The Challenge

Most individual processes consist of one or more vessels linked by piping. A deflagration in one system can spread quickly through pipelines to other plant areas or equipment, causing catastrophic damage to unprotected vessels.

The Solution

Fenwal Isolation Systems — either chemical or mechanical — are designed to detect incipient explosions and react in milliseconds. In the chemical method, an explosion suppressant is discharged into the pipeline to chemically inhibit flame propagation. The mechanical method uses a high speed knife valve to form a physical barrier in the pipeline to prevent the fireball from propagating.

The Benefits

Fenwal Chemical Isolation Model

How a Fenwal Chemical isolation System Works:

1. 1. Strategically-placed Optical Sensors and/or Pressure Detectors sense the
2.      incipient explosion in the pipeline and signal the Control Unit.
   2. Control Unit triggers the release of an Explosion Suppressant from High-
3.      Rate-Discharge Extinguishers.
   3. The Explosion Suppressant forms a chemical barrier in the pipeline,
4.     containing and suppressing the fireball while lowering the pressure.

Fenwal Mechanical Isolation Model

How a Fenwal mechanical isolation System Works:

1. 1. Optical Sensors and/or Pressure Detectors sense the incipient explosion
2.      in the pipeline and signal the Control Unit.
   2. Control Unit triggers the release of the Knife Valve by means of a Valve
3.     Cylinder Actuator.
   3. The Knife Valve closes in milliseconds, preventing the fireball from
4.     spreading.