IFP Issue 41

THE GLOBAL VOICE FOR PASSIVE & ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

10th Anniversary Edition

2000–2010Issue 41 – February 2010

www.mdmpublishing.com

IFP41 OFC textile (2) 24/2/10 8:59 am Page ofc1

FT Connecta from Draka is the ultimate range of fire performance cables. And when it comes to fire safety in

tunnels nothing performs better than FT Connecta, our zero halogen, low smoke (OHLS®) modular cabling system.

FT Connecta has been specifically developed to provide lighting and small power applications in tunnel

environments. In the event of a fire FT Connecta maintains the integrity of the circuit even if a local device fails,

allowing escape routes further up and down to remain illuminated. It’s not surprising therefore that FT Connecta

has been installed inmajor tunnels worldwide. Contact us today for full details or visit www.drakauk.com/ftconnecta

SAFER TUNNELSSTART HERE

The world’s most trusted cable brand

Draka UK Limited, P.O. Box 6500, Alfreton Road, Derby, DE21 4ZH, UKTel: +44 (0)1332 345431 Fax: +44 (0)1332 331237 email: [email protected] www.drakauk.com

IFP/FTConnecta/0210

connecta Full Page:IFP 29/1/10 12:37 Page 1

INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION 1

Front cover picture courtesy ofSpectrex Inc.

PublishersMark Seton & David Staddon

Editorial ContributorsBrian Robinson, Stefan Brügger, NickGrant, Jeremy Hodge, Neal Porter,Mark Froggatt, Ian Buchanan, BobDurstenfeld, James Shipman, DrDaniel Brosch, Kit Bryant, JeremyMason, Scott Martorano, John Allen,Ruediger Kopp, Steve Goodburn

IFP is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd The Abbey Manor Business Centre,The Abbey, Preston Road, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 2ENTel: +44 (0) 1935 426 428Fax: +44 (0) 1935 426 926 Email: [email protected]: www.ifpmag.com©All rights reserved

Annual SubscriptionUK – £50.00 Europe – �60Overseas – US$70.00lSSN – 1468-3873

DISCLAIMER:

The views and opinions expressed inINTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION are notnecessarily those of MDM Publishing Ltd.The magazine and publishers are in noway responsible or legally liable for anyerrors or anomalies made within theeditorial by our authors. All articles are protected by copyright and writtenpermission must be sought from thepublishers for reprinting or any form ofduplication of any of the magazinescontent. Any queries should be addressedin writing to the publishers.

Reprints of articles are available onrequest. Prices on application to thePublishers.

Page design by DorchesterTypesetting Group Ltd

Printed in the UK




2000–2010Issue 41 – February 2010


February 2010 Issue 41

74

55-58

45-46

35-37

30-33

22-23

71-73

66-69

Contents3-16 News, ProductProfiles & Comment

18-21 Interschutz2010 preview

22-23 Firetrace®

provides business-criticalprotection for MiddleEast projects

25-28 A Fire SafetyEducation

30-33 Spray NozzlesSelection for Water SpraySystems: Options andapplications explained

35-37 Chicago FireDepartment responds tounseen threats with bestpractices that leverageavailable technology

39-43 Protectinghazardous productstorage tanks andLPG/LNG gas terminals

45-46 Thelegislation clock isticking for PFOS

49-52 Pre-packagedFirewater Pumphouses

55-58 High PressureWater Mist

60-64 Audible andvisual warning devices

66-69 Aspiratingsmoke detectors forearly detection

71-73 Getting togrips with counterfeitcables

74 Fire protection ofStructural Steel byIntumescent Coatings

76-78 Fire and lifesafety solutions formulti-level and mixed-use spaces

79 ASFP Forum: Apathy,ignorance and denial

80 Advertisers’ Index

P. 01 Contents 15/2/10 3:18 pm Page 1

Halon Banking IFP38 22/4/09 4:35 pm Page 1


NEWS

SHARPEYE 40/40 SERIES FLAME DETECTORSoffer unmatched performance and reliability –including patented, IR3 (Triple IR) Multi-Spectrum detectors that enable detection ofsmall fires at distances up to 65m, withenhanced immunity to false alarms. Thesehighly specified detectors operate reliably in theharsh conditions of offshore drilling andproduction platforms, FPSO vessels, fuel loadingand storage facilities, LNG and LPG plants andpetrochemical plants throughout the world.

The compact and lightweight design (only2.5kg in stainless steel) offers low-powerconsumption with a heated lens for continuedavailability in difficult environments – as well asthe reassurance of 3rd party FM3260/EN54-10/DNV performance approvals and IEC 61508– SIL2 (TUV) certification to assure reliability. All detectors are, of course, Ex approved toATEX/IECEx/FM/CSA/GOST R/GOST K standardsfor Zone 1/21 hazardous area locations. As aresult, the warranty period has been extendedto a full 5 years.

The Spectrex 40/40 Series detectorsincorporate an integral automatic self-test thatchecks the device every 15 mins to ensurecorrect operation. The 40/40 Series offers manyinterface options for maximum compatibilitywith all control and fire detection systems –outputs include 0-20mA, dry relay contacts, RS-485 ModBus and HART.

The certified operating temperature range

has also been extended. The detectors will nowoperate reliably in temperatures from –55ºC to+75ºC (with an option for +85ºC) allowing theiruse anywhere in the world.

The SharpEye 40/40 Series includes themodel 40/40I flame detector using the well-proven triple IR (IR3) technique, thus offeringthe highest immunity to false alarms combinedwith a massive 65m (215ft) detection distancefor hydrocarbon fires with an enlarged cone ofvision – 100º horizontal and 95º vertical.

Another major feature is the improvedresponse to gas flames (methane, LNG, LPG etc)where small gas flames can be detected atdistances of up to 30m (100ft). An importantaddition to the series is the model 40/40M MultiIR detector, which can simultaneously detect‘invisible’ hydrogen flames at 30m (100ft) andhydrocarbon fires at 65m (215ft).

The 40/40 series comprises many detection

techniques to suit every situation includingtriple IR (IR3), Multi IR, combined UV/IR, singleIR or UV. Thus, Spectrex can offer unbiasedadvice on which detector is the correct solutionto your detection needs.

The 40/40 Series detectors are programmableallowing the user alter factory default settings.Sensitivity levels, response time, alarm delay,heated lens operation etc are all able to bemodified where required, either pre-delivery orpost-installation.

Various accessories are available to tailor toyour environment and a long range FlameSimulator to allow full ‘end-to-end’ prooftesting in the Ex hazardous area at distances upto 9m thus avoiding the cost and inconvenienceof scaffolding.

Detection of Gas Flames just got better!Until recently, it was difficult to detect industrialgas flames/fires as the radiation output fromgas flames is generally much lower than thatfrom liquid hydrocarbon fuels; thus detectiondistances were limited. However, Spectrex hasintroduced additions and improvements to itswide range of optical flame detectors tosignificantly advance this capability.

The new Spectrex 40/40I Triple IR FlameDetector can now detect methane and propane(LNG/LPG) flames at up to 30 meters (instead of18m before). This same detector will detectheptane /gasoline fuel fires at 65m.

The new 40/40M MultispectrumFlame Detector will do thesame job as the 40/40Idescribed above but canalso detect “invisible”Hydrogen flames at 30 meters (previouslylimited to only 5-7m with other techniques).Applications include battery rooms,refinery H2 storage, generators, gasplant, fertiliser plants, and compressors

As the products of a hydrogen firedo not contain CO2, normal IR3 detectorscannot be used and users had to accept thedistance limitations of UV/IR type detectors.Now, with additional sensors, the 40/40M candetect both hydrocarbon and hydrogen firesover much greater areas and reduce the numberof detectors needed.

In normal circumstances, people cannot see,taste or smell hydrogen gas, which is veryflammable and easily ignited – can even self-ignite in some cases. You will not see ahydrogen fire – even up close. You may see ashimmer, like a mirage. Also, little heat is feltnear the flame because very little heat (IR)radiation is emitted. As you see and feelnothing, you may even walk directly into theflame with no pre-warning.

For more information, [email protected] or visit thewebsite at www.spectrex-inc.com

E2S, the leading European manufacturerof warning devices for use in hazardousareas, has extended its capabilities withthe development of intrinsically safe andexplosion proof manual call points,certified to both ATEX and IECExstandards. The IS-CP4 intrinsically safeunits are approved for use in Zones 0, 1and 2 environments and the BExCP3 Exe d explosion proof versions for Zones 1and 2. Both types are available witheither break glass or push buttonoperation. The devices are manufacturedfrom corrosion proof, copper free, marinegrade LM6 alloy and are sealed to IP66,enabling them to be used in both offshoreand onshore installations.

A comprehensive range of standardaccessories and options can be specified;they can be fitted with a stainless steel lift flap and series and EOL resistors in arange of different values can be fitted as required. The units can be fitted with stainless tag and duty labels and,normally finished in red powder coat finish,special colours can be specified to enable

rapid visual identification of special functions.The introduction of this new family

complements the well-established BExrange of explosion proof sounders,beacons and loudspeakers and the IS-minimodular sounder and beacon family.

For further information:Neal PorterEuropean Safety Systems LimitedImpress House, Mansell Road London W3 7QHTel: + 44 (0)20 8743 8880Fax: + 44 (0)20 8740 4200Email: [email protected]: www.e2s.com

Intrinsically safe and explosionproof manual call point

Approved Flame Detectors –and then some!

News P. 3, 4 15/2/10 3:18 pm Page 3

4 INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTION

NEWS

DETECTORELECTRONICSCORPORATION(Det-Tronics) hasannounced that itsEagle QuantumPremier‚ (EQP) systemhas received Type-Approval from theUnited States CoastGuard (USCG) andfrom Lloyd’s Register(http://eqp.det-tronics.com). Det-Tronics manufacturesflame detectors, gasdetectors, and safety systemsand is part of UTC Fire &Security, a unit of UnitedTechnologies Corp.(NYSE:UTX).

Approval by the U.S. Coast Guard isrequired for flame and gas detectionsystems (including control panel, flamedetectors, gas detectors, andaccessories) in use where the USCG hasjurisdiction – for example, in U.S.flagged vessels or vessels operating inU.S. waters.

The U.S. Coast Guard certificate wasawarded after rigorous Factory MutualApprovals (FM) witness testing provedthe system and components meet thestringent USCG performance criteria.The products were verified to meet theU.S. Coast Guard’s environmentalrequirements as described in 46 CFR161.002.

Obtaining the meticulous Lloyd’sRegister of Shipping approval furtherverifies that the flame and gas detectionsystem meets their specifiedperformance requirements and is

acceptable for operational use. “We are pleased to obtain

certification from these respectedorganizations,” says Simon Pate,Director of Projects and Systems at Det-Tronics. “The hundreds of offshoresites and floating platforms that wecurrently serve worldwide can beassured of their wise choice for safety.”

Detector Electronics Corporation (Det-Tronics) – a world leader inindustrial fire detection, gas detection,and hazard mitigation systems – designs,builds, tests, and commissions safetysystems ranging from conventionalpanels to fault-tolerant, addressablesystems. Det-Tronics detectors areglobally certified to current productapprovals standards, including criticalSIL2 industrial applications.

Further Information available athttp://www.det-tronics.com

Det-Tronics Fire andGas Detection/Releasing Systemobtains U.S. CoastGuard and Lloyd’sMarine approvalsDet-Tronics system and detectorsare hearty enough for offshore

Det-Tronics has earned Type-Approval from theU.S. Coast Guard and Lloyd’s Register.

STI (EUROPE) have extended their range ofEN54 approved products with theannouncement that the Waterproof ReSet CallPoint (WRP) has successfully passed testing tothe European Standard for fire alarm systems.

Already approved to the IP67 rating fordust and water ingress to ensure it is able tocope with the harshest of environments, thewaterproof conventional fire outdoor modelnow joins the indoor version, alreadyapproved to EN54.

It is a highly reliable and robust manual callpoint that mimics the feel of breaking glassbut features a glass-free operating elementwhich can be easily reset. No broken glassmeans it is safer and more economical to use,with a warning flag dropping into view toconfirm when it has been activated and asimple key-based resetting operation. Its IP67rating means the WRP is ideal for a widerange of outdoor environments, from oil rigsto ships, while being glass-free means it isalso particularly suited to wash down areas in

food processing facilities, for example, wherebroken glass can be an issue. It can also beused in dusty environments such as factoriesand warehouses, offering a virtuallymaintenance free option with no potential forbreaking, losing or incorrectly fitting glasselements during installation.

For applications subject to potentialmalicious or accidental activation of the firealarm system, STI (Europe) also offers theStopper II. This tough polycarbonate cover notonly adds an extra level of protection to theWRP but is available with an integral sounderwhich emits a piercing 96dB alarm when thecover is lifted, providing both a visible andaudible deterrent to malicious activation.

For more information: Safety TechnologyInternational (Europe) Ltd. SalesFreephone: 0800 085 1678 Tel: 01527 520 999 Fax: 01527 501 999 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sti-europe.com

WaterproofReSet Call Point(WRP)

News P. 3, 4 15/2/10 3:18 pm Page 4

Copyright © 2009 Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ® BDi091029-IFP10

Trust.

There’s a reason

we’ve been a leader

in product safety

testing & certification

for over 100 years.

Trust… that UL has unmatched technical expertise in product safety testing and certification.

Trust… that the UL mark is backed not by a piece of paper, but by the integrity, quality, experience, commitment and consistency that stands behind it.

Remember, UL has been testing and certifying fire resistance, life safety and security products for over a century.

To learn more about Underwriters Laboratories and how you can leverage our global expertise in the fire resistance, life safety and security industries on a local basis:

T:: +44 (0) 1 483.402.032 / E:: Fire&[email protected] / W:: ul.com

UL Trust ad_IFP-091029_v2-FINAL.indd 1 11/4/09 10:02:01 AM


By Nick Grant

EMEA Vice President &General Manager,Firetrace International

PROFILE

Today the system is to be found protecting busand coach engine compartments, running gearand wheel areas – the most common locations

for the outbreak of a fire in almost 60 percent of thecases.

These systems are safeguarding operators fromfires that could easily result in considerable financialloss, pose a serious threat to the lives of the vehicleoccupants, and jeopardise the company’s ability tocontinue to provide the level of service expected byfare-paying customers.

In addition to the vehicle’s fuel and the risk of fuelline ruptures, any number of flammable liquids arepresent throughout any engine compartment. Theseinclude hydraulic, brake, automatic transmission andpower steering fluids, plus combustible accumulatedgrease on the engine block, for which frayed ordamaged electrical wiring can easily provide theignition source.

While these risks can be lessened by regular main-tenance and cleaning, engine fires will remain aconstant threat, and the dynamics of the airflow inand around an engine compartment when a vehicle isin motion can seriously impair the performance andreliability of traditional techniques such as fusible linksystems. This is because the heat and flame thattypically rise from the source of a fire may be pro-pelled away from the location of the fusible link bythe motion of the vehicle, delaying its activation. Theinevitable build-up of dirt in and around engines,vibration and intense temperature variations are alsofactors that are known to cause such systems to fail.

FIRETRACE uniquely deals with the problem ofairflow, and reacts immediately when a fire breaks outand suppresses it before it has any opportunity tospread. It is also effective on every type of fire risk thatis likely to be present – due to the use of ABC powdersuppressant – is able to withstand harsh dust-ladenenvironments, contend with extreme ambient temper-atures, and stand up to intense vibration. In fact,genuine FIRETRACE from Firetrace Internationalremains the only UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed,FM (Factory Mutual) approved and CE (ConformitéEuropéene or European Conformity) marked tube-operated system in the world that is tested as anautomatic fire detection and suppression system. Italso comes with approval for use on buses and coachesfrom the Danish Institute of Fire & Security Technologyand the Swedish Fire Protection Association.

FIRETRACE is an automatic, self-seeking fire sup-pression system; one that requires no power sourceand comprises an extinguishing agent cylinder that isattached to polymer tubing via a custom-engineeredvalve. This proprietary Firetrace Detection Tubing is alinear pneumatic heat and flame detector that isimmune to the vibration, shocks and temperatureextremes found in engine and generator compart-ments. It was specially developed to deliver thedesired temperature-sensitive detection and deliverycharacteristics in even the harshest of environments.

This leak-resistant tubing is routed throughout theengine compartment. Immediately a fire is detected,the tubing ruptures and automatically releases the

suppression agent, extinguishing the fire preciselywhere it starts and before it can take hold. The tubingis placed both above and behind the potential sourceof the fire to ensure that the airflow actually helps bydirecting the heat and flames towards the tubing,providing faster and more reliable detection andsuppression in moving vehicles. Depending on theparticular FIRETRACE system that is chosen, thesuppression agent also flows through the deliverytubing to the front of the engine, again working withthe airflow to flood the entire compartment.

The FIRETRACE Direct Release System utilises theFiretrace Detection Tubing as both the detectiondevice and the suppressant delivery system. If a firebreaks out, the tube ruptures nearest the point wherethe most heat is detected, forming an effective spraynozzle that releases the entire contents of the cylinderto suppress the fire. The Indirect Release System usesthe tube as a detection and system activation device,but not for the agent discharge. The rupturing of thetube results in a drop of pressure causing the indirectvalve to activate. This diverts flow from the detectiontube and the agent is discharged from the cylinderthrough diffuser nozzles, flooding the entire enginecompartment.

All FIRETRACE systems are available with a manualrelease or an “alert” signal light and a horn that canbe mounted on the operator’s dashboard or controlpanel.

The FIRETRACE extinguishing agent cylinder isusually mounted in a convenient location in or near theengine compartment. However, choosing the correctagent is vitally important, as the possible presence ofcarbonaceous debris around the engine and thepotential presence of flammable gases preclude theuse of tube-based systems that rely solely on the useof CO2, which is unsuitable for these particular firerisks. So, while FIRETRACE systems are available withclean agents such as DuPont™ FM200® and 3M™Novec™ 1230, which have the essential firefightingcharacteristics that these hazards demand, ABC drychemical suppressant is by far the most appropriatechoice due to the openness and airflow typicallyfound in these applications. IFP

Firetrace® counters thethreat of vehicle firesThe increasing awareness of the threat of vehicle fires, and particularly buses andcoaches, has come at a time when Firetrace International has announced anumber of major orders from across the globe for its FIRETRACE® automatic firedetection and suppression system.

Nick Grant is EMEA VicePresident & General Managerfor Firetrace International,which is headquartered inScottsdale, Arizona USA. Hecan be reached at thecompany’s EMEA offices inGatwick in the UK bytelephone on +44 (0) 1293780390 or via email [email protected]. Thecompany’s website is atwww.firetrace.com.

P. 06 Firetrace Profile 15/2/10 3:19 pm Page 6

Firetrace INTERNATINALv6-FSWORLD AD | bleed: 303mmx216mm trim: 296mm x 210mm live: 276mm x 194mm

Eusebi Group. You can rely on us. www.eusebigroup.com

The Eusebi Group is comprised of dynamic, integrated and f lex ib le companies with more than 30 years of

experience at an international level in the design and production of fire protection systems for complex industries

in the energy, oil, petrochemical, naval and military fields. The certifications that Eusebi Group has been awarded

and the many different systems installed all over the world, often in critical situations, bear witness to the skills

acquired by the Group and the innovative solutions it proposes.The systems manufactured by the Group are the

result of the dedicated commitment of each and every member of Eusebi’s staff, from the laboratory technicians

to the worksite personnel, who all go the extra mile to guarantee protection its clients can count on. Thanks to

its perseverance in improving performance, backed by a system of values, skil ls and sense of responsibil ity,

the Eusebi Group constantly improves its quality standards. A commitment born from a passion: your safety.

Much more than meets the eye.


COMMENT

By Dr Jeremy Hodge

Chief executive, BASEC

At the same time, architects, engineers and designers are taking advantage of new technologies to produce innovative designs

incorporating more elaborate layouts, and theneed for more effective fire performance systems.As high prestige buildings become more complexin this way, the need for higher performancecables has been identified by a number ofmanufacturers. Public buildings such as hospitals,shopping centres, office buildings with atriums,sports stadiums and even some high specificationresidential premises are all using advanced firesafety engineering design approaches.

Traditional fire protection approaches relyprimarily on materials choice and passive compart-mentation to provide limitations to fire growthand spread. Fire safety engineering techniquesallow a more open building structure, but theyensure safe evacuation in the event of a fire by acombination of traditional and modern, active firesystems such as smoke control and extraction,phased evacuation, gaseous fire extinguishing andfirefighter support systems. Many of these systemsrequire electrical power supplies and controlcircuitry to remain fully functional throughout apotentially serious fire lasting many hours.Examples include power supplies for fire-fightinglifts and smoke extract systems. Robust fire resis-tant cables are needed in order to satisfy theseneeds, cables that have been tested under quasi-real conditions and with proven performance.

Normal power distribution cables such as BS5467 or BS 6724 have limited performanceagainst sustained fire attack. Cables which need toremain operational throughout the fire need to berobust to not only fire, but also to impact damagefrom falling items of building structure andresistant to the effects of water spray fromsprinklers or from fire fighting activities. Somewell-established cable types, such as mineral insu-lated cables to BS EN 60702-1 remain very effec-tive under such circumstances and are usuallysmaller in diameter than the equivalent armouredcable. A new cable fire test, BS 8491, has beendeveloped to provide assessment of cables largerthan 20mm diameter. The test incorporates directfire attack, mechanical attack and water spray,over a variable time up to two hours. Several cablemakers have produced enhanced fire resistant

cables to meet this requirements, some incorporat-ing spiral interlocked steel tape armour instead ofthe usual steel wire armour.

A new edition of BS 7846 for fire resistantarmoured cables has just been published. As wellas the traditional steel wire armoured fire resistantcables (category F2), the new type using inter-locked steel tape armour has been introduced,classified as categories F30, F60 or F120, reflectingthe length in minutes of the BS 8491 fire test.These cables can maintain full operational per-formance during such a fire by the use of amineralised insulating tape over the conductors,normally made from mica. The armouring retainsthe structure of the cable and protects againstshock. It is important to remember that cablecleats and other cable mounting techniques alsoneed to survive the fire, shock and water attack.

Mineral insulated cables perform well against acombined fire, shock and water attack, and the BS 8491 test method should soon be extended tocover these generally smaller diameter cables.

Installers are beginning to see these new typesof cable specified in high prestige buildings orwhere critical operations need to continue duringa fire, for example emergency power supplies.Because the armour construction of the inter-locked steel armour is different, new cutting andpreparation methods will be needed. New glandtypes will be used, and traditional cone-type SWAglands may not be suitable. Installers will alsoneed to make sure they are adequately trained touse such cables. IFP

Highperformancefire resistantcablesFire engineers are making greater use of active fire protection systems in modernbuildings.

Further information aboutBASEC is available atwww.basec.org.uk or contact BASEC directly on01908 267300

P. 09 Basec Comment 15/2/10 3:20 pm Page 9

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

20137 Milano - Via Ennio, 25 - ItalyTel.: + 39 02 5410 0818 - Fax + 39 02 5410 0764E-mail: [email protected] - Web: www.controllogic.it CONTROL LOGIC s.r.l.

CONTROL LOGICSparkdetector

designed fordust collectionsystemsto protectstorage silosfrom the riskof fi re.

Sparks fl yat high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometresper hour along the ducts of the dustcollection system and reach the silo

in less than three seconds

The CONTROL LOGICSPARK DETECTOR

is faster thanthe sparks themselves.

It detects them with its highlysensitive infrared sensor,

intercepts and extinguishesthem in a fl ash.

It needs no periodic inspection.

The CONTROL LOGIC system is designed for “total supervision”.

It verifi es that sparks have been extinguished, gives prompt warning of

any malfunction and, if needed, cuts off the duct and stops the fan.

BETTER TO KNOW IT BEFOREEye is faster than nose.

In the event of live fi re the IR FLAME DETECTOR

responds immediately

CONTROL LOGICIR FLAME DETECTOR

the fastest and most effective fi re alarm devicefor industrial applications IR FLAME DETECTOR

RIV-601/FAEXPLOSIONPROOFENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where is a risk of explosionand where the explosionproof protection is required.One detector can monitor a vast areaand responds immediately to the fi re, yet of small size.

IR FLAME DETECTORRIV-601/F

WATERTIGHTIP 65 ENCLOSURE

For industrial applications indoorsor outdoors where fi re can spread out rapidly due to the presence of

highly infl ammable materials,and where vast premises need an optical

detector with a great sensitivityand large fi eld of view.

Also forRS485 two-wire serial line

25SF-c275x185gb.indd 1 24-06-2005 12:50:37

Control Logic w/p 16/2/06 12:22 pm Page 1


PROFILE

SEVO® Systems True Retrofit™, utilizing 3M™Novec ™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, is a majorcomponent in both of the newly released Fire-

Flex® DUAL and 1230 integrated fire suppressioncabinets. Unlike conventional fire suppression cleanagent systems, SEVO takes full advantage of thecharacteristics of the fluid and increases the systempressure to the rated pressure of the standardwelded cylinder – 500 psi, instead of the industrystandard of 360 psi. Increased system pressureprovides greater options in system design, allowinglonger pipe lengths, smaller pipe diameters andmore flexible design limits and nozzle placement.Retrofit of existing halon systems simpler and lesscostly with a 500 psi system, as existing pipenetworks may often be used. One-to-one cylinderreplacement reduces downtime and increases costand space savings.

FireFlex Systems, Inc., of Broisbriand, QC, Canadaincorporates the SEVO 1230 True Retrofit System asthe clean agent suppression system of choice in theFireFlex 1230 and FireFlex DUAL Cabinets. Thesecabinets integrate all of the components necessaryfor a complete extinguishing system, including thereleasing panel. The FireFlex DUAL also integrates

a pre-action automaticsprinkler system withthe SEVO 1230 Systemin a factory assembledsingle cabinet. All of thecomponents necessaryfor both complete extin-guishing systems arefully integrated, includ-ing a common releasingpanel.

The FireFlex DUALand 1230 cabinets areavailable in a variety ofsizes and are designedto hold SEVO cylinders(ranging in capacityfrom 15L to 345L),

allowing for specific configuration to the protectedhazard. The cabinets are free-standing and made of robust schedule 14 steel with a rustproof, firered paint finish, polyester powder-coated and oven-baked on to a phosphate base. They areequipped with one or two locked front doors,reducing space requirements for ease of installationand maintenance.

In the FireFlex DUAL, the combined pre-actionsystem and SEVO 1230 suppression system areconfigured to prevent water discharge in thehazard. If the SEVO 1230 system suppresses the fire

before the room reaches a high enough tempera-ture to open a sprinkler head, the sprinkler systemwill not be activated. The SEVO 1230 system canbe actuated using a single or cross zone smokedetection system.

The pre-action system is available with a singleinterlock, electric release, in which the deluge valvewill open and fill the system and wait for a sprinklerto activate before releasing water in the area. Alsoavailable is a double interlock, electric-pneumaticrelease, in which the deluge valve waits for asmoke detection and a sprinkler to activate beforeopening, fills the system and flows water throughthe activated sprinkler(s).

The SEVO True Retrofit System exclusively usesthe halon alternative clean agent 3M Novec 1230Fire Protection Fluid (FK-5-1-12). Novec 1230 Fluidhas zero ozone depletion potential and the lowestatmospheric lifetime for chemical clean agentalternatives: 5 days. 3M’s Blue SkySM Warrantyoffers 20-year protection against regulatory bans orrestrictions on the use of Novec 1230 Fluid.

The FireFlex DUAL and 1230 cabinets offer thefire sprinkler contractor a cost effective and con-venient method of installing clean agent systems.No longer will it be necessary to sub out this part of a contract. Only FireFlex Dual and 1230cabinet systems meet the ever changing needs of the fire suppression industry by offeringenvironmentally sustainable clean agent, flexibilityand convenience.

“SEVO” and “True Retrofit” are trademarks ofSEVO Systems, Inc. of Lenexa, Kansas USA. “Fire-Flex” is a trademark of FireFlex Systems, Inc. ofBroisbriand, QC, Canada. “3M” and “Novec” aretrademarks of 3M Company.

IFP

SEVO® Systems TrueRetrofit™ integratedinto FireFlex® DUALand 1230 Cabinets

For further information onSEVO Systems pleasecontact:Jon FlammSEVO Systems, Inc.14824 West 107th StreetLenexa, KS, 66215 USA1.913.677.1112Email: [email protected]

For further information onFireFlex Systems pleasecontact:Raymond QuennevilleFireFlex Systems, Inc.1935, Lionel-Bertrand Blvd.Broisbriand, QC, Canada J7H 1N81.866.347.3353Email: [email protected]

P. 11 Sevo Profile 15/2/10 3:20 pm Page 11

Ship Halon Phase OutShip Halon Phase OutShip Halon

GIELLE™

www.giellemarine.com

Retrofi t with Gielle Clean agent fi re suppression systems

• Utilize existing piping• 1 to 1 cylinder/nozzle replacement• Existing Halon Systems / Existing HCFCs Systems• Express service• Worldwide 24h service• Full range of International Approvals

Imo Halon Banking authorized FP.1/Circ.37 - Jan 2009

Gielle / [email protected]

WorldHalonBank.com


The programme, part of an investigativeconsumer series by presenter John Waite,focused on the absence of fire risk assess-

ments in tower blocks in the wake of the LakanalHouse fire in London in which six people died inJuly 2009.

The FIA consider that, as a piece of investigativejournalism, the BBC programme was reasonablywell balanced. More specifically, the FIA applaudthe measured position taken by the Chief FireOfficers Association (CFOA), as expressed by IainCox, particularly in respect of the risk posed byhigh rise flats, which Mr Cox very eloquently put

into context – “The people at the very greatest riskare those in the flat or compartment of origin and . . . there must be an alarm system there to tell themthey’ve got a fire and for them to get out. If thebuilding’s built properly everybody else should beable to stay put. If the building isn’t built for thatthen you should have a different evacuation proce-dure. And it really is for the responsible person –the owner, occupier, manager or whatever – ofthose premises to consider that. High rise blocksare not implicitly dangerous in themselves but ifyou’re making assumptions about how they’re builtwhich are wrong then that can be a danger.”

While the FIA agree that it is unacceptable forany Responsible Person (as defined by the Fire Safe-ty Order in England and Wales) not to have carriedout a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment forany premises within the scope of the Order, itshould be borne in mind that the duty to carry outfire risk assessments for the common parts ofblocks of flats did not arise until 1 October 2006(unless the premises constituted a workplace), andthat no such duty exists in Scotland or NorthernIreland. Nevertheless, over the forty years or morein which high rise flats have existed throughout allparts of the UK, there is no significant history ofmultiple fatality fires involving occupants beyondthe flat of fire origin; indeed, the attention

focussed on the fire at Lakanal House has arisenfrom the very fact that the circumstances in whichpeople tragically died were extremely unusual.

The FIA also acknowledge the amount of workinvolved in carrying out fire risk assessments in thecase of any landlord with a large portfolio ofproperties. Indeed, it is noted that, when a fire,reputedly involving a £1,000,000 loss, occurred atthe Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, anexecutive agency of the Department for Com-munities and Local Government, in May 2009, the College were, at the time, in the process ofreviewing fire risk assessments across the College

site. No fire risk assessment had been undertakenfor the building in question under the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order; a previous fire riskassessment, undertaken in December 2004 underprevious legislation, was still in place, notwith-standing CLG guidance to Responsible Personsthat, following the introduction of the Fire SafetyOrder in 2006, the Responsible Person would needto revise a risk assessment carried out underprevious legislation.

The membership of the FIA includes manyorganisations that are capable of assisting Respon-sible Persons to undertake fire risk assessments fortheir premises. Such organisations are signatoriesto the FIA Code of Practice for fire risk assessors,which requires that the work of carrying out firerisk assessments is only carried out by personscompetent to do so. IFP

FIA response to BBC TowerBlock firesafety debateThe Fire Industry Association (FIA) has welcomed the extension of the debateregarding fire risk assessments and their role within high rise dwellings followingthe ‘Face the Facts’ programme broadcast by Radio 4 on 7 January.

Further details:Beverley BaneFIAThames House29 Thames StreetKingston upon ThamesSurrey KT1 1PH Tel: 020 8549 8839 Fax: 020 8547 1564 Email: [email protected]: www.fia.uk.com

The membership of the FIA includes many organisations

that are capable of assisting Responsible Persons to

undertake fire risk assessments for their premises.

FIA COMMENT

P. 13 FIA comment 15/2/10 3:21 pm Page 13


PRODUCT PROFILE

Careful electronic and acoustic design hasprovided class leading efficiency, while theintegrated beacon has a carefully controlled

asymmetric distribution that makes best use of thelight output to give a much higher efficiency thanomni-directional units.

The ASSERTA family of industrial alarms hasbeen manufactured by Fulleon for more thanseven years. Over that time the range has grownto encompass many more applications and cus-tomer requirements, resulting in three key variants:the ASSERTA MINI, ASSERTA MIDI and ASSERTA.

The baby of the family and the most recentintroduction is the ASSERTA MINI. This compact105dB(A) sounder with a robust enclosure isequally at home in fire, or in an industrial sig-nalling system. Although the performance is simi-lar to the RoLP MAXI, the enclosure provideshigher IP66 protection and like the rest of theASSERTA range there is the option of a bright,integrated xenon beacon. The MINI is unique inthe ASSERTA family as it has the facility to add ananti-tamper module to the base, allowing it to beused with security systems in exposed locations.● 105db(A) output suitable for localised

applications ● IP66 protection suitable for most environmental

conditions ● First and second fix installation for simplified

installation ● 32 user selectable alarm tones avoids confusion

with other signals ● 2 alarm stages to provide status signalling● Fully integrated high efficiency beacon for

optimised light dispersion (av version)The ASSERTA MIDI is physically larger than the

MINI and provides a higher sound output of110dB(A). Again the protection is IP66 as is theoption for a fully integrated beacon. The MIDI isideal as a general purpose industrial and processalarm sounder, although it is frequently used withfire systems in noisy or harsh environments.● IP66 protection ● Simple first & second fix installation ● 32 alarm tones ● 2 stage alarm

The top of the range is the ASSERTA, the largestand most powerful sounder with outputs of both

120dB(A) and 110dB(A) available. Additionallythere are three alarm stages, together with voicecapability and a timer to automatically silence thesounder after a preset time when used externallyin residential locations. The ASSERTA warningsounder is designed to cope with harsh environ-ments requiring protection to IP66. Design fea-tures are incorporated to ensure safer and easierinstallation, while providing flexibility with fewerproduct variants.● 110db(A) or 120db(A) output versions available ● IP66 protection ● Simple first and second fix installation ● 42 alarm tones ● 3 stage alarm ● Sounder time out – user adjustable ● Optional swivel mount bracket ● Voice message option available ● Fully integrated asymmetric beacon uses light

more efficiently (av version)All three of the sounders share the same

aesthetics, simplified installation and rugged IP66enclosures. Both DC and AC supplies are cateredfor and although the majority are supplied withred enclosures, grey is also an option. The range isare available as sounder only or with an integratedefficient xenon beacon.

The ASSERTA Beacon is also available as a standalone unit. The distinctive shape of this industrialbeacon allows robust construction to be combinedwith highly efficient control of the light output togive a performance normally associated with muchmore powerful units. Versatility is ensured with anumber of voltage and supply options. IFP

For more information pleasecontact:[email protected], or visitwww.cooperfulleon.com

ASSERTA rangefrom Fulleon Using expertise gained from many years of fire sounder development, Fulleon’sASSERTA range incorporates innovative thinking, which has contributed to easierand safer installation procedures.

P. 14 Fulleon Profile 15/2/10 3:22 pm Page 14


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P. 15 ads 15/2/10 3:23 pm Page 15


PRODUCT PROFILE

The China Resource Building, a 178 metre tallskyscraper in the Wan Chai district of HongKong island, was experiencing regular faults

in its fire detection and alarm system. Peak TradeInternational Limited (PTI), a company that hasbeen providing fire system design, engineeringand maintenance in the Asian market for some sixyears, was called in to investigate. Kinman Chow,Engineering Manager with PTI, soon identified theproblem. The breakglass call points in the publiccorridors on each of the building’s 48 floors weresemi-flush mounted. On completion of the day’sactivities, to conserve energy the air conditioningsystem is shutdown, with the resulting change intemperature generating condensation which wasrunning down the wall and entering the call point.This was causing a fault report in the system, aproblem which resolved itself during the day whenthe air conditioning was reactivated and the waterthat had collected in the callpoint’s back box driedup. Mr Chow comments – “We conducted a fullrisk assessment for the China Resource Building.The faults were only occurring at night when theair conditioning system was shut off and the risk interms of life safety was therefore low. However, weall know that fire safety is not just about protectinglife but also the building itself, as well as itscontents. From our risk assessment we recognisedthe need to do something to resolve this issue toensure the building’s owners had a fire protectionsystem that was fully operational 24 hours a day.”

Following the site survey, PTI recommended thatthe existing call points be replaced with STI’s Reset

Call Point and anApollo mini module(located in the AirHandling Unit plantroom) to interfacewith the Apolloanalogue address-able fire detectionsystem. The ‘ReSet’mimics the feel ofbreaking glass butin a unit whichoffers the benefitsand environmentaladvantages of a

re-settable operating element. Although it is flushmounted, the call point’s screw-type terminal ismuch less susceptible to water ingress than theplug and play design of the units that had causedproblems. Even though a waterproof ReSet callpoint manufactured to IP67 ratings is available aspart of the range, the manufacturing quality of theindoor version proved more than adequate toovercome the condensation problems encounteredin this particular application.

This approach also resolved the situation withthe call point located in the podium at upperground floor level which could be affected by rain,particularly when the rain was coupled with highwinds.

Since the introduction of the ReSet Call Point,the faults in the system have been completelyeradicated. Mr Chow continues – “although thecall point we used is recommended for useindoors, the build quality meant that it was able toresist the condensation in this application and thecall points located in the public corridors haveworked perfectly since being installed. Also, nofalse alarms or fault reports have been generatedby the call point in the podium, despite sometimestyphoon conditions, which is a real testament tohow robust the units are.”

The success of the initial project and thepositive response from the building’s owners tothe performance of the units has lead to a secondphase where the remaining existing call points are being replaced with the STI ReSet. IFP

For further details pleasecontact:Safety TechnologyInternational (Europe) Ltd.Sales Freephone (UK): 0800 085 1678 Tel: 01527 520 999 Fax: 01527 501 999 Email: [email protected]: www.sti-europe.com

STI Call Point(Re)Sets theStandard inHong KongA somewhat unusual problem with condensation in a major Hong Kongcommercial building has been resolved by the ReSet Call Point from STI (Europe)and a little lateral thinking from a resourceful fire safety engineering manager.

The ReSet call point ismanufactured to EN54-11 and approved by LPCB

P. 16 STI Profile 15/2/10 3:24 pm Page 16


P. 17 ads 15/2/10 3:25 pm Page 17

PROFILE


VISITOR INFORMATION

INTERSCHUTZ 2010, 7 to 12 June

At a glance

Duration: Monday, 7 June to Saturday, 12 June 2010

Opening hours: Daily from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Admission prices:

Advance sales and Ticket office

Single admission 18.00 EURFull-event ticket 41.00 EUR

Student’s day ticket (incl. young people in military or civilian service: ID required)11.00 EUR

Tickets can be bought in advance via the Internet(www.interschutz.de)

Free ride to and from eventYour admission ticket entitles you to ride publictransit free of charge* on the day of the event onall lines operated by the MDV transit authority(Mitteldeutscher Verkehrsverbund), valid for thefollowing regions and fare zones:

MDV fare zones*The visitor’s free ride to and from the exhibitioncenter via MDV-operated public transit lines on the

Interschutz, the world’s largest trade exhibition aimed at the fire industry willsoon be upon us. Held once every 5 years, anyone and anybody involved in thefire safety and fire fighting industry will be in Leipzig, Germany between the 7th and 12th June 2010 attending this prestigious event. IFP takes a look atsome essential information for visitors as well as exhibitors attending Interschutz.

P. 18-21 Interschutz 15/2/10 3:26 pm Page 18

day of the event is valid for the following regionsand fare zones:

LeipzigLeipzig CountyNordsachsen CountyMittelsachsen CountyBurgen CountyHalle Saale County Altenburger Land

Catalogue: €17 plus postage and packaging (availableapprox. 3 weeks before opening day of event)Internet: http://www.interschutz.de/catalogue

Visitor information: Internet: http://www.interschutz/visitorservice Email: [email protected]

Getting there: If traveling by car, simply follow the signs to theexhibition center (Messegelände) in and aroundLeipzig; the Leipzig exhibition center is well sign-posted. Our dynamic parking guidance system willpoint you to the nearest parking space.

If traveling to Leipzig by train, you can reach theexhibition center (Messegelände) from LeipzigCentral Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof) by takingthe regional train, the FlughafenExpress train, thetram or a taxi. For more information, pleaseinquire at the Service Point desk at Central RailwayStation.

Numerous airlines serve the Leipzig/Halle Air-port. There are over 300 direct flights to and fromeight German cities and 72 cities abroad.Leipzig/Halle Airport also gives you easy access tothe following major international airport hubs:Frankfurt, Munich, Paris and Vienna.

Travel and accommodations: Do you prefer a quiet’s night sleep, or would you rather be close to Leipzig’s pulsating nightlife?The Leipziger Messe company can provide youwith recommendations and reservations for anylocation or price category. Your selection ofaccommodations ranges from hotels, pensions and guesthouses with a total of 12,000 beds between them – from “shoestring budget”to luxury. For more information, visit www.inter-schutz.de/61050.

Parking: The press parking lot for journalists at LeipzigerMesse is located inside the exhibition grounds nextto the Messehaus building. The parking lot isaccessible via Messe-Allee, South 1 gate.

Range of exhibits: Vehicles and vehicle equipment, fire extinguishingappliances and systems, fire extinguishing agents, technical support and environmentalprotection, rescue, emergency, first-aid and med-ical equipment, personal protective equipment,measuring and detection apparatus, control-station and signaling technology, information andorganization, equipment for fire stations andworkshops, building and construction industry,structural and organizational fire protection,associations, organizations, service companies,technical literature, model making, fan articles,gifts,

Exhibitors: The organizers anticipate some 1,100 exhibitingenterprises, occupying more than 80,000 m2 ofnet display space.

Press Center: At the Messehaus building, open from Sunday, 5June 2009, starting at 9:00 a.m.


INTERSCHUTZ 2010 PROFILE


Vehicles and vehicle equipmentHall 1, 2, 4 + Open-air ground 1

Fire extinguishers appliances and systems,extinguishing agents Hall 1, 5

Technical support and environmentalprotection Hall 1, 2 + Open-air ground 1

Rescue, emergency, first-aid and medicalequipment Hall 1, 2, 3 + Open-air ground 1

Personal protective equipmentHall 1 and 3

Measuring and detection apparatusHall 3

Control station and signaling technology Hall 3

Information and organization technologyHall 3

Equipment for fire stations and workshops Hall 1, 5

Building and construction industry, structural and organisational fire protection Hall 1, 5

Associations, organizations, servicesHall 1, 2, 3, 5

Trade literature, model making, gift itemsHall 1, 2, 4


Display Categories INTERSCHUTZ 2010


INTERSCHUTZ 2010 PROFILE


The benefits ofexhibiting at theshow The No.1 event in the industry calendar With more than 120,000 visitors and over 1,200exhibitors, INTERSCHUTZ is the leading inter-national trade fair for public safety. Featuring the world’s largest array of exhibits for disasterprevention, rescue and emergency services,INTERSCHUTZ offers you a fantastic opportunity todemonstrate the competence of your companyand organization to the entire industry – with justone trade fair presentation.

Unique conceptDue to the combination of commercial and non-commercial exhibitors under the same roof youbenefit as a supplier from directfeedback from theusers of your security solutions. This puts you in anexcellent position to fine-tune your product rangeto meet changing market needs.

Efficient business platformWith over 90% of visitors classed as trade visitors,you can be certain of reaching large numbers of decision-makers and buyers. This makesINTERSCHUTZ an ideal platform for successful newproduct launches and business deals.

International audienceAt INTERSCHUTZ you’ll meet top decision-makersfrom all over the world. This gives you readyaccess to profitable new markets.

Barometer of trendsLearn about pioneering innovations and key trendswithin the industry at the conferences, symposiaand corporate lectures that accompany the show.You’ll benefit from the professional expertise ofleading experts and gather useful information forshaping the future course of your company andorganization.

Attention guaranteedAn extensive advertising campaign and an attrac-tive program of events serve to generate andmaintain the interest of visitors and the media.

Excellent facilitiesThe modern exhibition complex in Leipzig with itsfascinating steel and glass architecture providesyou with everything you need in terms of bothorganization and technical facilities.

Reasonably priced entryFor as little as Euro 5,321 (plus VAT) you can booka 20 m2 fair-package system stand, fully fitted andready to go – and enjoy all the benefits of exhibit-ing at INTERSCHUTZ. IFP

Press CentreEntrance

EC-Cashdispensingmachine

BusinessLounge

Restaurant

Parking

Airport-City-Shuffle

Taxi

Tram line 16

Tram

Bus Stop

Station LeipzigMesse

Heliport

First aid

Fair shop

Café

Police

Customs

ForwardingAgencies

MaxicoM

(Euro-AsiaBusiness Group)



FIRETRACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

At the beginning of 2008 the Middle Eastconstruction sector was at an all time high.Over US$1 trillion of projects were under-

way in the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] statesand another US$150 billion’s worth was in thepipeline. So, despite the recent debt crisis newsfrom Dubai, the region remains one of the world’smost prominent construction markets, where theinvestment in major projects and the developmentof the region’s infrastructure is on a world-class scale.

One of the most prominent of these projects isthe US$2 billion DOKAAEP [Development of KingAbdul Aziz Endowment Project] in the holy city ofMakkah in Saudi Arabia that today has a popula-tion in excess of 1.7 million. The architecturallydistinctive complex, which comprises seven high-rise towers overlooking the Masjid al-Haram orGrand Mosque – the largest mosque in the world– will, when completed in 2011, accommodate65,000 guests and visiting pilgrims. The 1,445,000square metre project is believed to be the largestmixed-use complex of its kind in the world, andthe central hotel tower will reach up to almost

600 meters, earning it a place among the tallestbuildings in the world.

Among the many business and service-criticalelements of the project are more than 300 escala-tors and elevators that will travel at speeds of upto six metres a second. Due to its incorporating ashopping mall, restaurants and food courts, as wellas a large prayer area for 3,800 people, a 1,500capacity convention centre and car parking for 780vehicles, it also has extensive and sophisticatedCCTV, heating, ventilation and air conditioning,data networking, access control, lighting, securityand telecommunications installations.

With such complex building managementsystems, it was judged to be of major importancethat the electrical control cabinets on which thesesystems depend be protected by dedicated andefficient fire detection and suppression. So muchso that the electrical cabinets throughout the DarAl-Handasah (Shari & Partners) designed buildingare being protected by hundreds of FiretraceInternational’s genuine FIRETRACE® stand-alone,automatic fire suppression systems.

By Nick Grant

EMEA Vice Presidentand General Manager ofFiretrace International

Firetrace® provides bprotection for Midd l

At last month’s Intersec exhibition in Dubai, Firetrace International showcased anumber of Middle East projects where its fire suppression technology isproviding 24/7 protection for business-critical assets. Nick Grant explains.

P. 22-23 Firetrace in Middle Ea 15/2/10 3:27 pm Page 22

BUSINESS-CRITICAL PROTECTION FIRETRACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

FIRETRACE was chosen because it satisfied theconsultant’s insistence on relying on a solution thatis both UL [Underwriters Laboratories] listed andFM [Factory Mutual] approved. It also appealedbecause its proven reliability. ISO 9001:2008registered Firetrace International’s FIRETRACE is a“self-seeking” solution that is entirely self-con-tained, does not require an external power source,and so is ideal for protecting installations spreadthroughout the complex. Significantly, it can beactivated only by heat or flame and so willdischarge only when a genuine fire is detected,overcoming any potential for false alarm orunwarranted discharge.

However, for all of its sensitivity, FIRETRACEsystems are unaffected by Saudi Arabia’s hightemperatures, which can average over 40°Cbetween May and September.

Currently, 250 FIRETRACE systems have beeninstalled, but Firetrace International’s authorisedtrading partner in Saudi Arabia, Husam SinjabContracting Establishment, anticipates that thiswill ultimately increase to a figure closer to 400.For this particular project and application theyutilise DuPont™ FM-200® clean suppression agentthat is ideal for protecting electrical components. Itleaves no residue to damage sensitive equipment,is non-conductive and non-corrosive. Also, unlikeCO2 [carbon dioxide], which some companieserroneously promote as suitable for directdischarge via tube-operated systems used to protectelectrical cabinets, FM-200 does not cause thermalshock to the equipment being protected.

The FIRETRACE technology chosen for theDOKAAEP cabinets was the Firetrace DirectRelease System. This comprises Firetrace Inter-national’s proprietary Firetrace Detection Tubingthat is linked, via a custom-engineered valve, tothe FM-200 suppression agent cylinder. This special-ly-developed, leak resistant, small-bore polymertubing is a linear pneumatic heat and flame detec-tor that delivers the desired temperature-sensitivedetection and delivery characteristics. Its flexibilityis such that it can be threaded around eachcabinet’s tightly-packed compartments and com-ponents. When the tubing detects a fire anywherealong its length it ruptures, forming an effectivespray nozzle that automatically releases the entirecontents of the FM-200 cylinder, extinguishing thefire precisely where it starts and before it can doextensive damage to the cabinet or its contents.

Another Middle East project that relies on theFiretrace Direct Release System is for Qatar’sMinistry of Drainage Affairs’ Doha South STW[Sewage Treatment Works] project, where FIRE-TRACE is again playing a leading role in ensuringthat critical electrical control panels are providedwith dedicated, fast-action fire protection. Thelatest delivery of FIRETRACE equipment, which isbeing supplied by Doha Electrical and MechanicalProjects, Firetrace International’s authorised Qatari

distributor, brought the total number of systemssupplied for the project to well over 400 in thepast three years.

These systems are safeguarding a variety ofmachinery control cabinets, variable speed drives,and high and medium-voltage cabinets thatcontrol drinking water pumps, sewage and watertreatment processes throughout the southern partof the city, which is home to 80 percent of Qatar’spopulation. The project manages the flow ofwastewater for approximately 500,000 people.

Each of the Ministry of Drainage Affairs’ cabinetsis protected by a single FIRETRACE cylinder to pro-vide maximum protection. Every system is linkedvia a low-pressure switch to a Kentec Electronicsfire panel – also supplied by Firetrace International– that is in turn connected to a main SCADA[Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition] system.Every Kentec panel has a unique address so, if alow-pressure switch is activated, the location ofthe fire is immediately evident. IFP


s business-criticald le East projects

The company’s EMEA headoffice is in the UK and can becontacted on +44 (0) 1293780390

Firetrace Internationalheadquarters is in Scottsdale,Arizona, USA and can bereached on +1 480 607 1218www.firetrace.com

P. 22-23 Firetrace in Middle Ea 15/2/10 3:27 pm Page 23

Pyroplex Glazing Selector

Architectural design is increasingly incorporating the use of fire resistant glazing.

The Pyroplex Glazing Selector outlines the correct seal that is compatible with a wide range of fire resistant glass, making fire resistant glazing system selection simple.

Certifire approval provides you with the confidence that our products have achieved certification at a higher level than the minimum requirements.

For our full range of Pyroplex passive fire protection products visit us at www.pyroplex.com

For a free copy of The Pyroplex Glazing Selector email us at [email protected] or telephone 01905 795432.

Pyroplex® Limited, The Furlong, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR9 9BG, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1905 795432

email: [email protected] web: www.pyroplex.com

GLAZING

The Derby Roundhouse ,photo courtesy of Bowmerand Kirkland


This design evolution has been enabled thanksto ongoing developments in the world of fireresistant glass – longer protection times and

increased panel sizes now afford us the very bestin fire safety without compromising design.

Fit for purposeHowever this protection is dependent on com-pliance with a wide range of rigorous testingprocedures, industry standards and buildingregulations. These are critical to both the specifica-tion and functionality of fire resistant glass.

Test certificates validate a product’s suitabilityfor use and define its limits. While there may besome variation in the testing practices from onecountry to the next, the certifications themselvesall talk the same ‘language’ and give specifiers thenecessary assurances that the product is fit forpurpose.

CGI provides fire products to fulfil a wide varietyof performances and appearances enablingspecifiers to obtain all requirements for fire andspeciality glasses from a single source. All productsare tested to British and European standards aswell as a variety of International standards for fireresistance and impact safety.

OptionsFire glass products can be grouped into three maincategories. The first is integrity only (E) which pre-vents flames and hot gasses from spreading forthe specified time – typically from between 30 and60 minutes. The second option is integrity andradiation control glass (EW) which not only offersintegrity but also offers some radiant heat control.This significantly reduces the amount of radiantheat transmitted through the glass. The third isintegrity and insulating glass (EI) which has the

By Steve Goodburn

CGI Sales Director

A Fire SafetyEducation The continued evolution of fire resistant glazing has prompted one of the mostcurrent design styles – open plan. Be it a ten floor office block, a hospital waitingroom or a school corridor – open plan living and working is the design style ofthe moment.

P. 25-28 Glazing 15/2/10 3:28 pm Page 25

same ability as the above but also restricts thetemperature transfer to the unexposed face.

Modern building design has created heighteneddemand for those products which offer integrityand full insulation (EI) or integrity and radiationcontrol (EW). A fire glass with insulation or radia-tion control stops/limits the transfer of heat thereby mitigating the risks of spontaneouscombustion, protecting adjacent parts of thebuilding and buying more time for fire crews torespond and for people to evacuate safely.

The advice is that any building which has a highvolume of people or business assets or a complexevacuation protocol should select from integrityand radiation control (EW) or integrity andinsulation glass (EI). This is because most commonmaterials will ignite spontaneously once tempera-tures reach 500-600ºC, so even if the fire iscontained in an adjoining room, catastrophicdamage and further spread of fire can take place.A fire glass with insulation or radiation control alsostops or limits the transfer of heat through theglass for a predetermined period of time andmitigates the risks.

InstallationThere is a misconception that using fire resistantglass is ‘job done’. However incorrect installationcan render a tested specification useless and makefire resistant glass installations nothing more thannormal glass.

It’s of the utmost importance that all com-ponents in a fire-resistance glazing system are firerated, compatible and approved if the glass is tofulfil its role and meet building regulations.

Standard glazing material products won’t with-stand the high temperatures experienced during afire and will combust, melt or work loose within avery short period of time. Eventually the glass will twist or fall out, allowing the fire to spread.Specialist glazing materials should be specifiedalong with the glass itself, as a fire resistantsystem. Ceramic tape is an ideal and economicalmedium for glazing most types of fire resistantglasses including both insulated and non-insulatedpanels.

Choosing the right frame is also very important.The combination of a fire glass with a poorlydesigned frame, or a frame manufactured from a


A FIRE SAFETY EDUCATIONGLAZING

P. 25-28 Glazing 15/2/10 3:28 pm Page 26

A complete range for all Fire Resisting Glass classifi cations!

Provides a physical barrier against fl ame, hot toxic gases and smokeSGG PYROSWISS®,SGG PYROSWISS® Extra

Control of the transmissionof radiated heat belowa specifi ed levelSGG VETROFLAM®,SGG CONTRAFLAM® Lite

Highest performance limi tation of surface temperature on the unexposed sideSGG CONTRAFLAM®, SGG SWISSFLAM®

E = Integrity

EW = Radiation

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Vetrotech IFP40 p00 5/11/09 2:42 pm Page 1

sub-standard material, will almost always renderthe system non fire-rated and at risk of immediatefailure in a fire.

CGI has a wealth of evidence to cover hardwoodtimber frames as well as fire rated steel systems.There is a trend to move towards softwood framesbecause of cost and test evidence is available in thisarea too. CGI is also working to develop fire tested

wooden framing systems of slimmer thicknesses tosuit the demands of the architectural world. Steeland hardwood frames are the most suitable simplebecause of the non-combustibility of steel framingsystems, or slow char rates of hard wood.

As well as the use of inappropriate frames, glaz-ing media and sealant systems, there’s also confu-sion about the approved sizes of fire resistantglass. The orientation and area of the glass is allimportant. A piece of glass that’s been cut to por-trait sizing should be installed that way. Install ithorizontally and you may well be exceeding thetest parameters of that product and thereby

reducing its effectiveness. It will also no longer bea certified installation.

Continual changeThe glass industry is continuously on a quest todevelop the next generation of fire glasses. CGIinvests heavily in research and development andmore recently opened its own on-site facilities to

continue developing technical capabilities. Recent developments have included ceiling to

floor panels in CGI’s integrity and radiation control(EW) fire resisting glass Pyroguard and increasedsheet sizes for Pyroguard insulation.

There’s no disputing it, fire resistant glass isbecoming a more and more common way of satis-fying the fire safety requirements of a building,without compromising on the architectural and aes-thetic qualities of the design. In less than 30 yearsfire resistant glass has been radically overhauled andas building design and construction trends evolve,so too will the fire resistant glass industry. IFP


A FIRE SAFETY EDUCATIONGLAZING

CGI has a wealth of evidence to cover hardwood timber

frames as well as fire rated steel systems. There is a trend to

move towards softwood frames because of cost and test

evidence is available in this area too. CGI is also working to

develop fire tested wooden framing systems of slimmer

thicknesses to suit the demands of the architectural world.

For more information on CGIplease call 01942 710720 orvisit www.cgii.co.uk

Fire rated glass manufacturerCGI International suppliesthe widest range of fireglasses for use in buildingsaround the world – whichhas tripled sales in the pastdecade.

Around 60 per cent of thecompany’s glass is exportedto countries such as Holland,Ireland, France, Spain,Sweden, Norway, Finland,Australia, China, Dubai, theUSA and Turkey. CGI iscurrently expanding into newmarkets in Eastern Europeand the Middle East.

CGI’s products includePyroguard Clear, PyroguardWired, Pyroguard Insulationand Pyroguard InsulationAcoustic.

P. 25-28 Glazing 15/2/10 3:28 pm Page 28

For over 90 years, The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.has manufactured fire sprinklers, valves, and fire protectionaccessories. They are also a major distributor of sprinkler sys-tem components. Reliable produces a full line of both solderelement and frangible glass bulb sprinklers for virtually everytype of protection requirements. Reliable has a complete lineof fire protection valves for controlling water flow and providingalarm signaling to include check, alarm, dry, deluge, and pre-action valves.

Reliable Fire Sprinkler Ltd.Manufacturer & Distributor of Fire Protection Equipment

www.reliablesprinkler.comWestern Europe: Berny Holden - [email protected]: Hartmut Winkler - [email protected]: Dan Forsberg - [email protected] Office: +44.1342316800Germany Office: +49.62176212223Sweden Office: +46.87165570

TECHNOLOGY QUALITY SERVICE• •

SPRINKLERS


Figure 5

The selection of the proper spray nozzle thatachieves the coverage area and water densityrequired for the hazard being protected is

one of the most important steps necessary toensure the successful operation of the system. Ofcourse, there are many other steps of equal impor-tance and complexity that are taken during thedesign and layout process for water spray systems,but it is the selection of the proper spray nozzlesthat can present one of the largest challenges andmay ultimately determine whether or not thewater spray system will perform as required.Because of the wide variations in the characteris-tics of water spray nozzles including discharge pat-terns, velocities, distances of projection and thevariables of the hazards being protected a carefulevaluation of the nozzle selection should be com-pleted by a professional with an in-depth knowl-edge of special hazards applications and waterspray system design.

The complexity of nozzle selection can beincreased in some cases where a limited amountof technical information is available describing the specific features or proper application for thespray nozzle being considered. In other cases,confusion may result from the terminology used ina manufactures technical data, such as high,medium and low velocity nozzles and the term

velocity’s relationship to the application. Given thesubstantial number of hazards where spray nozzlescan be applied, and the various listings andapprovals granted by Underwriters Laboratory,Factory Mutual and LPCB, the design engineer andlayout technician are presented with a demandingselection process. This paper will attempt to clarify spray nozzle selection criteria for several ofthe most complex water spray applications andthe terminology used to identify the uniquecharacteristic of the spray nozzles.

Water spray and nozzlesThe applications where spray nozzles are utilizedcan be severe. Primarily spray nozzles are used forexposure protection of bulk storage flammableand combustible liquid tanks to cool the shell,prevent explosion or collapse of the tank andextension of the fire. In addition, when designedproperly and correctly installed water spray systemscan be successfully utilized for extinguishment andcontrol of some flammable liquids fires, somecombustible liquid fires, Class A combustibles, andelectrical transformer applications. Extinguishmentof a fire using water spray is achieved “by cooling,smothering, emulsifying or diluting of flammableliquids or by a combination of these factors”1.“Controlling of a fire can be achieved with the

By Scott Martorano,CFPS

Senior Manager,Technical Service, The Viking Corporation

Spray Nozzles Selectio nSystems: Options and a

Water spray systems as defined in NFPA 15 can provide some of the mostcomplex and challenging system designs encountered by fire protectionprofessionals.

P. 30-33 Sprinklers 15/2/10 3:28 pm Page 30

same mechanisms that achieve extinguishment,however due to different characteristics of thefuel, suppression is not possible”2.

FM Global defines the mechanisms of fireextinguishment in the following manner:

Cooling action results to some extent fromabsorption of heat by water particles but mostlyfrom the conversion of water to steam. Whenconverted into steam, 1lb of water at 60ºFabsorbs 1150 Btu. When the surface of theburning material is cooled to a point whereflammable vapors are no longer evolved, thefire is extinguished.

Smothering action is obtained when thewater spray is converted to steam by the heatof the fire, expanding its volume approximately1,750 times. As the steam envelops the firearea, oxygen is excluded which helps toextinguish the fire.

Emulsification is obtained by mechanicalagitation of water with oil or other non-watersoluble liquids so that droplets of both materialsbecome closely interspersed. Such an emulsionis produced by the action of water spray strikingthe surface of certain flammable liquids, render-ing the liquid surface nonflammable. Withliquids of low viscosity, emulsification is probablytemporary, existing only during the applicationof the spray. With materials of higher viscosity,the emulsion will last longer and provide someprotection against re-flashing.

Dilution of water-soluble liquids is usually aminor factor in extinguishing a fire because ofthe high degree of dilution required3.

Spray nozzle selection and operationThe selection of spray nozzles involves considera-tion of several factors, primarily its ability to dis-tribute water in a manner which allows the propermechanism of extinguishment or control for thehazard to be achieved. Spray nozzles are availablein a wide range of capacities and angles. Thedesign elements used within the spray nozzle tomanipulate the movement of water through thespray nozzle will impact the discharge velocity ofthe water droplets and the discharge patternsreach or range.

The velocity of the water droplets dischargedfrom spray nozzles is not a factor for considerationof water spray system design within NFPA 15 or13. However terms referencing velocity are usedextensively within manufactures technical data andwithin the testing and installation standards of theLoss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) whichare used in many part of the world. The exactmeaning of this terminology and how it applies tothe spray nozzle application can be confusing andat times misleading, but it can be helpful to put adefinition to the terms low, medium and highvelocity if for no other reason than to help thedesigner and layout technician gain a betterunderstanding of the nozzle application. The onlywritten definitions for spray nozzles that can be

found within the fire protection industry commonreferenced text are within the LPCB Standard 1277.

LPCB Standard 1277 defines medium velocityspray nozzles are “sprayers with deflection platesproducing conical discharge patterns having boresnot less that 1 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting thetest requirements of this standard apart from thefire test. These sprayers may be opened or sealed;the seal is identical to that of a sprinkler” and“sprayers with swirl chambers producing conicaldischarge patterns and having internal waterwaysnot less than 6 inch (3.1 mm) and final exit boresnot less than 1 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting therequirements of this standard at a pressure of 20 psi (1.4 bar) apart from the fire test”. Highvelocity spray nozzles are defined as “sprayerswith swirl chambers producing conical dischargepatterns and having internal waterways not lessthan 6 inch (3.1 mm) and final exit bores not lessthan 1 inch (6.3 mm) and meeting the require-ments of this standard apart from those for coneangles and distribution4”.

From these definitions several of the key differ-ences between medium and high velocity spraynozzles can be identified such as the incorporationof a deflector on some medium velocity nozzlesand high velocity nozzle will have to meet differ-ent cone angle and distribution requirements. Alsothe term “swirl chamber” is introduced for somemedium velocity and all high velocity nozzles. A“swirl chamber” is used within a nozzle to spinthe water so it emerges as a solid cone jet.

Historically, the term velocity and distribution ofthe size of water droplets has been understood todescribe the reach or area of coverage of thenozzles water spray pattern5. However, it is thevelocity and dispersion of the water droplets them-selves which will determine a spray nozzles abilityto achieve the mechanisms of extinguishment orcontrol of a fire.

Fixed nozzles have certain velocity or pressureranges of effectiveness. Below the lower limit ofthe force range, the discharge pattern is ineffec-tive; above the upper limit, velocities may bereached that will result in decreased effectivenessdue to reduction in the discharge pattern, deliverydistance and/or the water droplets6. At the pointwhere a droplet of water is discharged from a noz-zle, it is carried forward by its momentum, down-ward by the force of gravity and is retarded byfriction in the air. The forward velocity of waterdroplets becomes very important in the reach ofthe nozzle7. Spray nozzles are designed to havevarious spray angles. The volume of water beingdischarged and the spray angle of the nozzle willdetermine the actual velocity of the water dropletsand the range of the spray.

The size and velocity of the water particles willhave an impact on the ability to extinguish orcontrol a fire. If the droplets are too small, theycannot penetrate to the seat of the fire but arecarried upward by the fire plume. If they are toolarge, their surface-to-mass ratio is small and they


SPRAY NOZZLES SELECTION FOR WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS SPRINKLERS

o n for Water Sprayd applications explained


cannot effectively cool the fire gases8. When beingused to suppress flammable liquid fires with highflash points above 200oF the water droplets mustbe traveling at a velocity sufficient to penetrate thesurface of the flammable liquid.

Defining the ranges of water droplet velocitiesis difficult given the lack of published informationavailable for spray nozzles. There are many factorswhich impact the actual velocity of water dropletsincluding the water droplet size, orientation orangle of placement of the nozzle and the operat-ing pressure. The large range of spray nozzlesavailable on the market makes it almost impossibleto clearly define the three velocity categories.However, for the purpose understanding thepotential application of each type of nozzle, inaddition to the information provided above onepotential method of defining the velocity terms isas follows.

Low velocity spray nozzles are similar in dis-charge characteristics to standard spray sprinklers.The water droplet size is within the same range. Areview of two studies from the U.S. Department ofCommerce, National Institute of Standard andTechnology (NIST) called “Determination of WaterSpray Drop Size and Speed from a Standard Orifice,Pendent Spray Sprinkler9” and “UnderstandingSprinkler Sprays: Trajectory Analysis10” Place themeasured water droplet velocities for K 5.5 spraysprinklers between 2 ft/sec and 27 ft/sec flowing15 gpm at 7 psi. It would be expected that a spraynozzle with similar characteristic may have waterdroplet velocities in the same range.

High and medium velocity spray nozzles cover amuch broader range of application. Due a widerange of K factors and operating pressures thewater droplet size can range from the largerdroplets found in the discharge of a standardsprinkler to the much smaller water droplets thatwould be similar to the sizes found in water mistsystems. At least one manufacture publishes waterdroplet velocity information for a medium velocitynozzle. When the water pressure range is between20 psi (1.4 bar) and 50 psi (3.5 bar) the waterdroplet velocity was 49 ft/sec (15 m/sec) to 82 ft/sec(25 m/sec). High and medium velocity spraynozzles are used primarily within this pressurerange so it can be anticipated that the waterdroplet velocity may be similar to this publishedinformation for many spray nozzles.

Water, spray nozzles and flammable orcombustible liquidsNFPA 30 the Flammable and Combustible LiquidsCode provides the definitions for flammable andcombustible liquids. Flammable liquids are definedas any liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at orbelow 100oF. Combustible liquids are defined asany liquid that has a closed-cup flash point at orabove 100oF11. Water can effectively utilize several

of the control and extin-guishment mechanisms ona flammable or com-bustible liquids fire.

Extinguishing a flamma-ble liquid fires can occur ifthe flammable liquid is mis-cible with water, largequantities of water candilute and the liquid to thepoint where it is no longer

flammable and cool the liquid below its flashpoint; however extreme care must be taken whenusing this approach to ensure the container whichis holding the combustible liquid does not over-flow and inadvertently spread the fire. One tech-nique that can be used to prevent this situation isto select a nozzle which discharges a fine spray withdroplets less that. 4 mm. The fine spray will diluteand cool the surface layer of the flammable liquidlimiting the amount of water introduced to thecontainer and reducingthe possibility of an over-flow. Fires involvingflammable liquids thatare not completely misci-ble with water such asether and ketones canbe controlled utilizingwater spray12. Low tomedium velocity solidcone nozzles are well suited for this type of appli-cation (figure 1).

Fires involving combustible liquids with flashpoints above 200oF that are not miscible withwater such a lubricating oil, can be suppressedusing high velocity solid cone nozzles (figure 2).When the water is discharged with a velocity thatis sufficient to penetrate the surface of the com-bustible liquid, suppression is achieved by coolingthe surface below the liquids flash point.

Extinguishing or controlling a flammable of com-bustible liquids fire with water is complex. Itinvolves many considerations beyond the spraynozzle selection. The successful application ofwater to a flammable liquids spill will probablycause the burning flammable liquid to spread,unless a dike is present. Another problem isencountered if the liquid has a high flash point andis less dense than the water. In this case, waterdroplets, even if applied gently, will sink below thesurface and turn into steam, causing eruption ofthe flammable liquid into the flames and increasingthe burn rate13. In addition, when combustible liq-uids burn in depth for long periods of time the liq-uid can take on the characteristics of a flammableliquid. Careful consideration should be given to theapplication, the volume of water that will be intro-duced and it potential impact on the situation.

Water and electrical equipmentWater spray systems are often used to provide fireprotection and complete water impingement foroil-filled electrical transformers (figure 3). Trans-formers are available in many different sizes and configurations and a complete understandingof all the relevant transformer information isnecessary to ensure the proper nozzle selection.However, high velocity spray nozzles can beextremely effective in extinguishing the high flashpoint non-miscible combustible liquids fire thatresults from the catastrophic failure and explosionof the electrical transformer. Additional considera-tions in the selection of the proper nozzle outdoortransformers include the effect of wind, the nozzlecapacity and placement of the nozzle. Electricalclearances may require the selection of a nozzlecapable of a large water discharge to achieve theproper range and coverage of the water spray.

The water spray system is also designed toprovide cooling for the structural and metalelements while the combustible liquids are is


SPRINKLERS

Figure 1

Figure 2


being extinguished. NFPA 15 outlines the specificrequirements for placement of the spray nozzles toavoid the live un-insulated electrical equipmentand it is critical that the water spray system bedesigned in a manner to remove power beforewater is applied.

Exposure protection of bulk storageflammable and combustible liquid tanksWater spray systems designed for exposure protec-tion as defined in NFPA 15 provide “absorption ofheat through application of water spray to struc-tures or equipment exposed to a fire, to limitsurface temperature to a level that will minimizedamage and prevent failure”. The nozzle selectionfor this application will be based on the nozzle dis-charge capacity, spray angles and patterns such asthe shaped spray pattern nozzle in figure 4. Theobjective of the water spray is to keep the tankcool. This prevents the liquid from boiling away. Ifthe liquids within the tank boil away, the heat willnot be transferred away from the shell. This couldcause the shell to rupture in the case of directflame impingement.

It is important that the nozzledischarges overlap to preventdry spots on the surface of thetank and that overspray of thestorage container be limited toachieve the most efficienthydraulic design. Considerationmust also be given to the effectsof wind and possible updraftsfrom a fire in close proximity tothe tank and evaporation ofsmaller water droplets fromheat. Typically the nozzles areplaced and will discharge thewater spray at the top of the

equipment to allow the water to run down the sur-face. The actual amount of water run down is diffi-cult to predict because of the effects of wind andthe shape of the tank (figure 5 page 30).

ConclusionThe selection of spray nozzles can be a complexand challenging process. The variables that affectthe selection can be numerous. It is important forthe fire protection professional to keep the goal orpurpose of the water spray system in mind duringthe selection process. The characteristics of thespray nozzle will determine its effectiveness inextinguishing a fire, controlling a fire or cooling a

surface. For example, when extinguishment orcontrol of a flammable or combustible liquids fireis the purpose of the water spray system then anozzle should be selected that can accomplish theappropriate mechanism of extinguishment for theflammable or combustible liquid being protected.When the purpose of the water spray system is tocool a bulk storage fuel tank the nozzle selectedshould have the discharge capacity and sprayangle required to the appropriate water densityover the surface are of the tank.

Although the terminology can seem confusing,it can actually assist the design engineer andlayout technician in quickly identifying the mostappropriate group of nozzles for an application.NFPA 15 and 13 are the basis for these designs,however as you can see because of the complexnature of the hazards involved a considerableamount of additional research may be necessary todevelop an effective fire protection design. Inthese cases it is always prudent to consult thespray nozzle manufacturer for specific technicalinformation of the performance expectation of thespray nozzle being considered.

References1 FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet. “FixedWater Spray Systems for Fire protection 4-1N”.Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Norwood MA.2002. Pg 9.2 Bryan, John, L. “Automatic Sprinkler and Stand-pipe Systems” Second Edition. National FireProtection Association. Quincy, MA. 1990. Pg 456.3 FM Global Loss Prevention Data Sheet. “FixedWater Spray Systems for Fire protection 4-1N”.Factory Mutual Insurance Company, Norwood MA.2002. Pg 9-11.4 “Testing methods for medium and high velocitywater sprayers” LPS Standard 1277: Issue Draft B,Loss Prevention Certification Board, United Kingdom,2006.5 Vollman, Christopher, L. “Water Spray Protec-tion”, Fire Protection Handbook, Nineteenth Edition,National Fire Protection Association. Quincy, MA.2003. Pg 10-267.6 Hickey, Harry, E. “Hydraulics for Fire Protection”,National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA,1980. Pg 219.7 Hickey, Harry, E. “Hydraulics for Fire Protection”,National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA,1980. Pg 229.8 Friedman, Raymond. “Principles of Fire ProtectionChemistry and Physics”, National Fire ProtectionAssociation, Quincy, MA. 1998. Pg 211.9 Potorti, A.D., Belsinger, T.D and W.H. Twilley,“Determination of water spray drop size from astandard orifice, pendent spray sprinkler” U.S.Department of Commerce National Institute ofStandards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. 1999.10 Sheppard, D.T., Gandhi, P.D., and R.M. Lueptow. “Understanding Sprinkler Sprays: Trajectory Analysis”.U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute ofStandards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. 200011 NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible LiquidsCode. National Fire Protection Association. Quincy,MA 2000. Pg 30-12.12 Nash, Philip, and Yong, Roy, “AutomaticSprinkler Systems for Fire Protection” 2nd edition,Paramount Publishing Limited, Hertfordshire,England, 1991. Pg 21013 Friedman, Raymond. “Principles of Fire ProtectionChemistry and Physics”, National Fire ProtectionAssociation, Quincy, MA. 1998. Pg 235.

IFP


SPRAY NOZZLES SELECTION FOR WATER SPRAY SYSTEMS SPRINKLERS

Figure 3

Figure 4


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GAS DETECTION


More than 10 years ago, the Chicago FireDepartment began deploying single-gasCO (carbon monoxide) monitors on all

200 of its engines and trucks. This came aboutwith the advent of commercially available COmonitors for home use. The early home units oftenwent into false alarm, and this would result in apanicked call from a homeowner for a responsefrom the fire department. The need to know ifthere was an immediate threat to life or healthcould not wait for the arrival of the hazardousmaterial response team. Each engine company was

initially equipped with an industrial, single-gas COmonitor. These were most useful in the winter,when CO calls were often due to incomplete com-bustion in faulty heating systems. “After a familydied from carbon monoxide poisoning 12 yearsago, we first deployed single-gas CO sensors onevery truck,” said Chief Daniel O’Connell, coordi-nator for Chicago Fire Department (CFD) SpecialOperations and Hazardous Materials.

Single-gas CO monitors might still be the norm,had it not been for some catastrophic events. Inone instance, an engine company arrived for what

By Bob Durstenfeld

RAE Systems’ SeniorDirector of CorporateMarketing.

Chicago FireDepartment respondsto unseen threatswith best practicesthat leverageavailable technologyUnseen threats are the routine for first responders. Knowing if there is imminentdanger is key to getting home safely. This article outlines several cases where theChicago Fire Department learned the value of using available technology ingauging an appropriate response.

P. 35-37 Gas Detection 15/2/10 3:29 pm Page 35

they thought was a CO call, and because therewas no alarm from the CO monitor, they assumedall was safe and entered the building. One of thefirefighters turned on the building’s lights, initiatingwhat turned out to be an explosion from a naturalgas leak. “We began investigating the use of 4-gas meters two years ago, after several 911 callswhere the CO monitor was not sufficient to detect the unseen threat, and we had two gasexplosions,” added O’Connell.

Over this two-year period, the department ranvarious evaluations on different combinations ofinstruments and sensors. The objective was todetermine if there was an immediate threat to lifeor health, and if the instrument alarmed, whetherit would be sufficient to determine the need tosecure the area and notify the HazMat team. Thedepartment’s two HazMat teams ran experimentsusing various combinations of instruments usingthe following four sensors: lower explosive limit(LEL) for combustible materials, carbon monoxide(CO), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and oxygen (O2).Each of the sensors was chosen for the life-criticalor time-critical threat information provided if itwent into alarm. The carbon monoxide sensor was

already proven. The lowerexplosive limit sensor wasselected to detect thepresence of high levels offlammable gas. The hydro-gen sulfide sensor waschosen because H2S is acommon threat that easilysaturates a responder’ssense of smell. The oxygensensor was selectedbecause it would immedi-ately indicate the need foran air mask and might alsoshow the presence of anoxidizer. Other sensors thatwere considered includedchlorine and ammonia, butboth substances haveother characteristics thatmake them identifiable.Four-gas instruments from

many manufacturers were evaluated for rugged-ness, user interface, calibration stability, battery lifeand ease of service. “We went through an evalua-tion process and selected the RAE Systems QRAE.The QRAE adds to the complement of RAESystems instruments already utilized by the CFDHazMat teams, including wireless AreaRAE RDKmonitors, MultiRAE Plus 4-gas monitors withPIDs, ppbRAE PIDs for decontamination andothers,” said O’Connell.

“Part of our decision to go with the RAESystems QRAE was the reliability and durability ofthe instruments,” said Robert Anthony, coordin-ator for the Chicago Fire Department’s Division of Equipment and Supply. To gain personnelefficiency, the 4-gas instrument calibration teamworks out of the same division as the breathing-airpack services. “Our in-house technicians maintainour fleet of over 200 QRAE units deployed at 102firehouses. We currently calibrate each unit usingthe AutoRAE calibration station on a monthlycycle.”

The fire department training academy wascalled to develop a training and certification pro-gram in the new 4-gas instruments. “Much of theinitial training on 4-gas instrument deploymentwas done by AFC International, an equipmentsupplier to the Chicago Fire Department,” saidDoug Mayer, RAE Systems Director of Eastern U.S. and Canadian Sales. “Jim Seneczko and hiscompany have provided much of the on-site train-ing and support that the Chicago Fire Departmentrequired.” This training was encouraged usingrank incentives in a similar fashion to emergencymedical certifications. “The Chicago Fire Depart-ment has encouraged all of our firefighters tolearn the basics of hazardous material response byoffering level A and B Technician certifications,”said Lieutenant Myron Kovalevich from theChicago Fire Department’s Training Academy.

At the same time as the fire department wasgrowing in its use of gas monitors on every truck,the HazMat team was able to become more spe-cialized. The team began to develop new responseprotocols which in turn were made part of theacademy’s training. Two of the procedures thathave become standard practice are the immediateuse of an air-mask or SCBA at 35 ppm (parts permillion) of carbon monoxide, and a CO reading of


4-Gas field calibrationteam with ChiefAnthony

GAS DETECTION

QRAE Calibration Deskat Chicago FireDepartment Air MaskServices


over 100 ppm makes the response a level-oneHazMat event. Other meter based proceduresinclude the immediate ventilation of a responsescene when a Lower-Explosive-Limit exceeds tenpercent and the use of the 4-gas meter in post fireoverhauls to determine when it is safe to removethe SCBA. On-site response procedures include afresh-air calibration of the meter prior to anybuilding entry in addition to the monthly fullinstrument calibration. For confined space entry,the fire department has deployed both the 4-gasmeter and in many cases the wireless AreaRAEmonitors. As part of each after-response review,the on-scene data logs from any gas meters that were deployed are reviewed for alarms andreading response times.

The September 11, 2001, attacks in New Yorkand Washington, D.C., began a new era for firstresponders, both in terms of homeland securityresponsibilities and the possible threats that mightbe encountered. The first protocols and equipmentwere tested as part of the May 2003 TopOff Drills,multi-agency events that included the UnitedStates National Guard Civil Support Teams, theUnited States and Illinois Environmental ProtectionAgencies, the US Centers for Disease Control, theFederal Bureau of Investigation and the UnitedStates Coast Guard. As a result, the HazMat teamsbegan to develop decontamination protocols forboth toxic chemicals and radiation. The drillsincluded the first deployment of AreaRAE wirelesstoxic gas and radiation monitors for public venueprotection. The TopOff Drills showed the need forcritical incident information to be available beyondthe local incident commander. The advent ofsecure internet protocols has enabled the firedepartment to engage remote specialists from thefederal agencies and allowed all of them to seethe same real-time sensor data. During large

events, such as the annual “Taste of Chicago” thatruns for 10 days and includes both an air andwater show, connected gas detection technologyhas played a key role in creating safety deploy-ment comfort with both civilian and municipaldata users.

New technologies have allowed the ChicagoFire Department HazMat Teams to develop publicvenue protection protocols that have movedbeyond the normal responsibilities of the firedepartment. The City of Chicago respondedpotential large scale threats that might require amulti-agency response by forming the Office ofEmergency Management. This multi-agency citydirectorate has responsibility for issues related toHomeland Security. The department also took onthe responsibilities performed by the Fire Depart-ment’s Bureau of Emergency Preparedness andDisaster Services and created what is now knownas the Office of Emergency Management andCommunications (OEMC). Today, OEMC protectslife and property by operating the public safetycommunications system and by coordinating andmanaging emergency situations, and now includes911 emergency services, 311 city services, theOffice of Emergency Management, and CityOperations.

On February 10, 2005, the OEMC launched anew Homeland Security Grid that includes bothfiber optic and copper cable. This grid enablesChicago to expand its use of surveillance camerasand biological, chemical, and radiological sensors.These cameras and sensors simultaneously feedinto the City’s Operations Center for coordinationof both critical city services and emergencyresponse. The grid gives city officials tools tobetter respond to developments in homelandsecurity, law enforcement, traffic management,crowd control, and severe weather. IFP


AreaRAE RapidDeployment Kit, wirelessgas monitors at theready

CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT GAS DETECTION

Bob Durstenfeld has spentthe last seven years as RAESystems’ Director ofCorporate Marketing andInvestor Relations. Beforejoining RAE Systems,Durstenfeld served as SeniorDirector and StaffTechnologist for the SiliconValley office of Fleishman-Hillard Public Relations. Bobhas also held marketing andmanagement positions atAgilent Technologies andHewlett-Packard Company.He has published articles onPort Security, Wireless GasDetection, SemiconductorTesting and AutomationTechnology.

MR. Durstenfeld receivedhis Masters in EngineeringManagement andInternational Marketing fromSanta Clara University andhis BS in Engineering andBiology from UCLA.



P. 38 ads 16/2/10 9:29 am Page 38


The light gases migrate very fast over largeareas, hence the need for reliable, fast, gasand flame monitoring over large areas of

pipelines and storage facilities. The heavier-than-air gases/vapours tend to accumulate in low areas,thus posing a fire/explosion hazard in the congest-ed production, pipelines, manifolds and bundareas.

Petrochemical storage tank farms require moni-toring of heavy combustible hydrocarbon gas leaksthat stay close to the ground from leaks in storagetanks, pipes and valves. There is a significant firerisk due to ignition of these leaks.

LNG facilitiesLiquefied Natural Gas (LNG), with its major com-ponent methane, is drilled from the ocean bed invarious parts of the world, using either fixedexploration platforms or FPSO vessels. The naturalgas is transported via pipelines and tankers to theonshore facilities where it is stored in special tank

farms before it is vaporized and distributed to thevarious users.

At the terminal, the natural gas is stored in liq-uid form at –320°F (–160°C). Such terminals aresituated in strategic locations close to areas ofhigh demand or at the extremities of the gassupply network where the natural gas can berapidly revaporized and delivered into the nationaltransmission system.

An LNG terminal comprises unloading dockarea, storage tanks, vaporizers, liquefiers, controlrooms, maintenance areas and offices. Gas &Flame Detection are required in the unloading,storage, liquefier and vaporizer areas.

LPG storageBeside this natural resource, the petrochemicalindustry has developed various distillation andcracking processes that produce light hydrocarbongases like methane, ethane, propane, butane andtheir derivates ethylene, propylene, butylene, etc.

By Ian Buchanan

European Manager,Spectrex Inc

Protecting hazardousproduct storagetanks and LPG/LNGgas terminalsThe major concerns associated with the storage and handling of hazardousmaterials, e.g. LNG/LPG, are the fugitive emissions and liquid spills thatevaporate when exposed to atmospheric pressure.

FIRE DETECTION

P. 39-43 Fire Detection 15/2/10 3:31 pm Page 39

These refined gases are compressed and liquefiedfor storage purposes and known commercially asLiquefied Petroleum Gases (LPG).

The unique properties of LPG allow for it to bestored or transported in a liquid form and used ina vapour form. In industrial applications, LPG istypically stored in large vessels that are spheroidshaped. These are the large “golf ball” shapedand oval vessels commonly seen at refineries.

LPG vapours are heavier than air and tend tocollect on the ground and in low spots. After LPGis released, it readily mixes with air and could forma flammable mixture.

In developing fire protection methods for lique-fied gas storage facilities, the chief concern is amassive failure of a vessel containing a full load.The probability of this type of failure occurring canbe avoided or at least controlled to a reasonableand tolerable level with appropriately designedand operated facilities.

Most fires originate as smaller fires that becomeincreasingly more dangerous. Of greater impor-tance, and more likely, is a leak from a pipe, valveor other component leading to ignition, flash fire,pool fire and eventually to a pressure fire at thesource.

Loading stationsPetrochemicals, whether used as refined fuels, rawmaterials or feedstock for other industries, have tobe shipped from a processing plant or storagefarm. They have to be offloaded at loading

stations in either gas, liquid or compressed form – all of which are highly com-bustible and a major hazardto any equipment or peopleworking in or living close tothese areas.

Railway loading platformsand truck filling stationsrequire flammable gas andflame monitoring capable ofdetecting fugitive emissionsand alerting in case ofexplosive concentrations orthe incidence of fires.

Fire protection designconsiderationsIn order to reduce the firerisk at such facilities, adher-ence to national regulations,various design considera-tions and requirements, suchas layout, spacing, distance

requirements for vessels/storage tanks, drainageand containment control, will help to limit theextent of fire damage.

Equally important are properly designed,installed and maintained fire protection systems,which attempt to minimize or limit the fire dam-age once a fire occurs.

Gas/Vapour and Flame Detectors mounted inthe vicinity of a tank complete the automaticactivation of these systems. Vapour detectionprovides early detection and warning, but activationof water application systems must be confirmedthrough quick response flame detection.

An evaluation of the facility is necessary in orderto determine the correct types and locations forgas and flame detectors.

The objectives of the fire protection system areto:● Detect a fire or vapour leak at an early stage● Control a fire or leak in the shortest possible

time● Minimize damage● Minimize disruption to operations● Minimize the incidence of false alarms.

Flame detectionOptical flame detectors provide the fastest detec-tion of a fuel fire in the early ignition stage. Theirfast response capability, adjustable field of viewand programmability make them extremely wellsuited for this duty. Flame detection with highsensitivity and immunity to false alarms is anessential determining factor when designingsystems for this application.

In the past, adequate detection coverage oftenrequired a great number of combined UV/IR typedetectors. This solution, however, was costly anddetectors were subject to false alarms.

The Triple IR (IR3) detector solution, like theSpectrex 40/40I shown in fig 1, detects fires at upto 215 ft (65m) dependent on the fuel, offeringthree to four times the detection coverage of anysolution using conventional IR or combined UV/IRdetectors – and, as a result, IR3 flame detectorsare now widely recommended. The IR3 flamedetector provides better and faster response to thefire scenarios, providing larger area coverage with


Figure 1

PROTECTING HAZARDOUS PRODUCT STORAGE TANKSFIRE DETECTION

In the past, adequate detection

coverage often required a

great number of combined

UV/IR type detectors. This

solution, however, was costly

and detectors were subject

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fewer detectors, thus lowering the total cost andoptimizing the performance of the fire detectionsystem.

Whilst the IR3 flame detector is extremelysensitive, it also has a highly increased ability todistinguish between a real fire and false alarmsources and will detect flames in the presence ofother common radiant energy sources such aswelding or light sources (including Halogen and X-ray inspections). The detector is 100% solarblind.

Interfaced to a fire alarm system and an auto-matic fire extinguishing system, these uniquedetectors will provide optimal detection coverageand the safest and most reliable solution for stor-age tank protection. Optical flame detectors havebeen designed to perform under extremely toughindustrial and environmental conditions.

Triple IR (IR3) Flame Detectors incorporate threeIR sensors to monitor the sensing wavelength andtwo other nearby wavelengths to discountunwanted or spurious alarms. This flame detectiontechnique is the most relaible and immune to falsealarms and offers:● Fast response time● Up to 215 ft (65m) detection distance over a

cone of vision of 100º ● Highest Immunity to false alarms● Built-in self-test for the electronics, sensors and

window cleanliness● 5-year warranty/150,000hr MTBF● SIL 2 approved● EN54-10/FM performance approved

With the combined CCTV/IR3 Flame Detector,

operators can also utilize an integral colour CCTVto improve the ‘out-of-hours’ fire fightingresponse. Detecting a fire at its incipient stage bythe infrared sensors and establishing its exact loca-tion and size by the colour CCTV camera, providesthe ultimate solution to fire protection.

Location of flame detectorsThe number of flame detectors and their locationsin the protected area are determined by:● The type of flammable materials that may be

present. In some areas there will be a variety offuels stored in different tanks

● The size/dimensions of the protected area andthe distance to be detected

● The types of tank (fixed, floating roof, etc.)● The sensitivity of the detectors – the size of fire

to be detected

● Detectors’ cone of vision (100° horizontal/vertical)

● Obstructions to the detectors’ lines of sight.

Fire detection system for floating roofstorage tankThe storage of crude oil and petroleum products in‘floating roof’ tanks may result in vapour migra-tion outside the o-ring seals and ignition to form afuel fire that in time, if undetected, will destroythe seal and turn into a catastrophic fire. The roofof the tank floats on the oil and enables it tovaporize through the rim seal. Thus, there is novapour phase below the tank roof.

Natural evaporation during movement of thefloating roof or damage to the seal (ruptures,


Figure 2 – Floating rooftank fire detection

FIRE DETECTION

With the combined CCTV/IR3 Flame Detector, operators can

also utilize an integral colour CCTV to improve the ‘out-of-

hours’ fire fighting response. Detecting a fire at its incipient

stage by the infrared sensors and establishing its exact

location and size by the colour CCTV camera, provides the

ultimate solution to fire protection.


thinning or degradation) can enable vapours tomigrate outside, over the floating roof, andaccumulate as hazardous explosive/flammableconcentrations.

The existence of flammable vapours on the oiltank roof increases the fire danger. Thus, any sparkor flame (especially lightning) in the vicinity of theoil tank roof may ignite the vapour and cause a fire.

The main problem here is the difficulty in quickresponse to the fire because the oil tank’s shellhides everything that happens on the tank roof.This problem becomes more critical when the oiltank is not full and the floating roof is lower. Thus,a fire on the oil tank roof is detected only when itis large enough to be seen from outside the oiltank, but by then it may be too late and impos-sible to extinguish the fire. The solution to thisproblem is to have optical flame detectors on theoil tank roof (see fig 2) situated to view the fulltravel area of the tank roof for continuous detectionof the oil tank’s rim seal with very fast responsetime and a very high immunity to false alarms.

System configurationThe detector configuration depends on the size ofthe oil tank and the size of the site itself. Each oiltank is calculated as a detection zone. The detec-tors are located on the side wall (perimeter) of theoil tank. Each flame detector monitors a section ofthe rim seal and the tank shell. The number ofdetectors required for each oil tank depends uponthe size (diameter) of the oil tank.

Gas detectionOpen-Path “line of sight” Flammable GasDetectors use optical spectral analysis of thehydrocarbon vapours escaping from various loca-tions in the tank storage area to detect potentiallyhazardous conditions. They provide in-situmonitoring in the storage tank’s immediate vicinityand around plant perimeters (fence line), over longdistances of hundreds of feet.

‘Point’ type gas sensors detecting vapoursemitted locally at a preselected location may

complement the open-path gas detectors. Thesetypes of detectors can be used in congested areaswhere line-of-sight is not possible.

Open-Path Gas Detection Systems (see fig 3) aredesigned to monitor over long distances withouteffect from the environment or weather and arehighly immune to false alarms. They comprise atransmitter (source) and receiver (detector) locatedat the ends of the desired detection path. Gasclouds passing though the path will absorb IRenergy, emitted by the source unit and the detec-tor senses the change and equates it to gasconcentration. Measurment is in terms of LEL.mwhich is the combination of concentration anddistance. For example, a 5 meter wide cloudcontaining 100% LEL ( 1 LEL) of the combustiblegas would read 5 LEL.m . Alarms can be set at anypoint on the 0 – 5 LEL.m scale.

Location of open-path gas detectorsNot all gas clouds are hazardous – only if aflammable gas cloud or plume is wide enough toallow flame acceleration to speeds greater than100 m/sec does it become a significant threat.

“Point” type detectors measure gas at theirlocation in terms of % LEL, whereas open-pathgas detectors measure the amount of gas any-where along the length of the path, in terms ofthe integral of concentration and length (LEL xmeters).

Location of the Open-Path Gas Detector is lessimportant than with ‘point’ type detectors as itcan provide a warning alarm from a diluted gascloud and does not need to be close to leakagesources.

Location is determined by many factors,including:● The specific vapours/gas(es) in the storage

tanks (whether heavier or lighter than air).● Expected leak trajectory, taking account of

prevailing wind directions, release pressure, etc.

● Storage tank layout and ability to haveunobstructed sight lines for the open path. IFP


Figure 3 – SafEye open-path gas detection

PROTECTING HAZARDOUS PRODUCT STORAGE TANKS FIRE DETECTION



The European Community has passed legisla-tion banning foam concentrates containingPFOS. Under Directive 2006/122/EC of the

European Parliament and of the Council of Twelve,December 2006, all materials containing PFOS –including firefighting foams – must not be used or stored after June 27th 2011. This will affect the fire and rescue service, industrial brigades and outsourced emergency response providers,although the scale of the removal and disposalchallenge is not at all easy to determine.

In the UK alone, for example, a study commis-sioned by DEFRA (Department for Environment,Food and Rural Affairs) towards the end of 2004indicated that, at that time, the UK fire and rescueservice had 76,000 litres, while industry had2,367,000 litres of foams containing PFOS. Thehigh usage of PFOS in firefighting foams, when

compared with other applications, was borne out byan OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation& Development) report in 2005 that showed thataround 90 percent of the PFOS related chemicalsin the EU were used in firefighting foams.

While all Tyco foams are now made with fluoro-surfactants obtained by a different process calledTelomer, which does not create PFOS, Tyco FireSuppression & Building Products has put proceduresin place to provide users of foam concentratesfrom any supplier that may contain PFOS withassistance to meet their obligations, and keepthem updated on the issue.

But first, what is PFOS? PFOS is an impurityfound in high concentrations in the ElectrochemicalFluorination or ECF process that producesFluorosurfactant or Fluorinated Surfactants com-pounds. These are synthetic Organofluorine

By John Allen

EMEA MarketingDirector, Tyco FireSuppression & BuildingProducts

The legislationclock is tickingfor PFOSBut what about PFOA?EU regulations banning the storage or use of firefighting foam concentratescontaining Perfluorooctane Sulfonates – more often abbreviated to PFOS – comeinto effect in June 2011. John Allen explains.

PFOS FOAM

P. 45-46 PFOS Foam 15/2/10 3:32 pm Page 45

chemical compounds that have multiple Fluorineatoms, which are more effective at lowering the surface tension of water than comparableHydrocarbon Surfactants.

The 3M organisation began producing PFOS-based compounds using Electrochemical Fluorina-tion as far back as 1949. However, following thedetection of Organofluorine in the blood serum ofconsumers, the detection of PFOS in blood fromglobal blood banks, and the USA’s EPA (Environ-mental Protection Agency) investigations, thecompany announced its withdrawal from thefoams market in May 2000.

Nevertheless, PFOS is still to be found at levelsexceeding the EU limiting values in all old stocks of3M “LightWater” AFFF (Aqueous Film FormingFoam) concentrate for hydrocarbon fuel fires andAFFF-ATC (Alcohol Type Concentrate) agents foruse on water-soluble polar solvent fuels such asAcetone, Isoproponal and MTBE (Methyl TertiaryButyl Ether). After 3M left the market, a numberof foam manufacturers filled the supply gap andprovided a refilling service to 3M customers. Theproblem was that the blending of 3M PFOS foamswith other foams, and even those not containingPFOS, will very likely result in a mixture thatnonetheless exceeds the permitted EU tolerance ofless than 50 ppm (parts per million) PFOS by massand so require action under Directive 2006/122/EC.

So, what steps should be taken if there is anypossibility that a foam stock may contain PFOS? Ifa system possibly still contains 3M concentrate, ifit may have a blend of 3M concentrate and other concentrates, or if the foam was supplied by Tyco prior to 2000 – indeed, any foam stockthat may be suspected of containing PFOS – theconcentrate must be tested. If it is found tocontravene the Directive, it will have to beremoved, responsibly disposed of and replacedbefore June 27th 2011.

The first step is to identify if the foam containsPFOS. One course of action is to use the expertlaboratory analysis facilities that Tyco has at itsdisposal. All that is required is a representative 200ml sample for analysis (a sample kit is available

from Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products). Areport will then be issued from an official externallaboratory.

If PFOS is detected, Tyco Fire Suppression &Building Products can provide technical assistanceregarding foam replacement and advice on how to check if other parts of the system distributionhave been exposed to PFOS. For example, thecleaning of tanks or equipment might not besufficient to avoid further contamination, asporous material can potentially re-contaminate a replacement foam not containing PFOS. Theservice also extends to the responsible disposal offoam containing PFOS and all other contaminatedcomponents, such as bladders from bladder tanksystems.

Turning to the question of concentrates con-taining PFOA or Perfluorooctanic Acid, as yet thereare no restrictions on their use. However “notice”has been given that PFOA is likely to be classifiedas being at least persistent, bio-accumulative and/or toxic and, as such, foams containing PFOA arevery likely to be reviewed. This may lead to thembeing regulated in future, but it is important tonote though that many manufacturers havealready taken steps to remove both PFOS andPFOA from their products.

The regulation of toxic or PBT (persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic) chemicals in firefightingfoams will impact on all users and holders of foamstocks. So much so that organisations facingdecisions about the replacement of foam stocks arereasonably expecting reassurance from manufactur-ers that the replacement concentrates are notthemselves going to be subject to future regulation.

With this in mind, Tyco issued a series of noticesin October 2008, reminding customers that allTyco European-branded products – Ansul, Sabo-Foam, Finiflam and Towalex – are free of PFOS andPFOA at all but possibly minute trace levels; wellbelow the legislated limits set by the EU regula-tions for PFOS. Tyco will, on request, continue toprovide all foam users with technical support andadvice, whether the user holds Tyco foam orfoams from other suppliers. IFP


THE LEGISLATION CLOCK IS TICKING FOR PFOSPFOS FOAM

John Allen is EMEAMarketing Director at TycoFire Suppression & BuildingProducts. He can becontacted by telephone on+44 (0) 161 875 0402, by fax on +44 (0) 161 875 0493,or via email [email protected]

P. 45-46 PFOS Foam 15/2/10 3:32 pm Page 46

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The increasing costs and the timescale to carryout the construction and fitting out ofconventional buildings including the ancillar-

ies such as electrical installation and plumbing are resulting in a rapidly increasing interest in the use of pre-packaged firewater pump housesolutions.

The distinct benefit of the pre-packaged pumphouse is its single source responsibility (usually it isfully designed, manufactured and tested by thefire pump manufacturer within their facility),which ensures that all the equipment included is fully co-ordinated and the pump house isdespatched from the manufacturer’s facility testedand ready to be put into service within hours ofarriving at its installation site if necessary. Thesesystems are usually fully manufactured indoorswhich eliminates the dangers of equipment beingtemporarily stored on site with the associated risksof it being subjected to mechanical or weatherdamage when the completion of a conventional

block-built building is running behind schedulepreventing the satisfactory installation of theequipment as soon as it is delivered.

All existing fire pump configurations can beaccommodated in this style; horizontal split case,end suction, vertical in-line and vertical turbine firepumps together with their associated jockeypumps and ancillary equipment.

Naturally it is still essential that a correctlydesigned foundation is constructed prior to thedelivery of a pre-packaged pumphouse to site andthe building needs to be safely and satisfactorilyanchored once it has been placed into position.However, the convenience that the pre-packagedsolution provides is immeasurable when comparedto a traditionally built pump house.

The concept of the pre-packaged pump housesolution has evolved considerably over the lastdecade or so.

Initially, the majority of systems were based on standard shipping containers which would

By James Shipman

Sales Manager,Patterson Pump Ireland Limited

Pre-packagedFirewaterPumphouses – The Way ForwardThe merits of the traditional on-site block-built construction fire water pumphouse are being very seriously challenged.

FIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

P. 49-52 Fire Pump Systems 15/2/10 3:33 pm Page 49

be structurally modified by strengthening the floor, adding access doors, ventilation louvers and pipework apertures to accommodate theequipment required. Whilst customised shippingcontainers are still used by some manufacturers,these do present some drawbacks. For example,the flat roofs on shipping containers can presentchallenges with weatherproofing, particularlywhen water and debris has collected and corrosionhas begun to set in. Another significant negative istheir aesthetic appearance. Without applying anexpensive overcoat of cladding panels, it is difficultto disguise the fact that they are indeed modifiedshipping containers!

A more attractive solution is the construction ofthe pump house based on a steel space framewhich is externally fitted with insulated buildingcladding panels. This provides for greater flexibilityin the building design as it eliminates the internaldimensional constraints of standard shippingcontainers.

One of the latest innovations is the use of self-framing panels. These comprise a hiddenstructural steel frame with integrated

interior/exterior panels, damp-proof membraneand insulation. I am aware that one fire pumpmanufacturer has been so successful with this styleof building construction for their pre-packagedpump houses that it has resulted in their buildingfabricators establishing a new facility local to thepump manufacturer purely to service their ownproduction requirements. Internally and externally,this type of pre-packaged building has an extreme-ly professional and high quality appearance withno visible signs of the building framework internal-ly providing completely clean and flat internalwalls.

Pre-packaged pump house floor design variesdepending upon the manufacturer. Some manu-facturers prefer to provide steel decking orchequer plate flooring above the structural steelframe, other manufacturers leave the structuralsteel baseframe exposed to permit the entire floorarea to be in-filled with concrete grout once theunit has been placed into its final position on site.The latter arrangement has advantages in terms of

suppressing noise and vibration andproviding additional base fixingsecurity but inevitably requires addi-tional work to be carried out on-sitefollowing delivery before commission-

ing/start-up work commences.Overall sizing is a particular aspect

which requires very careful con-sideration at the earlystages of a pre-packagedpumphouse project. Whilstmore than ample spacemay be available at the finaldestination at which the

unit is to be installed,there are restric-tions on the sizeof the unit for

transportation pur-poses between the

manufacturer’s facility andthe installation site. The extent


PRE-PACKAGED FIREWATER PUMPHOUSES – THE WAY FORWARDFIRE PUMP SYSTEMS


Pumping Technology for Tomorrow’s World

��

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of the transportation size restrictions very muchdepend on which countries the units will need tobe shipped through and research on this aspectneeds to be thoroughly conducted before anythingis finally designed and placed into production. Thatdoes not mean that pre-packaged units greaterthan a particular size cannot be produced however.The solution is to consider initially designing theproject so that it comprises a multiple of sections,each co-ordinated to accurately fit together oncethey have been delivered to site. It is in the manu-facturer’s best interest in this situation to fullycheck that all the sections of the module fully alignand correctly fit with each other before the unit isdespatched to site otherwise very costly on-site

rework with the associated delays in equipmenthandover can only be expected.

The increasing popularity of the pre-packagedpumphouse concept is also related to the rise in the number of ‘standard model’ logisticsbuildings, warehouses and supermarkets. Wherethe ‘standard model’ is replicated in different partsof the world for the same client, standardiseddesigns of pre-packaged fire pump house can alsobe adopted.

Referring again to the aspect of single-sourceresponsibility, the ability for a contractor to placeone order which covers the provision of thepump-house, fire pumps, valving,test line, ventilation,

heating, lighting, internal sprinkler system, hosevalve headers, etc. is a very attractive prospect.Any issues of incompatibility with the internalitems will need to be fully addressed by the systemmanufacturer during design, production andtesting which eliminates considerable on-site timeis resolving these. The system will have pre-determined connection points for the watersuction and discharge lines, test line, electricalinterfaces and drains. All site work that is ongoing during the period in which the pre-packaged pump house is being manufactured canbe closely co-ordinated such that all interfaces arein position when the system arrives on site result-ing in an extremely rapid time from delivery to the

system being fully commissioned into fulloperation.

In the event that a client has surplus existingbuilding space for their project, the pre-packagedconcept can still be applied to a slightly lesserextent. Virtually the same equipment can be pack-aged together onto an open skid assembly to fitwithin a suitably-sized existing building althoughwith this arrangement, it is usual for the client tolook after the arrangements within the buildingfor the electrical work, ventilation louvers,drainage, etc..

Pre-packaged systems can be produced tocomply with all known fire protection

codes and standards from EN12845through to NFPA No 20 andFM/UL Standards. Particular local,regional and national codes andstandards for requirements suchas building and electrical regula-tions, can be fully accommodat-ed covering such requirements aswind and snow loadings, etc.

In summary, the pre-packagedfire pump house has evolved intoa viable commercial and techni-cal solution for many firewaterapplications providing a distinctedge over conventional solutionswhere a rapid time is required

from delivery to project completion andhandover. IFP


PRE-PACKAGED FIREWATER PUMPHOUSES – THE WAY FORWARDFIRE PUMP SYSTEMS

The increasing popularity of the pre-packaged

pumphouse concept is also related to the rise in the

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Often, the consequential damages caused bythe extinguishing agent are greater thanthe potential loss by the fire. Therefore

most buildings containing valuable goods are onlyprotected by fire detection systems.

The benefits of fire-fighting with water in theform of smallest droplets have been known sincethe 1930-ies, but only have been identified forarchive and library protection during the lastdecade. For many applications, high pressurewater mist technology is a true alternative, reduc-ing or avoiding the disadvantages occurring withother fire fighting agents.

PrincipleWater is the most effective cooling agent to fightfires. Conventional water based systems requirelarge quantities of water to control or extinguishfires, mainly making use of the cooling effect. Theprimary reason for the large water amountsrequired is that the majority of the water is not

effectively used to fight the fire, resulting intolarge water run off. This is due to the limitedsurface area of the water droplets getting intocontact with the heat from the fire.

If water is atomized into very fine droplets, as itis with water mist technology, a substantially largersurface area is available to absorb energy andconsequently fighting the fire. The fine dropletsconvert into steam at in the vicinity of the fire. Dueto the vaporisation, the energy and the combus-tion rate of the fire are effectively reduced. Oncethe fire has been suppressed or extinguished, thedroplets being discharged continue the effect by removing heat from the fuel source i.e. fabrics,wood, paper etc. and prevent re-growth or re-igni-tion of the fire.

Additionally to the cooling effect, the fastvaporisation results into a local inerting effect byvolume increase of water, resulting into oxygendepletion in the direct vicinity of the fire. Differentto other inerting agents this effect is a local effect

By Ruediger Kopp(Dipl.-Ing.)

FOGTEC BrandschutzGmbH & Co. KG

High PressureWater Mist– Safe Protection for Archives andLibrariesConventional fire fighting technologies such as sprinklers, gas, powder and foamsystems, continue to have disadvantages in terms of resulting water damages,environmental compatibility, toxicity, or refill costs.

WATER MIST

P. 55-58 Water Mist 15/2/10 3:35 pm Page 55

at the fire source, not reducing the oxygenconcentration in the entire space.

Fire TestsWater mist is not a gaseous agent and thereforecan not be designed and approved like a gaseousagent. Likewise water mist cannot be directlycompared with conventional sprinkler systemswhere design is based on two dimensional watercalculations.

For each application the required nozzle type,droplet distribution, flow rate and discharge timehave to be individually determined to provide theoptimum protection of the relevant risk.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)has established guidelines for the approval anddesign of water mist systems in accommodationareas on board of ships. Similar to these testguidelines, protocols for light and ordinary hazardrisk applications on land have been established byFactory Mutual (FM 5560 standard) and CEN(CEN/TS 14972 standard).

These standards and guidelines are todayapplied to generate design parameters and toapprove system components. For some applica-tions like Ordinary Hazard risks, the standardsprescribe fire test scenarios to verify the systemtechnology. The type of fire load and risk to befound within archives and libraries are normallynot covered by these standard scenarios. Individualfire test protocols and scenarios have to bedeveloped with fire experts to test the technologyand to generate layout parameters.

An extensive test series for the above men-tioned risks has been carried out by the French Fire

Research Laboratory CSTB. Three different firescenarios were evaluated, since these are typicalfor storage facilities for documents and othergoods in archive and library environment.

The first test scenario included fixed shelvesbeing filled with 900 archive folders. The secondtest scenario was created for areas with movingcompact shelves. The dimensions and the fire loadof the shelves were the same as in the test withfixed shelves, but each two shelves were arrangedclosed to each other with only a small gap. Thethird fire scenario was elaborated for storage areascontaining plastic goods in shelved, e.g. video anddata tapes.

The aim of the fire tests in all three scenarioswas to control and suppress the fire, thus afterautomatic system activation each fire test wasconducted for 30 minutes. After this test periodthe fire brigade entered the space and extin-guished the fire using a high-pressure water mistfire fighting gun.

All fire tests have shown a rapid control andsuppression of the fire as soon as the system hasbeen activated. No fire spread occurred to theadjacent shelf. All temperatures in the area wererapidly reduced to a safe level, most below 50°C.The damages to the fire load mainly resulted fromthe time before system activation. All documentsand goods were analyzed for damages after thetest duration of 30 minutes. It was found that theywere damp on the surface, but dry inside.

System set-upHigh-pressure water mist systems mainly consist ofa pressure generating device, a high pressurepipework and special nozzles.

The required operating pressure is generated bymeans of high-pressure pumps or pressure cylindersystems. The selection depends on the type of riskand the area to be protected. Larger risk areassuch as archives and libraries are normally protect-ed by pump systems. The main design features of high pressure pump units are similar to aconventional sprinkler pump, whereby positivedisplacement pumps are used due to the higherpressure levels required. A difference to conven-tional sprinklers is the water storage requirements.Due to the substantially lower water consump-tions, water storage tanks are only 10% of thesize of conventional sprinkler systems. In manycases the high pressure pump units are directlysupplied by the public water main via a smallintermediate tank. Maintenance requirements are


Photos from the courseof fire

HIGH PRESSURE WATER MISTWATER MIST

Scenario with fixedshelves



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comparable to conventional fire fighting systems.The low water consumption also has a positive

effect on the pipe dimensions required. Not only the flow rates are much lower than withconventional sprinklers, also hydraulic pressurelosses of up to 70 bar allow to install the systemswith pipe diameters of 10 to 50 mm. These prop-erties permit installations in confined locations and ease retrofits in historical buildings.

The system can be triggered either by aseparate detection system or by thermally activatedglass bulbs. All system configurations known fromconventional systems, e.g. deluge and wetsystems, dry and pre-actions systems can be real-ized with water mist technology. Room heights upto five meters are protected with ceiling mountednozzles. Higher areas, e.g. an atrium, can beprotected by installing nozzles in different levels.Beyond that, it is possible to install wall cabinetswith water mist extinguishing guns. These offerthe possibility of rapidly suppressing initial fires,using the lowest possible consumption of water.

Case studyDue to substantial benefits of high-pressure watermist technology for archive protection, numeroussmaller and larger storage areas for paper docu-ments are today protected by this technologyaround the world. Among these is the BizcaiaLibrary in Bilbao, Spain.

Due to valuable documents stored in this libraryand the building being national heritage, therewas a requirement for an automatic fire fightingsystem with minimum disturbance of the old build-ing structure and reduction of the fire damage andconsequential damages by the water discharged.

Since the building has an open ceiling structurewith no false ceilings and only minimal space forthe pipework installation, only small bore pipesrouted along the ceiling and the walls could beused.

Additionally, no fixed fire zones could bedefined. Large open areas demanded for anautomatic fire fighting system, capable to rapidlycontrol and limit the spread of a potential fire.

The system used to protect the reading hall aswell as all book shelving areas of the building wasdesigned based on specific fire tests independentlycarried out for storage areas of paper documentsin shelve structures.

With small bore stainless steel pipes of diametersbetween 12 and 42 mm an architecturally pleasinginstallation without disturbance of the old struc-ture of the building could be achieved.

A wet pipe system with glass bulb activatednozzles was used to protect book shelving areas,offices and technical areas. The nozzle spacingsused for the water mist system are comparable tothose of conventional sprinkler systems, but flowrates are substantially lower.

The entire pump system, including a 1000 litersbreak tank, has been installed in a room of only 10 m2 floor area. Although the area is very small, the pump equipment is easily accessible formaintenance and test run purposes.

ConclusionEven if water mist systems initially were mainlyseen as alternative to gas extinguishing systemsfor machinery and special risk protection, moreand more applications in areas that traditionallyhave been protected by conventional sprinklers areidentified for water mist.

Due to partly higher initial investment cost and the lack of general design parameters, watermist systems will today not substitute sprinklers inmost traditional applications, but they have foundtheir market place for applications, like archivesand libraries, where benefits of water misttechnology over conventional sprinklers or gasextinguishing systems are recognized by users andinsurers. IFP


Nozzle arrangement inthe library

HIGH PRESSURE WATER MISTWATER MIST

Ruediger Kopp completedhis studies of ChemicalEngineering and SafetyEngineering at the Universityof Dortmund as Diploma-Engineer. Since 14 years he isinvolved in the development,approval and marketing ofhigh pressure water mistsystems. At present he isSales & Product Manager forthese systems at thecompany FOGTEC FireProtection based in Cologne.

Further information isavailable from: FOGTEC BrandschutzGmbH & Co. KGSchanzenstrasse 19 A51063 KölnGermanyTel: +49 221 96223 – 0Fax: +49 221 96223 – 30Email: [email protected]


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Given the complexity and variation of differ-ent types of buildings and structures inwhich fire systems are installed, and the

further variations to be found in the homogeneityor otherwise of the occupants, it is clear that, formaximum effectiveness, many different types ofwarning devices will be required. For example, atone end of the spectrum may be an offshore oilrig, which is manned by highly trained workerswho operate under strict safety procedures at alltimes; at the other end is a large retail develop-ment crowded with shoppers who are unfamiliarwith the general layout of the building or theposition of the nearest emergency exit. Clearly, the technical requirements for the warning devices and the nature of the warning signalsthemselves will vary greatly. The key considerationfor the system designer is how to produce clear,unambiguous audible warnings throughout theprotected areas in the event of an emergency.

Voice alarmsVoice alarm systems have unfortunately sufferedadversely from historic confusion with PublicAddress Systems, enshrined in most people’sminds as the source of the muffled and incompre-hensible announcements to be encountered inolder railway stations. Thankfully, modern tech-nology and the introduction of robust standardsmean that this perception is now no longerrelevant. The introduction of EN54-16, whichdefines the requirements for the control andindicating equipment, and EN54-24 that covers

voice alarm loudspeakers, have defined testmethods, environmental tests and performancecriteria comparable with those required ofsounders and strobes. It is worth noting that CPDcompliance for such equipment will be mandatoryfrom March and July 2011 respectively. BS5839-8,the relevant code of practice for voice alarmsystems, defines five different types of system,broadly increasing in complexity to allow for morecomplex site and messaging requirements.

Voice alarm loudspeakers will typically combinepre-recorded standard or custom messages with achoice of pre- and post-message tones, enabling,for example, phased evacuation instructions to bebroadcast in larger buildings. The E2S Appellorange is available in industrial, marine andexplosion proof versions, allowing the moresophisticated instructions of a voice sounder to bemade available in both interior and exteriorlocations across many different operating environ-ments. BS5839-8 indicates that as a starting pointfor system design the spacing requirement forvoice alarms is broadly similar to that for tradition-al sounders, although intelligibility requirementsand the wider frequency range associated withvoice will normally require closer spacing when adetailed audibility survey is carried out.

SoundersMany countries, such as Germany, France, Hollandand Australia have a national ‘evacuate tone’; theUK does not. The relevant standard, BS5839-1,merely states that the evacuate tone should

By Neal Porter

Sales and MarketingDirector E2S

In the greatmajority ofautomatic firesystems, the end resultof the detection of a fire is theinitiation of audible and visual warningdevices that alert the occupants to thedanger so that they can evacuate thepremises.

Audible and visual

INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

P. 60-64 Industrial Warning Sig 16/2/10 9:53 am Page 60

contain frequencies within the range 500Hz to1000Hz. However, for specific applications such asoffshore use, specific tones are defined. Known as PFEER, Prevention of Fire, Explosion andEmergency Response, as a minimum, there mustbe provision for three types of alarm on theinstallation or platform:1 Prepare for evacuation is a continuous con-

stant amplitude signal with varyingfrequency of 1200Hz to 500Hzover 1 second then repeated.

2 Toxic gas alarm is a constant1000Hz tone reinforced wherenecessary with a red beaconor strobe.

3 Other cases for alarm (Fire) is a1000Hz, 1 second on, 1 second off tonereinforced where necessary with a yellow bea-con or strobe.In normal commercial environments such as

offices, hotels, hospitals and public buildings, theambient background noise will typically be around65dB, and most individual areas are relativelysmall. Such environments may be covered withmultiple sounders with typical outputs of approxi-mately 100dB(A) at 1 metre; even the traditional6” bell is effective in small installations, althoughnot particularly compatible with today’s low-cur-rent control systems. BS5839-1 states that theeffective distance of a sounder is when thecalculated dB(A) is at least 5 dB(A) above theknown ambient background noise, so the effectivedistance of a sounder in an ambient of 65 dB(A) isthe distance at which the output level reduces to70 dB(A). Using the inverse square rule/rule ofthumb that the output falls by 6 dB(A) each timethe distance doubles, the output will reduce by 30 dB at a distance of 32 metres.

In high background noise industrial environ-ments, higher output devices are obviously needed,

although there is always the danger of installingunits with too high an output; high outputsounders should not be used in low ambient noiseareas or as a means of “drenching” the area insound. Alarm systems that are too loud may bedangerous, cause panic and discomfort and makecommunication very difficult, impeding evacuationprocedures. The overall alarm level should be amaximum of 10 to 15 dB(A) over the ambientbackground noise.

Wide area sounders, with an output at 1m inexcess of 140 dB, significantly higher than thehuman threshold of pain, have an effective warn-ing range of between 500 and 750m dependingon the atmospheric conditions. Used in quarries,

on large industrial and petrochemical sites and forcivil defence requirements, electronic wide areasounders will normally generate multiple interna-tionally recognised alarm tones including fire,security, civil defence, alert, COMAH (SEVESO II)toxic gas alarms and disaster warnings for flood,tsunami, tornado and other severe bad weatherconditions.

Electronic sounders are increasingly replacingthe traditional electromechanical sirens, hooters,buzzers and bells that have been the mainstay ofthe wide area warning device market for manyyears. Now, complex new digital to analogue

conversion software and the latest in SMD class Damplifier technology enables E2S Hootronicsounders to mimic, in one product, an industrialhooter, high and medium frequency mechanicalsirens, a buzzer and a bell with amazing fidelity.The operational advantages of replacing electro-mechanical devices with electronic equivalents arethe savings in power consumption and weight;traditional sirens and hooters can be extremelyheavy and often need three-phase mains power.Unlike electro-mechanical devices, the Hootronicrange is continuously rated, requires zeromaintenance, three remotely selectable stages are available and signal quality and performancewill not degrade with age.


AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICES INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

warning devices

In normal commercial environments such as offices,

hotels, hospitals and public buildings, the ambient

background noise will typically be around 65dB, and most

individual areas are relatively small.


StrobesIt is becoming increasingly common in both com-mercial and industrial applications for visual signalsto be required to reinforce the primary audiblewarning device. A visual signal should never beused by itself as part of a life safety system,although they are widely used by themselves inindustry to indicate machine state or environ-mental condition.

Advances in lighting source technology havegenerated a number of alternatives to the tradi-tional Xenon tube as the basis for strobes. Inparticular, high output brilliant white or mono-chromatic LEDs provide the benefits of low currentdraw, long life and simple electronic configurationand control.

The Xenon tube uses a very high voltage, gen-erated by an inverter circuit, to break down theXenon gas in the tube, creating an instantaneousbrilliant flash of light, normally enhanced by usinga ‘Fresnel’ lens. The light energy of the flash is afunction of the Xenon tube size, the voltage acrossit and the capacity of the capacitor discharginginto it. The Xenon strobe beacon has the best lightoutput to power input ratio and is the most widelyused and versatile technology currently available.Tube life is critical: it may be as little as 1 millionflashes in cheaper devices but specifiers shouldtypically expect 5 to 8 million flashes from higherquality units. However, traditional Xenon tubebeacons cannot perform to their full potentialwhen managed through intrinsically safe barriersfor use in hazardous areas; the input energy that isallowed to pass through the Zener barrier orgalvanic isolator is limited and consequently the


The Xenon strobe beacon has

the best light output to power

input ratio and is the most

widely used and versatile

technology currently available.

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performance of the Xenon tube is severelycompromised, significantly reducing its light out-put. In such cases, the solid-state LED (lightEmitting Diode) unit has far greater potential.An array of ultra bright LEDs produces a brightflashing warning signal when poweredthrough a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator,overcoming the restrictions associated with aXenon strobe.

Hazardous areasHazardous areas are defined as areaswhere concentrations of flammablegases, vapours or dusts may occur, eitherconstantly (Zones 0 and 20), undernormal operating conditions (Zones 1and 21) or unusually (Zones 2 and 22). A whole series of additional conditionsrelating to the temperature classificationand the auto-ignition temperatures of thetype of gas or dust to be found ensurethat any equipment will not initiate anexplosion or fire. Hazardous areas are tobe found in a very wide range ofmanufacturing industries, far beyond theobvious petrochemical plants. Food,pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufactureall involve processing potentially explosivesubstances, while the problems of explosions ingrain silos and sugar processing plants are verywell documented.

There are two ways of ensuring that thesounder or strobe does not initiate an explosion

when operated in a hazardous area: intrinsic safetyof explosion proof. Simplistically, the input energyentering an intrinsically safe device is constrained


AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICES INDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS


so that any arcing or sparking within the unitcannot generate enough heat to start ignition. Thealternative approach, explosion proof, is to house the equipment in an enclosure that issufficiently robust to prevent any internalexplosion from reaching the outside. Clearly,explosion proof devices will, by their very nature,be bulkier, heavier and more robust than intrinsi-cally safe ones, and are therefore more likely to beinstalled in external applications, particularly asthey will be environmentally sealed to IP66 or IP67in order to achieve the degree of protectionrequired.

Wide area coverageWide area sounders, with an output at 1m inexcess of 140dB, significantly higher than thehuman threshold of pain, have an effective warn-ing range of between 500 and 750m dependingon the atmospheric conditions. Used in quarries,on large industrial and petrochemical sites and forcivil defence requirements, electronic wide areasounders will normally generate multiple interna-tionally recognised alarm tones including fire,security, civil defence, alert, COMAH (SEVESO II)toxic gas alarms and disaster warnings for flood,tsunami, tornado and other severe bad weatherconditions. Typically, systems consist of three indi-vidual sounders are pole-mounted at 120° to give

full 360° coverage; in order to minimise cablingcosts, the systems are often battery powered andare radio controlled. As well as providing widearea coverage, such systems are often used onbuilding and construction sites, where theyprovide excellent protection levels for the work-force. Typically, the sounders are initiated fromradio manual call points, either through a systemof master/slave control panels or directly if thesystem is self contained. Mobility is a key feature,with the individual units being moved around thesite as the work progresses. Such systems areparticularly useful on a temporary basis when

construction work is being carried out on large orcongested sites or for more permanent installa-tions like those needing to meet obligations underthe Control of Major Accident Hazard (COMAH)regulations.

ConclusionsSounders, reinforced by strobes, are the primarymechanism for alerting people in the event of anemergency. Voice alarms are also playing anincreasing part in providing protection; whateverthe warning system chosen, the primary functionof the system designer is to ensure that theaudible and visual output levels are adequatethroughout the protected area. IFP


AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING DEVICESINDUSTRIAL WARNING SIGNALS

E2S is the world’s leadingindependent signallingmanufacturer. Based in West London, England the company designs and manufactures acomprehensive range of signalling products for industrial, marine and hazardous areaenvironments.

Wide area sounders, with an output at 1m in excess of 140dB,

significantly higher than the human threshold of pain, have

an effective warning range of between 500 and 750m

depending on the atmospheric conditions.



An example of anaspirating smokedetector in operation:aspirating detectors areparticularly well suitedto difficult conditions ashere in a high-rackstorage facility

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

Such applications call for the use of special firedetection technology such as aspiratingsmoke detectors. And thanks to the new

European product standard EN 54-20 today’saspirating smoke detectors (or ASDs) achieve new dimensions in detection speed and reliability.

The new European standard EN 54-20 has had a major influence on the use of aspiratingsmoke detectors. These automatic fire detectorsare divided into three categories: Class A detectorsfor very high sensitivity; Class B detectors forenhanced sensitivity; and Class C detectors fornormal sensitivity. And it is worth noting that thesampling hole of a Class C detector corresponds tothe response sensitivity of a conventional point-type smoke detector.

In the past, tests focused on the responsebehaviour at the evaluation unit of the aspiratingsmoke detector. Today it is the response behaviourof the system as a whole that is defined, i.e. theaspirating smoke detector complete with samplingpipe, sampling holes or sampling devices and itsaccessory components. That’s why it is no longernecessary to include maximum sampling timerequirements in a system’s specifications.

Approval requirementsThe air-flow monitoring requirements have beenmade considerably more stringent, with even a 20per cent change in the air-flow rate now detectedas an error. But a 20 per cent change in air-flowrate does not mean that 20 per cent of the

By Stefan Brügger

International ProductManager, Special FireDetection at SecuritonAlarm and SecuritySystems

The solution for safety-criticalambient conditions – when standardsmoke detectors no longer provideadequate protectionThere are many monitoring areas where fire detection using point-type firedetectors has its limits. Challenging ambient conditions and interference factorsmay rule out the use of standard smoke detectors.

Aspirating smoke detection

P. 66-69 Aspirating Smoke 16/2/10 9:12 am Page 66

sampling holes are simplycovered up so that a func-tion test can be carried outin the field. The aerodynamicconnections are much morecomplex and only computa-tional programs can supplybinding results.

What’s also important is that since 1 July 2009 the provisions of the Con-struction Products Directive89/106/EEC state that onlyaspirating smoke detectorsthat are type-approvedaccording to EN 54-20 andhave the relevant Certificateof Conformity can be used.So any national standardsfor aspirating smoke detec-tors such as Austrianstandard F-3014 or Frenchstandard CEA 4022 had to be withdrawn by thatdate.

The aim of the CE marking procedure is that inEurope a fire detection system and its componentsnow only have to be tested and certified once by a notified body as a construction product based on harmonised European standards (hEN); it canthen be used throughout Europe and bear thecorresponding CE mark.

The CE mark used previously was affixed to theproduct on the basis of a manufacturer’s declara-tion. What’s new now is that the CE mark can onlybe affixed after testing and certification by anotified body and once the certificate of confor-mity and the declaration of conformity have beenissued.

Design of aspirating smoke detectorsThe planning of aspirating smoke detectors isregulated separately in each country: in Germanyit is set out in VDE 0833 Part 2; in Austria, in TRVB S 123; in Switzerland, in the TechnicalGuideline for Fire Alarm Systems of the SES/VKFand in the UK in BS 5849-1 with the additional FIA Code of Practice for ASD systems. All theseguidelines have now undergone revisions (or such reviews are about to be completed). In mostcountries aspirating smoke detectors are plannedin such a way that one sampling hole correspondsto one point type smoke detector when it comesto the areas to be monitored. The starting point is an aspirating smoke detector that complies with EN-54-20, Class C. Class B aspirating smokedetectors can also be used in the case of halls with very high ceilings. As before, the highlysensitive Class A aspirating smoke detectors areused for early fire detection purposes, for instancein computer centres, clean rooms or other objectmonitoring applications.

ApplicationThe main area of application of an aspiratingsmoke detector is not to replace point type smokedetectors. This only makes sense in the case ofvery large continuous monitored areas that allform part of the same fire zone for example inshopping malls or in large halls. Its principal remitremains the use in applications under difficultoperating conditions such as:● high humidity environments

● steam baths, tropics● high temperatures

● large sauna installations● low temperatures

● refrigerated warehouses● outdoor applications

● very high ceilings● high-rack storage facilities● halls with high ceilings

● premises difficult to access● laboratories● cable tunnels● Ex zones● high-voltage laboratories● hollow floors and false ceilings

● premises at risk of sabotage● prison cells

● equipment monitoring● electrical/switchgear cabinets● telecom facilities● IT installations

● dusty environments● waste recycling● mills

● invisible fire detection● collections of cultural artefacts● museums● churches● modern architecture


The ASD 535 aspiratingsmoke detector fromSecuriton represents thenew EN 54-20generation of devices

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

detectors for early


The new generationThe latest generation of aspirating smoke detec-tors is ideally suited to these operating conditions.The main features include a universal detector for all applications which can be complementedwith a number of options; one or two high-qualitysmoke sensors in one aspirating smoke detectorwith adjustable response sensitivities; and anadjustable high-performance ventilator for largemonitored areas featuring whisper-quiet operation.

Air-flow monitoring ensures that the samplingpipes are constantly checked for pipe breakageand the sampling holes monitored for pollution. Ahigh-performance ventilator sucks the air from theroom or facility being monitored through thesampling pipe to the evaluation unit. There the airis continuously evaluated by the smoke sensors.The display of the ASD system indicates the smokeconcentration of the sampled air and alarm, fault

and status messages. Any increase in the smokeconcentration is detected very early on. Three pre-signals and one main alarm can be programmedfor each smoke sensor and are signalled to the CIE(control and indicating equipment) via potential-free relays or directly to a analogue loop. There arefour expansion slots in total to which additionalrelays, interface or memory cards can be installedin modular form.

The specially developed high-dynamic smokesensor is the result of comprehensive researchwork. A high power LED combined with an LVSC sampling chamber (Large Volume SmokeChamber) yields unparalleled adjustable sensitivitywith minimum aerodynamic resistance and utmost resistance to pollution and soiling. These

measures ensure a long system service life anddurability.

Obsolete laser technologyThe actual core of the aspirating smoke detector isthe smoke sensor and what is crucial here is notjust its absolute sensitivity, but its long-termresponse under difficult ambient conditions. Laserswere long considered as synonymous with highsensitivity. But today there is no doubt that thetechnology of a high-power LED offers significantadvantages. Firstly, the useful temperature range ismuch greater; secondly, it has a much longerservice life than a laser diode. With the vastmeasurement volume of >1cm2 and very fastmeasurement times (up to 100 measurements persecond) particles are now measured several times,which allows the use of a patented electronicparticle suppression system capable of filtering

out large individual dust particles. Overall reliabilityis boosted enormously as a result. The largemeasurement volume also means that a dynamicscatter angle range is achieved from the forwardscatter to the extreme backward scatter, whichdetects every possible size and colour of smokeparticle equally without the need for additionalmeasurement systems (2 wavelengths).

Commissioning and functionsMany installers shy away from familiarising them-selves with new aspirating smoke detectors. Andyet the new generation of aspirating smokedetectors offers considerable advantages. Onsimple standard systems for instance the aspiratingsmoke detector can be activated without a PC and


Aspirating smokedetectors can also beused in very dustyenvironments

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

The latest generation of aspirating smoke detectors is ideally

suited to very harsh operating conditions and detects a

multitude of fire risks.


the main settings carriedout on the building siteitself. A PC tool is alsoavailable for expert users;it provides the full rangeof setting possibilities via aUSB interface and allowsthe data to be visualised.

In difficult ambientconditions in particular itcan be very important torecord and display all theambient data during a trialphase lasting severalmonths. And with anoptional Memory Cardmodule and commerciallyavailable SD storage cardsit is also possible to recordthe values for impairedvisibility and airflow for upto a year on the aspiratingsmoke detector – withoutan additional PC – andthen analyse the data in the office using MicrosoftExcel.

An extensive range of accessories is available(e.g. alternative sampling pipes, sampling holes,filters, water retaining boxes, detonation flamearresters). These accessory components are alsotested and certified along with the aspiratingsmoke detector in accordance with EN 54-20. Therange of accessories must be listed in full on thecertificate issued by the notified body.

With the optional interface the aspiratingsmoke detector can be ideally integrated into thefire detection system. It is then very easy to displayand adjust the day and night sensitivity, forexample, from the fire alarm control panel.

Planners of sampling pipes all know that thedesign of the installation always had to besymmetrical, which is why T- or H-shaped configu-rations were used in most cases. However this isnot always the optimum solution, particularly on

larger premises, and compromises sometimes hadto be made due to the space needed by thesampling pipes. But now with the new samplingpipe computation software ASD PipeFlow asym-metrical sampling pipes can be used as well. Thisresults in sampling pipe savings of up to 20 percent and a further improvement in response time.The only requirement is that the sampling-holediameter calculated using the software be observedaccordingly also at the implementation stage.

Soundproofing includedMost operators of fire alarm systems do not wantto hear or see anything of their fire detectors: theyjust want them to monitor things quietly in thebackground and then leap into action at the crucialmoment. But until now the use of aspiratingsmoke detectors was limited in applications wherenoise was an issue as the aspirating noise (the fanin particular) was audible. In most cases it meantthat an expensive housing or even special versionsof the aspirating smoke detector had to be used.Not so with the latest generation. Thanks to theadjustable high-performance ventilator sufficientair samples are now aspirated even at the whisper-quiet fan level 1 to enable the implementation of large aspirating configurations. ISO 11690-1, i.e. the recommended practice for the design of low-noise workplaces containing machinery, iscomplied with just as easily as DIN 4109 on soundinsulation in buildings, which means that aspirat-ing smoke detectors can be used even in inhabitedareas such as hospitals and retirement homes.

SummaryThe aspirating smoke detector is a multi-talentthat can be used practically anywhere. It includesnot only room protection applications (such ashigh-rack storage facilities, dropped ceilings andraised floors, large halls, museums, galleries,theatres, airports, computer centres) but alsoobject monitoring (such as distribution cabinets andEDP installations). Thanks to the new technologythe equipment is even quieter, more resistant andmore reliable when it comes to false alarms;what’s more it is more responsive than ever before. IFP


The ASD PipeFlowsampling pipecomputation softwareallows asymmetricalsampling pipes

ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTORS ASPIRATING SMOKE DETECTION

Stefan Brügger is theInternational ProductManager Special FireDetection at Securiton Alarmand Security Systems inZollikofen, Switzerland. He isa member of the CEN TC 72WG 16 and ISO TC 21 SC 3WG 21 Standard committeesfor Aspirating [email protected],www.securiton.comT +41319101122, F+41319101616



Smoke means an immediate alarm.SecuriRAS® ASD aspirating smoke detector with HD sensor

Securiton AG, Alarm and Security Systemswww.securiton.com, [email protected]

A company of the Swiss Securitas Group

P. 70 ads 15/2/10 3:40 pm Page 70


The first thing to appreciate about counterfeitcables is that they are almost always sub-standard, posing a life-threatening risk to

installers and end users. The second, and perhapsmore harrowing realisation is that these roguemanufacturers are not in the least bit concernedabout anyone’s welfare; their total focus is onmaking a profit. Their game plan does not stretch to protecting their company’s reputation,establishing integrity, providing safe products orbuilding a reputable brand. No, it is all aboutmoney.

Ironically, the very fact that there are standardsand regulations that bona-fide cable manufactur-ers adhere to can help the counterfeiter to dupethe unsuspecting wholesaler, distributor, installeror fire engineer. These rogue manufacturers and

suppliers are more than willing to lay claim tostandards that are totally fraudulent; unwarrantedBS, EN or other acknowledged standards are often to be found displayed on the rogue cablesheathing. So, everyone in the trade – wholesalersand stockists; contractors and installers – need tocheck very carefully that the cable being supplieddoes meet the required standards and not merelyclaim to.

This scenario, understandably, alarms reputablecable manufacturers as it undermines confidencein the standards to which their cables are manu-factured and used.

But how big is the problem? Although precisefigures are difficult to come by, reliable UKindustry estimates indicate that as much as 20percent of the cable being sold and installed in the

By Mark Froggatt

Marketing ServicesManager, Draka UK

Getting to gripswith counterfeitcablesJust about every sector of the fire protection business now seems to be targetedby counterfeiters and rogue manufacturers. Nowhere is the risk greater thanwhen the product is electrical cable. But what can be done? Mark Froggattexplains.

Draka is one of theworld’s leading cablemanufacturers

CABLES

P. 71-73 Cables 15/2/10 3:41 pm Page 71

UK currently is counterfeit, unsafe, or both.Annually, around £30 million of counterfeitelectrical products are believed to reach Britishshores and those with an intimate knowledge ofthe problem assess that the vast majorityemanates from China.

Today, cables can be found where the diameterof the copper wire has been reduced, lowering thecurrent rating and increasing the resistivity of thecable. This could potentially result in overheating,which could lead to fire or reduce the level of safetyagainst electrical shock. There have also beennumerous instances where materials other thanpure copper, such as steel wire, copper-coatedaluminium or badly recycled copper have been usedin cables, and instances where the insulation orsheathing is sub-standard are also commonplace.In many instances, of course, it is not easy todetect a rogue cable simply by looking at it.

Although it is difficult to assess the preciseimpact that this is having, it is a fact that, in theUK there is strong correlation between theincrease in cable-related fires and the amount ofunapproved and counterfeit cable entering thecountry. According to statistics from the Depart-ment of Communities and Local Government, in2007 there were 4,093 fires in homes and busi-nesses in England alone that were caused by faultywires and cables. This equates to 27 percent of allelectrical fires. In the past five years 15 peoplehave died in fires due to faulty cable and 1,200have been seriously injured. Of course, in manymajor fires the damage is so extensive that ofteninvestigators are unable to establish the precise

cause of the blaze. So the government’s fig-ures may well grossly understate the numberof fires that can be attributed to faulty cable.

The question, of course, is what can –indeed should – be done?

The first thing to acknowledge is thateveryone in the industry has to be involvedand accept their legal and moral responsi-bility. While the majority of distributors andinstallers that have used sub-standard cablehave done so innocently, it would be wrongto believe that there are no instances wherea “blind eye” has not been turned in thequest to reduce costs. Certainly, there hasbeen sufficient international publicity aboutthe issue to argue that nobody in the indus-try can reasonably claim not to be aware ofthe problem.

The first step that needs to be taken mayseem obvious: take a very close look at thecable being offered and supplied. Draka iscurrently focusing much-needed attention onthe absence of cable marking, without whichthere is no means of establishing the cable’sauthenticity. In the absence of such markingthere is every probability that the quality andperformance of the cable is highly suspectand is from a disreputable supplier. Underthe banner: “If it’s not marked, it’s not worthit”, the Draka campaign focuses on the factthat there is a legal obligation to include

certain information on the cable; the moredemanding the specification, the more informa-tion is required to be shown.

But what markings should a cable carry? Tohelp installers, Draka has published a pocket guideand has an explanatory video presentation on itswebsite. Both are available at www.drakauk.com.Among the markings that should be clearly visibleon every cable are the manufacturer’s name andthe British Standard number to which the cableclaims to conform. Providing the cable has beentested by one, the name of the independent third-party approval organisation should also beincluded.

The next step is always to corroborate thatwhat you are being told or shown on sales litera-ture or websites, and that the markings on thecable itself are not misleading, incorrect, or simplydownright dishonest. However, relying on themanufacturer’s or supplier’s assertions that a cableis manufactured to a specific standard simply willno longer do; ask for copies of test or membershipcertificates. Better still, use only cable that issupported by independent test certification byfully accredited organisations that, in the UK, arethemselves accredited through UKAS, the UnitedKingdom Accreditation Service. This is the solenational accreditation body recognised by the gov-ernment to assess – against internationally agreedstandards – organisations that provide certifica-tion, testing, inspection and calibration services.The UKAS website contains information on all ofthe accredited organisations and can be found atwww.ukas.com.


Draka’s Cable and TablesHandbook covers a hostof technical andlegislation issues

CABLES

P. 71-73 Cables 15/2/10 3:41 pm Page 72

The importance of this third-party accreditationlies in the fact that the specifier, the trade supplierand the installer can be sure that the cable beingsupplied today is built to precisely the samestandard and specification as the cable that wasoriginally tested and approved. If the cable is froma producer that does not have this third-partyaccreditation there is, in reality, no guaranteewhatsoever that it is manufactured to the standardbeing claimed for it.

This requirement for third-party accreditation isimportant even when buying cable from a wellknown manufacturer. Without it, while earliercable from that supplier may have been up to thestandard claimed for it, re-sourcingmaterials and accepting a differentspecification, changing the formula-tion of the coating or sheathing, ormodifying the design are justexamples of changes that may haveaffected the performance of thecable.

It is important though to remem-ber that rogue cable manufacturersare every bit as willing to fake third-party accreditation as they are BS orEN standards, so always check withthe accreditation organisation thatthe claim is genuine. They are alsoquite prepared to misrepresent theiraccreditation. In one instance, acompany’s sales literature proudlycarried the logo of one of theworld’s leading product certificationorganisations. In this particularinstance, the company had everyright to include the logo, as it hadachieved an international qualitymanagement standard. However,the way in which it had beenincluded on its literature might

easily have been taken as implying that the prod-ucts themselves had been tested and approved.

So surely the message is clear. The more difficultwe make the counterfeiter’s life and reduce hischance to make easy money, the sooner thisscourge will come to an end. But, this will not hap-pen on its own; we must all play our part to thefull. Wholesalers and distributors must verify thequality of the cable they are stocking; contractorsand installers must be equally diligent and avoidbuying cable from suppliers that have shown to beprepared to side-step the issue; and fire engineersand building services consultants should be everwatchful for substandard product substitution. IFP


Draka runs regularfactory tours todemonstrate theintegrity of its cableoffering

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH COUNTERFEIT CABLES CABLES

Mark Froggatt is MarketingServices Manager at Derby-based Draka UK. He can bereached on +44 (0) 1332345431 or via email [email protected]. Thecompany’s website can befound at www.drakauk.com

In-house test facilitiescomplement rigorousthird-party testing

P. 71-73 Cables 15/2/10 3:41 pm Page 73


Dr Daniel Brosch

Global Product ManagerPFP in PPG Protectiveand Marine Coatings

Fire protection can be obtained bydifferent methods.

There is “active” fire protection comprising firedetection and extinguishing methods on oneside. Passive and reactive fire protection

materials contribute to the fire resistance ofstructural steel by insulation from the heat of afire. “Passive” means the product provides theinsulation in as it has been installed and does notchange in the case of fire. Reactive materials suchas intumescent coatings are installed as a relativelythin layer of a coating that under normal con-ditions does not provide insulation. But in case ofa fire a chemical reaction triggered by heat istaking place The coating changes and forms athick layer of char insulating the steel covered by itfrom the fire.

Intumescent coatings are often used to protectstructural steel from fires. Steel loses its loadbearing properties when heated. Applying anintumescent coating to steel columns and beamswill maintain their load bearing capacity and pre-venting buckling and collapse of a steel structurefor a defined time. This buys additional time forpeople to be evacuated and to fight the fire.

There are intumescent coatings that protectsteel form cellulosic fires in civil buildings but alsospecial types to fire protect steel on oil and gasinstallations onshore as well as offshore from themost extreme fire conditions such as hydrocarbonpool and jet fires. These “thick film” coatings arein general based on 2 pack epoxy formulations.

Apart from protecting the steel from fire,intumescent coating systems also provide corrosionprotection.

Intumescent coatings for protection of steel fromcellulosic fires are normally 1 pack products. They arealso known as “thin film” intumescents. Their appli-cation is very much like paint by airless spray result-ing in smooth surfaces. Structural steel members fireprotected with intumescent coatings preserve theirappearance. This is of major importance in modernarchitecture, because the steel columns and beamsare often visible and meant as design feature ofbuildings, such as airport, hotels and sports stadia.

To proof their “fitness for purpose” intumes-cent coatings have to undergo a demanding firetest regime. Fire tests of several types and sizes of steel columns and beams are conducted atstandardised conditions by accredited test facilities.In these fire tests the intumescent coating systemhas to proof it ability to keep the temperature of asteel section under a certain level, the criticaltemperature for a given time period, such as 30,60, 90 or 120 minutes. From the fire test raw datatables with film thicknesses of the coating fordifferent types and sizes of steel sections arederived. In many cases these assessments finallyhave to be verified by an independent party, oftena state authority by means of certification.

The film thicknesses stated in the tables aremeant as minimum dry film thickness of theintumescent coating excluding the film thicknessof primer or topcoat.

Although all intumescent products share thesame basic principle of how they contribute to thefire resistance of structural steel members, not twohave the same film thickness tables.

The thickness of the intumescent coatingrequired for proper fire protection is also dependingon the type and size of the steel section, the typeof fire, the protection time and local regulations.

Because every country normally has its ownstandard for fire testing and local buildingregulations the way of testing and the criticaltemperature tested to may vary by country. In theEuropean Union it is intended now to harmonisethe local fire testing standards in the memberstates by introduction of EN 13381. Because prEN13381-4 has not differentiated between passiveand reactive fire protection part 8 of this standardhas been developed. The final draft is out forvoting now. Also a part 9 is worked on presently,taking care of fire protection systems applied tosteel beams with web openings.

To form a fire resistant coating system meetingthe demands of the regulations the correct choiceof primer and topcoat is essential. By choosing thewrong primer or sealer the fire performance of theintumescent can be affected adversely and livesand assets put at risk. The intumescent coatingmanufacturers normally have tested variousprimers and topcoats for compatibility with theirintumescent coatings to ensure sufficient fireperformance of the full system.

Further to the correct product choice thepreparation of the steel substrate and applicationof the coatings to the steel are important for thefinal performance.

Intumescent coating systems can provide efficientfire and corrosion protection in many areas. Theyare particular suited for applications whereaesthetics or weight are issues. IFP

Fire protection ofStructural Steel byIntumescent Coatings

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P. 74 Paints 16/2/10 10:00 am Page 74

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RETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

Arecent project completed in Dedham, MAserves as a good case study. Legacy Place,a development partnership between W.S.

Development, Inc. and National Amusements, Inc.,is a new Lifestyle center consisting of 675,000square feet of leasable space located at the inter-section of Routes 1 and 128 in Dedham, MA. Earlyin the development of the project, the developerengaged Rolf Jensen & Associates (RJA) to assisttheir design team of Prellwitz/Chilinski Associates,Inc. and spg3 in better understanding the fireprotection and life safety issues the project mightencounter. RJA initially provided an analysis of thebuilding codes enforced by the local authorityhaving jurisdiction (AHJ) and an approach reportthat set out the options for best conforming tothose codes. The approach report provided the design team with multiple scenarios for theconstruction types for the various buildings, theseparation requirements between use groups andthe associated fire and life safety systems. It alsoprovided the design team with an outline of themajor fire protection and life safety code issuesthat the various buildings would need to address.

Mixed use parking retail applicationsLarge retail projects, both open air and enclosed,have become more complex in recent years. Landvalues and parking requirements limit the amountof buildable land available for development, oftenresulting in denser, multi-level mixed-use projects.Stacking of diverse uses, such as retail over parking

and parking over retail, and assembly and residentialover retail or parking, can create fire protectionand life safety challenges.

To accommodate the leasable square footagerequired to make the project economically viable,and the parking required to support that leasablearea, it was necessary to construct portions of theproject as mixed-use buildings. For instance, whilethere is substantial at grade parking, the majorityof the required parking is situated in three levels ofopen parking garage located above ground levelretail spaces.

The newer model codes are set up to deal witha mix of parking located above and below variousretail occupancies. Generally, the model codesrequire that the lower occupancy be separatedfrom the occupancy above by a 3-hour fire resis-tance rated horizontal assembly. When separatedby such an assembly, the spaces above and beloware permitted to be treated as separate buildingswith differing construction types. This offers thedeveloper a significant opportunity to save moneyin protecting the structure of the building (gener-ally fireproofing) and potentially eliminating sprin-klers, as was the case in the open parking garageat Legacy Place.

The at-grade retail was designed and built asType IB (Protected Noncombustible) Constructionand was fully sprinklered. Above the retail applica-tion was a 3-hour horizontal floor/ ceiling assemblywhich separated the at-grade retail spaces fromthe three unsprinklered parking levels. The parking

Kit Bryant AIA

and

Jeremy Mason, P.E.

Fire and life safety s olevel and mixed-use s

Successful retail projects today benefit from a comprehensive approach to fireprotection and life safety. This article discusses the ways in which the applicationof such an approach can affect the layout, design and construction of aproject. Further, it describes how such an approach may result in savings for theretail developer, and a more successful enterprise for the design andconstruction team.

P. 76-78 Retail Centre Protecti 15/2/10 3:43 pm Page 76

levels were designed and built as Type IIB (Unprotected Noncombustible) Construction. The3-hour horizontal assembly subdivided the projectinto two separate buildings of two different con-struction types. This approach saved the developersubstantial money by eliminating the need for fire-proofing and sprinklering the open parking garagestructure on the upper levels.

Properly planning for future tenantsRetail spaces often need to accommodate varyinguses such as mercantile, business, and assembly.Because the developer’s leasing efforts continuethroughout the design and construction processand even over the life of the project, many of theuses will not be determined until the shells of thebuildings are already constructed. For all of thesereasons, a comprehensive approach to fire protec-tion and life safety initiated at the start of such aproject can provide significant benefits to thedeveloper and their design and construction team.

For example, the occupant load of retail appli-cations at grade or one story below grade iscalculated at 30 square feet per person whilerestaurant type assembly spaces are required to becalculated from 5 to 15 square feet per person.This difference in possible occupant load factorscan have a significant impact on the number andlocation of exits that are required. Thus, a retailspace of 1,400 square feet would only require asingle exit as a mercantile occupancy while thesame space if converted to an assembly occupancywould need two exits.

Further complicating the matter is the fact thategress for the general public is not permitted topass through commercial kitchens or through stockrooms in retail applications unless there is a 44-inchwide aisle defined by partial or full height partitions.Thus, properly locating exits from the start can givedevelopers maximum flexibility in leasing theirspaces to various tenants and occupancy types.

Spacing between buildings on a limitedsiteMany developers strive to construct their buildingsto be one story in height. The model buildingcodes permit one story mercantile or businessbuildings to be of unlimited area and to be built ofany materials except wood framed construction,given that 60-foot side yards are providedbetween buildings and the buildings are fullysprinklered. As long as the buildings are spaced farenough from one another, this approach allowsdevelopers to build large retail strip malls with no fireproofed construction and at a substantialcost savings. This approach also results in a trade-off when the site is of limited area. Unlimited area buildings can save the developer significantconstruction costs, but they require more site area because the buildings must be spacedappropriately apart. RJA played an integral role atLegacy Place by helping to properly place adjacentbuildings to maximize cost savings, and at the

same time helping to make sure the developerachieved their goals for leasable area.

It should also be noted that restaurants, consid-ered assembly occupancies, are permitted inunlimited area buildings but in only small propor-tions and must be separated from the balance ofthe building with two hour rated construction.

Assembly occupancies mixed withretailMixing assembly spaces with other retail applica-tions is a fast growing trend in retail development.This provides added benefits to developers beyondjust filling lease spaces. It expands the options for their customer base and the time thosecustomers may shop at their development. How-ever, because of the increased occupant load, thecode generally requires a higher level of protectionfor assembly occupancies than for mercantileoccupancies.

The multiplex cinema at Legacy Place providesan example of such an assembly occupancy mixedin with retail occupancies. The multiplex cinema islocated on the second and third levels of one ofthe retail buildings, above retail and other enter-tainment spaces. The initial fire protection and lifesafety code compliance report identified severalcode related issues that were the result of themixed occupancies and made correspondingrecommendations.

At Legacy Place the multiplex cinema has anoccupancy load of approximately 3,000 people.Additionally a waiting population of 800 peoplewas assumed based on the capacities of the two


FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SOLUTIONS RETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

s olutions for multi-e spaces


largest auditoriums. A strict interpretation of thebuilding code would have required a larger wait-ing population (based on square foot calculationsper occupant in the waiting/lobby areas). Thedesign team was able to demonstrate, based onan analysis of movie start and stop times at similarmultiplex cinemas, that use of the capacities of thetwo largest auditoriums as a worst case scenariofor a waiting population would be more thanadequate. However, even with this reduced waitingarea population the total occupant egress capacityfor the cinema required a significant amount ofexits and exit capacity. To address this capacity thedesign team created an egress approach similar toone used for cinema projects located on grade.This approach gave the cinema occupants astraightforward and intuitive means to egress thebuilding (studies have shown that occupants will,during an emergency, first attempt to egress theway they entered).

Early involvement by RJA with the authorityhaving jurisdiction (AHJ) during the developmentof this equivalent egress approach successfullyallayed their legitimate concerns about the abilityto safely egress so many occupants from the upperlevels of the building. These early meetings helpedthe design team better understand the AHJ’smajor concerns and allowed the AHJ to betterunderstand the projects goals and approach. Inaddition, by preparing life safety drawings, thedesign team was able to show the AHJ how egressshould function. These drawings could also beused as a resource in the future by the design

team and the AHJ to ensure that proper egress willstill be provided if renovations occur. Laying thisearly ground work helped keep the projectfocused and on track and resulted in fewer mis-understandings between the AHJ and the designteam and resulting in consequential changes.

Because the area required for the intended useswas large, the fire protection analysis recommend-ed that the multiplex/ retail building be of Type 1Bnon-combustible and protected construction,allowing it to be of non-separated mixed-use andunlimited area. The main entry to the buildingconsisted of an unprotected two story spacebetween the first and second floors and thecinema contained a two story lobby from thesecond to third floors. The initial report alsorecommended that the cinema be separated fromthe remainder of the building to prevent the con-nection of those multi-story spaces. This preventedthose multi-story spaces from being considered athree story atrium which would have triggered the requirement for a smoke control system in thebuilding.

Fire alarm systems in retail applicationsThe design and installation of fire alarm systemscan have a significant impact on retail applications.A system with separate panels for each tenantthat connect into the master building fire alarmpanel can ease the burden when new tenantsarrive or leave. In addition, having a single con-tractor who is responsible for the entire building,not just individual tenants, can ensure that thework is done efficiently and on time.

While not used in the cinema at Legacy Place, aphased evacuation scheme tied to the fire alarmsystem is an option that may be considered insimilar assembly occupancies. Because of the largenumber of occupants in a modern multiplexcinema, phased evacuation can increase safety bysequentially allowing occupants to egress from thevarious auditoriums. Instead of all of the occu-pants attempting to exit at the same time (3,800people in a cinema such as the one at LegacyPlace) several hundred at a time are directed toegress. This phased evacuation process is typicallycontrolled through voice commands that firstegress those spaces and auditoriums closest to theorigin of emergency event followed in a plannedsequence by the remainder of the building.

In conclusion, retail developers are facing newchallenges as the types of tenants they covet arechanging and as the land available for develop-ment is constricting. For these and other reasons ithas never been more important for developers and their teams to address fire protection and lifesafety concerns up front. By being proactive theycan help assure that the numerous and oftenrestrictive requirements contained in the buildingcodes do not conflict with the goals of thedevelopment. IFP


FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY SOLUTIONSRETAIL CENTRE PROTECTION

Kit Bryant AIA is the Operations Manager based in thePhiladelphia area office of RJA. He can be reached at +1 (484) 690-1118, or by email [email protected]

Jeremy Mason, P.E. is a Consultant located in theBoston area office of RJA. He can be reached at +1 (508)620-8900, or by email at [email protected]

Quality Fire Resistance Testing

Quality Fire Resistance Testing

Newton Moor Industr ial Estate, Hyde, CheshireSK14 4LF, United Kingdom.

Tel: 0161 368 8419 Fax: 0161 368 3813

Fire resistance test equipment for indicative testing and certification of horizontal and vertical specimens,

including columns, beams & ducts. Suppliers to nationalcertification laboratories worldwide.

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Ihave been questioning whether the RegulatoryReform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the CDMRegulations 2007 and Regulation 16B of the

Buildings Act were working together to raiseinstallation of appropriate fire protection measures”he commented. “Have matters improved? Sadly, Ithink not”.

He blamed the lack of a national audit proce-dure and claimed that the biggest challenges facedby the industry were apathy, ignorance and denial.“We all recall the scene of the tragic fire at LakanalHouse that unfolded on our television screensrecently, in which six people sadly lost their lives.At the time, the media were asking the obviousquestion – how could this happen? Lakanal Housegained national media attention because peopledied”, he stressed. “Only then were questionsasked of Lambeth and other Local Authorities, toascertain their legal requirement to undertake firerisk assessment”.

He questioned if Lakanal House was a one off, orif it was symptomatic of a much more deeplyrooted problem. He also queried if other issueswere contributing to a picture of worsening publicfire protection in the UK and pointed to the recentAssociation of British Insurers (ABI) fire loss figures.They show fire damage up by some 16% to £1.3b,which represents a record high. Life loss figures alsoindicate that we will see a significant rise over thenext year. “Such a combination of factors shouldat least raise the question of, why”, he stressed.

“Disasters such as Lakanal House could beminimised by much tighter Building Regulations”he claimed. “However, it is arguably just as true tostate that if appropriate fire protection measures

were installed correctly, in accordance with theBuilding Regulations, both the human and finan-cial cost would be considerably lessened. “Thedemise of the Clerk of Works is symptomatic ofhow, piece by piece, our systems for deliveringexcellence of works in buildings have beenstripped away and the matter has been madeworse through the introduction of competitivebidding between local authorities and approvedinspector bodies” he maintained.

Mr. Robinson confirmed that if the evidence ofmalpractice or inadequate passive fire protectionwitnessed by many ASFP members on an almostdaily basis was anything to go by, the courtsshould be overflowing. The journey from the archi-tect’s initial design, to occupancy, is one loadedwith opportunity for error, compounded uponerror. The ASFP President drew the analogy oftaking delivery of a new car. “Do you give muchthought to the process of manufacture, or howthe vehicle was inspected before delivery? Youassume they put brakes in it, that the steeringwheel is connected correctly and that your familywill be safe in it. If you think that way about a car,why shouldn’t the same rules apply to the fireprotection measures installed in a building? Thehazards are the same. Get it wrong and you runthe risk of killing, or seriously injuring its occupants.

“It is simply not good enough to state thatmeasures exist to ensure against incompetentworkmanship, that everyone will take ownershipof their responsibilities, utilise properly qualifiedpeople and proper independent audits”. A fullcopy of Brian Robinson’s speech can be found at:www.asfp.org.co.uk IFP

By Brian Robinson

ASFP President

Apathy,ignorance and denial – ASFP President spells it out

More than 100 guests attended theAssociation for Specialist Fire Protection(ASFP) annual President’s Lunch, at the

Palace of Westminster in December, to hear ASFPPresident Brian Robinson spell out the current problemswith regard to the control of fire protection in the UK.

“

ASFP FORUM

P. 79 ASFP Forum 15/2/10 3:43 pm Page 79


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