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TiNi™ Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator

Release Deployables Remotely in Hostile Environments

The EBAD TiNi™ Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator uses a polyurethane outer jacket and sealed cable such that they may be used directly in sea water and at very high pressure. As in space applications, the Frangibolt® Actuator offers a uniquely simple and effective means to release deployables remotely in hostile environments. Standard size Actuators are available for bolts up to ½” which can support and release loads in excess of 10,000 lbf.


NEA (Non-Explosive Actuators)– As with all the EBAD TiNi™ products, the Frangibolt® is non-pyrotechnic and field reset-able with a minimum qualified life of 60 cycles.

Rated to High Pressure – The Frangibolt® Actuator includes no “open internal volumes” that may be susceptible to external pressure. Furthermore, the TiNi™ cylinder, Polyurethane jacket, and SubConn Cable are insensitive to the harsh sea and subsea environment.

Easy to Reset & Simple to Use – The actuator is reset by the customer in a matter of seconds (i.e. no need to ship back to EBAD). This enables numerous system level testing to be performed prior to flight usage to ensure maximum reliability.

Redundant – Each Frangibolt® incorporates a redundant heater which is capable of independently functioning the actuator.

Safe to Use and Operate – The Frangibolt® does not pose any safety concerns to personnel, is low shock, and insensitive to ESD (Electro-Static Discharge).

Cost Efficient – Due to its relative simplicity, EBAD is able to provide the Frangibolt® at a significantly lower price than comparable devices.

Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator Options

(Please use the tabs below to see different product options)

The FB2U size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied #8 size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 1,400 lbf (6,227 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 500 lbf (2,224 N) of preload. As with all EBAD products, key attributes include:

Features:

    • Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
    • Redundant Firing Circuit,
    • Maximum Reliability Thru
      • Design Simplicity
      • Pedigree, and
      • Testability

* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.


FB2U Details
Mass 4.23 oz (120 g)
Power 25 W @ 28 VDC
Operational Voltage 22-34 VDC
Current Draw 0.9 A @ 28 VDC
Resistance 31 ± 3.0Ω
Max Load Support and Release 500 lbf [2,224 N]
Function Time 32 sec @ 28 VDC (23 degrees C) TYPICAL
Operational Pressure 10,000 PSI to Full Ocean Depth
Life 60 Cycles min
Operational Temp -4 degrees C to +60 degrees C
Bolt Tensile Strength 1,400 lbf [6,227 N] Typical

Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

The FB3U size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied #10 size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 2,400 lbf (10,676 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 1,400 lbf (6,227 N) of preload. As with all EBAD products, key attributes include:

Features:

    • Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
    • Redundant Firing Circuit,
    • Maximum Reliability Thru
      • Design Simplicity
      • Pedigree, and
      • Testability

* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.


Function Time at Various Temperatures

Nominal values for reference only.


FB3U Details

Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

The FB4U size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 1/4” size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 5,000 lbf (22,241 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 2,500 lbf (11,120 N) of preload. As with all EBAD products, key attributes include:

Features:

    • Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
    • Redundant Firing Circuit,
    • Maximum Reliability Thru
      • Design Simplicity
      • Pedigree, and
      • Testability

* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.


Function Time at Various Temperatures

Nominal values for reference only.


FB4U Details

Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

The FB6U size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 3/8” size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 10,000 lbf (44,482 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 6,000 lbf (26,689 N) of preload. As with all EBAD products, key attributes include:

Features:

    • Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
    • Redundant Firing Circuit,
    • Maximum Reliability Thru
      • Design Simplicity
      • Pedigree, and
      • Testability

* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.


Function Time at Various Temperatures

Nominal values for reference only.


FB6U Details

Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

The FB8U size Frangibolt® Actuator is designed to operate with an EBAD supplied 1/2z” size Titanium Fastener (see below). These have a nominal tensile strength of 15,000 lbf (66,723 N) and are recommended for use in bolted joints which require up to 7000 lbf (33,137 N) of preload. As with all EBAD products, key attributes include:

Features:

    • Non Pyrotechnic and Field Reset-able
    • Redundant Firing Circuit,
    • Maximum Reliability Thru
      • Design Simplicity
      • Pedigree, and
      • Testability

* EBAD must provide the specially notched Titanium fastener. This is largely application dependent and is readily manufactured to customer specification.


FB8U Details

Specification subject to revision. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator Accessories

(Please click the “+” below to learn more about product accessories)

All EBAD Frangibolt® Actuators are rated to have a minimum life of 60 cycles. For continued testing and preparation for installation, EBAD provides a range of Frangibolt® Actuator reset tools as shown. These are made up of a high quality hydraulic pump, cylinder and pressure gage designed to generate the force and stroke required to compress the actuator.

Compression of the Frangibolt® Actuator is a simple 3 step process: First, install the unit in the fixture as shown. Second, pump the handle until the prescribed pressure is reached. Third, release the pressure via the bleed screw and remove the actuator. The whole process may be carried out in less than 30 seconds. Furthermore, the size and weight of the Frangibolt® Actuator Compression Fixture make it fully portable allowing easy transport.

Reset Tool Details for EBAD TiNi™ Frangibolt® Actuator Options
Frangibolt® Re-Loading Procedure
Frangibolt® Models FBT-CT2 (psi) FBT-CT3 (psi) FBT-CT4 (psi) Applied Load (lbf) Tolerance (lbf)
FB2 & FC2 1,500 ± 100 NA NA 3,400 ± 200
FB3 & FC3 2,500 ± 100 NA NA 5,600 ± 200
FB4 & FC4 4,500 ± 100 NA NA 10,000 ± 500
FB6 & FC6 NA 4,700 ± 200 NA 21,000 ± 900
FB8 & FC8 NA NA 4,700 ± 400 29,000 ± 1,300

All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

The Fasteners used in the Frangibolt® Actuator release system are an integral part of the mechanism. For all Frangibolt® Actuator sizes, a significant amount of testing was performed to derive the optimum material, notch profile and notch diameter. These features must remain constant for all applications. As per our ICD’s

  • Customers may also submit there own drawings for EBAD approval.

    EBAD Fasteners are manufactured per strict tolerances and procedures involving both individual and lot-level testing and inspection.

    The picture below illustrates some of the more common Fastener configurations that have been successfully used. Each suits a different type of Frangibolt® Actuator joint design and lends enormous versatility to this unique product. For custom fasteners additional charges apply.

    *Fasteners are made from 6AL-4V Titanium per AMS 4965 with a minimum tensile strength of 160 Ksi (1104 MPa) Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

    Fasteners Examples

 

TiNi™ Frangibolt® Actuator | F19155 Configuration Validator


The Fasteners used in the Frangibolt® Actuator release system are an integral part of the mechanism. For all Frangibolt® Actuator sizes, a significant amount of testing was performed to derive the optimum material, notch profile and notch diameter. These features must remain constant for all applications. The customer typically specifies the Fastener type, grip and thread length as well as the notch location. EBAD Fasteners are manufactured per strict tolerances and procedures involving both individual and lot-level testing and inspection.

The picture below illustrates some of the more common Fastener configurations that have been successfully used. Each suits a different type of Frangibolt® Actuator joint design and lends enormous versatility to this unique product.

Product Details
Titanium
Washer
Size
Max
Bolt
Dia.
O.D.
O.D. Tol.
I.D.
I.D. Tol.
Chamfer
Chamfer Tol.
Thick.
Thick. Tol.
Color
Part #
#10
0.190″
Ø0.500″
± 0.005″
Ø0.195″
+0.005″
/
-0.000″
0.015″
+0.005″
/
-0.000″
0.050″
± 0.005″
Dark Blue
WI-3768-T3
1/4″
0.125″
Ø0.650″
± 0.005″
Ø0.258″
+0.005″
/
-0.000″
0.020″
+0.005″
/
-0.000″
0.063″
± 0.005″
Green
/
Gold
WI-3768-T4
3/8″
0.375″
Ø0.950″
± 0.005″
Ø0.381″
+0.005″
/
-0.000″
0.025″
+0.005″
/
-0.005″
0.080″
± 0.005″
Mag.
WI-3768-T4

All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).


The Fasteners used in the Frangibolt® Actuator release system are an integral part of the mechanism. For all Frangibolt® Actuator sizes, a significant amount of testing was performed to derive the optimum material, notch profile and notch diameter. These features must remain constant for all applications. The customer typically specifies the Fastener type, grip and thread length as well as the notch location. EBAD Fasteners are manufactured per strict tolerances and procedures involving both individual and lot-level testing and inspection.

The picture above illustrates some of the more common Fastener configurations that have been successfully used. Each suits a different type of Frangibolt® Actuator joint design and lends enormous versatility to this unique product.

Product Details
Model Thread Size Target Preload (lbf) Torque*
FB3U 10-32 700 20 in-lb
FB4U 1/4-28 1,500 65 in-lb
FB6U 3/8-24 4,000 200 in-lb

*Torque specification is recommended value above running.
Note: All values are approximate and for reference only. Contact EBAD for detailed ICD (Interface Control Drawing).

Material 6 AI-4V Titanium
Switch Time < 5 milliseconds
Life 50 Cycles
Operating Temp -4 degrees C to +60 degrees C
Rated Pressure 25 psi
Voltage Capability Up to 50 VDC
Current Capability Up to 6 Amps
Resistance Closed < 0.3 Ohms
Resistance Open > 10 M Ohms

The Subsea Switch Washers are designed to be used in direct seawater applications  and are qualified to operating pressure of 25 PSI.  The switch washer body has been sealed to prevent water intrusion and the cable and connector over molded to a greater degree to ensure resilience to salt water.  The Switch Washer is a combination Switch and Washer developed as a simple means of determining when the Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator has functioned. It comprises of a top and bottom bearing surface, internally mounted belleville spring, and a pair of mating electrical contacts. The belleville spring is preloaded to generate more than 20 lbs of force to keep the top and bottom surfaces separated thereby firmly biasing the switch to the Open position. However, once installed on a bolted joint and tightened to the prescribed torque, the top and bottom surfaces are brought together closing the switch contacts and preloading the Frangibolt® Actuator joint assembly. The switch contacts remain closed until the Subsea Frangibolt® Actuator releases the tension by breaking the bolt during actuation. At this time, the belleville spring once again returns the Switch back to the Open position within a fraction of a second.

The Switch-Washer may be used in one of two ways: It can be wired in series with the Subsea Frangibolt actuator to act as an automatic shut-off switch, or it can be wired as part of a separate circuit to serve as a feedback loop to a controller.

For pricing, or more information on how to order:

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