Internally fitted industrial fire suppression systems
October 2013System Integration & Control Systems Design
Until recently, the traditional method of fire detection and suppression for buildings and rooms was confined to smoke detection and flooding by a fire suppression medium. These mediums were mostly in a gaseous form, usually having disadvantageous effects on equipment and humans, and environmentally undesirable results like ozone depletion.
The introduction of fire extinguishing aerosol generators has expanded the choices of fire suppression mediums through both the sensing and actuation methods. The Pyrogen ranges of fire extinguishing aerosol generators have advantages in general room flooding applications. One of these is the ability to be situated internally in the volume to be protected, ranging from engine compartments in vehicles, aircraft, and marine vessels, to electrical and electronic equipment.
This ability for internal fitment is achieved by the various methods of activation, plus the nature and composition of the post-activation residue. Activation methods include electrical, thermal cord and self-activation:
* Electrical, from a conventional fire alarm panel.
• Thermal cord attached to the aerosol generator, initiated when a pre-set temperature is reached.
• Self-activation in the event of the two previously described methods having failed, due to extraneous reasons.
The post-activation residue has 24 kV insulation properties, enabling immediate re-use of electrical equipment following replacement of the components which created the fire.
These design and construction features enhance the normal ‘failure to safety’ required in fire suppression systems. This autonomous system has no external power supply and is on standby 24/7 for the ten years installed life of the Pyrogen unit – all with zero maintenance.
There is an advantage to fire detection and suppression systems fitted internally to electrical equipment, compared to sub-station flooding by fire suppression media.
Electrical equipment by requirement and construction is to a minimum IP55 protection i.e. gasketed doors, covers and fitments. This inhibits the egress of smoke from the compartment until the fire is of major proportions i.e. before the smoke detectors in the sub-station would activate and initiate the release of the fire suppression medium, gas or aerosol.
When activated, the sub-station is flooded with the suppression medium but it has no means of ingress into the switchgear compartments. The result could be a complete burn out and destruction of the electrical switchgear panel in which the fire started.
With Pyrogen aerosol generators, correctly selected for the volume to be protected, the fire source can be localised to minimise collateral damage.
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...Flexible and precise dispensing technology Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...Five smart machine trends you need to know Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.
printer friendly version