Valve, Primac

Before the third series of tests was made, additional research was required to find or develop an ultra-fast opening valve. This was the only major component that could be replaced to further reduce the response time. Information from Detector Electronics Corporation introduced us to a valve manufactured by Grinnell, called the Primac valve, which seemed to fit the bill. The valve uses a primer detonating device with redundant detonators to blow the valve open. The same electrical signal initiated by the ultraviolet sensor could now be used to actuate the detonators, thus further reducing lost motion. 

Day Zimmermann has installed approximately 90 ultraviolet sensor deluge systems in the Lone Star and Kansas Army Ammunition Plants. The Primac valve is only used in the black powder operation because of its higher cost. All other materials use the system as described in the second series of tests and is considered highly effective. 

Table I Is a brief overview of available fast action deluge. The Primac is a squib actuated deluge valve. The system...

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