ES2368351T3 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SECURING A SPACE AGAINST GAS EXPLOSION HAZARD. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for securing a space against danger of gas explosion, comprising of detecting the composition of the atmosphere in the space and generating a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive, wherein an explosion-inhibiting agent is introduced into the space when the warning signal is generated. The explosion-inhibiting agent, which can bind potentially explosive elements in the atmosphere in the space, can be introduced into the space in the form of an aerosol which can be formed by chemical decomposition of a solid present in or close to the space. Additionally or instead, it is possible to envisage the atmosphere in the space being detonated when the warning signal is generated. The invention further relates to a security device for performing this method.

Description

Method and device to secure a space against the danger of gas explosion.

The invention relates to a method for ensuring a reinforced space against the danger of gas explosion, comprising:

-

detect the composition of the atmosphere of space,

-

generate a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive, and

-

introduce an explosion inhibitor into the space when the warning signal is generated. A similar method is known from EP-A-1 679 419. The present invention relates in particular to the securing of secure ATM compartments, deposit safes and the like, against the danger of a gas explosion.

ATMs or deposit safes are usually built on the facades of banking establishments. Due to the nature of their function, they are easily accessible and therefore difficult to desalvate. Lately, ATMs in particular are being robbed more and more often in so-called gas attacks. Using a gas or mixture of flammable and explosive gases, criminals blow up an entire ATM to unclog it from the wall. For this, a hole is made in the ATM, usually in the immediate vicinity of the dispensing opening where the money comes out. A flammable gas or gas mixture is then blown through this hole using a flexible tube. This gas or mixture of gases is then exploited remotely with a small explosive or only a detonator, after which the security compartment of the ATM is open.

This type of attack causes considerable economic damage. In addition to the loss of the amount of cash present in the security compartment, the damage caused to the building in which the ATM is built is often very important. In addition, there is a considerable risk of personal injury to both thieves themselves and potential bystanders.

Attempts have already been made to avoid this type of attack, for example by installing permanent video surveillance in ATMs, deposit safes and similar facilities provided with a security compartment. However, this only has a limited deterrent effect, because criminals know that the response time of the police or security companies, particularly during the afternoon and evening, is often relatively long.

It has also been proposed to structurally modify the safety compartments to make a gas explosion impossible or to be able to resist such an explosion. In the first case it is possible to think about executing the safety compartment in a relatively "open" way, optionally in combination with a permanent ventilation system, thus preventing the injected gases or gas mixtures from reaching a concentration at some point. explosive However, one realization "open" A security compartment does not match well with the desired security against other forms of theft. In order to withstand the consequences of a gas explosion, a safety compartment has to be built and executed in a completely different way from what has been usual until now. As in the case of the realization "open", it requires considerable and expensive modifications that are often not possible in practice in the case of existing ATMs and deposit safes.

The above-mentioned prior art document EP-A-1 679 419 describes a method and device for securing ATMs against gas attacks. The method involves detecting the introduction of a flammable gas into the ATM by means of one or more gas sensors. When said flammable gas is detected, a counteracting gas is injected into the ATM, for example a fluorohydrocarbon. This counteracting gas reacts with the flammable gas in order to neutralize it before it can be detonated.

Document DE-U-20 2006 004 436 describes an additional device for securing ATMs against gas attacks. This prior art device includes sensors to detect the presence of an explosive medium in the ATM. The sensors are connected to a processor that triggers an alarm and can trigger undisclosed countermeasures.

EP-A-1 073 026 describes a device for securing an ATM against gas attacks by means of a plurality of infrared emitters and a corresponding plurality of infrared sensors. The issuers are activated individually and sequentially, and then the responses of the corresponding sensors are detected and processed to determine if a foreign body has been introduced into the ATM.

The invention now aims to further develop a method of the type described in the preamble so that reinforced spaces, and in particular security compartments, can be secured in this way against the danger of gas explosion resulting from criminal practices. described above, without being necessary for this important and costly modifications. According to the invention, this is achieved in a method in which the atmosphere of the reinforced space is detonated when the warning signal is generated. In this way, when the potentially explosive atmosphere is detonated prematurely, the gas explosion is limited, thanks to which no damage is produced, or almost none.

This detonation can also be combined with the introduction of the explosion inhibiting agent. For example, in this case the explosion inhibiting agent can be introduced first, and then - if criminals continue to inject explosive gases into the reinforced space, by means of which the explosion inhibiting agent could be displaced - explosive gases are detonated before that reach a concentration such that an explosion could have serious consequences.

To reduce the risk of a dangerous situation that would still occur after the introduction of the explosion-inhibiting agent due to a continuous supply of explosive gases, preferably the detonation of the atmosphere of the reinforced space is repeated periodically.

Preferably, the explosion inhibitor agent is introduced into the reinforced space in the form of an aerosol. Thus, the explosion inhibiting agent can fill in a short time all the space that must be secured.

When the aerosol is formed by chemical decomposition of a solid present within or near the space, it is possible that a relatively small amount of solid may suffice, which can be easily installed within or near the space to be secured. Then, the chemical decomposition can be advantageously initiated and maintained there by the warning signal. In this way, aerosol formation can also continue without an external heat supply.

Preferably, the explosion inhibiting agent fixes the potentially explosive elements of the atmosphere of the reinforced space. This prevents them from exploding. Optionally, the explosion inhibiting agent may also have a cooling action, thus reducing the danger of explosion even further.

If the explosion inhibiting agent is introduced into the reinforced space in several doses, with a waiting time between the introduction of one dose and the next, it is possible to prevent the explosion inhibiting agent from being displaced by an explosive mixture. injected later.

To achieve optimum safety against the danger of gas explosion, it is recommended to detect the composition of the atmosphere in different locations within or near the reinforced space.

To be alerted, at an early stage, of the possible injection of an explosive mixture, it is recommended that the integrity of the reinforced space is also monitored, and a warning signal is generated when it is undermined. Thus, a warning can already be generated if a hole is being drilled through which the explosive mixture will be injected.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method described above. From EP-A-1 679 419 a device for securing a reinforced space against the danger of a gas explosion is already known, which is provided with means for detecting the composition of the atmosphere of the reinforced space, means connected to the detecting means for generating a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive and means controllable connected to the warning signal generating means for introducing an explosion inhibiting agent into the reinforced space. The safety device according to the present invention is distinguished from this known device by means controllable connected to the warning signal generating means for the purpose of detonating the atmosphere of the reinforced space. Preferably, these detonation means are periodically active after receiving the warning signal.

The explosion inhibitor introducing means are preferably adapted to introduce an aerosol into the reinforced space, and advantageously comprise for this purpose a solid that is present within or near the space, and which can be converted into an aerosol by chemical decomposition. A structurally simple and effective safety device is obtained when the explosion inhibitor introducing means comprise at least one container that is filled with the solid and comprising an initiator connected to the warning signal generating means.

The explosion inhibitor introducer means preferably comprise a plurality of containers filled with the solid, and the warning signal generating means comprise a delay element for each container. Thus, individual containers can be activated at different time points after the warning signal has been generated, whereby the explosion inhibiting agent is dispensed in several separate doses. In this way it is possible to prevent the initially formed aerosol from being displaced by explosive gas that is then injected.

As already mentioned before, the explosion inhibiting agent is advantageously adapted to fix potentially explosive elements in the atmosphere of the reinforced space.

The detecting means advantageously comprise at least one gas sensor located within or near the reinforced space. Commercially available gas sensors and in many variants are widely available. In addition to high sensitivity, a rapid response time of the gas sensor is particularly important for the present application. On the other hand, in order to achieve optimum safety, it is recommended that the detecting means comprise a plurality of gas sensors located in different locations within or near the reinforced space.

As already mentioned before, the security device can advantageously be provided with connected means for signal generation to the warning signal generating means for the purpose of monitoring the integrity of the reinforced space. These monitoring means may comprise, for example, a perforation detector or a seismic vibration sensor.

The warning signal generating means preferably form part of an electronic control system comprising at least one input connected to the detecting means and at least one output connected to the explosion inhibitor introducing means. In this control system, additional functions of the safety device can be incorporated, for example related to the monitoring of the operation of the device, the useful life of the components used or their maintenance.

The invention will now be illustrated based on an embodiment, in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an ATM during an attempted gas attack,

Figure 2 shows a view of the inside of the ATM in accordance with arrow II of Figure 1,

Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show schematic side views of a container with solid from which an explosion inhibitor aerosol is formed, and

Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a control system with different inputs and outputs.

An ATM 1 (Figure 1) comprises a control panel 3 arranged in an exterior wall 2 of a building and internal parts 5 located in a reinforced space 4 of the building. These internal parts 5 comprise the dispensing machine 6 itself and a security compartment or safe 40 which has several cash boxes 7 inside it.

As indicated above, ATM 1 is exposed to attacks and vandalism as a result of its easily accessible location. The most recent form of attack is the so-called gas attack. In this, a hole 9 is made in the ATM 1 using a drill 8. Through this hole 9 a flammable gas or gas mixture G is then blown using a flexible tube 11 from a gas cylinder 10. Next, this gas or mixture of G gases is exploited remotely using a small explosive

or only one detonator, after which the ATM 1 is de-energized from the wall 2 because of the explosion, or at least the security compartment 40 thereof is open because of the explosion.

To prevent this type of attack, the ATM 1 according to the invention is provided with a security device 12 (Figure 2). This comprises, firstly, means 13 for detecting the composition of the atmosphere of the reinforced space 4, for example in the form of one or more gas sensors (only one shown) arranged in the reinforced space 4 itself or immediately next to the same. Gas sensors 13 can be highly sensitive industrial sensors for use in high-risk environments, as they are known, for example, in the offshore oil industry. To ensure that the response time of these gas sensors 13 is as short as possible, the multiple types of filters that are normally used to prevent false alarms can be removed. In the embodiment shown, the so-called catalytic gas sensors are applied, in which a thermal measurement principle is used.

In addition to sensors that detect the presence of a potentially explosive gaseous mixture, it is also possible to make use of sensors that compare the composition of the atmosphere of the reinforced space 4 with a standard atmosphere, generally air. For example, an oxygen sensor (not shown here) that generates a signal can be used for this purpose when the oxygen concentration in space 4 clearly departs from 21%, which is the value of the normal atmosphere.

In addition, the safety device 12 comprises means 14 connected to the detecting means 13 for the purpose of generating a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive. In the embodiment shown, these warning signal generating means 14 form part of an electronic control system that will be illustrated in greater detail below.

Finally, the safety device 12 comprises means 15 controllably connected to the warning signal generating means 14 in order to introduce an explosion inhibiting agent into the reinforced space 4. In the embodiment shown it is applied as an inhibiting agent of explosion an aerosol A that fixes the potentially explosive elements of the atmosphere of the reinforced space 4. This aerosol must fulfill several requirements. Thus, it must be a means that is not harmful to people or animals, or harmful to the environment, the ozone layer or the materials used in the ATM 1. In addition, to prevent the danger of suffocation, the spray should not suppress the Oxigen.

The explosion inhibitor introducing means 15 comprise at least one container 16 filled with a solid 17 that can be converted to aerosol by chemical decomposition. An initiator 18 that is connected to the warning signal generating means 14 and that initiates and maintains the solid decomposition reaction 17 is placed in this vessel 16 (Figure 3A). Although only a single container 16 is shown here, it will be apparent that a plurality of containers distributed within the reinforced space 4 and around it can be arranged. On one of its sides, the container 16 is provided with a ballasted base 36, and also has a reinforced side wall 37 and a lid 38 that is easily destroyed, thereby allowing the directed release of the aerosol. A chemical cooling agent 39 is disposed in the container 16 between the solid 17 and the lid 38, whereby the heat generated during the decomposition of the solid 17 to form the aerosol is absorbed (Figure 3B). Likewise, said cooling agent 39 decomposes at the site and remains in the container 16 (Figure 3C). In this way the aerosol can leave the container 16 at a relatively low temperature, and the aerosol itself is not a source of detonation for the potentially explosive gas mixture of the reinforced space 4.

Although only a single container 16 is shown in the example, in practice a plurality of containers 16 can be applied that can be arranged in different locations within the reinforced space 4, in the dispensing machine 6, and in the security compartment 40. In this way, current can be applied to the initiators 18 of these vessels at different time points after the first warning signal has been generated, whereby, as it were, a cascade of aerosol discharges is produced.

In addition to the gas sensors 13, the safety device 12 may also be provided with means (not shown) to monitor the integrity of the reinforced space 4. These monitoring means, which are also connected, to generate the signal, to generating means of warning signal 14, may comprise, for example, a perforation detector or a seismic vibration sensor.

The signals from the various sensors and / or detectors are converted by the warning signal generating means 14 into one or more warning or alarm signals. These warning signals not only serve to activate the explosion inhibitor introducing means 15, but can also be used for example to alert a control room or to activate an alarm system.

As indicated, the warning signal generating means 14 are part of an electronic control system 19 (Figure 4), which in the embodiment shown has eight inputs I1-I8 and eight outputs O1-O8. Of the eight inputs I1-I8, four are analog inputs I1-I4 connected to the detecting means 13, more particularly to the gas sensors. In the embodiment shown, these analog inputs I1-I4 have a measuring range of 0 to 5 V. In addition, there are two digital alarm inputs I5, I6 and two digital switching inputs I7, I8, in order to activate and deactivate the safety device 12, for example for maintenance.

The eight outputs O1-O8 are divided into six alarm outputs O1-O6, an error output O7 and a maintenance output O8. Of the six alarm outputs O1-O6, made as an open collector, at least one O1 is connected to the explosion inhibitor introducing means 15. When more than one container 16 is used, it can also be connected to the different containers 16 a plurality of alarm outputs, for example also outputs O5 and O6. The remaining alarm outputs O2-O4 are intended to generate warning signals to other equipment, for example, to an alarm installation at the location of ATM 1 and to an alarm telephone dialer that can transmit the warning signal to a computer room. central control One of the alarm outputs O can also be connected to a detonator located in the reinforced space 4 that detonates the gas mixture already injected before it can reach a dangerous concentration.

Finally, the electronic control system 19 also comprises on the input side two additional RS-232 ports 20, 21, an I2C bus 22, an SPI bus 23, two terminals 24, 25 for programming and / or updating the computer program of the manufacturer and a power outlet 26 of 24 V. On the output side, the electronic control system 19 is also provided with five LED outputs L1-L5 and a buzzer output 27.

The electronic control system 19 comprises different circuits and memories. Thus, there is a circuit 28 for updating the manufacturer's computer program, a self-diagnostic circuit 29, a circuit 30 in which the serial number of the safety device 12, an I2C circuit 31, a programmable and erasable memory of read only (EEPROM) 32, a clock circuit 33, a tracking circuit 34 and an RS-232 communication circuit 35. The I2C circuit 31 is here a bus through which the security device 12 can be connected to other systems, for example to a system by which, in case of an attack, a dye is sprayed on the banknotes of the ATM (the called system " Ink & Dye "). The memory of the electronic control system 19 can also be extended through this bus or a display screen can be connected to the system.

The six alarm inputs I1-I6 can be configured so that they can generate a warning signal at one or more of the six alarm outputs O1-O6. Each of the alarm inputs I1-I6 can be turned off individually.

As mentioned, the gas sensors used are catalytic sensors that perform a thermal measurement. When device 12 is activated, such sensors have a warm-up time of the order of one minute. During this warm-up time the sensor generates a current of approximately 2 mA. The same current is generated in the event that the sensor fails. Under normal conditions of use the sensor generates a measurement value that varies between 4 and 20 mA. A current of 4 mA represents the state of rest and corresponds to a concentration of potentially explosive gas of 0% LEL (Acronym for Lower Explosive Level, the lowest concentration at which the gas can form an explosive mixture). A current of 20 mA corresponds to a concentration of 100% LEL, which means that a concentration has been reached at which a gas explosion is possible. Of course, the security device 12 must act before that value is reached.

As soon as one or more of the gas sensors detect the presence of a potentially explosive gas above an adjustable level, and thus generate a current greater than 4 mA at its associated input I, one or more alarm outputs O are activated. The input signal of the gas sensor can optionally be transmitted here with an adjustable delay, whereby the explosion inhibiting agent 4 can be introduced into the reinforced space, at intervals, from different containers 16. The delay can also serve to introduce first the explosion inhibiting agent, and to start some time later to detonate the injected gas mixture that has been reintroduced before it reaches a dangerous concentration. Therefore, a gas sensor can drive a plurality of alarm outputs O1-O6, each with its own delay.

These outputs O1-O6 can respond in different ways to an alarm. A first option is that the output O is activated when the alarm value is reached on one of the selected inputs I, and is reactivated again when the value at input I drops again below the set alarm value. In this case, a small measure of hysteresis can be applied here, for example of the order of 10%, to avoid oscillations. Another option is that the output O generates an adjustable pulse as soon as the alarm value is reached. The pulse duration of this adjustable pulse can vary between 0 and 9999 seconds. For both the first option and the second one, an adjustable delay of 0 to 9999 seconds can be applied before the output O is effectively activated when an alarm value is reached at input I. Finally, in the case of an alarm Power is also supplied to the L4 LED output.

As soon as the safety device 12 is deactivated via input I8 ("alarm on / off"), all alarm outputs O1-O6 are restarted again and the signal of the LED output L3 is also removed. This also occurs when a door is opened that gives access to space 4. To do this, input I7 is connected to a door contact.

On the other hand, the six alarm outputs O1-O6 are outputs of the type called "monitored". When no load is detected at outputs O1-O6, this results in an error signal at error output O7. In addition, current is then supplied to the LED output L1, whereby an error indicator LED is illuminated, and an acoustic error signal is generated through the buzzer output 27. The error output O7 also generates a signal. error if there is a voltage of 0.75 V or less on one or more of the four analog inputs I1-I4. This error monitoring can be activated and deactivated individually for each input I and output O.

The electronic control 19 is adapted so that the safety device 12 cannot be turned on when one or more sensors have failed or indicate an alarm value. On the other hand, the audible and visible indication of an error by means of the buzzer output 27 and the LED output L1 continue to function when the safety device 12 is not activated, for example when the door has been opened, in order of providing a clear indication to the service technician.

The last output O8 is a maintenance output that switches as soon as an adjustable maintenance interval has elapsed. Then, current is also supplied to the L2 LED output. Each analog input I1-I4 has a maintenance counter that starts counting as soon as a sensor is connected to it, at least when the input voltage Uin becomes greater than 0.75 V. The maintenance counters have a resolution of one day and can count 9999 days. Maintenance output O8 is activated as soon as one

or more of these meters reaches the established maintenance interval. The underlying idea is that a gas sensor has only a certain period of useful life and must be replaced at the right time to ensure the operation of the safety device. The counter values can be read and reset by means of a command through the RS-232 ports 20, 21. On the other hand, the electronic control 19 can be returned in full to the factory set values by means of a jumper. on the printed circuit board.

Thus, in the manner described above and using the safety device described and shown herein, a space can be effectively protected against gas explosions, more particularly a reinforced space in which a space is located. ATM. Although the invention has been described above based on one embodiment, it will be apparent that it is not limited thereto and can be modified in many ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (18)

1.-Method to ensure a reinforced space (4) against the danger of a gas explosion, comprising:

-

detect the composition of the atmosphere of space (4),

-

generate a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive, and

-

introducing an explosion inhibiting agent into the space (4) when the warning signal is generated, characterized in that the atmosphere of the space (4) is triggered when the warning signal is generated.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the detonation of the atmosphere of the space (4) is repeated periodically. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the explosion inhibiting agent is introduced into the space (4) in the form of an aerosol (A). 4. Method according to claim 3, characterized in that the aerosol (A) is formed by chemical decomposition of a solid (17) present within or near the space (4). 5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the chemical decomposition is initiated and maintained by the warning signal. 6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the explosion inhibiting agent fixes potentially explosive elements of the space atmosphere (4). 7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the explosion inhibiting agent is introduced into the space (4) in several doses, with a waiting time between the introduction of one dose and the next. 8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the composition of the atmosphere is detected in different locations within or near the space (4). 9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the integrity of the space (4) is also monitored, and an alarm signal is generated when it is impaired. 10.-Device (12) to ensure a reinforced space (4) against the danger of a gas explosion, comprising:

-

means (13) for detecting the composition of the atmosphere of space (4),

-

means (14) connected to the detecting means (13) to generate a warning signal when the detected composition becomes explosive, and

-

means (15) controllable connected to the warning signal generating means (14) for introducing an explosion inhibiting agent into the space (4),

characterized by controllable means connected to the warning signal generating means (14) for the purpose of detonating the atmosphere of the space (4). 11. Safety device (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that the detonating means are periodically active after receiving the warning signal. 12. Safety device (12) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the explosion inhibitor introducing means (15) are adapted to introduce an aerosol (A) into the space (4). 13. Safety device (12) according to claim 12, characterized in that the explosion inhibitor introducing means (15) comprise a solid (17) that is present within or near the space (4) and that can be converted in an aerosol (A) by chemical decomposition. 14. Safety device (12) according to claim 13, characterized in that the explosion inhibitor introducing means (15) comprise at least one container (16) that is filled with the solid (17) and comprising an initiator (18) connected to the warning signal generating means (15). 15. Safety device (12) according to any of claims 10-14, characterized in that the explosion inhibitor introducing means (15) comprise a plurality of containers (16) filled with the solid (17), and the generating means of warning signal (14) comprise a delay element for each container (16). 16. Safety device (12) according to any of claims 10-15, characterized in that the explosion inhibiting agent is adapted to fix potentially explosive elements in the atmosphere of the space (4). 17. Safety device (12) according to any of claims 10-16, characterized in that the detecting means (13) comprise at least one gas sensor located within or near space (4). 18. Safety device (12) according to claim 17, characterized in that the detecting means (13) comprise a plurality of gas sensors located in different locations within the space (4) or near the 10 same. 19.-Security device (12) according to any of claims 10-18, characterized by means connected for signal generation to the warning signal generating means (14) for the purpose of monitoring the integrity of the space (4) . 15. Security device (12) according to any of claims 10-19, characterized in that the warning signal generating means (14) form part of an electronic control system (19) comprising at least one input (I ) connected to the detector means (13) and at least one output (O) connected to the explosion inhibitor introducer means (15).