Item: The GAZEX Avalanche Release System
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Title: The GAZEX Avalanche Release System
Proceedings: 2002 International Snow Science Workshop, Penticton, British Columbia
Authors:
- Eric Lieberman
- Jacob Schippers
- Stephen C. Lieberman
Date: 2002
Abstract: The history ofGAZE:x® starts when Jacob Schippers ofT.A.S. (Technologie d'Alpine de Securite) began research on gas explosives out of a need for an all-weather, remote activated, 24 hour avalanche control method that did not rely on traditional solid explosives. The GAZE:x® system consists of an exploder, located in an avalanche start zone, connected by gas lines to a shelter, located on the ridgeline. The shelter houses oxygen and propane gases that are released to the exploder through electronically controlled valves. The gases collect in the exploder and are ignited by a pressure actuated firing mechanism creating an explosion. The resulting pressure wave fractures the snow mantle initiating an avalanche. The entire process is controlled remotely via a radio control system through a computer using sophisticated monitoring software. The evolution of the GAZEX® system over the past fifteen years has produced a very reliable system of active avalanche control having significant advantages over traditional methods.
Object ID: issw-2002-046-048.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Unknown
Keywords: radio control, explosives, control
Page Number(s): 46-48
Subjects: gazex avalanche release system avalanche control
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