Newsheet 2
Warehouse Fire Protection- Bulk/Rack Storage
Other Fire Protection & Heat Detection Newsheets
Recent years have witnessed a major increase in the loss - as a result of warehouse fires - of many millions of pounds sterling of valuable stored items. The size of the problem to International businesses is repeatedly (and mistakingly) reported in figures that represent only the financial value of the stored materials that are physically damaged by smoke or flame. However , a more accurate reflection of the financial loss incorporates the more difficult to calculate "consequential " loss - resulting in some instances in the closure of the business concerned!
Whilst the risk of fire may at first appear to be greatest in businesses where material storage involves inflammable goods, NO-ONE IS RISK FREE !
FUEL STORAGE - FOOD INDUSTRY - CONSUMER GOODS - REFRIGERATED WAREHOUSES - MILITARY STORES - AIRCRAFT HANGARS …..ALL are at risk and International fire statistics identify losses in ALL the aforementioned area.
Modern fire detection systems strive to help minimise the potential loss to life and capital investment in all types of Industrial fires. However, logistics - many of which are unique to material storage, bring the reliability and/or sensitivity of many detection systems in such risk areas into question …..typically, a) the distance of the detection device from the smoke/heat source b) reliance upon favourable airflows to achieve rapid detection c) the constant alteration to type, size, manufacture of materials being stored or d) in refrigerated storage - the sub zero temperatures! In addition, with many storage facilities now automated, the installation location of the detector specified to protect the risk, is also restricted. Resulting in high maintenance costs from detector replacement/repair or false alarm signals.
One fire related factor that is beyond question is that during its incipient stage when an alarm MUST be signalled if loss is to be minimal) ALL fires are localised events! The most effective detection system is therefore one that can be installed at the exact point of risk, able to withstand frequent alterations in type of materials stored - without change of detector, able to operate (in cold storage warehouses) at -40C, requires little or no post installation maintenance or access. One such system - that has a proven track record in the successful protection of warehouses - is LINEAR HEAT DETECTION!
For "Racked" warehouses, the temperature sensitive cable can be simply installed "In rack" - at single or multiple levels, depending on the number of vertical storage bays per rack. Utilising the rack construction for both sensor cable fixing and its protection against mechanical damage from the automated system, fork lift trucks or even the items being stored - without loss of operating sensitivity! (see diagram 1).
Diagram 1 : In-Rack Protection.
In " Open" / Bulk storage warehouses, the risk is slightly different and installation techniques for the heat sensitive cable totally different (see diagram 2). The heat sensor cable may be a greater distance from the risk, BUT as a cable and detector in one, is able to provide total coverage of the storage area - not at specific points - at both high level (roof/ceiling) and low level (side walls).
Diagram 2 : Open/Bulk Storage Protection.
Maximum spacing between sensor cable runs at ceiling height are dependant upon whether the project design is to be in accordance with U.L. or F.M. approvals/recommendations.
For U.L. - maximum spacing is 10.6metres/35feet - all TH sensor cable alarm temperature ratings.
For F.M. - maximum spacings are 9metres/30feet for TH68 &TH88 or 7.5metres/25feet for the TH105.
Linear Heat Detection has a proven track record for the protection of warehouses - bulk and rack storage, that can be verified by many major International end users. For additional information on the most effective system to suit your particular requirements, please contact us.