Rosenbauer delivers 100th tank fire vehicle with modular MT body

by Featured NewsVehicles

Modular Rosenbauer MT technology reaches delivery milestone

Rosenbauer has delivered its 100th tank firefighting vehicle featuring the Modular Technology (MT) body concept to the plant fire department of Covestro Deutschland at the Brunsbüttel plant.

Matthias Reisinger, Global Product Manager for Industrial and Specialized Firefighting Vehicles at Rosenbauer International AG, explained that the MT system allows customers to configure custom vehicles using a modular system.

The anniversary model is a Universal Firefighting Vehicle (ULF) built on a Scania P500 6×2*4 NB chassis for service in the 420-hectare industrial park.

Reisinger noted: “The MT is available in four different configurations.

“As the MT Forest for fighting wildfires, the MT Airport for airport fire departments, the MT Municipal for large-capacity tanker trucks used by municipal fire departments, and the MT Industrial for operations by plant fire departments in industrial facilities.”

Approximately 30 percent of all orders for the MT series originate from the industrial sector.

The company manufactures all modules in-house with tanks supplied from Radgona and final assembly occurring on a dedicated production line in Leonding.

Reisinger said: “The MT’s most distinctive feature is its modular design.

“There are equipment compartment modules, tank modules with various types of fire extinguishing agent tanks, the pump compartment module with the centrifugal fire pump and, if required, a foam proportioning system, crew compartment modules, and even a module for the STINGER fire-fighting boom, complete with a support system.”

The crew compartment module is integrated as the first module in the superstructure rather than being welded to the cab.

Technical specifications for the Covestro universal firefighting vehicle

The new ULF at the Brunsbüttel Industrial Park carries 3,000 litres of foam concentrate and 1,900 litres of water for initial attack operations.

Leif Strufe, project manager at Covestro, stated that the 14-month lead time for the vehicle was a decisive factor in the selection process.

Two competitors offered delivery times of 27 and 29 months for the same project.

The vehicle features an N65 single-stage normal-pressure pump with a nominal capacity of 6,500 litres per minute at 10 bar.

Foam proportioning is managed by a HYDROMATIC 800 system capable of delivering 800 litres per minute at 17 bar.

Technical operations manager Broder Brandt noted the inclusion of an RM 80C roof monitor and an RM 15C front monitor to create water curtains during gas leaks.

Brandt said: “It’s our first fire truck with a front monitor.

“With the vehicle’s two monitors combined, we can create an effective water curtain in the event of a gas leak.”

Safety features on the Scania chassis include a crash-tested crew cab, airbags in every seat, and a Bird’s-Eye View camera system.

A permanently mounted thermal imaging camera on the cab roof allows the crew to detect hydrogen fires which burn almost invisibly.

Another 50 customers have already placed orders for vehicles using the modular system.

Desu Systems to showcase industrial safety portfolio at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

by EventsFeatured NewsIndustrial

Desu Systems confirms attendance at INTERSCHUTZ 2026

Desu Systems will attend the INTERSCHUTZ 2026 exhibition in Hannover from 1 to 6 June to present its broad portfolio of safety technologies.

The company announced it will be located at Hall 12, Stand D07, with a full team presence representing its various technical divisions.

Exhibits will focus on methane emission monitoring, flame and gas detection, and kitchen fire protection.

This presence at the exhibition reflects a growing demand for performance-led safety systems that respond to tighter regulatory expectations and operational risks.

Operators in petrochemical processing, hydrogen production, wind energy and waste handling face increasing pressure to improve safety performance.

Desu Systems also identifies aircraft hangars, tank storage, offshore infrastructure and commercial kitchens as sectors requiring updated technical and compliance solutions.

Emile Hippe, Managing Director of Desu Systems said: “Across industry, the conversation around safety is becoming more urgent and more practical at the same time.

“Companies are under pressure to improve detection performance, strengthen resilience, and respond to changing regulatory demands.

“Our role is to help them find technologies that are not only advanced, but also relevant to the realities they face in the field.”

Technical solutions for hazardous and industrial environments

Featured technologies at the stand will include optical gas imaging systems used for methane leak detection, quantification and monitoring.

The company will showcase the Spectrex 20/20Q flame detector alongside detection technologies based on QuadSense innovation.

These systems are designed to support faster response and reliability in demanding industrial conditions.

The exhibitor listing also includes the Sensia thermal imaging camera and the Buckeye Kitchen Mister suppression system.

Ronald Verkroost, Founder and CEO of Desu Systems said: “Industrial safety decisions carry greater consequences than ever when systems fall short.

“That is why detection and suppression technologies need to be chosen with a clear view of the risk, the environment, and the operational reality.

“At INTERSCHUTZ, we want to show solutions that answer those demands in a serious and practical way.”

Verkroost and Hippe will be available for press interviews throughout the duration of the event.

Honeywell launches gas sensor for fixed and portable detectors

by Featured NewsFire DetectionGas DetectionProducts

Gas sensor launch for industrial detection

Honeywell has introduced a new gas sensor that uses optical non-dispersive infrared technology to detect flammable gases in industrial settings.

The NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor is designed to detect gases such as methane, propane and butane in sectors including mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and plastics manufacturing.

The company said the 4-Series NDIR Hydrocarbon Gas Sensor is designed to integrate into fixed gas detectors and portable units carried by workers in the field, deep underground or within a processing facility.

Honeywell stated that the sensor is intended for use in detectors that alert workers to potential exposure to hazardous gases.

Gas sensor design details for harsh settings

According to Honeywell, the sensor is designed for harsh conditions including dust in mines, methane leaks and extreme indoor versus outdoor temperature fluctuations.

The company said it includes an integrated condensation reduction system to clear excess moisture and maintain performance in humid environments and confined spaces such as refineries.

Honeywell also stated that the sensor has high poisoning resistance, which it said limits the risk of sensor failure and reduces instances of false positives.

The company said the infrared technology allows the sensor to consume less power than traditional flammable gas sensors, extending operational lifespan and prolonging a portable gas detector’s battery.

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons to pair gas and flame detection

by Featured NewsFire Detection

MSA Safety on gas and flame detection systems

A blog post from MSA Safety outlines how flame detection can be integrated with gas detection in industrial environments where flammable or toxic gases may be present.

The article describes gas detection systems as tools designed to identify combustible, toxic or asphyxiating gases in air and provide early warnings before conditions become dangerous.

It states that gas detection does not address what happens if a leak ignites and presents flame detection as a complementary layer that identifies the presence of fire, including in cases where gas concentration has not reached detectable levels.

Seven reasons from MSA Safety to add flame detection

MSA Safety sets out seven reasons for including flame detection within a gas detection system.

First, combining gas and flame detection is presented as a way to mitigate hazards by addressing both leaks and ignition events.

Second, flame detection is described as enabling a faster response to fire emergencies where a gas leak ignites within seconds.

Third, it is positioned as helping to eliminate blind spots where a leak occurs outside monitored zones or ignites directly.

Fourth, the blog highlights high-risk industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing where flammable gases may be present.

Fifth, it notes that safety regulations can require both gas and flame detection systems to meet legal and industry standards.

Sixth, early flame detection is said to support activation of suppression systems, limit fire spread and reduce equipment damage and downtime.

Seventh, integrating both systems is described as contributing to operational safety and continuity by reducing the likelihood of accidents and enabling quicker recovery following an incident.

The post also addresses perceived barriers such as cost, complexity or maintenance and states that reliance on gas detection alone may overlook how quickly a leak can escalate into a fire.

Hanbat National University study details dual-mode ammonia detection on skin

by Featured NewsGas DetectionResearchSafety

Ammonia sensor combines visual and electronic detection

A skin-worn wearable sensor has been presented that detects ammonia gas through both colour change and an electronic signal.

Hanbat National University (HBNU) researchers described the device in a study made available online on 18 August 2025 and published in Advanced Fiber Materials on 1 December 2025.

The study describes a flexible, stretchable sensor designed to work when attached to human skin and exposed to high humidity.

The platform combines a colourimetric readout with quantitative chemiresistive detection in a polymer nanofiber structure described as highly gas-permeable.

The study reports ppm-level sensitivity and stable performance under humidity and mechanical deformation.

How the dual-mode platform is intended to function

The study describes ammonia as widely used in fertilizers, refrigerants, biomarkers and next-generation fuel.

It states that ammonia is highly toxic and can cause respiratory irritation, chest pain, pulmonary edema and death.

The researchers describe a dual-mode approach that integrates chemiresistive sensing and colourimetric sensing in one device.

Professor Hyun Il Kang said: “Our device provides flexibility and facilitates efficient transport of NH3 between the bromocresol-green-based colorimetric and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate)-based chemiresistive sensing layers.

“This innovative dual-mode design enables reliable NH3 detection.”

The study states that each individual sensing layer performs on par with the dual-mode platform, with the device intended to remain accurate if one sensing mode fails.

It also describes operation while attached to human skin and in humid conditions.

Applications described in the study

The study lists potential uses including personal safety monitoring for workers in ammonia-handling facilities and industrial refrigeration and cold-chain environments.

It also lists agriculture and livestock operations where ammonia buildup occurs and noninvasive health screening via breath-NH3.

The study also cites vehicle energy systems using NH3 as another potential application.

The researchers describe the work as a basis for further development of the platform across biomedical, environmental monitoring and industrial use cases described in the paper.

Halma acquires Italy-based Safetec in €72.5m fire and gas deal

by Featured NewsGas DetectionIndustrialSafety

Halma confirms Safetec acquisition in Italy

Halma has acquired Safetec, an Italy-based provider of customised fire and gas safety solutions for large-scale industrial projects.

The company said Safetec was founded in 2003 and is headquartered near Milan.

Halma said Safetec designs, engineers and delivers tailored systems for complex and high-risk industrial environments.

Purchase price, funding and business structure

Halma said the cash consideration is €72.5m, around £63m, on a cash- and debt-free basis.

It added that the acquisition will be funded from Halma’s existing facilities.

Halma said Safetec’s revenue for the 12 months to 31 December 2025 is forecast to be about €30m, around £26m.

The company said Safetec will operate as a standalone business within Halma’s Safety Sector, led by its current management team.

Safetec markets and regions cited

Halma said Safetec serves markets including power generation, oil and gas and pharmaceutical sectors.

It added that Safetec works in other highly regulated sectors where stringent safety requirements apply.

Halma said Safetec’s solutions support customers to manage risk and comply with industry standards in demanding environments.

The company said Safetec’s major geographic markets include the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Executive comments on the deal

Marc Ronchetti, Group Chief Executive of Halma, commented: “Safetec further enhances our capabilities in fire and gas safety systems for complex industrial environments.

“It brings deep engineering expertise and a strong reputation for delivering high-quality, tailored safety solutions for its customers.

“These capabilities further strengthen the Safety sector and extend our reach in supporting the protection of lives and critical assets.

“We are pleased to welcome Safetec to Halma and excited by the opportunities for its continued growth.”

Marco Stumpo, CEO of Safetec, said: “We are delighted to join Halma, a group that shares our values and vision.

“By joining Halma, we retain our autonomy, while benefiting from Halma’s global network and expertise to accelerate our international growth and enhance our integrated safety solutions offering”.

MSA brings remote fixed gas and flame detection notifications to EMEA

by Featured NewsFire DetectionGas DetectionSafety

MSA launches EMEA access to fixed gas and flame detection live data

MSA Safety has launched its Remote Monitoring and Notifications solution for Fixed Gas and Flame Detection in EMEA, combining MSA Grid and FieldServer gateways to provide live data access and notifications.

MSA Safety said: “We’d like to share that our Remote Monitoring and Notifications solution for Fixed Gas and Flame Detection is now available in EMEA.

“Many industrial facilities operate continuously, and staying connected to safety systems can help teams act promptly when issues arise.

“With the combination of MSA Grid and FieldServer gateways, this solution provides access to live data and notifications from gas and flame detection devices.”

The company said the solution is designed to integrate into a range of environments and support monitoring at scale.

MSA Safety said it is intended to help users track equipment performance and safety events in real time.

Remote access via MSA Grid

MSA Safety said the FieldServer gateways are intended to keep users connected to fixed gas and flame detection devices when they are away from a facility.

The company said the same approach can support oversight of unmanned facilities.

MSA Safety described its Equipment Remote Monitoring and Notifications solutions as designed to integrate into many environments and provide scalable insight across equipment and processes.

The company said users can access customised insight or more detailed telemetry and data across a single facility or process, or across a wide geography.

MSA Safety said each fixed gas and flame detection FieldServer is pre-configured with its fixed gas and flame detection products before delivery to enable cloud communications to one or many MSA products.

Supported detectors and control equipment

MSA Safety said the pre-configured FieldServer can enable cloud communications for gas and flame detectors including the General Monitors S5000, Observer i and Senscient ELDS.

The company said the same set-up supports IR5500, FL5000, FL4000H and FL500 or FL500-H2.

MSA Safety said the Ultima X5000 can connect via 4-20mA, with 4-20mA available only in a NEMA 4 enclosure.

For controllers and monitors, the company said the list includes SENTRY io, SupremaTouch, 9010 or 9020 SIL and GasGard XL.

MSA Safety said the FieldServer also supports Chillgard 5000 and Chillgard 5000 Ammonia.

The company said the fixed gas and flame detection FieldServer can also be configured to support third-party equipment with native Modbus or BACnet connectivity.

MSA Safety said hazardous gas applications require an additional approved enclosure where the FieldServer is planned for that use.

Cybersecurity and compliance features

MSA Safety said Grid FieldServer Manager provides secure remote connectivity with fixed gas and flame detection FieldServers so users can configure, update and support connected industrial devices.

The company said connected devices can also be integrated with business applications and other cloud-based services.

MSA Safety said users can remotely access and monitor fixed gas and flame detection FieldServers via Grid FieldVEU and display up to 15 data points per device.

On security controls, the company said FieldSafe is a feature set added to every FieldServer gateway, covering local hardware and the MSA Grid FieldServer Manager application.

MSA Safety said gateway to internet browser and gateway to MSA Grid connections are secured with HTTPS using TLS or SSL.

The company said it has partnered with Amazon Web Services for MSA Grid, citing security features available through AWS.

MSA Safety said all FieldServer devices are designed to be compliant with California State Bill 327.

The company said FieldSafe includes three security levels and user profiles, and that its FieldServer gateways and MSA Grid have passed third-party security penetration testing.