Fire suppression system
A panel ( 10 ) for use as a fire suppressing system which comprises a substrate ( 12 ) and an exothermic gas producing charge ( 14 ) wherein the exothermic gas producing charge ( 14 ) is integral with the substrate.
1. A fire suppression composition, the composition comprising:
a polymeric foam; and
an exothermic gas producing charge, wherein the exothermic gas producing charge is integral with the polymeric foam;
wherein the polymeric foam comprises an open cell foam.
2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric foam has a tensile strength in the range of about 80 to about 100 kg/m 3 .
3. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric foam further includes one or more of zeolites, porous titania material, ceramic material, sintered metals and silicon carbide.
4. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the polymeric foam comprises a phenolic resin.
5. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the exothermic gas producing charge comprises potassium nitrate.
6. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the exothermic gas producing charge comprises at least one of: a binder, burn rate modifier, flame inhibition chemical and an additional oxidizing agent.
7. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the exothermic gas producing charge is positioned within a void formed in the polymeric foam, and wherein the void is a substantially enclosed cavity or chamber within the polymeric foam.
8. The composition according to claim 7 , wherein the polymeric foam comprises a plurality of voids, and wherein one or more of the plurality of voids contains the exothermic gas producing charge.
9. The composition according to claim 8 , wherein the voids are distributed in a two-dimensional array.
10. The composition according to claim 7 , wherein an internal surface of the void comprises a heat resistant material selected from at least one member of a group consisting of: rock wool, gypsum, perlite, vermiculite, alumina, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and calcium silicate.
11. A shield for use in fire suppression, the shield comprising:
a polymeric foam; and
an exothermic gas producing charge, wherein the exothermic gas producing charge is integral with the polymeric foam;
wherein the polymeric foam comprises an open cell foam.
12. A method of preparing a fire suppression composition, comprising the steps of:
(i) providing a polymeric foam;
(ii) forming a void therein; and
(iii) positioning an exothermic gas producing charge within the void;
wherein the polymeric foam comprises an open cell foam.
13. The method according to claim 12 , further comprising the step of providing at least one substrate.
14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the at least one substrate has a void therein which is complementary to the void in the foam.
15. The method according to claim 12 , wherein the exothermic gas producing charge is positioned whilst in the form of a powder, paste or solid.
16. A method for producing a fire suppression system comprising the steps of:
(i) providing a composition that includes a polymeric foam and an exothermic gas producing charge, wherein the exothermic gas producing charge is integral with the polymeric foam;
(ii) providing a detector and means for activating the composition; and
(iii) connecting the composition to the detector and means for activating the composition;
wherein the polymeric foam comprises an open cell foam.