How does TraFoProtect work?
In structure and function TraFoProtect is similar to a classical deluge system. The system consists of the extinguishing zone, the water supply and the fire detection and extinguishing control system.
Extinguishing zone: In the extinguishing zone, Type A TraFoProtect nozzles will be installed at several levels and adjusted in line with the transformer requiring protection. If the floor pan of the transformer is not protected by approved devices, such as gravel beds or ignition-proof covers, additional Type C TraFoProtect nozzles can be installed in the floor area. If the system is activated, the extinguishing water is evenly sprayed by all nozzles installed in the extinguishing zone. Since the spray patterns and the arrangement of the TraFoProtect nozzles are optimally adapted to the geometry of the transformers, a considerably smaller consumption of water is required than in conventional deluge systems. If the TraFoProtect is triggered early, for example by means of the Buchholz protective relay, the transformer is cooled from the outside to prevent further overheating. If a fire breaks out, causing damage to the transformer tank, spray fires and puddle fires are extinguished effectively with TraFoProtect, in addition to cooling the transformer. In doing so, the primary aim is to suppress the fire and to prevent a spreading of the fire to the infrastructure in the vicinity of the transformer.
Water supply: TraFoProtect offers many different options to keep the cost of the water supply low. Due to the low consumption of water resulting from the use of the TraFoProtect system, the installation can be fed in many cases directly from a local service water network. Alternatively, TraFoProtect can often use the already existing water supply of a conventional sprinkler or hydrant system or can be connected to the public drinking water system subject to appropriate safety devices. If these options are not available, the TraFoProtect is fed by means of a storage tank with automatic water make-up and a pump system, structured similarly to a conventional deluge system, however in a smaller dimension due to the reduced water consumption. Additional safety is provided by the fire brigade supply, which allows for the supply of extinguishing water even in the event of a power failure at the pumps of the main water supply.
Fire detection and control technology: The TraFoProtect activates the extinguishing system by means of tried and tested Minimax fire detection and extinguishing control technology. This ensures optimal compatibility of electrical and mechanical system components. This prevents unnecessary coordination efforts and interface problems between various trades. Fire detection is usually done by means of UniVario flame and heat detectors that emit a signal to the FMZ 5000 fire detection and extinguishing control panel in the event of a fire. The panel then activates the deluge valve. At the same time audible and visual alarms are triggered and forwarded to a permanently manned station to alarm, for example, the fire brigade. In general, oil-cooled transformers are equipped with a Buchholz relay. This device detects the formation of gas in the oil chamber of the transformer in the event of overheating and then initiates the shut-down of the transformer. The Buchholz relay can also be connected to the FMZ 5000 to ensure that the TraFoProtect is triggered as early as possible.
