Cylinder Piercing Technology

Remtec's CPT decanting system is automated and computer controlled.  Our design requires less decanting stations and less direct labor than other traditional methods.  The sidewall piercing technology permits more effective and repeatable cylinder piercing and increases Halon flow rates.

The Remtec CPT unit is designed to hydraulically pierce and evacuate Halon from various steel and aluminum portable fire extinguisher cylinders.  The unit is fashioned with an independently operating piercing device.  The Halon flows through two filter housings with filter cores that remove excessive moisture, residue and suspended matter.  The pre-programmed proprietary computer program does not require input from the decanting operator.  The machine operator is only required to perform a few simple functions.

The operator places the extinguisher horizontally on a spring-loaded V type bed on the unit.  The safety shield is then moved into a closed position.  The Start button is pressed and the hydraulic clamping device automatically adjusts to accept various sized of portable fire extinguishers.  This achieves a seal between the extinguisher and the unit.  The extinguisher is securely held in position and is impossible for the cylinder to move during the decanting process.

The extinguisher must be positioned and locked into place with the safety shield down before the machine will function.  The computer senses these operations and only when they are competed will the unit begin the piercing and decanting cycle.

The Halon flows through a site glass, which can be observed by the operator.  If the Halon viewed in the sight glass is good, the operator presses the button to signal the computer to proceed with the process.  The computer opens the valve and allows Halon liquid to flow into the receiver tank.  The computer monitors the pressure in the extinguisher waiting for a preset value at which it will then switch to vapor mode and start the Halon pump and the extinguisher rocking mechanism.  The computer will sense a deep vacuum in the extinguisher.  It then stops the pump and monitors the vacuum for several seconds to assure that all Halon liquid/vapor has been recovered.  The process restarts if the computer senses a loss of vacuum.  Otherwise, the process is complete and the computer releases the clamping devices.

The optimum rate of recovery is 4 pounds per minute (1.9 kg/min) using 10 - 15 pound (4.5-7kg) cylinders correctly charged.  A typical production run for one machine based on a three line decanting system if 55 pounds per hour (25 kg/hr).  This takes into consideration the operator functions of weighing the cylinders, input/output of the extinguishers, different size extinguisher units, assorted pressurized containers, breaks, etc.  Although it is not necessary, presorting the extinguisher according to size can speed up the decanting process.

This unit can achieve a minimum of a 99% recovery rate.

Remtec's CPT unit can be used as a stand alone unit in small operations.  Larger operations who wish reclaimed Halon can use the unit in series with Remtec Filter Modules and the Mars 2000.

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