01.01.07
Introducing Fireraiser, a new addition to the Fike family
Source: Rail Technology Magazine Dec/Jan 2007
Fike Protection Systems Limited are pleased to announce the launch of the new Fireraser small space fire suppression system for critical risks. The Fireraser is the latest addition to their family of gaseous fixed fire suppression systems such as the unique ProInert? IG55 inert gas system and the clean agents, FE227 and FE25.
Fike are the largest truly independent fire suppression system manufacturer in the UK. They are a familyowned company, part of the Fike Corporation, who are internationally recognised for their excellence in product quality and customer service.
The loss of a single computer server or a single piece of machinery, whether onboard a locomotive or otherwise, can have serious consequences in the rail industry. The loss of a locomotive or a critical supporting facility can cost thousands in lost revenue or penalties for non-performance.
The Fike Fireraser fire suppression system provides economical, onboard fire protection for all kinds of small spaces and critical assets, from computer cabinets to equipment spaces, from process machinery to electrical enclosures.
Fireraser is designed to be as flexible as possible in order to provide maximum fire protection capability from the smallest possible installation envelope. The clean agent fire suppressants, FE227? and FE25? are stored in small pressurised containers of 2, 5, 9 or 16 litre suitable for the protection of volumes up to 25.79m3. Larger volumes may be protected simply by using multiple Fireraser containers. Fireraser containers may be mounted vertically or horizontally which allows them to be concealed in voids or located where installation space is at a premium.
The Fireraser container is connected to a simple piping network which delivers the extinguishant to the protected space. This may be a stainless steel ‘sparge pipe’ or a pendant type nozzle, depending on the risk and the space available. Connections between the piping network and the Fireraser container can be screwed directly to the container valve, or may be connected via a flexible hose assembly.
The Fike family of products also includes the unique ProInert? system which utilises Fike’s patented constant flow rate valve technology to deliver a 50/50 blend of nitrogen and argon (IG55) to a protected space.
Most inert gas fire suppression systems discharge from the container at high pressure, then use pressure reducers further down the piping network. This design requires the use of high pressure pipe and fittings. Most inert gas systems will also discharge into the protected space with a high surge flow rate, creating a potentially hazardous pressure spike. In order to protect employees and infrastructures, this necessitates the installation of large vent relief dampers.
The Fike ProInert? system removes these problems by using a constant flow container valve that provides an optimum discharge pressure and flow rate and removes the pressure and flow spike from which most other inert gas systems suffer.
This means that the ProInert? system can use smaller diameter, low pressure piping throughout the network with no need for high pressure piping, even in closed sections. As the pressure and flow spike is removed, the need for pressure relief in the protected spaces can be reduced by as much as 60%. These features mean that ProInert? can offer substantial savings in installation materials and labour as well as offering a safer alternative to higher pressure systems.
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