How FirePro Offers Safety Solutions for the Mining Industry
A fire or an explosion in a mine can be a serious threat, one that can result in catastrophic consequences, from loss of human life to negative ramifications on key assets and economic viability. But how does one protect an industry so vast and sprawling, defined by large operations and complex processes?
FirePro’s modular mining-related system can help with the suppression of fires related to power generation equipment, vehicles, and electrical equipment. For more challenging applications, such as in Explosive Atmospheres and other hazardous environments, FirePro delivers intelligent solutions with its ATEX line of fire protection products. In addition, FirePro’s VELEX Vehicle Fire Suppression system offers automatic suppression for the protection of heavy-duty machinery and vehicles by promptly suppressing the fire with an eco-friendly hybrid wet agent.
From the storage, handling, and use of flammable and combustible materials, to the vehicles and heavy equipment used in underground operations, and even the key operation assets such as electrical and UPS rooms, mine operations are not limited to a single activity. This is why they demand a fire protection system that is effective, robust and autonomous, and can cover every aspect of this extensive industry.
The FirePro Advantage
Unlike conventional fire extinguishing agents, FirePro technology extinguishes fire by inhibiting the chemical reactions in the flame on a molecular level, without depleting oxygen. It does so by using the latest generation of its patented FPC solid compound, a result of many years of research and development.
FirePro solutions are also pre-engineered and modular, which allows them to be installed in challenging places while integrating with central monitoring systems or even working autonomously. Compliance with all relevant regulations and standards is a given when it comes to the FirePro technology. What remains for Consultants and Fire Protection Engineers is sourcing a system that checks all the boxes: it is reliable, effective, and low maintenance, can be interfaced or used in a stand-alone mode, and in certain cases can also reduce the environmental footprint of mining operations.
How does it work?
The FPC solid compound found in FirePro systems transforms into a rapidly expanding, extremely effective and efficient fire extinguishing condensed aerosol when activated. The aerosol is then propagated and evenly distributed in the enclosure under protection, using the momentum generated during the transformation process. Unlike gaseous agents, there is no high pressure in the protected area or volume. Fires are thus extinguished by interrupting the chemical chain reactions occurring in the flame and not by traditional methods of oxygen depletion or cooling.
FirePro Success Stories
FirePro systems are the preferred suppression system for a number of mines worldwide. As such, the company boasts a wealth of experience and skills in what is considered to be one of the most complex industries worldwide. Beyond its effectiveness and efficiency, the modular, pre-engineered FirePro generators are able to respond to any fire scenario while at the same time complying with international standards and regulations such as the ISO 15779, UL 2775 and EN 15276. This system was successfully implemented by multinational mining company Glencore for a substation controlling the copper section of the Mount Isa mines located in Queensland, Australia. Metal and mining giant Rio Tinto, and the world’s largest iron ore and nickel producer, Vale, have also implemented FirePro Systems across many of their mining stations worldwide.
More about FirePro: https://www.firepro.com/
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