From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Description of the 'Thermov'a automatic petrol shut-off device for fire prevention.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 15\6\ Scan169 | |
| Date | 28th April 1932 guessed | |
| DESCRIPTION OF "THERMOVA" DEVICE. -------------------------- The THERMOVA (Patented in this country) is an automatic device for shutting off the supply of petrol from supply tank to carburettor immediately upon outbreak of fire, and for this purpose is fitted in the petrol feed pipe over and slightly to the rear of the carburettor. In principle it is a valve with an extended head carrying a fusible diaphragm supporting a spring tensioned valve. A fire originating at the carburettor at once acts upon this diaphragm to release the spring valve. The shutting of this valve isolates the carburettor completely from the petrol supply tank, resulting in dwindling of flames and fire. After the THERMOVA has been in operation a new diaphragm can, in less than two minutes, be fitted and set to again release the flow of petrol. By means of the THERMOVA it is possible for the driver to continue on his journey within a few minutes of stopping for a petrol fire. The THERMOVA serves an extremely useful purpose insofar as it prevents any extension of fire beyond the carburettor and confines the flames to this part of the engine only. It is also perfectly clean in operation, and does not leave the engine in a dirty and sticky condition. The THERMOVA is designed for the express purpose of doing what all drivers are expected to do in case of fire, namely, TURN OFF THE PETROL SUPPLY. There is not always time and presence of mind to complete this operation by hand: the THERMOVA, however, does it automatically. ---------------------- | ||