| abstract |
A fire-suppression apparatus that includes a pneumoacoustic atomizer (108) for delivering a mist of liquid (e.g., water) in the form of droplets having a size in the range of about 50 to 90 microns. The mist is suspended in a fire-suppressing gas such as nitrogen. Gas is supplied to the pneumoacoustic atomizer (108) from a system that, in some embodiments, includes both bottles (218A, 218B) and a gas generator (214). To minimize consumption of fire-suppressing materials, the fire-suppression apparatus can be operated in a pulsed mode wherein delivery of fire-suppressing materials is interrupted unless a sensor (234) detects a fire re-flash. In some variations, the pneumoacoustic atomizer (108) operates at very low pressures, as is desirable for use in aircraft. |