Fire suppression systems for atria and flame detection in challenging environments are some of the fire safety technologies surveyed by Ron Alalouff
In the area of fire control panels, Advanced has introduced enhancements to its MxPro 5 and Axis EN range of panels which are designed to improve performance and versatility. The enhanced panels deliver eight times the processing power of the previous models, providing faster response times and improved system reliability. The upgrade delivers faster power-up, significantly reduced configuration transfer times, and support for more complex cause-and-effect programming. The panels also feature an upgraded power supply unit for easier replacement, improved support for third party equipment and extended battery life.
In addition to these hardware upgrades, the panels now work with a new tool – ConfigTool (PC-Net-022). This is designed to provide easier navigation and up to ten times faster configuration transfer times, now typically less than 30 seconds. The new panels are fully backward compatible with existing models to ensure easy and cost-effective upgrades to existing systems, and are FM-approved to EN 54 Parts 2 and 4.
The Cygnus ALERT notification and monitoring platform is a cloud-based solution where integrators and site managers can receive event, fault, and mesh information in real-time. The subscription-based portal is accessed through a 2G and 4G cellular hardware module, with notifications and user management provided via a Windows browser or Android app.
The ALERT module can be fitted into Cygnus’s SmartNet control panel during installation or retrofitted into existing installations. Each panel allows for one module to be installed, but the cloud portal can view and notify on multiple sites. In addition to event, fault, and mesh information, it can also display system information once a fault is detected, such a battery status faults, mesh status, and fault history.
Continuing with the theme of control panels, the Sharrcem cement production facility in Kosovo has been fitted with 12 Sigma ZXT units from Kentec Electronics. The vast complex produces and distributes cement using fly ash and other combustible materials and has an annual capacity of more than 600,000 tons. The panels manage a targeted extinguishing release system, which is installed to include areas with highly combustible materials and high temperatures.
The system can be configured to release the extinguishant on an alarm from any single zone or combination of zones, with a main/reserve configuration option. To limit access to those who need it, the units come with four configurable user passwords that allow the team to see who has accessed a panel and any changes they have implemented.
Wireless detection among shifting sands
Hochiki Europe’s Ekho hybrid wireless fire detection system has recently been installed at a luxurious desert retreat in Qatar. The Outpost Al Barari is a sprawling site surrounded by towering sand dunes and the Inland Sea nature reserve. The topography of the surrounding area is subject to significant change due to shifting sand dunes, potentially affecting the layout of the resort, which uses temporary structures to minimise its impact on the surrounding natural environment.
Fire Cloud Qatar recommended the Ekho hybrid wireless system because of its advanced wireless technology, flexibility, reliability, and ease of installation. Key features include a self-configuring mesh network, which enables seamless communication between the fire control panel and wireless field devices. This allows for easy expansion and reconfiguration to match the outpost’s complex and changing layout.
The Spyglass SG50-F series of flame detectors from Teledyne Gas and Flame Detection features updated optics and algorithms. The flame detectors are equipped with HD video, which is effective in detecting fires involving fuels such as gasoline and jet fuel, while the near infra-red capability can detect fires caused by other fuels, such as hydrogen and methanol. The on-board video also enables remote confirmation of fires and provides valuable information on fire progression and potential suppression responses.
The detector works by analysing the absorption of radiation caused by gases in the atmosphere and comparing it to background atmospheric absorption. The IR3 (triple infrared) version is designed to detect hydrocarbons, making it suitable for applications such as refineries, oil and gas platforms, FPSO (floating production storage and offloading) systems, petrochemical plants, marine facilities, compressor stations, and turbine enclosures. There is also an IR3-H2 option for hydrogen and energy transition applications. The UV-IR version is suitable for battery rooms, as well as ammonia and metal-based applications.
Flame detectors feature at a helicopter repair facility in Poland. Talentum detectors from FFE are part of a foam extinguishing system at Heli-One’s facility in Rzeszow. Installed in the main hangar, the detectors are designed to instantly detect any type of flame, not just hydrocarbon flames. By using infrared sensing technology, flames can be rapidly detected, and the detectors are said to be immune to any dust, steam, or smoke present. With the addition of an ultraviolet sensor, the detectors becomes immune to false signals such as sunlight. The detectors work by optical sensors receiving IR and/or UV radiation emitted by flames. A processor analyses the optical sensor signal waveforms and determines if they represent flames or false alarm sources.
Fire curtains for open-plan buildings
The FireMaster Concertina Closed with Smoke Control from Coopers Fire now has the optional added benefit of compliance with BS EN 1634-3 (fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies etc) and certification to BS 8524-1 (active fire curtain barrier assemblies). It can be used in a variety of applications in different building types, removing the requirement for columns or corner posts and ceiling interfaces, allowing for open plan designs. The Concertina can be configured in most closed shapes – such as a square, circle or trapezoid – in unlimited spans, and can be designed to suit an array of sizes to suit complex building designs. The fire curtain barrier has also been tested for fire resistance to the requirements of BS EN 1634-1:2014 for fire resistance.
Also suitable for atria, Marioff HI-FOG’s high pressure water system has been extended to protect high, atrium-type spaces, after receiving VdS type approval. It is now possible to protect OH1-categorised spaces with a single system. The HI-FOG system can be configured as a ceiling system – which is VdS approved to a maximum 10m ceiling height and uses HI-FOG 3000 atrium sprinklers – or a sidewall deluge system. The sidewall system is compliant with EN 14972-1 and EN 14972-10, providing protection for very high spaces or when ceiling sprinklers cannot be used. The deluge system uses the new atrium-specific HI-FOG 3000 spray head.
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Ron Alalouff is a Freelance Writer and Editor