Fire and explosion detection and suppression system

Claim 1

For use in a fire and explosion suppression system adapted to suppress an explosion within 100 milliseconds of the existence of a high energy ignition and within 200 milliseconds, of the existence of a low energy ignition, and comprising a plurality of detectors and a plurality of suppression elements communicating with a volume to be protected, actuation circuitry comprising: means, operative in a normal mode of operation, for operating said suppression elements in response to different types of detection including: first means operative in response to detection of a first type wherein a first number of detectors detect within a first time span for operating a first number of suppression elements; and second means operative in response to detection of a second type wherein a second number of detectors detect within a second time span for operating a second number of suppression elements greater than said first number of suppression elements; said detection of said second type being characterized in that at least one of the following criteria are fulfilled: (a) said second number of detectors exceeds said first number of detectors; and (b) said second time span is less than said first time span; said actuation circuitry also comprising means, operative in a combat mode of operation, for operating at least two suppression elements in response to detection by at least one detector; and means for sensing the failure of a suppression element to operate and for operating an additional suppression element in response to said sensed failure.