Foam extinguishing systems

In gas and steam-generating stations in which dual-fuel turbines are used that can be fired with both gas and oil, fuel or heating oil is stored in large tanks.

• Lightning strike
• Formation of sparks via static charging
• Ignition of the gases in the oil tank

Optimum fire protection is offered here by foam extinguishing systems with the MX Tankfoam RTK system kit. The system generates low expansion foam, which is given out from above, in the event of a fire, on to the burning surface of the liquid. The foam has an immediate cooling effect, smothers the flames preventing further outbreak of fire and protects the now extinguished area from reignition. With a deluge system the tank side wall and if necessary its roof are cooled in parallel.

Hazardous substances are materials or mixtures that are explosive, combustible or harmful to human health or the environment. Warehouses where such substances are stored have a great variety of typical designs, subject, however, to specific laws and regulations applicable to their construction. Such provisions require e.g., fall-safe storage, soil protection in the form of collecting reservoirs and extinguishing water retention systems as well as the prevention of operational sources of ignition.

• Rapid spread of fire
• Devastating effects of fire on people and the environment

As a rule, the planned fire protection system for hazardous substance storage is determined in particular by the characteristics of the stored goods. Accordingly, nearly the full range of fire extinguishing systems is used in such facilities. For this type of storage, Oxeo inert gas extinguishing systems are often the preferred solution: they extinguish fires quickly without leaving residue, and reactions between the burnt materials and extinguishing agents are precluded. Alternatives are Oxeo EcoPrevent systems or CO₂ or foam extinguishing systems. A fire detection system triggers the extinguishing systems. UniVario flame and heat detectors are used for detection purposes.

Tires are generally stored in bulk storage on specially designed transport pallets. Those depots are directly connected with production plants through transport facilities.

• Defective storage equipment or small appliances
• High fire load due to high density of many tires in a confined space.

In view of the limited ability to wet the tires and the risk of a very fast development and spreading of the fire, this fire risk is best addressed with a deluge system with a film-forming foaming additive or, alternatively, a foam extinguishing system. In this regard, Minimax offers a variety of protection concepts tailored to the individual storage conditions in place, e.g. using open large-drop sprinklers. The extinguishing system is triggered by a fire detection system using UniVario flame and heat detectors.

Large quantities of different types of packaging waste are often collected in separate recycling and waste collection areas. Cardboard and trash compactors reduce the storage volume. In addition, waste is also stored in containers in outside areas.

• Auto-ignition in case of insufficient ventilation
• Large quantities of highly flammable organic material
• Arson in outdoor areas
• Carelessly discarded cigarette butts

The sprinkler systems used for the protection of buildings effectively combat fires also in the case of burning organic waste and packaging materials. Outdoor areas can be included in the protection range, in which case a dry system or, alternatively, Minimax PipeGuard Antifreeze prevents freezing of the extinguishing water and protects against possible frost damage. If large quantities are stored, a deluge system with open nozzles should rather be selected. This system is triggered by a fire detection system with UniVario industrial smoke detectors.