Emergency Breach Sealant, also called Breach Foam, Breach Sealant, or Breach Sealant Foam, widely known under brand names such as QuikSeal, GuardFoam, or Rheleng, is a technology for preventing atmosphere loss in space-based pressure vessels.
Principle
The primary operating component of emergency breach sealing systems typically is a rapidly hardening high-viscosity shear-thickening two-component foam. The two unmixed components are inserted as thin layers into the hull of the pressure vessels, with a thin membrane separating them to prevent premature reaction. If a breach occurs, the separating membrane is broken and the components mix, leading to the formation of the foam. The high viscosity and shear-thickening properties prevent the foam from being immediately ejected by the pressure differential while it hardens to temporarily re-seal the breach.
Usage
UDSA regulations require all space vessels to include emergency atmosphere loss prevention measures. Breach sealant foam is typically the primary measure in this regard as it is cheaper and easier to integrate over large areas than other solutions such as motorized or pneumatic emergency bulkheads, as well as being lighter and less bulky.
The main disadvantage is the single-use nature of the technology, potentially requiring replacement of significant parts of the hull of a damaged vessel to restore functionality after even a minor puncture.
In less well maintained vessels using Breach Foam, the temporary sealed area is sometimes left as is, despite the high risk of causing further leaks and deterioration of the foam causing slow depressurization. In some parts of the
Tubes, areas where significant amounts of foam are visible in the aftermath of an armed conflict are called
Foam Corners and are commonly seen as a sign of dangerous high crime rate areas to be avoided.
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