Method of and apparatus for gas generation.

摘要

A solid-fuel gas generator (1) generates extremely clean odorless nitrogen gas by a combustion process that involves the burning in an annular combustion chamber (28) having gas discharge orifices (24) of a gas-generant composition (68) having combustion products including alkali metal oxides and/or hydroxides and which may also include iron particles. Between the gas-generant composition (68) and the gas discharge orifices (24) is disposed an annular primary cooling and filtering pack (70) which includes a fine mesh screen (76) surrounding the gas-generant composition and one or more layers (74) of fiberglass woven fabric around the screen, the glass being selected for its characteristic property at the combustion chamber temperature of reacting with the alkali metal oxides or hydroxides in the combustion products to form innocuous alkali metal silicate and of becoming tacky to enhance particle entrapment. Disposed in surrounding relation with the combustion chamber is an annular secondary cooling and filtering pack (78) including a porous layer of aluminum silicate (82) which reacts with alkali metal oxide or hydroxide residue to form innocuous alkali metal silicate. The gas generator is of particular interest for inflating safety cushions in passenger carrying vehicles upon dangerous collision.