High-Explosive Field Test of the Breckenridge Blast Valve

摘要

A high-explosive field test was conducted under Operation PRAIRIE FLAT at the Defense Research Establishment Suffield, Ralston, Alberta, Canada, on 9 August 1968. Two Breckenridge blast valve specimens were tested at ground ranges of 370 feet and 1,150 feet, respectively. The valves were installed in simulated ventilation systems of buried blast shelters. Each system consisted of a blast ventilator shield, a valve, ductwork, an expansion plenum, and a filter unit. The system at the 370-foot station survived the 150-psi peak overpressure and 40-g peak ground acceleration (at a 5-foot depth) without failure or malfunction. The system at the 1,150-foot station exhibited somewhat erratic closure due to the low inlet pressure, but overall performance was satisfactory. Peak pressure inside the shelter was less than 1/2 psi at both stations. The valve is considered suitable for ventilation system which are designed to provide protection from inlet pressure peaks of up to 150 psi and which have a rated airflow of up to 700 cfm. (Author)