ABORT GATE Q & A:
Q: What does high speed mean?
Q: How do I know what the sensor to abort gate distance should be?
Q: Will Imperial Systems, Inc. abort gates work with any spark detection equipment?
Q: Is the Imperial Systems, Inc. abort gate NFPA approved?
Q: Does an abort gate stop or divert and explosion?
Q: Do I need additional support to hold up my abort gate?
Q: Do I need a ladder and a service platform?
Q: Do I have to mount the abort gate horizontally?
Q: Can an abort gate be mounted inside?
Q: Why are some gates so much less expensive than others?
[return to Abort Gate main]
Q: What does high speed mean?
A: Our gate closes in 500 milliseconds (1 second = 1000 milliseconds). NFPA mentions in 654 C.1.2.2, “There is an absolute necessity for a predictable amount of time between the detection of the spark and the actuation of the abort gate”.
The only way to achieve this “high speed” is with our spring assist and our robust “honeycomb” gate design. If you are not using a heavy gate and springs, you do not have a high speed abort gate. [back to top]
Q: How do I know what the sensor to abort gate distance should be?
A: Air velocity feet-per-second divided by 2 (1/2 second) = sensor to abort gate distance in feet.
Case and point: If you are running your return air velocity at 3000 FPM your sensor to abort gate distance would be 25’. With the less expensive gates that does not have the heavy gates and spring assist, the sensor to abort distance is closer to 50’ needed. This can be a real problem due to the fact that most people do not have that much distance. [back to top]
Q: Will Imperial Systems, Inc. abort gates work with any spark detection equipment?
A: Yes. We offer a stand alone inferred sensor to operate our gates. We can also offer the entire spark detection and extinguishment system. [back to top]
Q: Is the Imperial Systems, Inc. abort gate NFPA approved?
A: No. NFPA does not approve abort gates. Our Abort Gates meet and exceed all NFPA guidelines. There are no NFPA approved abort gates on the market. [back to top]
Q: Does an abort gate stop or divert and explosion?
A: No. Abort Gates are designed to abort sparks, fire and/or contaminated air caused by a broken bag or other system malfunction. High speed abort gates are not fast enough to stop an explosion. [back to top]
Q: Do I need additional support to hold up my abort gate?
A: In most cases you will need a dedicated support due to the weight of an abort gate. [back to top]
Q: Do I need a ladder and a service platform?
A: It is not totally necessary, but NFPA suggest that you need to regularly inspect and service your gate. [back to top]
Q: Do I have to mount the abort gate horizontally?
A: Yes. The gate is gravity operated with spring assist. [back to top]
Q: Can an abort gate be mounted inside?
A: Yes. It is important to check with your local building codes regarding venting a potential fire through the duct. They may have requirement of material thickness, gaskets, etc. The most important thing to be aware of is making sure that you are venting into a safe direction. [back to top]
Q: Why are some gates so much less expensive than others?
A: There are a couple of companies making abort gates that are built extremely light. Without all of the spring assist, electromagnetic actuators, hollow honey comb blade and other features, they can be made for much less. We feel that our gates are the strongest, heaviest and most reliable on the market. When an 800 lb blade is slammed shut in less than a ½ of a second, it is important that the gate be built heavy. Our gates are constructed of ¼” & 3/8” plate with a 2-7/8” shaft. [back to top] | 
