Fire safety is a principal concern for naval engineers. On-board fires often escalate quickly, causing massive damage to equipment, facilities and the environment. More importantly, they typically occur in remote areas where assistance is limited and serious injuries or loss of life unfortunately result. Fire protection at sea is especially demanding, with many requirements in place to ensure maritime operations are protected from fire.
Vessel and offshore fires usually start in engine rooms, machinery, electrical controls and storage rooms. Many fire locations are typically in out-of-sight compartments that are often difficult to access making emergency firefighting a challenging task. Ship owners and operators are keen to protect marine assets the best-on-offer fire suppression systems. FirePro has proven to meet and surpass their expectations.
Naval architects choose FirePro as an effective means of fire suppression that meets IMO standards as well as requirements for space and weight which can reduce fuel loads.
FirePro protects at low maintenance cost a wide variety of vessels ranging from navy flotillas, cruise ships, ro-ro, cargo ships and small boats through to some of the world’s most luxurious yachts. With strict compliance to marine codes of practice and standards, FirePro systems are easily installed on new or retrofit applications in a comfortably short time.
Main Advantages of FirePro for Marine Use.
- Tremendous space saving, i. e., the space required is only a fraction of the space needed for cylinders etc.
- FirePro® systems design calculations are based on uncomplicated parameters resulting in simplified design calculations.
- Far easier installation - no piping, pressure cylinders, special supports or valves are required
- Easy maintenance without the need for pressure testing, weighing, pressure/leak detection, etc.
- Cost effectiveness - FirePro® systems are less expensive compared to most other gaseous systems (Halon replacements).
- Wide range of Agency Approvals - Including ULC and Transport Canada (TCMS) Approval for Marine Use
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Wind and Solar
Governments and businesses are increasingly utilizing renewable energy sources for their power requirements. The most common alternative energy sources are often considered to be wind and solar. Thus, structures producing or powered by solar power systems and/or wind turbines are becoming commonplace. When dealing with electrical and or mechanical technologies the danger of fire is something that must be seriously considered.
One common scenario is damage to the inverter or its enclosure causing fire incidents and catastrophe. Fires in wind turbines usually begin with a lightning strike or technical fault. Fires account for 9% of wind energy insurance losses with a $750,000 to $8 million range worth of property loss and down time for a single turbine. Another concern is the event of a fire on the structure, such as a commercial building, containing the renewable energy technologies.
Fires can be stopped and damage minimized by designing and installing a robust, reliable, long lasting fire suppression system. FirePro modular, light and autonomous fire suppression systems currently protect wind turbines and photovoltaic power stations around the world. Our fire protection engineers can help you utilise our efficient and effective low maintenance solutions for fire hazards in and across the renewable energy sector and deliver peace of mind.
Why FirePro?
Wind farms are remotely situated notoriously raising many logistical problems. Modularity, ease of transport and installation, simple maintenance, low weight load and extremely space saving were the physical attributes that attracted the fire consulting engineers to opt for the FirePro system for the protection of this uniquely demanding application. Of course none of these would matter if FirePro was not at the cutting edge of technology and effective and efficient in extinguishing fires as the numerous tests and other certifications prove resoundingly. And in line with the eco-friendly doctrine of which wind farms are part FirePro also obliges by being Green labeled.
Li-Ion Batteries Fire Protection
Li-Ion Battery Safety
Li-Ion battery technology, despite being constantly improved, still poses a significant fire hazard. Mechanical shocks or misuse of a Li-Ion battery may lead to an increase in its internal temperature, triggering what is known as a thermal runaway.
During a thermal runaway, the battery electrolyte releases toxic and potentially explosive off-gases along with excessive heat. The resulting fire can ignite the electrodes of the battery and is of such high intensity that it is difficult to extinguish or contain.
FirePro cylindrical models are compact and provide a practical solution for applications with space
limitations such as residential battery-storage systems and electric vehicles.
These generator models are placed within the battery pack compartment and are activated
automatically either through electrical or mechanical means.
Larger volumes such as Battery Energy Storage Systems, usually placed in containers, are protected using
our pre-engineered box-type models.
Upon activation of the condensed aerosol generators, the agent totally floods the enclosure, rapidly
controlling and suppressing battery fires.