| Description |
It is a 6-metre high conical diffuser manufactured in special galvanised steel with precise dimensions. The explosion chamber is located at the bottom part with two shutters that are normally closed. An electro-valve regulates the amount of gas injected into the cannon. A hermetically sealed high voltage box, with two electrodes that protrude directly into the explosion chamber, produces a 15,000-volt spark that makes the acetylene explode. It is fixed into a block of reinforced concrete and the equipment as a whole is installed inside a ventilated hut. |
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| Principle |
Shockwaves due to explosions (repeated every 7 seconds) multiplicate glaceogenic nuclei leading to a limited size of hailstone which melts before it even touches the ground.
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| Explosive |
Acetylene gas is used as the explosive to create the shockwaves. 8 or 12 bottles are used to operate it. Tubing is made from high-tension steel wire rope, with safety valves and filters. A panel with 2 manometers and a pressure regulator allows the amount of gas injected to be checked and the amount of gas in reserve to be seen.
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| Explosion managament |
The operations of the different cannon functions are controlled from a cabinet by means of double electronic circuits (second one is for emergency). It ensures that all cyclic operations and safeties work correctly. |
| Power management |
Photovolaïc cells poweres the whole equipment. The battery is charged trough a solar charge controller and guarantee all operations even though weather conditions are bad. |
| Remote control |
Our equipment can be started up manually or remote controlled with a VHF radio or GSM.
An automatic start by is also possible with a weather radar.
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| Safety |
Our electronic cabinet stop immadiatly the cannon when a default appear. It's possible to be warned by text messaging. |
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