Sprinkler protection system for hazardous goods warehousing facilities
Minimax presents new fire protection solution LiquidProtect
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.