Posts tagged: suppression

The Fire Knight’s approach to reshaping fire safety with innovative systems that emphasise proactive measures and environmental care

As global temperatures rise and environmental conditions become more volatile, the frequency and intensity of wildfires have reached unprecedented levels.

In 2023 alone, wildfires destroyed millions of acres worldwide, leaving devastation in their wake and highlighting the urgent need for more effective fire suppression technologies.

Traditional fire safety measures, whilst essential, are increasingly proving insufficient against these modern threats.

Alarms and sprinklers, though vital, often respond only when the fire has already taken hold.

This reactive approach can lead to significant damage and loss.

Recognising this gap, The Fire Knight has developed a suite of advanced fire suppression systems that shift the paradigm from reactive to proactive.

The escalating impact of environmental factors, electrical anomalies, human errors, and the looming challenge of climate change underlines the urgent need for innovative fire protection strategies.

The Fire Knight, with its years of dedicated development, introduces cutting-edge fire suppression systems tailored for diverse environments, from residential areas to industrial complexes and vehicles.

A new era in fire suppression

At the forefront of The Fire Knight’s innovations is The Guardian Series, a state-of-the-art fire suppression system that exemplifies the company’s commitment to creating a safer, more resilient world.

The Guardian Series is designed to act swiftly and decisively, offering protection before fires can spread and cause catastrophic damage to assets and infrastructure.

Equipped with advanced components such as deep-cycle batteries, photovoltaic collectors, and reliable inverters, The Guardian systems are engineered for continuous operation, even in remote areas prone to wildfires.

Strategically placed units form a robust defensive barrier, capable of detecting and extinguishing fires at the earliest stages.

Additionally, individual Guardian units can safeguard smaller utilities, minimising downtime, preserving essential services, and preventing costly rebuilds.

Environmental stewardship and efficiency

One of the standout features of The Guardian Series is its use of an environmentally friendly encapsulating agent.

Unlike traditional fire suppression agents, which can be toxic and require extensive cleanup, this agent is non-toxic and effective, leaving no harmful residues behind.

This makes The Guardian Series not only a powerful tool in fire suppression but also a responsible choice for protecting the environment.

Real-time monitoring and autonomous operation

The Guardian systems are equipped with real-time monitoring capabilities, including infrared flame sensors and video surveillance cameras.

These features allow for constant supervision and ensure timely intervention when needed.

In addition, the systems’ autonomous operation means they can function effectively without human intervention, a critical advantage in remote or dangerous locations.

With features such as video surveillance cameras and advanced communication modules, each Guardian system operates under constant supervision, ensuring timely human intervention and emergency response when needed.

This seamless blend of technology and human collaboration reflects The Guardian Series’ commitment to redefine fire safety standards, creating a safer and more resilient future worldwide.

Safeguarding homes and businesses

While The Guardian Series focuses on large-scale fire suppression, The Fire Knight Protector System brings cutting-edge fire safety technology to residential and commercial settings.

This system is designed to detect and extinguish fire threats proactively, providing an extra layer of security for homes, offices, and businesses.

Advanced detection and communication

The Fire Knight Protector System introduces a new era of fire safety with advanced sensor technologies that identify fires in their early stages.

Unlike conventional systems triggered by extreme heat, the Protector system activates promptly upon detecting flames, preventing fires from spreading extensively.

Equipped with a range of sensors including flame, gas, Volatile Organic Compound (VOC), and rate of rise heat detectors, the Fire Knight Protector efficiently detects and suppresses fires.

It not only alerts a manned command centre but also ensures rapid communication with emergency services and designated contacts in case of fire emergencies.

Featuring a sleek design, the Fire Knight Protector seamlessly integrates into any environment, providing flexible installation options for residential and commercial premises.

Residents receive notifications with regards to system alerts and maintenance needs through a dedicated app, enhancing user experience and ensuring timely servicing for optimal system performance.

Operational through a 4G LTE SIM module, the Fire Knight Protector system ensures reliable connectivity.

For those opting for battery operation, the Fire Knight Protector System offers easy self-installation without complex electrical or water connections.

Residents can choose to hardwire the system with professional assistance or rely on its built-in battery for simplified installation.

In conclusion, the Fire Knight Protector System redefines fire safety with its proactive approach, advanced sensor technologies, and autonomous operation.

It enhances safety measures within residential and commercial spaces while providing peace of mind through efficient fire suppression capabilities.

The Comodo: Protecting vehicles from fire hazards

The Fire Knight’s lineup extends further with The Comodo, a compact yet efficient fire detection system designed for discreet placement in high-risk areas within vehicles.

Focused on swift detection and response to potential fires, The Comodo, with its environmentally friendly encapsulation fluid, sets a new standard in vehicle fire safety.

In the realm of vehicular safety, The Comodo emerges as a versatile solution, overcoming the challenges posed by lithium-ion battery fires in electric vehicles.

Ranging in sizes and offering customisation for various applications, The Comodo symbolizes a shift in fire safety technology.

Once again utilising a powerful fire encapsulation fluid, The Comodo demonstrates unparalleled efficacy in extinguishing fires, surpassing traditional agents.

Its advanced dual-sensor technology guarantees precise activation in crucial moments, integrating temperature sensors and timer logic.

Characterised by flexibility, The Comodo can be powered by the vehicle’s source or batteries, with an 8-bit micro-controller and a charging section supporting a 2AH lithium-ion polymer (LiPo) battery for a year without recharging, ensuring continuous operability.

The Comodo adapts seamlessly, offering tailored fire safety solutions for a variety of vehicles.

A key application of The Comodo is mitigating post-rear-end collision fires, a significant global concern due to the proximity of petrol tanks to the rear axle.

By tactically incorporating The Comodo, vehicles are better equipped to handle fires, including those arising in petrol tanks after collisions.

Strategically placing The Comodo is essential, considering the vehicle’s structure and specific regulations.

Ideal locations include easily accessible areas such as the trunk/boot, under seats, engines, or designated compartments.

For electric vehicles, maximising fire suppression capabilities involves situating The Comodo near the battery, ensuring swift responses to potential fires.

In cases of lithium-ion battery fires, The Comodo plays a pivotal role by effectively managing extreme heat discharges, toxic gases, and the risk of re-ignition post-extinguishing.

With its presence near the battery, The Comodo ensures rapid and efficient fire suppression, enhancing safety in the evolving landscape of vehicular technology.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, The Fire Knight envisions a future where its systems are as ubiquitous as smoke detectors, integrated into homes, businesses, and public infrastructure around the world.

With units currently available for custom orders across Australia, Canada, North America, and Europe, and actively seeking additional distributors, The Fire Knight is dedicated to fostering a safer, more resilient global community.

The company’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and proactive safety measures is reshaping the landscape of fire protection.

In a world where the threat of fire looms large, The Fire Knight stands as a beacon of hope, leading the charge towards a safer tomorrow.

For more information, contact e: info@thefireknight.com or visit the Fire Knight Website at: www.thefireknight.com.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Travis Montembeault, Director for FireConnect Digital Innovation Business at Peerless Pump Company, introduces the remote pump monitoring solution

Could you introduce us to Peerless Pump’s latest product offering?

FireConnect – in the spirit of Peerless innovation, we have developed the worlds most robust and First and Only FM Approved pump remote monitoring solution.

How does this fit into Peerless Pump’s existing portfolio?

It is a great additional bolt-on to existing fire pump systems, both for Peerless and other OEMs.

Customers are finding value all throughout the solution but some of the biggest value props that I’ve heard from voice of the customer include leak detection through monitoring jockey pump usage and diagnosing problems before dispatching service trucks – i.e.

controller failures, water supply issues – what is a common trouble alarm?

Customers also value that it can manage fuel level across multiple sites for diesel driven fire pump systems; Incident Command – pump performance during a fire scenario, it can understand fire spread through pump performance, providing compliance with mandated weekly/monthly fire pump churn tests, and it ensures a fire pump controller has been returned to “Auto Mode” following routine service.

How does this product address current challenges or gaps in the fire protection industry?

Our industry struggles from a people problem.

By that I mean we can’t get enough people to inspect and service every fire pump installation out there.

We know that pumps are not being tested at the routine intervals they should be and are not being replaced quickly either.

We saw this especially during COVID when staff couldn’t get into buildings for extended periods of time.

Data visibility via remote monitoring achieves several things to help address reliability and improve performance.

It makes compliance abundantly obvious to all those that need this information.

It helps catch issues and failures that occur in between the routine NFPA 25 inspection intervals so that action can be taken quicker

It also opens the door for concepts like remote testing (see FM1330) to help reduce the barrier to testing fire pumps weekly/monthly.

And Incident Command can be useful for the fire department to discuss live pump performance as sprinkler heads are open without having to send someone into the pump room to assess the situation.

What kind of feedback have you received from users about FireConnect?

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly around our clients that navigate risk across multiple buildings with fire pumps across multiple countries.

They struggle with them same personnel issues that most in the industry do – keeping good people who know the way things work.

The good news is, with a system like FireConnect the data and history stays consistent even as people come and go allowing for continuity.

Regarding feedback for innovation – we’re constantly assessing our product offering for iterative and paradigm shift developments, especially based on feedback from our existing and potential clients.

As discussed the first product offering started out as a vision in conjuncture with a corporate partner with a very specific need.

Over time we’ve adapted the solution to fit a broader segment of the market, including releasing reduced functionality models to serve older installations that don’t have the most recent vintage equipment, but still want to monitor their systems remotely.

The best part of working in this space is the ability to be agile.

Over a weekend, based on feedback from a potential client, we were able to launch functionality for monitoring live fuel level in diesel fuel tanks (not just an alarm) along with simplifying pump test reporting to adhere to California diesel emissions reporting.

The future is limitless and I’m excited that we’re just beginning to scratch the surface.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Safiyyah Khan, VP of Marketing at Firetrace, discusses the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing effective fire protection for emerging technologies and critical infrastructures

Firetrace International, now in its 24th year, is a leader in fire suppression technology.

With a strong presence across various industries, including clean energy, machining, manufacturing, and transportation, Firetrace is at the forefront of innovation and safety.

Safiyyah Khan, the company’s VP of Marketing, plays a key role not only in marketing but also in new product development, product management, and growth marketing.

She also oversees Firetrace’s clean energy and industrial business units while leading the company’s talent, culture and sustainability initiatives.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey spoke to Safiyyah to find out more about Firetrace’s advancements and vision for the future.

Could you highlight some of FireTrace’s key suppression technologies and how they are used in different environments?

Our flagship technology is the direct release clean agent system.

It doesn’t require power and provides instant detection and deployment through our detection tubing.

Much of our work is heavily customised for our customers, though we do offer off-the-shelf solutions.

We also specialize in deploying  CO2 systems and clean agents, which don’t have lasting environmental impacts, a priority for us from the start.

Within the Halma network, we collaborate to build comprehensive systems.

Particularly in clean energy, we’re working on solutions for lithium-ion battery systems.

For example, since there isn’t a universally accepted solution for these yet, we combine our clean agent systems with aerosol generators from one of our sister companies, which is promising for lithium-ion battery safety.

We’ve invested heavily in innovation to stay ahead in an evolving industry.

Environmental changes are also a key driver for us.

Our clean agents aren’t “forever chemicals” but belong to the PFAs group.

Since environmental regulations vary across regions, we focus on providing solutions that meet global environmental standards at local levels.

While some markets are seeking alternatives to clean agents like Novec, others are still using CO2 systems.

We’re committed to providing environmentally friendly options tailored to different regions and customer needs.

We also have a strong commitment to sustainability, which is one reason I joined Firetrace.

I came from the clean energy sector, and personally, I’m dedicated to working with companies that have a positive impact on the world, both environmentally and socially.

We have a robust sustainability program that covers not just our technology but also how we operate daily.

While the market demands sustainability innovation, we also focus on internal efforts because it’s central to our values.

How does Firetrace protect sensitive equipment with its suppression systems?

We’re a very customer-driven organisation.

For sensitive applications, like data canters and clean rooms, that’s where our diverse portfolio and network comes in.

In the US, for example, we work through over 500 global partners who are deeply familiar with their local markets.

They know what will work best for their specific customers and can recommend the right solutions or combinations from our portfolio.

This is why we maintain a wide range of offerings.

Some products we had previously taken off the market or hadn’t focused on in the first 15 years are now seeing renewed demand due to advancements in business and technology.

How is Firetrace adapting its solutions to protect aging renewable energy infrastructures?

We work with a variety of utilities in the US and abroad, and their needs vary.

For example, protecting wind turbines is quite straightforward for us now, and many OEM partners include fire suppression as a standard feature.

In some cases, other stakeholders are demanding it.

With less widespread technologies like battery storage or solar, we’ve faced challenges.

For instance, a utility wanted to install fire suppression on more risky, older inverters, but the manufacturer resisted because their equipment was certified without it.

They were focused on developing new, safer inverters rather than investing in fire suppression for older models.

This kind of challenge is common with aging assets, where stakeholders may have different priorities or responsibilities.

Retrofitting wind turbines is standard for us—many were not sold with fire suppression but later required it, so we step in to protect them.

We’ve safeguarded billions of dollars’ worth of wind turbines, where even a small fire could potentially cause significant losses.

For wind turbines, our clean agent systems are preferred because they leave no residue, meaning the equipment isn’t destroyed if deployed.

As new wind turbine designs emerge, we customise fire suppression systems for each OEM or asset owner.

Our engineering team works closely with customers to configure solutions for their evolving products on a case-by-case basis.

How does Firetrace address the increased fire risks associated with hybrid energy system?

The broadening of our portfolio allows us to adapt to these hybrid systems.

Initially, we didn’t pursue solar protection much because large-scale solar projects are often in remote areas where a “let it burn” approach was cheaper.

But after listening to customers, we saw that smaller string inverters could benefit from our plug-and-play Flex Rope solution.

As for battery energy storage systems (BESS), we use a combined approach.

 Third party research has shown that most BESS fires start in the electrical components—like power conversion systems—so we protect those with clean agents.

If the fire escalates to the lithium-ion battery enclosures, we partner with sister companies to provide condensed aerosol generators and other components like visual and audio alarms, smoke detectors, and venting, depending on customer needs.

What steps is Firetrace taking to reduce significant storage fires?

The regulations and perspectives of fire safety officials vary significantly from state to state.

We’ve worked closely with fire marshals, particularly in states like Arizona and California, where many of these fires have historically occurred, as well as in New York and Massachusetts where clean energy goals are aggressive.

 Fire officials are deeply concerned about protecting lives because once a lithium-ion fire reaches a certain stage, they can only intervene with large amounts of water, and there is a risk massive explosions.

We’re focused on educating ourselves and being involved in research.

Recent third party studies show that a large percentage of fires start in the electrical components, not in the battery cells themselves.

Understanding this helps us focus on preventing those initial fires.

Meanwhile, battery manufacturers are working to develop enclosures that can prevent fire spread to the cells once a fire starts elsewhere.

What future advancements is Firetrace pursuing to address emerging fire risks?

We’re heavily involved in shaping the industry’s future standards while staying focused on innovation.

We don’t just stick with what we know; we actively innovate alongside or ahead of our customers.

Initially, in the battery sector, customers didn’t think they needed much fire protection, but now they ask for everything.

We work closely with them to provide what’s truly effective, understanding their problems and offering reliable solutions.

Looking ahead, we’re continuing to expand our technology portfolio and create more sustainable solutions.

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Anders Gulliksson, Product Manager at Dafo Vehicle, discusses the development and environmental impact of their new fluorine-free suppression agent, Forrex EVO

The environmental impact of fire suppression agents has increasingly come under scrutiny, prompting Dafo Vehicle to take proactive measures.

The development of Forrex EVO was primarily driven by the necessity to create a suppression solution that aligns with stringent environmental standards.

Dafo Vehicle recognised the urgency of this initiative due to ongoing debates and legislative efforts aimed at eliminating fluorine and PFAS from firefighting foams.

“Developing an environmentally friendly suppression solution was the main driver behind the creation of Forrex EVO,” tells Anders Gulliksson, Product Manager at Dafo Vehicle.

This push for fluorine-free alternatives was not unprecedented as several countries, including Australia, have already banned fluorine-based foams.

In anticipation of broader regulatory changes, Dafo Vehicle began the development of a fluorine-free product that could fulfil future market requirements and the needs of its customers.

Overcoming technical hurdles

The development of Forrex EVO presented several technical challenges, particularly in the effort to remove fluorine while maintaining the effectiveness of the suppression agent.

Fluorine’s properties make it an ideal component in firefighting foams due to its long-term stability and resistance to heat, ensuring it does not burn away easily.

“A main challenge for the Dafo Vehicle R&D team was finding a replacement property that would mimic the effective performance of fluorine,” says Gulliksson.

This task was complicated by the need to maintain the high standards of fire suppression that fluorine-based foams provide.

Recent advancements in chemistry have significantly accelerated the development of fluorine-free alternatives.

Gulliksson notes: “Development of fluorine-free alternatives has significantly improved in the last couple of years, with speed of development increasing, compared to five years ago.”

This progress has been facilitated by evolving chemical formulations that effectively substitute fluorine, matching its performance in firefighting applications.

Regulatory influence

Upcoming regulations from entities such as the UN and the European Chemical Agency have played a pivotal role in shaping the R&D strategy for Forrex EVO.

The heightened focus on fluorine-free foams has significantly raised awareness about the need for environmentally friendly solutions within the industry.

Gulliksson explains: “The upcoming regulations and debates on fluorine-free foams have increased the awareness for environmentally friendly solutions among our customers and the industry as a whole.”

This growing awareness has driven Dafo Vehicle to accelerate its development processes, ensuring they stay ahead of regulatory timelines.

By expediting their R&D efforts, Dafo Vehicle has positioned itself to support its customers in meeting new environmental standards.

Gulliksson adds: “Speeding up our development process, we have been able to get ahead of the game and help our customers meet their requirements and phase out older fluorine-contained foams before the upcoming regulations are implemented.”

This proactive approach aids in regulatory compliance and demonstrates Dafo’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in fire safety technology.

Performance metrics and environmental benefits

The transition from Forrex to Forrex EVO has been a meticulous process aimed at maintaining high performance standards.

According to Gulliksson: “Forrex EVO has been developed to meet the same performance level as the previous Forrex agent.”

While the two agents exhibit different behaviours in certain aspects, their effectiveness in extinguishing various types of fires in vehicle environments remains comparable.

In terms of environmental benefits, the shift to a fluorine-free agent like Forrex EVO represents a significant advancement.

Gulliksson explains: “Fluorine and PFAS are stable properties, which have a long life and although they are considered more or less okay, we do not know the impact of them in 50 years.”

By eliminating these substances and phasing out older suppression solutions, Dafo Vehicle aims to foster a safer environment.

Future innovations

Dafo remains committed to continuous innovation in the realm of environmentally friendly fire suppression technologies.

As Gulliksson notes, “There is always room for further development and innovation.

“Even though we have an environmentally friendly fire-fighting solution for our customers, it is important to continually develop our products in order to enhance them where possible.”

Part of Dafo Vehicle’s strategy involves staying engaged in industry discussions to anticipate future developments and proactively improve their solutions.

Gulliksson emphasises the importance of this proactive approach: “Being present in conversations in the industry is also important in order to predict future legislative changes and make improvements to our solutions and meet the required environmental standards of our customers.”

Looking ahead, Gulliksson says that Dafo plans to extend their innovation beyond fluorine-free foams.

“The next logical step would be to look at other agents that contain fluorine, not just foams, such as gases that are used for special applications,” says Gulliksson.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that Dafo Vehicle will continue to lead in the development of sustainable and effective fire suppression technologies.

About Dafo Vehicle

First established in the fire suppression industry in 1919, Dafo Vehicle has developed integrated fire suppression solutions for vehicles since 1976, before transitioning to become Dafo Vehicle Fire Protection in 2018.

Based in Sweden, Dafo provides vehicle fire suppression worldwide, specialising in high-risk industries such as, mining, ports, energy storage, forestry, bus & coaches and more.

Dafo Vehicle is leading the change to ensure proper fire safety in vehicles, ahead of legislation.

As industries change, the company is looking to the future, and sharing its knowledge to minimise the risks to health and safety as new electric vehicles and autonomous machinery continue to develop.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.