CUSTOMER DESCRIPTION

Within the growing development of port and ship to shore processing; Autonomous Guided Vehicles or AGV’s are used to assist the unloading of ships at port. They use sophisticated software and radar collision systems, both work hand in hand to deliver the vehicle to the side of the dock while the ship to shore cranes lowers the containers onto the deck of the AGV. The AGV is like a shuttle car and will then take the container to the correct sorting area. The major benefit to the AGV’s is that it removes the human presence underneath lowering containers. For ports; the other major benefit is the system has a guidance program built-in so in the event of heavy fog of severe weather the AGV’s can still operate with efficiency.  This provides great turnaround time for the ships on the docks and can allow for quicker unloading times. AGV’s are being introduced increasingly in the busiest ports in the world to increase the productivity. 

RISK BACKGROUND

The fire risked identified in this application was potential electrical faults. Electrical faults can be caused by aging wiring connections, exposed wires, heat build-up and debris. The AGV’s run a complex battery system which is coupled to a full electric drive and operating system. The battery compartments are compact and have a high need for fire suppression.  Due to these vehicles not having an operator they will not stop unless a fault is diagnosed alerting the control room and remote operators. If an AGV was to catch fire it could close that area of the dock and lead to damage of the goods being transported.  This risk is heightened by the possibility that the goods being transported are a flammable fuel source which would then lead to a major incident.

WHAT WE DID

The AGV’s have been equipped with the BlazeCut T800ES, a customer made solution for the application.  The assessment was done on required volume and amount of useable space that is available on the AGV. The BlazeCut ‘T’ Series system contains the highly effective HFC-227ea fire suppression agent and was installed above the high-risk area, this allowed the self-contained automatic fire suppression system to effectively cover the risk area within the AGV and improve the upon the risk reduction. The T series fire suppression system was clipped to ensure the batteries could be still inspected and not interfere with regular maintenance programs. The installation required no heavy clamps or mounting brackets which is ideal for simplicity and monitoring.  The T Series product that was installed has a maintenance free life and is expected to remain in service for up to 10 years.

FINAL RESULTS

BlazeCut T Series fire suppression system installed into the AGV’s to provide protection in remote environment by acting quickly and automatically. With no complex fixtures or pressurized cylinders, it is easy to install and compact within the AGV. This has resulted in reducing the risk and potential damage in the event of a fire. The system is completely installed within the vehicle with a pressure inspection point located near an easy access point. Now installed the system will offer 24 hour protection 7 days a week with an expected working life of 10 years.

Risk background

Electrical switchboards are widespread in many industrial applications, home installations, mobile and other cases. They can pose as high risk of fire due to poor installation, under-sized cabling, material aging, damage or other factors. As electrical switchboards are mainly in operation 24/7 and in many cases in places with no human presence as is also this example in a highway tunnel. It is of high importance to protect these by uninterrupted protection and power independent extinguishing systems.

What we did

In this case we installed BlazeCut systems protecting several electrical enclosures. BlazeCut C Series ILP systems with a solenoid and pressure switch were fitted. Depending on the protected volume, the designed systems for total flooding were 2.5 kg and 5 kg of the FK-5-1-12 suppression agent. Combination of braided hoses and steel tubes were used for agent distribution. Installed detection is in form of smoke detectors in every enclosure. As part of the system fire panels were installed for remote monitoring.

Risk background

Commercial kitchens, whether within a cafeteria, restaurant or a hotel, include many fire hazards from the natural environment of open flames, multiple heat producing appliances, use of flammable oils and greases. Neglected cleaning, crowded spaces, high paced service and other, increase the probability of a fire event. Understanding these hazards and how you can minimize the risk can help prevent property damage, business downtime, and more importantly, injury or loss of life. Therefore, an uninterrupted and power independent extinguishing systems are highly recommended.

What we did

Commercial kitchens are rooms where usually there is not much free spaces to work with. Because of electrical appliances scattered around, cupboards, piping and so on, the installation of suppression system can be challenging. Thorough preparation of the initial design is a must. Fitted was BlazeCut C Series ILP system for commercial kitchens consisting of multiple cylinder connected in series. For pneumatic connection of cylinders and fire detection, heat sensitive BlazeTube was fitted to cover all the kitchen appliances, hoods and ducts. Distribution of the foam extinguishing agent is provided by stainless steel tubes and braided hoses. Several kitchen specific nozzles with 40° and 15° dispersal patterns take care of coverage of the potential fire hazards in the location. For emergency initiation of the extinguishing system, a remote pneumatic actuator and beacon/buzzer combo were installed on an easily accessible place near the exit from the kitchen.

Risk background

Fire can be a serious risk in dust collectors because it can occur unexpectedly. Hight air flow and scattered small particles of dust are prone to combustion and even explosion when exposed to just one spark. It can cause not only equipment damage, but also may result in personnel injury. So as a great solution for ensuring protection, an uninterrupted and power independent extinguishing systems are recommended.

What we did

Industrial filtration units and dust collectors were located inside and outside the production facility. BlazeCut C Series ILP systems with a solenoid and pressure switch were fitted. For the distribution of FK-5-1-12 extinguishing agent a rigid tubes were used. To ensure short path for the extinguishing agent, the cylinder was placed near the top of the dust collector. For fire detection a heat probe or BlazeWire were used. Where required, a stainless-steel wire was mounted, to support the BlazeWire so it could be placed in a desired distance from the potential fire hazard. Outside, a plastic box was installed to increase protection of the cylinder and its components from weather conditions and tampering. For easy access and monitoring, remote electric actuator, fire panel and beacon/buzzer combo were installed inside the production facility. Depending on agent amount, different number of nozzles with 360° dispersal patterns provide coverage for the whole enclosure.

Risk background

A wide variety of machine tools (CNC, EPD) operate using oil-based metalworking fluids, lubricants and coolants. These fluids are flammable and can have ignition point lower than 200°C, while their fumes pose as an even greater threat of fire or outbreak within the enclosure during machining process. During optimal machining operation the heat generated should be within a safe range, a mistake in programming, damaged or blunt tool, or other mechanical failure can quickly turn into hazardous situation. Even a single spark can turn the moment into a major disaster. It is of high importance to protect these by uninterrupted protection and power independent extinguishing systems.

What we did

In this case we installed BlazeCut systems in a production facility with several machining centres. BlazeCut C Series ILP systems with dual BlazeTube outlet fitting were selected as best option for heat detection and installation of pneumatic actuator. The designed systems for total flooding were 2.5 kg of the FK-5-1-12 suppression agent. Installed detection was in form of BlazeTube covered by protective spiral. Considering frequent irregular vibrations in the facility during operation, heavy duty cylinder brackets were installed. The customer also opted to have a switch for activating a flap to close the ventilation duct, and a sounder/beacon combo signalling unit.

Our Customer

The Israel Police works to provide personal and social security for all citizens. Its main activities are crime prevention, law enforcement, identifying those suspected of committing crimes, bringing the guilty to justice, assisting victims of crime, and maintaining public order. The Israel police have a range of buses that they use to move people to training facilities and depots. The buses are an important part of the process and their integrity and safety are regarded as high for the police force.

What we did

BlazeCut installed a 6kg ILP system on the bus with a powder agent. The powder has a fast knock down as it covers the engine components and reduces the amount of oxygen in the air. 6 Nozzles were installed and directed at the high-risk areas of the engine and designed to give excellent coverage of the other components to reduce the likelihood of any migration to other areas and fuel sources under the hood. In this installation we installed an Alarm Panel on the dash; this is a critical piece in the system as the Alarm Panel has an activation switch which allows the driver to initiate the system if a passing motorist alerts them. The system also runs the BlazeTube as an automatic detection system. This provides the passengers with the peace of mind that there are 2 types of activation for the fire suppression system.