diaphragms having a space therebetween which is maintained at a balance pressure. When explosion conditions occur the balance is disturbed and the diaphragms burst under the higher pressure.