Simplifying Hazardous Location Suppression with TLX

May 20, 2024

TLX Fire & Security’s Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision is specifically designed for fire suppression systems in hazardous locations

Hazardous locations where flammable substances may be present in the atmosphere require specially designed fire suppression systems. The electric actuators used in standard systems to release the extinguishing agent are not designed to cope with the presence of these substances. An electrical input to the actuator could result in a spark, igniting the atmosphere around it.

Because of this, fire suppression systems for hazardous locations are typically composed of an actuating device to open the discharge valve on the extinguishing agent cylinder, tubing to route the discharge pressure, and a specialised enclosure to prevent the accidental ignition of any flammable substances in the atmosphere. These systems are very effective, but the extra connections needed for the tubing that routes the discharge pressure are sources of potential leaks, and the enclosure adds complexity.

TLX had received numerous inquiries about possible solutions that would satisfy hazardous location requirements while being less complex and easier to install than existing options. In response, TLX developed the patented Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision. This linear electric actuator is UL HazLoc, ATEX, and IECEx certified and includes an integrated supervisory feature that meets regulatory standards for supervision.

The Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision is uniquely designed as a top-mounted linear actuator, so it does not act as a pressure vessel on the discharge valve, reducing the number of potential leak points in the system. Specific design features and material grade selections allow the actuator to act as its own enclosure. This eliminates the need for additional components and simplifies the system. All potential flame paths are specifically designed to prevent flame egress in the event a spark were to ignite any gas found within the actuator. 

The actuator’s internal components can be configured during production to accommodate any fire suppression system’s operating pressure up to 300 bar, and its interface can be customised to fit any linearly actuated system. Mounting thread style, connector type (male or female), firing pin stick-out, and firing pin geometry can be configured to match the system’s specifications.

For hazardous location fire suppression systems that rely on multiple cylinders, using an electric actuator on each cylinder is costly and impractical. Instead, a single electric actuator can be used on one cylinder, and pneumatic actuators can be used on the additional cylinders. When the electric actuator fires, some of the discharge pressure is routed to the pneumatic actuators, opening the discharge valves on the corresponding cylinders. For systems like these, TLX offers its Stainless Steel Pneumatic Actuator, which can be used in conjunction with the Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision for a full system solution.

TLX Fire & Security’s Explosion Proof Actuator with Supervision and Stainless Steel Pneumatic Actuator are currently available to the global fire suppression market and can help make fire suppression systems in hazardous locations simpler, more reliable, and easier to install.

To read the full article, see our last issue here.