Description
The Reliable Model C Electronic Accelerator is a quick opening device designed to hasten the operation of a dry pipe or preaction system valve once sprinkler activation has occurred. Unlike a conventional mechanical accelerator that uses a series of pressure chambers and restricted orifices to detect drastic pressure changes (which can indicate a sprinkler activation), the electronic accelerator incorporates a circuit board and microprocessor to continuously monitor system pressures via a pressure transducer. The microprocessor monitors the system air pressure at a prescribed sampling rate while continuously evaluating the decay rate of the air pressure. When a minimum specific decay rate is detected across three distinct algorithms the circuit board activates a solenoid valve to release air pressure. Depending on the system configuration, air pressure is either released to the underside of the valve clapper to decrease the pressure differential across the clapper (accelerator configuration) or to atmosphere to vent air from the valve at an increased rate (exhauster configuration).
The elimination of the internal pressure chambers found in mechanical accelerators reduces the risk of clogging due to debris. This eliminates the need to disassemble the unit for cleaning/inspection after system operation or testing.
The integration of two solid state relays allows for system supervisory air pressure monitoring. The air pressure high/ low limits can be user set via a rotary switch per the nominal operational pressure of the system.