Spark extinguishing systems
We design and manufacture spark detection and extinguishing systems for dust collectors, cyclones, central vacuum cleaners and silos. We are familiar with the specifics of the wood, food, textile, waste processing and disposal and automotive industries. The security work we carry out is in accordance with Polish standards, as well as the requirements of insurers. We carry out work on the site in a way that minimises the impact on production continuity and takes into account in-house health, safety and fire regulations.
Key benefits
Up to 50% fewer sensors = lower costs
4 to 7 times fewer cables = lower costs
In compliance with the requirements of the insurance company
We reduce the impact of assembly on production
Swap water for gas, gate or diverter
Large service department and a 24/7 emergency number
Typical applications
Principle of operation
Project examples
See what makes our spark detection and extinguishing system stand out
As many as 50% fewer detectors = lower cost
Traditional spark detectors cannot see the full cross-section of the channel. As a result, their manufacturers require between 2 and even 4 spark detectors. This dramatically increases the cost of purchasing the system, installation and use. The patented V300EX series sensor sees the entire cross-section of the duct so that in 90% of cases we are able to use 50% to even 75% fewer sensors. In addition, our detector has a daylight filter and, most importantly, detects not only glowing sparks but also hot particles. Remember also that we can adjust its sensitivity at any time to perfectly suit your process.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF SPARK SENSORS
Up to tens of thousands of savings on cables alone
With competing systems, each sensor and extinguishing nozzle requires a separate cable to connect to a control panel, which is often hundreds of metres away. In practice, this means four to seven cables per extinguishing line. Thanks to intelligent solutions, our system requires only one cable to operate the same extinguishing line, which is only separated in the immediate vicinity of the sensors and nozzles. This difference saves from several to several thousand pounds per extinguishing line. When protecting several devices, the amount increases to tens of thousands of zlotys.
How much you can save - an example
Let’s assume that the extinguishing installation is 200 metres from the control unit and requires two spark detectors and two extinguishing nozzles. In this case, our system requires approximately 230 metres of cable, which we run from the control unit to the router, which in installed near the protected device. From the router, there are 4 short cables to operate 2 sensors (NOTE: our system requires only 1 sensor 90% of the time, whereas other systems need to use 2 to 4 sensors) and two nozzles. Other solutions require 4 separate cables with a total length of 800 metres.
The price of a 4-wire cable for this type of installation is between 13 and 17 zlotys net. Assuming an average price of 15 zlotys for such a cable, the savings on the cable alone for our system would be 8,550 zlotys.
If several pieces of equipment, e.g. several dust collectors, are protected in a given plant, this amount will be multiplied.
Versatile and easy-to-use control panel
The VR18Z is one of the most comprehensive spark detection and extinguishing systems on the market. With its user-friendly interface, large LCD display and Ethernet-based remote control system, it is simple and easy to use. The system is equipped with a memory capable of storing the last 10,000 events. The decentralised bus structure reduces cabling and installation costs. The possibility of connecting additional heat or flame detectors to the control unit further increases the level of safety.
Intelligent extinguishing nozzles that do not disappoint
The only nozzle on the market that measures water temperature, water flow during extinguishing or testing and recognises the position of the water shut-off valve. What is this all for? Measuring the water temperature gives us confidence that the system has not frozen. Measuring the flow of water through the extinguishing nozzle allows periodic tests to be carried out and confirms that this particular nozzle was working correctly when sparks were detected. A valve position sensor, on the other hand, avoids accidental water shut-off, which has happened with competing solutions.
IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE EXTINGUISHING NOZZLE
Can’t put out with water? Use the following option:
Extinguish with gas instead of water
Replace the water with a gate
Swap water for diverter
Fan temperature measurement and more
The ease with which additional sensors can be plugged into the system makes it customisable. This option is most commonly used to measure the temperature of fans and equipment that, by their nature, often overheat which increases the risk of fire or explosion (bearings, drives other electrical equipment). This solution is extremely important for the timber industry, where one in two fires is caused by an overheated appliance.
Expand your spark extinguishing system with additional options
Thermal sleeve for extinguishing nozzles
If the nozzles are installed outdoors, there is a risk of the water freezing. We insulate the water pipe permanently with foam and bind it with sheet metal. However, the nozzles require easy access, so instead of enclosing them with classic insulation, we propose a special insulation sleeve.
Heating cable
If the installation requires heating due to operation in sub-zero temperatures, a heating cable can be used. Its integration into the system is problem-free, which makes it a low-cost solution.
Flame detector
Some equipment generates sparks during normal operation. This is the case, for example, with various types of shredders. To reduce the frequency of activation of the spark detection and extinguishing system, we use flame detectors.
The industries we protect with spark extinguishing systems
Woodworking industry
Food industry
Textile industry
Automotive
Waste sorting and incineration plants
Power and heating
Paper and pulp industry
Metalworking plants
“Do you not see your industry? Check if we can help you.”
Components of the Spark Detection and Extinguishing System
- Spark detectors – sees the full cross-section of the duct so we can halve the number of detectors.
- High-efficiency extinguishing nozzle to minimise the amount of water used.
- The signal router which manages and monitors the spark extinguishing system.
- 18-zone control panel monitoring the entire system as standard.
- A light and sound alarm which warns of the detected hazard with a sound signal and flashing light.
- The trip controller which stops the fans if overheated or a rain of sparks is detected.
- The cable to detect overheating of the fan, its bearings or the rain of sparks.
- Controller to supervise the operation of the water pump and heat-conducting cables.
- The compressor system which removes air bubbles from the fire water and delivers it at the correct pressure.
Operating principle of the Spark Detection and Extinguishing System coupled to a dust separating filter
The Spark Detection and Extinguishing System is intended to detect hot, glowing, or flaming debris entrained by air inside of the duct. The detection is to be processed in milliseconds, and the debris is to be suppressed by injection of a small volume of pressurized water to the inside of the duct. A spark sensor and a water jet nozzle are installed in the duct to enable this operation. Both units are installed in a certain calculated distance to enable the Spark Detection and Extinguishing System to respond to the fire/explosion hazard in time. A key feature is the patented design of the spark sensors which makes the System extremely effective.
Work that is safe for equipment and infrastructure
The safety of the owner’s infrastructure, machinery or individual equipment is our top priority. We are aware that in the case of a fire protection system upgrade at an active facility, any damage to the technology could have a critical impact on production continuity.
BEFORE INSTALLATION
We define the scope of work with the owner
Read the safety guidelines carefully
We secure the workplace before starting work
Covering machinery and equipment
DURING AND AFTER INSTALLATION
We take extreme caution when moving on the premises
We take care not to damage anything
Thoroughly clean the site after installation
We ensure rapid restoration of production
Why do customers choose us?
We take care of the details.
How else does a fire system upgrade on an active plant differ from an investment in new buildings? These are, first and foremost, any requirements related to the owner’s internal procedures within the production building or the plant as a whole. Our site managers and fitters are used to meticulous safety procedures, weighing cars at the entrance and exit of the plant, the need to have all the necessary passes and regular contact with the client’s representatives, hygiene requirements especially in food production, or having a valid SANEPID (in Poland: health department) booklet also in the food industry.
Advice on how to prepare a plant for the start of work
We realise that for you such a fire installation upgrade is also a challenge. It is highly likely that no changes have been made to fire protection since the construction of the production halls or the warehouse. Due to that we also provide advice, based on our previous implementations, on how to prepare the production facility and crew for such work. We are at your disposal at all times, so that you always have the feeling that everything is running according to schedule, with no impact on production and storage processes
We operate to all standards and norms.
In our experience, the majority of investments in upgrading fire protection systems and installations start after the insurer’s audit. The requirements of an insurance company which apply to fire protection investments usually explicitly state the standards and/or norms to which the required solutions are to be designed and constructed. These could be requirements listed in the EN standard, or VdS, FM Global or NFPA standards. Whatever the requirements your insurer has outlined for you, we will meet them all.
Fire protection of production buildings in continuous operation – frequently asked questions
The most important thing for you to know is that this is a typical situation and our engineers often implement spark detection and extinguishing systems to meet the requirements of the various insurers and insurance brokers that operate in the Polish market. At the same time, contact us to discuss the initial assumptions made by the insurer and to discuss what such a project might look like from the supply and installation side of the systems. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to ask your insurance company – we’ll give you a hint of what’s relevant or take over the contact if you wish.
Keep calm We have experience in this type of projects. The key to success is proper coordination of our work with maintenance and production planning. Our managers and fitters are like Himalayan climbers – they wait for the ‘weather window’, i.e. permission to enter a specific zone, to carry out the work, so that they can proceed to the summit attack, i.e. the ultimate success of the project. Sometimes it happens during the day, sometimes at night. Sometimes we can work for the whole day, other times only for 2 hours on a given day. We are used to this variability and know how to plan our work with this type of specificity of carrying out the works.
Large equipment resources could be worth many millions of zlotys. It is not without reason that experience becomes crucial to maintaining safety on such projects. Once a specific work zone has been made available to us, we first secure all the machinery and equipment operating there. Our staff are sensitive to ensuring that, when moving, no activities are carried out that could lead to damage to your property. When the work is finished, we clean thoroughly and restore the work zone to its original state. However, that is not all, we and you are protected by our insurance. It is said that the man who does not do things makes no mistakes, and better safe than sorry.
Fire retrofit activities are not common. It may be that no such works had ever taken place at your site since the plant was built. Hence you may not have developed any procedures for such situations. Based on our experience from previous projects, we will advise you on what activities are worthwhile in terms of organisation to make our cooperation run smoothly.
Of course. We have carried out quite a few projects in the food industry, so we have really extensive experience in this area. We are aware of the need to maintain hygiene standards, to have valid SANEPID tests. We understand the stringent requirements that may be imposed by the owner to protect the manufactured products from contamination. We follow all the requirements defined by the owner.
Spark extinguishing systems
SCOPE OF WORK – spark detection and extinguishing system
We design and implement spark detection systems and integrate them with existing security systems, including in particular the fire protection system and explosion-proof plant. The basic scope of our work includes the following steps:
- development of the concept and necessary designs
- selection and delivery of key elements of the spark extinguishing system
- development and implementation of the control system
- integration of the spark extinguishing system with existing fire protection and explosion safety systems
- fitting up, commissioning and service of the fire protection plants
SCOPE OF WORK – complete fire-fighting systems. In addition to spark extinguishing systems, we also design and implement complete fire and explosion protection systems. These systems integrate all or selected solutions from the list below. We also integrate our solutions with existing security systems in a given facility. Thus, we carry out tasks at different levels of complexity and at various stages of a given facility’s life.
- Explosion-proof system as required by the ATEX directive
- Fire signalling systems (FAS, FSS) – wired and wireless
- Fire detection system
- Ventilation and smoke removal systems
- CCTV monitoring system
- Burglary and assault alarm systems (B&AAS)
- Sound warning system (SWS)
- Access control and time recording systems
- Emergency and evacuation lighting
- Fixed fire-fighting equipment
SPARK DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM – description
When the detector detects a spark, it sends a signal to the control panel and activates the extinguishing process, the duration of which depends on the number of sparks detected. After detecting from 1 to 3 sparks, the control panel will activate the extinguishing process for 5 seconds. When there are 4 or more sparks, the extinguishing time will be extended to 15 seconds. In the event of system activation, light and sound signalling will be activated. Thanks to relays in the control panel it is possible to switch off the device or send a signal with sparks to any point of the plant.
Due to the high power of infra-red radiation penetration, the sensors are characterized by high sensitivity also in systems with high dustiness.
In dust systems, the extinguishing agent is usually water from the sprinkler system or hydrant system of the plant. The condition is that the minimum extinguishing water pressure is 5 bar and the delivery – 150 l/min. If this condition cannot be met, a hydrophore must be used to generate the necessary water pressure for the proper operation of the extinguishing nozzles.
To verify the current state of the system and any events, pressure and water flow sensors will be used which also have the function to control the pump operation and check whether the extinguishing process runs properly.
It should be added that the system is programmed in such a way that in case of sparks the extinguishing process is automatically activated without interrupting the production process.
SYSTEM WYKRYWANIA I GASZENIA ISKIER – elementy układu
- highly sensitive optical-electronic spark detectors,
- control cabinet,
- automatic fire extinguishing units,
- water pressure boosting kit
SPARK DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM – application
- dust extraction, drying and storage installations
- wood industry plants
- textile industry plants
- food processing plants
- chemical industry plants
Fire protection systems – offer
