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UNIQUE ASPECTS OF BLASTWRAP®
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Impulse Reduction
BlastWrap® substantially reduces impulse (momentum transfer), a very important feat not possible through conventional blast barrier structures. Impulse is the mechanism, which most often destroys or damages buildings, parked aircraft, vehicles subjected to mine blast, and revetments. Impulse is the product of pressure and time; BlastWrap® technologies reduce positive pressure-time duration profiles.
Sympathetic Detonation Protection
Sympathetic Detonation results when one detonating unit or energetic material initiates the next, and so on, in a chain like reaction. Sympathetic detonation is the product of an internal high pressure event being initiated in a store of material. This high pressure event can be caused by the impinging of a shock wave or by the impact of a primary or secondary fragment from detonating adjacent munitions. Using BlastWrap® will prevent initiation of a single unit so that one unit will not set off a chain-like reaction among the other units packaged therewith. BlastWrap® prevents mass detonations and chain reaction explosions, or "fratricide", and prevents small blast events from creating widespread damage through secondary blast and fire events. This is essential for applications in magazines, aboard naval vessels, for shipping and assembling munitions, and on airfields. BlastWrap® uniquely avoids contributing secondary fragments that can propagate explosives, which is a serious problem for steel and concrete structures.
Passive Blast Effect Mitigation
BGT technology is a passive mitigation system that can be used in both confined and unconfined spaces. BlastWrap® does not require sensors, anticipation of a blast event, or the availability of power. This technology uniquely mitigates against solid explosive detonation effects, unlike Halon agent systems (new ones of which are now banned under the Montreal Protocols).
Rapid Cooling
BlastWrap® quenches blast environments. This can prevent the ignition of spilled fuels and other combustible materials that would otherwise occur due to the intense heat release of explosions. The cooling ability also helps dramatically reduce quasi-static pressure in confined spaces, which is generally the most destructive mechanism in these events.
Light Weight
The low density of BlastWrap® makes practical application possible in a wide range of environments otherwise prohibited for heavy structures. These include shipboard and aircraft applications, and aboard offshore facilities. Its light weight also provides substantial economies throughout the manufacturing and service phases; since no heavy equipment is required for handling (one person can easily pick up BlastWrap® packages).
Environmental Tolerance & Durability
BlastWrap® products are tolerant of almost all industrial, maritime, and tropical conditions. BlastWrap® is unaffected by temperature extremes, and is readily made fire-tolerant up to H120 ratings. We can also add effective new fire retardant materials where needed to withstand intense slow cook-off/pool fire and/or jet flame impingement conditions.
Corrosion Resistance
Most standard BlastWrap® products avoid the use of any metallic components.
Damage Tolerance & Ease of Repair
BlastWrap® products function even when extensively damaged. Holes, tears, and partial crushing causes only minor performance degradation. Unless extensively damaged, BlastWrap® functions in multiple blast scenarios. BlastWrap® can be readily patched in the field.
Versatility, Compatibility, & Adaptability
BlastWrap® is a flexible product that can be adapted or purpose-built for almost any blast application. BlastWrap® can be customized…cell length, width and depth, geometry, spacing, rigidity, cell pressure and overall package durability. BlastWrap® is appropriately sized and built for the specific service environment.
Fast and Slow Cook-Off Protection
Fast Cook Off concerns the initiation of a unit of ammunition or other energetic store in the event of a flash fire such as a fuel fire. Packaging munitions or other such explosives with BlastWrap® will prevent the ammunition or other energetic material from reaching an auto-ignition temperature. Slow Cook Off refers to the initiation of a unit of ammunition or other energetic material in the event of a slower but more sustained thermal event. The insulating material of BlastWrap® is a good thermal insulator, so packaging munitions or other energetic material according to the present invention will prevent the ammunition or other energetic material from reaching an auto-ignition temperature.
Ballistic Impact Protection
Ballistic Impact refers to initiating a unit of ammunition or other energetic material in the event of an impact by a ballistic threat such as a bullet or other high velocity projectile. Packaging munitions or other energetic material with BlastWrap® prevents the ammunition or other energetic material from reacting in an energetic fashion.
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