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Pilotex® Ultra High Speed Deluge System
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SimplexGrinnell's Pilotex ultra high speed deluge system was developed to provide operating
speeds of less than 50 milliseconds. This is quick enough to be used for suppression of explosions
or other situations where extremely rapid fire spread is expected.
What makes Pilotex different from ordinary deluge systems is that the entire piping network is
permanently pressurized with water, so that the moment the system is released, water is discharged
from every nozzle. This is achieved by using a Pilotex valve just upstream of each open nozzle. A
separate small bore pilot line provides system pressure to each valve to keep the valve shut. When
the pilot pressure is relieved by opening one or more solenoid valves, the Pilotex valve opens
and water is discharged.
As described, the response time from receipt of the detection signal to water discharge is about
100 ms, but two extra features speed it up to less than 50ms. Separate solenoids are installed
as close as possible to each valve on the pilot line and a small (approx. 0.5 HP) pump raises
the standing pressure to 170 psi (11,7 bar) to boost the velocity of the initial water
discharge.
Ultra high speed deluge systems are usually installed at all points in the production chain where
the fuel is subjected to friction or constitutes a risk of fire spread into adjacent buildings or
fire sectors:
- Extrusion and pressing
- Drilling, milling and other machining operations
- Mixing
- Ducting and other propagation routes
- Entry/exit points of fire sectors
Pilotex is currently used extensively in the munitions and explosives industries, including the air
bag industry, where sodium azide is used to inflate air bags for automobiles.
Other applications include liquid fuel risks where sensitive equipment could quickly be damaged by a
fast developing fire, such as in hard shelters for fighter aircraft, and common dust explosion risks
(flour, sugar, coal...) or wherever fast expanding flame fronts may be expected.
Description
The Pilotex valve contains a small piston, or poppet which holds the valve closed by differential pressure.
When the pilot line is depressurized, the system water pressure immediately drives the piston upwards
and opens the valve. Reestablishing the pilot pressure drives the piston back down and reseats the
valve, even at full flow.
Pilotex Nozzle
A Pilotex nozzle consists of a two-piece, threaded body sealed with an "O" ring. The upper body has
a 1" NPT female connection for installation in standard pipe fittings, and a 1/4" NPT female connection
for the pilot line. It is through this pilot line that the cylinder and poppet, which make up the
differential valve, receive pilot pressure.
When the Pilotex nozzle is in its closed position, the poppet is held against the discharge orifice by
the pressure within the poppet cylinder.
When pilot line pressure drops, the main pressure overcomes the differential, forces the poppet up,
and instantly starts full discharge.
Solenoids
The Pilotex Ultra High-Speed Deluge System incorporates the use of solenoids to facilitate the release
of pressure in the pilot line and Pilotex nozzle differential valve.
The solenoids are 2-way, normally closed, internal pilot-operated solenoid valves. Valve bodies and
bonnets are of brass construction. (Stainless steel is optional.)
The solenoids are equipped with an enclosure which is designed to meet NEMA type 4, watertight, NEMA 7
hazardous location – class I, group C or D, and NEMA type 9 (E, F, or G) hazardous locations – class II,
Groups E, F, or G.
High Speed Control Panel
The Pilotex Ultra High-Speed Deluge System incorporates the use of Grinnell's High Speed Control Panel,
which is available in wall standing NEMA 12 configurations. The device is designed to provide maximum
speed of response time from fire detection to water discharge, mounted or free.
One-Button Reset
The Pilotex Ultra High-Speed Deluge System is electronically actuated through a solenoid, which can be
opened and closed from a remote location. It is possible to offer one-button reset which allows for
resetting the deluge system without the use of expensive, non-reusable squibs or rupture disks and saves
hours of recurring labor costs. (This feature is standard on all Pilotex systems).
Service and Dependability
SimplexGrinnell staffs an entire department dedicated solely to design innovation, field support, and
customer service of Pilotex Ultra High-Speed Deluge Systems for the pyrotechnic, munitions and explosive
fields.
System Integrity
SimplexGrinnell's High Speed Control Panel supervises solenoids, detector controller, and external devices.
All Pilotex Systems are designed for complete supervision.
Flexibility
Pilotex valves are available in female configuration, in 3/4", 1" and I 1/4" sizes. They will accept
most types of nozzles or flange mount.
Automatic Reset
SimplexGrinnell's High Speed Control Panel is available with an Automatic Reset option, which allows
the High Speed System to stop water flow after a preset period of time (5 sec. - 2 min.) provided
there is no longer a hazard within view of detection.
Explosion Proof Ratings
A Pilotex High-Speed Deluge System can be designed to meet virtually any hazardous atmosphere
requirement.
 Dry Chemical Systems
Foam Protection
Gaseous Systems
Pilotex® Ultra High Speed Deluge System
Water Spray Systems
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