Design and development of a chemical explosion suppression system with an alternative activation mechanism

Adix Ingeniería is a beneficiary company of the ‘Innova-Adelante’ Program, which supports business innovation in Castilla-La Mancha, co-financed at 80% by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Project objectives

The main objective of the subsidized research project is the development of a new chemical explosion suppression system featuring a faster discharge valve, larger suppressant agent cylinders, and an alternative activation mechanism to the current systems based on pyrotechnic actuators.

The project will include the design of a new controller to enable increased connectivity and digitalization of explosion protection systems, as well as data collection that provides information on process operation. This will allow the use of Big Data techniques to predict failures and improve the forecasting of explosions or potential system malfunctions.

Additionally, the new controller will allow continuous preventive-predictive maintenance of the system and the application of tele-assistance and augmented reality techniques.

Expected results

The primary expected outcome is the development of a calculation model to extrapolate the use of various devices to larger volumes and lower explosion pressures based on the k_St parameter of the combustible substance.

Moreover, the functionality and maintenance of suppression systems are expected to be improved, making them more easily exportable to other markets where technical barriers currently hinder their commercialization.

This optimization will be carried out in compliance with relevant regulations for explosion protection systems and will be certified in accordance with Directive 2014/34/EU.

‘Innova-Adelante’ program

‘Innova-Adelante’ is a program designed to strengthen companies in strategic sectors of Castilla-La Mancha by enhancing their innovation capabilities.

The program was created within the framework of the Castilla-La Mancha ‘Adelante’ Plan, aligned with the priorities of smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth outlined in the European Union’s ‘Europe 2020’ strategy, and the challenges of the ‘Regional Research Strategy for Smart Specialisation’ (RIS3) of Castilla-La Mancha.