Operating the HRD Extinguisher Firewolf

Unlike previously-used quick-release valves, the Firewolf opening mechanism is based on electro-mechanical principles rather than on the use of pyrotechnics or gas pressure generators. The special design of the electric motors used and of the mechanical components guarantees a valve opening time of < 3 ms. Comparative explosion suppression experiments by Firewolf^TM with extinguishers triggered using pyrotechnics produced a comparable suppression effect.

The Firewolf^TM HRD valve consists of a mechanical valve part, an electric motor with spare coils and an electronic control and monitoring facility, where all the safety-related components and the drive for the motor are also designed as redundant.

A field connection box allows up to ten Firewolf extinguishers per triggering circuit to be connected to various types of Kidde alarm control units.

The housing for the Firewolf^TM contains the valve with the mechanics and the motor, as well as the electronics. The corresponding extinguisher is screwed onto the housing. If the alarm control unit reports an alarm to the Firewolf^TM electronics, the main catch is unlocked and this allows the valve to release. The force triggered by the nitrogen pressure (60bar) in the extinguisher opens the flap in less than 3 ms and empties the extinguishing powder into the containers for protection.

Security

The flap can be locked mechanically using an eccentric shaft, which cannot be triggered even if the valve is controlled electrically. All operating modes, such as normal operation, locking, motor availability and pressure in the extinguisher, are monitored constantly and, in the event of a fault, a message is sent to the alarm control unit.

CROSS-SECTION OF THE VALVE IN PERSPECTIVE VIEW

1. Extinguisher
2. Flap
3. Main catch
4. Trigger housing

Operating Firewolf