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Holtmeyer sawmill
February 15, 2022 - Solutions

Corrosion-Protection with Fendium: Polymer-enhanced pipes in Holtmeyer sawmill

Corrosive conditions exist in the pipe networks of water extinguishing systems. This not only causes pipes to rust but deposits also form that constrict pipes and clog sprinklers. The solution: polyme

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


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Oxeo EcoPrevent FC / VG
December 22, 2021 - Solutions

Minimax Protects Deep-freeze Warehous of Coppenrath & Wiese

Sustainability in fire protection: Minimax has equipped Coppenrath & Wiese's deep-freeze warehouse in Osnabrück with a special oxygen reduction system: Minimax OXEO ECOPREVENT FC/VG.

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

 

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wind turbines
September 14, 2021 - Solutions

Minimax Presents Fire Protection for Wind Turbines

At the on-site HUSUM Wind trade fair in Germany, Minimax will be presenting, until this coming Friday, its fire protection solutions that are tailored to the special requirements of wind turbines

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

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Recycling industry finds out at Recycling-Technik in Dortmund
November 5, 2018 - Solutions

Fire protection as a competitive advantage

Recycling industry finds out at Recycling-Technik in Dortmund

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.

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Marcel Ruesink from Minimax answered the question how to mitigate fire events for LNG facilities at the LNG congress in Barcelona
October 17, 2017 - Solutions

International LNG congress in Barcelona

Marcel Ruesink from Minimax answered the question how to mitigate fire events for LNG facilities at the LNG congress in Barcelona on 16-17 October 2017.

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.

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