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Besides the obvious benefits of longer life and longer protection against rust-through, the polymer finish on the inside implies hydraulic advantages. Even after long-term use, the surfaces of Fendium pipes stay similarly smooth as those of plastic pipes and widely free of deposits that reduce the inside diameters. This means that the required water admission is not impaired by internal corrosion residues. This is why Heinrich Holtmeyer & Sohn Sägewerk und Holzhandlung GmbH decided to use Minimax Fendium pipes in the construction of a new sorting plant.

Fendium pipes offer an ideal combination of a longer service life, increased safety and greater efficiency: a sustainable concept!

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Case Study Holtmeyer sawmill

Fendium Pipes

Fire Protedtion in Wood processing plants

The award-winning system generates nitrogen by means of a connected fuel cell. This solution is particularly economical: During power generation, the fuel cell produces clean, nitrogen-rich exhaust air as a by-product, which can be used for oxygen reduction. With this environmentally friendly solution, a return on investment can even be achieved, since the significant energy costs of the nitrogen generator that would otherwise be required are eliminated.

The Coppenrath & Wiese deep-freeze warehouse based in Osnabrück comprises 97,540 m3 in three protected areas. The temperature is around -22 °C. By introducing nitrogen, the oxygen concentration is reduced from 21% by volume (normal) to approx. 15% by volume and can still be accessed by verified personnel.

Saving up to 650 tons of CO2 annually
The fuel cell consistently delivers just under 100 kW of electricity (equivalent to 876,000 kWh/year) and just under 100 kW of thermal power, which the company uses to cover part of its energy load (electricity and heat). Whereas 132 kW was consumed with the old system, 86 kW of electricity is now generated on balance.

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Case Study Coppenrath & Wiese

Oxeo EcoPrevent FC fire prevention systems

Oxeo EcoPrevent VG fire prevention systems

Food plants

Deep-freeze warehouses

The amount of renewable energy in electricity consumption is growing steadily: At 23.7%, wind energy provided the lion’s share of gross electricity consumption in Germany. Meanwhile, the hydrogen economy, along with wind energy – especially offshore wind energy – is gaining ground. For more than 20 years, Minimax has been protecting these indispensable energy suppliers with approved and certified fire protection technology – both onshore and offshore.

Early fire detection: Minimax aspirating smoke detector AMX4004
The core of reliable fire protection is the early detection of fire and combating it by applying a fire extinguishing process without delay. Our answer to ensuring this happens is the aspirating smoke detector AMX4004. It can withstand vibrations and high fluctuations in temperature as well as extreme climatic conditions. It detects fires as they arise by continually extracting air samples from the monitored area. In conjunction with intelligent evaluator algorithms, a comparison of typical disturbances takes place prior to setting off the alarm, meaning that the AMX4004 is extremely foolproof.

Fire detection and extinguishing control systems
The fire protection and extinguishing control systems from Minimax processes fire detection signals like those of the aspirating smoke detector AMX4004 or the flawlessly operating UniVario flame detectors using cutting-edge technology. They activate programmed control processes such as shutting down the wind turbine, notifying a constantly manned position as well as setting off the extinguishing systems.

Inert-gas extinguishing systems: environmentally friendly and no residue
The Minimax Oxeo Intergas extinguishing systems enable fire suppression adapted to sensitive and high-end facilities such as wind turbines. Inert gases are not electrically conductive and are non-toxic to humans, as they are a natural component of ambient air. They do not cool down and suppress fires without leaving a residue as well as being environmentally friendly. Normally, nitrogen is used in wind turbines but argon or mixed gases may also be used.

Water mist suppression systems: Minifog ProCon
Minifog water mist suppression systems reduce to a minimum the amount of water needed to combat fires. Special nozzles produce a very fine mist enabling the extinguishing agent to be distributed with a larger surface area: The ensuing cooling and suppression effect puts out any possible fire exceptionally quickly. Antifreeze in extinguishing water enables this method to be used at temperatures as low as –30 degrees Centigrade. The amount of extinguishing agent released is so small that normally no additional extinguishing agent retention devices are required. The extinguishing equipment, including the containers with the extinguishing agent for special applications, comes as a compact very lightweight unit that can be easily installed in the wind energy system.

Minimax at HUSUM Wind: Stand 3A 08

Produktmanager Thorsten Gieseke stellt die Gefahrstofflager-Lösung LiquidProtect von Minimax vor.

Das Löschen brennbarer Flüssigkeiten ist eine hochkomplexe Angelegenheit und wird immer wieder heiß diskutiert. Verschiedene Regelwerke beschäftigen sich damit. Trotzdem besteht immer wieder der Bedarf an neuen, innovativen Lösungen. In diesem Talk werden Experten aus renommierten Hersteller- und Errichterunternehmen sowie von VdS verschiedene technische Lösungen vor- und einander gegenüberstellen.

Moderator ist der Technische Sachverständige der Allianz, Carsten Tormöhlen. Als Experten nehmen Frank Bieber, VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, Stefan Falk, Calanbau Brandschutzanlagen GmbH, Thorsten Gieseke, Minimax Europe/FSG und Torsten Wagner, Wagner Group GmbH, teil.

Die Teilnahme an der Talk-Runde ist kostenlos. Anmelden können sich alle Brandschutzinteressierten auf der Homepage des VdS. Hier können Sie dann auch die Übertragung der Talks am 29. April 2021 live mitverfolgen.

https://bildung.vds.de/de/vds-brandschutztalk/11839

Minimax has received approval from the German Association of Property Insurers (VdS) for their innovative fire protection solution, which protects hazardous goods warehouses by means of a sprinkler system using a foam agent. This concept combines high safety for people and the environment with a very fast, effective and localized firefighting. Moreover, the system helps to minimize operational downtimes in the event of fire, and there are very few construction requirements. It can be used in warehouses with large containers such as IBC and warehouses with narrow aisles.

The concept is based on several modules interacting with each other. In the event of a fire, spilling fluid is deliberately directed to the rack aisles with the help of sloped rack stands and baffles installed in the racks. So-called fuel stops are embedded in the floor at regular intervals along the aisles, which collect the flammable fluid, preventing it from spreading along the aisles. Special sprinklers are placed near the fuel stops, ensuring early release and targeted distribution of the water-foam mixture into the aisles. Additional quick-release sprinklers distribute water and a special foam agent into the racks. This concept enables rapid, effective and localized firefighting, helping to keep fire damage and operational downtimes to a minimum.

High personal safety and environmental protection
This fire protection system does not involve complete flooding of the protected room with firefighting agent. Consequently, it offers a higher degree of safety compared to agents hazardous to humans, such as high expansion foam or CO2. With the sprinkler solution there is also less danger of firefighting agent spreading to lower levels or neighboring areas. The early and localized firefighting, combined with fairly small amounts of water-foam used to fight the fire contribute to a better environmental footprint.  

Very fast and effective firefighting
The sprinklers are arranged at close intervals, both in the racks and in the aisles, facilitating early fire detection and immediate firefighting without any pre-warning period. Together with the fuel stops and the use of a special foam agent, fast, raging fires can be fought effectively – which is essential in case of flammable liquids spilling from large bulk containers.

Minimal operational downtimes in the event of fire
Only the sprinklers in the affected area release and the fire is rapidly fought resulting in little primary and secondary damage. This includes thermal stressing of the building and rack structures, corrosion or short circuits due to the flooding of technical installations (control panels, ventilation systems, conveying equipment). The subsequent removal of the firefighting agent is also far easier than in a building completely flooded with high expansion foam.

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Industrial gas turbines, which are used in the oil and gas industry, for example, drive generators for power generation or compressors (mechanical drives) for gas compression or gas liquefaction. The operating temperature inside turbine acoustic enclosures can reach up to 120°C and the surface temperature of the turbine itself up to 800 °C. Oils leaking from the leaks in oil pipelines can easily get ignited on these hot surfaces. Once lit, a fire can quickly spread to other areas due to the high air flow rate actually used for cooling. Long downtimes and higher costs are often the result. Our flexible fire protection solution: TurbineProtect. https://www.minimax.com/de/en/solutions/solutions-risks/turbineprotect/

The rapidly growing industry of recyclable material processing finds itself confronted by a high level of fire risk. People, environment and companies are regularly threatened by large fires. Many business operations are now upgrading and in doing so are attaching importance to a comprehensive fire protection concept. On 07-08/11 at Recycling-Technik in Dortmund, Minimax is showing what such a concept should look like (hall 7, stand T26). 

Delivery and storage areas - detecting hot spots

There is a risk in these areas that stored substances will auto-ignite. Here, internal areas are particularly at risk, since dust can create an explosive atmosphere. In order to detect potential ignition hazards in good time, the recyclable material storage areas are constantly monitored. Thermography systems with infra-red cameras are used for this wide-area early detection of fire. They detect objects by their radiative heat transfer and spot critical temperature developments. If there is a threat of ignition, a signal is transmitted to the connected fire detection control panel. Extinguishing monitors are aimed at the target manually or via remote control. They provide effective fighting of the so-called hot spot via water enhanced with film-forming foam compound. Active smoke aspiration systems and industrial flame detectors provide extra security in internal areas. They can also cope with particularly tough environmental conditions and dependably detect potential fires. Their signals are sent to a fire detection control panel which evaluates them and in an emergency activates automatic extinguishing by a deluge system.

Mechanical conveyor systems - safety in motion

During the sorting process, recycling materials are continually transported via conveyor belt systems. This means multi-faceted risks: overheated roller bearings, sparks which may occur during maintenance- or welding work, or auto-ignition of the material to be conveyed. The combined installation of industrial flame detectors and multi-sensor combustion gas detectors is a proven fire-safety measure for dependable and early detection of a fire. Minifog ProCon water mist systems are a particularly efficient solution for direct fire fighting. After a fire has been detected, the section of the conveyor belt is extinguished and operation can be continued without major downtime. The crucial advantage of this extinguishing system compared with conventional water spray systems is the significantly lower use of extinguishing water.

Pneumatic suction and conveyor systems - no opportunity for sparks

Wherever flammable materials are pneumatically transported, there is an increased risk of fire. This applies particularly to the material mix in pneumatic suction and conveyor systems in the recycling process. Sparks, hot particles or glowing embers in the processing machinery which arrive in the delivery systems have risk potential. Dust explosions are also possible. Functionally monitored spark detectors which react to infrared radiation of potential sources of ignition flying past, ensure dependable and above all immediate detection. If the spark detectors identify potential sources of ignition in the materials being conveyed, a signal is sent to the control panel. This unit then activates the automatic extinguisher solenoid valve in milliseconds. The extinguishing water is released and introduced into the volumetric flow via self-closing nozzles. The glowing particles fly into the water mist formed by the nozzle. Particularly innovative spark detectors, such as the UniVario YMX5000 detector range, themselves monitor their optical system with regard to dirt or damage at regular intervals. Functions such as these increase operational safety in the challenging areas of application in a recycling facility.

For an integrated fire protection concept however, all areas of a recycling complex must be thought of. For this reason separation and crushing facilities, agglomeration presses or even ancillary areas such as server or control rooms and office buildings must also be taken into consideration.

We look forward to welcoming you to our stand, T26 in hall 7 at Recycling-Technik in Dortmund.

LNG facilities are exposed to fire risks. When a fire occurs due to failing equipment or inadequate  fire control and protection measures, extended business disruptions may be the consequence. These will cause substantial costs and, at worst, may cause customers to turn to new suppliers elsewhere, if the delivery delays continue. The consequences originates due to the nature of LNG processing, the potential disperse of vaporized natural gas with its high fire load and rapid fire spread. The risk can be reduced by detection, fire control and/or extinguishing systems.

LNG fire has challenging facets. Minimax has the right fire control and protection solution for the various LNG facilities. Recommended fire control and protection applications which suit the requirements of LNG facilities are for example vaporization reduction with Hi-Ex foam, gas cloud dispersion control by water curtains, fire suppression with dry chemical and suppression system with inert gas systems for fire risks in enclosures like compressors and plant utilities.

Minimax understands the safety management issues at LNG operations and has in-depth know-how of codes and standards for fire protection, like IMO IGC (81/224), NFPA, EN & BS (66/224). Additionally Minimax has the ability to adopt local requirements, great track record on successful project completion and a company culture to meet expectations of global acting companies.

Minimax provides tailored solutions wherever there is a fire threat and has a widespread fire protection experience on industrial applications, including LNG facilities, jetties, loading manifolds, compressors, machinery rooms, steam and gas turbine driven power plants. So Minimax has the competence on both landbase and marine projects and the experience to integrate them.

Hamburg (Volkspark Stadium) – "Practical Fire Protection"

• 2016-04-19: Function and design of water extinguishing systems
• 2016-04-20: Function and design of fire detection and gas extinguishing systems

Augsburg (WWK Arena) – "Practical Fire Protection"

• 2016-04-26: Function and design of water extinguishing systems
• 2016-04-27: Function and design of fire detection and gas extinguishing systems

Additional sessions are scheduled for November: on November 8 and 9, in the Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, and on November 15 and 16 in Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund.

Practical Fire Protection - Water Extinguishing Technology

Function and design of water extinguishing systems

Tried, tested and innovative

Water is the most natural of all fire extinguishing agents, usually available in sufficient quantities and affordable. It is environmentally-friendly and binds smoke and pollutants. Water extinguishing systems in the form of sprinkler systems or water deluge systems have therefore been a proven fire extinguishing technology in many applications for decades. Water mist technology is also considered an established standard in selected risk areas.

However, the wheel also continues to turn in the world of conventional water extinguishing systems. Modern versions of water extinguishing systems and innovative extinguishing concepts allow additional safety, water savings, planning convenience and easier installation

The right choice

Which water extinguishing system is most suitable for a type of application? What is the impact of a change in the type of extinguishing system on the design and overall planning? Which criteria need to be taken into account with regard to friction loss-free interfaces with other subsections?

Learn to answer these questions and others with the help of practical case studies. Experienced project managers and specialists from our Minimax team of experts will accompany you in the development of bespoke fire protection solutions using three realistic examples.

Practical Fire Protection - Gas Extinguishing Technology

Function and design of fire detection- and gas extinguishing systems

Fire protection in industrial businesses: the requirements are increasing.

The requirements for fire protection solutions in industrial companies have increased significantly in recent years. Manufacturing companies are required to keep up with the challenges of a dynamic market. Among other things, uninterrupted production- and delivery capacity are important prerequisites for long-term business success. For this reason, modern industrial enterprises increasingly require process-integrated fire protection solutions that are able to combat a fire as far as possible without leaving any residues and that reduce business interruptions to a minimum.

In future, this will present technical planners with the substantial task of not only taking essential fire protection requirements into account in their planning, but also to develop a bespoke fire protection concept that accommodates the need for reduced downtimes caused by fires.

The right extinguishing agent. The best solution.

One of the decisive factors is the selection of the ideal extinguishing agent. In addition, reliable detection and the design of the pipe system in relation to the quantity of extinguishing agent play an important role.

Learn from experienced project managers how to resolve the essential issues of a customized fire protection concept for an industrial business and develop solutions for three challenging case studies in collaboration with our experts.

Register now and become an expert yourself!

We offer practical knowledge and provide you with a qualification for your future planning tasks in the field of fire protection.
For further information and easy online registration via the Internet, please visit www.minimax.de/workshop.The Minimax Planner workshops are recognized by some professional engineering bodies as a further training measure. Each participant will receive a certificate.

Minimax, a leader in fire protection, will present their enhanced technologies at FeuerTRUTZ 2016. Also included are live demonstrations. This year's focus will be on the Oxeo inert gas extinguishing systems, Minifog ProCon XP high-pressure extinguishing systems and UniVario industrial fire detectors.

Oxeo extinguishing systems serve to minimize fire damage and consequential damage. They are suitable for sensitive areas containing valuable assets and sensitive equipment or that are subject to particularly high availability demands, such as archives, server rooms, control rooms or telecommunication systems. Oxeo extinguishing systems use the natural inert gases nitrogen or argon, which are electrically non-conductive, disperse homogeneously in case of a fire and displace oxygen from the fire source. In addition, these fire extinguishing systems are used mainly as fire protection for risk areas with flammable liquids or areas with high thermal load as they leave no extinguishing agent residue. Oxeo extinguishing systems offer all functions of modern inert gas extinguishing systems - from 300-bar-technology to the ConstantFlow option.

Minifog ProCon XP high-pressure water mist extinguishing systems offer optimum protection for minimal consumption of extinguishing water for enclosed turbines, machines and installations with flammable liquids. They disperse the extinguishing water very finely via special nozzles and increased operating pressures. At the same time the total surface area of the water is increased, enabling it to more quickly absorb heat and evaporate.

The accompanying cooling and smothering effect allows for effective firefighting. Using water as an extinguishing agent ensures that the protected space can be reentered immediately after the successful extinguishing, whereas in the case of the CO2 gas extinguishing systems traditionally installed on gas turbines and motor test benches, the extinguishing gas must first be extracted from the protected space. In addition, the VdS (independent German testing institution for fire protection and security)-certified Minifog ProCon XP system consumes up to 95 percent less extinguishing water, which reduces the risk of water damage to a minimum.

The flame and heat detectors in the UniVario product family, with their robust housing and installations, have been designed for harsh operating conditions in industrial applications. The detectors are distinguished by rapid fire detection at the same time as a high level of false alarm prevention, and are able to communicate with the fire detection control panel in Loop mode. Can be used indoors and outdoors in the immediate vicinity of the object, like the UniVario WMX5000 or at larger distances, like the UniVario FMX5000 IR. They work under extremely dirty processing conditions as well as explosion-hazard zones: for the latter classes of danger detectors graded by suitability in the Standard (without explosion protection), 3GD and Ex series (Zone 1 and 20) are available.