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With PVProtect, Minimax presents a brand new water-based fire suppression system at the VdS-FireSafety Cologne: The holistic protection concept for roof surfaces with photovoltaic systems is the first of its kind on the market that is VdS-approved.

Roofs containing flammable insulation materials pose significant risks. Even small fires on roof constructions can lead to severe business interruptions and loss of sales. PVProtect helps to significantly reduce or even entirely prevent such damages. The system offers protection against fire hazards on roof surfaces with an incline of up to 10° on which photovoltaic systems have been installed. Consequently, Minimax is the first fire protection company to offer a solution for such previously unprotected environments.

The first water-based fire suppression system of its kind – early detection combined with automatic fire fighting

The holistic protection concept combines early detection with automatic fire fighting. By preventing fires on the roof, PVProtect, thus, can also protect the entire building against consequential damages; in addition, it alerts people on site in good time.

Heat detectors are arranged in a targeted manner around the photovoltaic modules. In case of an unusual rise in temperature, the detectors pass on the information to the fire detection and extinguishing control panel, which simultaneously alerts the fire department. The close-meshed arrangement of sensors makes it possible to precisely locate the source of fire. Extinguishing nozzles are arranged in the vicinity of the photovoltaic modules to ensure water coverage over the entire area. In this way, PVProtect automatically fights incipient outbreaks of fire before they spread widely.

Efficient water consumption, easy to retrofit – VdS-approved

Special extinguishing nozzles ensure a risk-appropriate distribution of water even at low operating pressures. Localization of the source of fire in conjunction with a suitable extinguishing control system and effective area distribution allow for water requirements to be further reduced, while also reliably keeping fire hazards under control.

Because of the minimal water requirements and low operating pressures, PVProtect can usually be connected to the existing water supply of a sprinkler system. Integration into an existing fire protection system is, therefore, cost-effective and uncomplicated.

The effectiveness of PVProtect has been evaluated in fire tests and approved by VdS Schadenverhütung. The VdS approval applies to both the system and the individual components. PVProtect, thus, provides a basis for making the building insurable again.

First-time presentation at the VdS-FireSafety Cologne – presentation included

Minimax exhibits the new PVProtect fire suppression system for the first time at the VdS-FireSafety Cologne on December 6th–7th, 2023 at booth D-07 in hall 10.1.

As part of the VdS Fire Extinguishing Systems conference, responsible Minimax fire suppression system manager Thorsten Gieseke will hold a presentation on PVProtect at 2:45 PM on December 7th at the Koelnmesse Congress Center East. Information on how to register to attend the lecture can be found here.

For further information on PVProtect, please visit here.

Minimax France was awarded by the French Association of Firefighting Professions (FFMI) for the MXOne high-performance firefighting turbine.

The “Oscars de la Sécurité” are handed out annually by a panel of experts appointed by the FFMI to honor outstanding achievements in the field of fire protection. The prize is awarded in four categories: "Innovation", "Fire protection", "Fire protection management" and "Special locations". The Security Oscars have been the benchmark event for the fire protection sector in France for more than 20 years. This year, Minimax France competed in the "Innovation" category.

The awards were presented to the laureates on November 13, 2023 by Mrs. Dominique Faure, Minister Delegate for Local Authorities and Rural Areas, during a festive ceremony at the Palais du Luxembourg.

Pascal Bichet, Country Manager Minimax France, said about the award: “Minimax France is very proud to have received this award, especially since we were recognized by our industry colleagues.”

The award-winning Minimax high-performance firefighting turbine MXOne – Next generation firefighting

The Minimax MXOne en­ables in­nov­at­ive fire pro­tec­tion using highly ef­fi­cient water mist from a safe dis­tance. Thus, it rep­res­ents a new gen­er­a­tion of stationary fire­fight­ing sys­tems. It al­lows highly ef­fi­cient, pre­cise and tar­geted sup­pres­sion from a sig­ni­fic­ant and safe dis­tance. The tur­bine achieves a large dis­charge range thanks to the ad­justable jet pipe, even when using a foam agent.​

Dur­ing a fire, the water mist ab­sorbs a huge amount of en­ergy, cools par­tic­u­larly ef­fect­ively and reaches hid­den fire sources due to the three-di­men­sional mode of ac­tion. It binds smoke gas, pol­lut­ants and odors and can quickly de­velop its ef­fect over large areas without, like clas­sic mon­it­ors with their fo­cused jets, dis­pers­ing burn­ing ma­ter­ial and pos­sibly con­trib­ut­ing to the spread of fire.

Further information on the MXOne to be found here.

Our company has changed its legal form in order to simplify the structure of the Minimax Viking group in Germany. With effect from August 11, 2021, Minimax GmbH & Co. KG has been renamed Minimax GmbH. 

All contracts, general terms and conditions, terms of sale and delivery, etc. are still valid. Our contact address, too, remains valid. 

You will find the current company data in the imprint of our website. 

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers and partners their trust and confidence in us and look forward to a continued successful working relationship. If you have any questions on the above, please do not hesitate to contact your representative.

As part of the RWM DIGITAL SERIES, a digital format of the leading trade fair for recycling, materials and waste management, on 20 May Jan Weimann (Minimax) introduces Minimax's high-performance firefighting turbine MXOne. He will show video footage of extinguishing tests in our Fire Protection Research Center. During the lecture and afterwards you can ask questions via chat.

Certain remote, hard to reach or large areas in the industry, energy or infrastructure sector cannot be covered in an efficient or economical way by conventional fire protection systems. MXOne uniquely meets the demands posed by special fire risks in numerous industry and risk areas, both inside and outside buildings – incl.: Recycling operations, Wood-processing industry, Chemical plants/refineries, Airports/hangars, Substations/transformers.

20 May 2021 | 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. (BST) | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (MET)
Register now for free:
https://www.rwmexhibition.com/rwm-digital/rwm-digital-spotlight#/

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.

More information...

Today, Minimax is launching the extinguishing turbine MXOne. This unique system has a 360° operating range and enables the highly precise application of water mist from a significant and safe distance. In the event of a fire, the water mist absorbs a huge amount of energy, cools particularly effectively and reaches hidden fire sources better than classic monitors. It binds flue gases, pollutants and odors, and is able to exert its efficiency quickly over large areas. The effectiveness of the turbine has been examined and confirmed in full-scale fire trials conducted by independent bodies, including DMT.

MXOne can be operated with potable water, seawater and with/without foaming agents. Spray patterns can range from a fine water mist to a full jet. The firefighting system reaches a flow rate of up to 4,000 liters per minute. MXOne can be aimed at a hot spot either fully automatically or manually via remote control. Thanks to a smart operating system, a single turbine can supply water alternately to two or more neighboring areas. Consequently, several fires can be fought in parallel, or nearby facilities threatened by fire can be specifically cooled in a targeted manner. The turbine can be easily integrated into existing plants and is suitable for use in areas with temperatures ranging from -15°C to +55°C.

A decisive innovation: throw distance
MXOne has the unique ability to fight a fire with water mist from a significant distance. The turbine is able to offset the susceptibility of small droplets to external factors such as crosswinds or headwinds using a smart control system and activating a supporting air stream. Furthermore, the system can be flexibly adapted to meet almost any challenge posed by different fire scenarios.

Efficient firefighting with water mist
When extinguishing a fire with water mist, the water is atomized under high pressure, meaning the smallest of water droplets and a larger reaction surface are formed that absorb heat. When water evaporates, its volume is increased many times over, thus displacing the oxygen at the source of the fire. The smothering effect fights the fire directly. The cooling aspect of the water mist protects people and property from the effects of heat. The volume of water consumed during the firefighting effort as well as the consequential damage caused by the water are extremely low.

Maximal flexibility in positioning and application
The control and direction of the extinguishing turbine can be done fully automatically, as follows: Information from at least two fire detectors (e.g. UniVario industrial fire detectors or infrared cameras) is assessed in the fire alarm and control panel and the location of the source of the fire is accurately determined before MXOne is activated. Alternatively, manual control of the turbine is always an option. Both stationary and mobile control variants can be implemented according to the operator's requirements.

More details

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.

The UniVario YMX5000 series offers new possibilities in spark detection in the wood-processing industry: for the first time there is a cyclic optics monitoring of all sensor units, as well for spark detectors. A new feature is that this detector series is suitable for extreme temperature ranges, and thanks to its modularity offers maximum flexibility in use.

The detection system of the UniVario YMX5000 series consists of a control unit with three connectors for remote sensor units. The electronics of the evaluation unit is self-monitoring, displays for example alarms or faults, and thus offers extra functional safety. The sensor units are connected to a control unit and allow dependable detection wherever there is an increased fire risk from sparks. The spark detection system is audited and approved by VdS.

New standards for additional safety: Self-monitoring in spark detection

Self-monitoring of optics has since become standard in flame detection. The UniVario YMX5000 system has succeeded for the first time in the world in transferring this standard to spark detection. At cyclic intervals the optics are monitored with regard to contamination or damage - a functionality that again significantly increases the operation safety of the system in the sometimes harsh areas of deployment in a wood-processing plant.

Extreme temperatures: From ice-cold to hot

The UniVario YMX5000 system is suitable for applications in extreme temperature ranges. The corresponding FUX sensor unit can even be used without fiber optic adapter at temperatures from -40°C to 105°C. The sensor units will be also available in an “Ex” version for use in explosion-hazard zones in Ex zones 1, 2, 20, 21 and 22.

Minimal downtimes: Easy, secure and long-lived system

Installing the sensor units is simple and safe thanks to the single-hole mounting with bayonet locking. The flush wall connection within transport- or suction channels minimizes the wear of the optics and guarantees a long lifetime. Possible air flushing does not affect the 120 degree viewing angle of the sensor system. Maintenance, for example for defective optics, is particularly easy thanks to a quick-change replaceable optics, so downtimes can be reduced to a minimum.

Minimax will be displaying the new UniVario YMX5000 detection system as a world first on the occasion of LIGNA 2017. In addition to this visitors to the Minimax trade stand at LIGNA can find out more about Minifog PressProtect, a solution for the protection of industrial presses, DryerProtect, the combined fire detection-, water mist- and spark extinguishing technology for driers, thermography systems and the Inveron hazard management system.

LIGNA 2017, Stand C24 in Hall 26

In the VN nozzle the screens are not a fixed component of the product. Depending on the extinguishing agent throughput required, an appropriate screen is only inserted during installation. For subsequent changes in the performance requirement only the screen needs to be changed, not the entire nozzle. This makes the VN nozzle an extremely flexible and economic solution.

At Booth B43 in Hall 12 of our partner CANCOM, professionals can take a look at the Minimax fire protection solutions for the digital economy. In a mobile data center (IT container), Minimax employees from Würzburg demonstrate a fully functional MX 1230 extinguishing system with a FMZ 5000 mod 4 fire detection and extinguishing control panel. In addition, a HELIOS AMX 5001 aspirating smoke detector is installed in the container.

Also available is a OneU fire protection system, which was developed for installation in closed 19" racks. In this case, the system is mounted in a BIG IT shelter.

The OneU fire protection systems are characterized by highly sensitive fire detection and residue-free extinguishing. A high level of data availability is ensured by redundant components and an integrated emergency power supply. OneU systems offer maximum flexibility due to modular expansion capability. Conventional fire protection systems require up to three height units in the rack. Thanks to its unique installation height of only one height unit (44 mm), OneU fire protection systems, on the other hand, leave much more space for the IT components in the expensive racks. At the same time, the OneU system is equal in function, quality and reliability to systems that need more space.

OneU fire protection systems guarantee maximum availability of technical equipment even in the event of short circuits, overloading, overheating or component error causing an incipient fire. They are an ideal component for availability concepts, such as:

Server and network technology, which ensures 24/7 availability of essential company data,

production controls, which control and monitor production processes,

telecommunication installations, which ensure fault-free, smooth communication throughout the company.