Deflagration / Fast-Fire Protection Systems for Aerosol Gas Charging Room

A typical aerosol packaging line is an automated system, incorporating conveyor systems and automated filling and charging systems. Aerosol cans are charged with various propellants. Most commonly these propellants are flammable hydrocarbons such as DME (dimethyl ether), Dymel® 152a, propane, butane, isobutane, or a blend of these hydrocarbon gases. These propellants are introduced into aerosol cans by high speed filling machines, some of which are capable of fill rates up to 450 cans per minute.

There are usually a number of personnel involved in the filling line operation to verify proper operation of the equipment, to remove damaged containers, and to provide maintenance or to shut down the line in case of a problem. Thus, the personnel may be present in the room while the risk of a deflagration exists within the gas charging room.

The aerosol gas charging room protection system meets the NFPA Standard No. 30B for deflagration suppression in aerosol filling facilities. It is designed to suppress localised deflagrations from hydrocarbon propellant gases using high-rate discharge (HRD) suppressors filled with distilled water. These suppressors are installed indoors at temperatures above freezing.

Ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR) sensors detect deflagrations and send signals to the control panel, which triggers the HRD suppressors to discharge suppressant. The control panel also shuts down conveyor drives, gas solenoids, and hydrocarbon pumps to prevent fire spread and reduce re-ignition risks. Exhaust fans operate at maximum speed to remove any remaining vapours from the room.