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In many production processes in the manufacturing and processing industries, heat sources can arise unknowingly. These heat sources are classified according to the infrared light they emit as hot particles, glowing particles, or sparks.
Depending on the process, ignition potentials can arise, for example, through friction on slowly and quickly rotating processing machines, through tool breakage, or through material contamination. Mechanical or pneumatic conveyor systems can transport these ignition potentials to downstream plant areas, where they can cause devastating fires or explosions.
The consequences for the company are obvious: production interruptions, the clarification process with the property insurer, and long reconstruction times sometimes lead to prolonged absence from the market. Affected companies find themselves in a “state of limbo” in which their future is uncertain. As a result, almost three-quarters of companies go bankrupt and some disappear from the market altogether.
A state of limbo
Spark extinguishing systems from T&B prevent this scenario by reliably detecting ignition potentials—such as hot and smoldering particles and sparks—and, depending on the application process, safely extinguishing them, ejecting them, or preventing further conveyance by means of slides.
Advantages of the T&B spark extinguishing system
- Detection of all critical ignition potentials such as sparks, glowing and hot particles
- Unique selection of different infrared sensors
- Fine extinguishing water mist does not interfere with the process
- In addition to water extinguishing, gas, valves and diverters are also available
- Preventive measure to prevent fires and explosions
- Generally no interruption to operations
- Can be retrofitted at any time without any effort thanks to the globally unique mounting system for components
The fully automatic spark extinguishing systems from T&B basically consist of spark detectors, an automatic extinguishing system and the centerpiece, a spark detection control panel. The water supply can be provided by an existing sprinkler system or by a T&B pressure booster system. If an ignition potential is detected by the spark detector, the automatic extinguishing system is activated within milliseconds via the spark detection control panel and a fine water mist is sprayed into the extraction line for 3 seconds. If sparks continue to fly, a second alarm threshold is reached, which should lead to the process being switched off.
The selection of the right spark detector is particularly important. Depending on the process, different ignition potentials such as sparks, glowing and/or hot particles can occur. All these particles imitate in a different infrared wavelength range. To ensure reliable detection of the aforementioned ignition potentials, it is therefore essential to select the right spark detector.
T&B has different types of high-performance spark detectors in which different sensor elements are used. This allows T&B to offer you the most reliable spark detector with the greatest sensitivity depending on the application process.
In some applications, water cannot be used as an extinguishing medium due to the process characteristics. In these cases, T&B offers special gate valves and diverters to eliminate the ignition potential. Combinations with gas extinguishing systems for object protection or pipe fire extinguishing are also possible.
Worth knowing
Pipe fires are an often underestimated risk in extraction systems. Particularly in processes containing oil and grease or if the extraction pipes are not cleaned properly, deposits can quickly build up in the pipes, which represent an enormous fire load. If sparks or glowing particles are introduced into the extraction line, the deposits can easily ignite. Due to the permanent supply of oxygen, swelling fires in extraction ducts spread rapidly. Firefighting from outside the pipe by firefighters is virtually impossible. T&B pipe fire extinguishing systems therefore offer you significant safety.
When using spark extinguishing systems, particular care must be taken to ensure that they only correspond to the state of the art and thus offer the greatest possible protection if the effectiveness of the system has been verified by an independent body. This must be done in comprehensible and reproducible fire tests in accordance with European-wide standards.
To maintain insurance cover, it is therefore important to ensure that planning and installation are carried out in accordance with the VdS regulations VdS 2106. The use of a VdS-approved spark extinguishing system installed by a VdS-approved installer not only offers the greatest possible process reliability, but also prevents the loss of insurance cover.
Guidelines for spark extinguishing systems
With a VdS-approved T&B spark extinguishing system and installation by T&B as a VdS-approved installer, companies receive real added value:
- Insurance cover independent of the insurance company
- Unique high-performance detection technology
- Globally unique mounting system for components, makes servicing easier
- service
- Comprehensive advice from a VdS-approved installer
- Expertise for more than 40 years
- Proof of effectiveness through installation of more than 30,000 systems worldwide
- Cross-industry process knowledge
Relevant regulations with reference to the spark extinguishing system.
VdS 2106, VdS 2518, cea 4044, NFPA 69, NFPA 654, NFPA 650, TRVB 103S, FM Examination Standard Class Number 3265, FM Data Sheet 7-4, FM Data Sheet 7-10, FM Data Sheet 7-73, FM Data Sheet 7-76, AXA Property Risk Consulting Guidelines PRC 13.9.1
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