European Metal Recycling (EMR) is a global leader in scrap metal recycling with operations at 150 locations around the world. The group recycles ferrous and non-ferrous metals and is involved in all stages of the process; from reclamation and processing to the haulage, freight and delivery to international customers. Moreover, EMR activities are geared towards becoming a zero waste company via patented technologies and a non-incineration pyrolysis process for waste management.
Electrical panels are vital equipment in any processing facility which nevertheless involve a certain fire hazard. Incidents involving electrically induced fires often cause massive collateral damage when left unattended. Consequently, protection of electrical control and switchgear is of particular importance. With a fully automated process involving numerous electrical panels, EMR fire engineers needed a partner that could safeguard its electrical equipment and avoid operational hazards.
Design, supply, install, commission and maintain a fire detection and extinguishing system to protect 22 electrical panels across the Waste-to-Energy plant in the UK. The technology needed to be efficient and effective, require little maintenance, be environmentally friendly and have a long life span. The fact that the each control panel was located remotely around the facility meant that the technology should be able to work independently, be highly dependable and have a small footprint. Any fire scenario that could prove disrupting to operations and premises needed to be avoided.
FirePro technology is smart and flexible and is able to be connected to conventional control panels as well as to remain entirely autonomous. What is more, the system’s modularity allows it to be used for in-cabinet protection, which fights fire at source, inhibiting its spread and/or activation of additional firefighting systems. Moreover, the FirePro fire extinguishing agent poses no active threat to operators or machinery and remains environmentally friendly even after activation. Complementing all these is the fact that the system has a 15-year lifetime cycle. EMR’s fire engineers quickly recognised that FirePro technology was the ideal solution to protect these assets and minimise the risk of disruption to operations.
Fire detection and extinguishing systems were installed in to 22 electrical panels across the West Midlands facility by Bryland Fire Specialists. FirePro generators were mounted inside the control cabinets during the weekend, to avoid disrupting the 24/5 production schedule. The units have a 15 year operational lifetime and an insignificant footprint. When a fire is detected, they generate a gas like aerosol, which works even if the electrical panel enclosure is not airtight. The technology requires minimal maintenance and provides a reliable and cost effective solution to tackle possible fire hazards that could prove dangerous to operations and premises.
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