DB-X Dynamic Blast Door Lab Test with Videos

VIDEOS OF PDI'S ACTUAL SHOCK TUBE BLAST TESTS!

Don't  BLINK, they're QUICK!

PDI tested Sonicbar Model DB-X, a swing blast resistant door using SDOF (Single Degree of Freedom) elastic plate design at BakerRisk (Baker Engineering and Risk Consultants) under pressures, durations and impulses common to doors in refineries and petrochemical facilities with very successful results.   

This tested door panel is hollow with a steel plate skin on the blast side and 12ga. face sheet on the protected (stop) side.  The assembly contains one continuous steel hinge with PDI’s Sonicbar single-point latchset geared at reducing operational forces.  The frame is a 12ga. steel frame reinforced with angle stiffeners.   

This door was anchored onto a shock tube test apparatus and subjected through a series of dynamic blast loads in the seating direction with these results: 

    -  PCPITC-4 loading of 4 PSI P_r peak reflected pressure for 80 msec. and given RL-I response rating. 

    -  PCPITC-6 loading of 6 PSI P_r peak reflected pressure for 80 msec. and given RL-I response rating. 

The Response Category of RL-I or Level 1 denotes ‘Undamaged’ where the door, hardware and frame have NO permanent deformation and the door remains fully operable. This door performed so well that it was retested that same day under PCPITC-8 (8 PSI P_r) loading conditions with similar results. 

PDI used the knowledge gained from the actual testing and expanded on the analysis and construction.  The next generation DB-X covers higher blast loads, shorter and longer time durations, and initial force not only in the seating direction, but also unseating (against the hardware).  It is a practical solution due to its’ many benefits to the end-user: 

    -  Thinner and possibly lighter door construction 

    -  Only 1-point /or/ 2-point latchset with reduced operational forces to objectively meet NFPA 101 

    -  Decreased stress loads on the latch bolt(s) and hinge(s) 

    -  Meet Level of Protection (LOP) Response Category I or II per ASCE Standard ASCE/SEI 59-11 Blast Protection of Buildings. 

    -  Very durable and sturdy door construction and hardware 

    -  Available in any configuration 

    -  The ultimate objective always to protect lives and property 

Sample drawings of the DB-X door and variations of it are given on the Blast Resistant Selector Chart under DB-X Mid-range and DB-X High range. 
 

To discuss further, please contact PDI’s Technical Department at 708/225-3539 or sales@protectivedoor.com.