Method to prevent explosions in fuel tanks
US5904190A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | May 18, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA62D1/0092
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for preventing explosions in closed tanks which hold flammable liquids and flammable vapors and air above these liquid fuels comprising filling the ullage with a pressurized gas which not only excludes oxygen from the ullage but also prevents transmission of fire initiating sparks. The method further comprises filling the ullage with an electronegative gas alone or in combination with an inert gas or gases. More specifically, the preferred electronegative gas is sulfur hexafluoride (SF.sub.6) which may also be used in combination with CO.sub.2 and/or N.sub.2. More particularly, the method is directed to the prevention of explosions in aircraft fuel tanks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.