Year
1991
Abstract
One decade ago, Sandia National Laboratories designed and developed a nonpyrotechnic smoke generator capable of producing large quantities of low corrosivity, low toxicity chemical smoke to be used as a visual obscurant in access delay applications. Utilizing the same chemistry, a proof-of-concept advanced smoke generator is presently being tested. The testing is being conducted to evaluate two new concepts providing unique capabilities. Hemispherical stainless steel bladders are installed in spherically shaped chemical storage reservoirs. This provides positive displacement of the chemicals and permits orientation insensitive operation. Also, a specially designed nozzle/valve is being evaluated as a means of providing a multiple initiation capability. Cyclic operation could be accomplished via time delay circuitry, sensor input, or on demand from the control console. These new capabilities provide distinct advantages. Some advantages may be longer obscuration times, optimal volume obscuration, easier facility sizing, no organic seals in contact with the stored chemicals, and elimination of the requirement to use ultrahigh purity nitrogen as a propellant.