Alloys provide certain heat protection

Citation

(1998), "Alloys provide certain heat protection", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 70 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1998.12770fad.021

Alloys provide certain heat protection

Alloys provide certain heat protection

Keywords Alloys, Heat resistance, MCP

Reliable primary or back-up protection against excess heat and fire can be provided by a range of low-melting-point alloys formulated by Mining and Chemical Products.

Melting at a series of predictable temperature steps between 30ºC and 220ºC, the mostly bismuth-based alloys are used for making thermal fuses. These melt when the local temperatures exceed the alloy ratings and trigger safety circuits or safety mechanisms.

MCP says that alloy fuses provide a simple and economic means of ensuring dependable protection at specific temperatures. They can be cast, machined or cold-formed into a wide variety of protective components, from plugs, caps and screwed nuts to discs, shims and washers. They can also be cast into position. Importantly, once melted, the alloy fuse cannot be "reset", leaving an unmistakable indication that an over-temperature has occurred. Systems already employing thermal fusing of this kind include fire doors and shutters, household gas meters, aircraft galley equipment, fuel and process pipelines and domestic appliances. It is also figures in various safety applications in the petrochemical, oil and gas, offshore and marine sectors.

The manufacturer, which supplies alloys in rod, bar, wire and ingot form to suit the application, offers a free advisory service on designing fuses and selecting alloys for particular protective duties.

Details can be obtained from Mining and Chemical Products Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1256 897200.