System Integration & Control Systems Design


Rockwell Automation’s high-­pressure mist fire suppression

November 2014 System Integration & Control Systems Design

The Rockwell Automation installations of automation instrumentation for controlling conveyor belt speed and sequencing can include a fire suppression system in the form of a Fogtec high-pressure water mist solution, designed to suppress underground fires caused by conveyor belt friction.

The system discharges a fine mist at 100 bar through directionally oriented nozzles installed on the conveyor belt structure. These nozzles are typically installed on the head and tail pulleys and idlers, where belt friction produced by a jammed pulley creates the most likely source of combustion. Sensor arrays, including smoke and temperature monitors, are rigged as process inputs to Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley PLC modules that trigger the mist system and halt the conveyor upon detection of any environmental abnormality.

A high-pressure mist system provides numerous advantages over traditional sprinkler systems and gas alternatives in an underground mine environment. A water-based system is favourable in an underground setting, because it poses no inhalation danger to mine workers. With high-pressure water mist utilising about one tenth of the water requirements of conventional sprinklers (about 10 litres per minute versus 100 litres per minute), it eliminates the possibility of an underground flood caused by fire suppression, and places less demands on a mines’ sump pump networks. The fine mist also provides a superior ability to absorb heat from flames, lowering ambient air temperatures and providing air rinsing potential.

The system consists of stainless steel piping, Fogtec mist nozzles and automation instrumentation, a high-pressure water pump and a water storage tank with built-in straining and filtration facilities for the removal of suspended solids. The tank is designed to spray, in the event of interrupted replenishing, for at least five minutes.

The level of the water tank, as well as the pressure and flow of the pipe circuit, is also monitored by the PLC, which executes daily flushing maintenance to ensure dust does not collect on the nozzle perforations.

In South Africa, the main application of Fogtec is in fire suppression in underground conveyor installations, while in Europe, safety legislation dictates that such technology is utilised as fire suppression in transportation tunnels, which comprises Fogtec’s primary application in that region.

For more information contact JH Slabbert, Rockwell Automation, +27 (0)11 998 1000, [email protected], www.rockwellautomation.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Control system upgrade: Smelting
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management recently completed a major control system upgrade in the smelting industry. The project was delivered on budget and achieved a positive ROI for the client.

Read more...
Gottwald drives upgrade: Ports and harbours
Abacus Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
In the ports and harbours sector, Abacus Automation completed a significant modernisation of a Gottwald crane, improving both operational reliability and serviceability.

Read more...
Mining industry upgrade: From ageing systems to maximum capacity
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Iritron recently undertook a major upgrade in the mining sector, focusing on washing and screening plants, jigs, thickeners, tailings, water systems, conveyors and reclaimers.

Read more...
Agogo Integrated West Hub Project: FPSO/subsea offshore Angola
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Agogo Integrated West Hub project represents a historic milestone in the FPSO and subsea industry, achieving first oil offshore of Angola. This project is the first FPSO deployment since ANPG’s establishment in 2019, and the first major project for Azule Energy since 2022.

Read more...
Enabling a sustainable organisation
Rockwell Automation IT in Manufacturing
This article explains the top sustainability trends and key actions that you can leverage to become a more sustainable organisation.

Read more...
Speeding up warehouse automation
Rockwell Automation Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
Bastian Solutions designs and delivers world-class material handling systems. The company was engaged by a high-end global fashion brand to implement a new warehouse system. Bastian used Rockwell Automation Emulate3D digital twin software to test the system before it was installed and went live.

Read more...
Digital transformation from the edge
DirectLogic Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
Edge-enabled PLCs are an accessible and affordable way for most users to collect and create value from use field-sourced data.

Read more...
Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Oilpower System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year

Read more...
Control system for deep antenna
Rockwell Automation Motion Control & Drives
When a major university in South Korea set out to build a 21-metre deep space antenna, the researchers needed a control system that could track celestial objects with pinpoint accuracy, a level of precision they thought was out of reach. By partnering with Rockwell Automation, they discovered that the right technology and support could turn their vision into reality.

Read more...
Metal plant automation upgrade
ABB South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved