Vehicle Fire Suppression Systems – Construction, Mining & More
Five Key Components of a FLO Installed Vehicle Fire Suppression System
FLO has teamed up with AFEX to help FLO customers protect their critical heavy equipment with the only Fire Suppression Systems designed specifically for heavy mobile equipment. AFEX fire suppression systems are purpose-built to withstand the everyday abuse heavy duty machines experience; they’re rugged, reliable and easy to service.
1. Fire-detecting linear wire or spot sensors
2. A control panel to detect a fire and alert the operator
3. Actuators discharge automatically or manually to activate system
4. Tanks filled with fire-fighting agent
5. A distribution network of tubes, hoses, and nozzles
To mitigate a fire as soon as it happens, fire-detecting linear wire or sensors are strategically placed around the machine. When the high heat of a fire penetrates the linear wire or is detected by the sensors, a signal is sent to the control panel in the vehicle cab.
The control panel alarms and alerts the driver to quickly evacuate the machine. At the same time, the panel automatically initiates the actuator, which discharges the fire-fighting agent inside the onboard tanks and sends it through a distribution network comprised of stainless steel tubing and/or hydraulic hosing. An actuator can also activate the system when pressed manually by the operator.
At the end of the distribution network, the agent is disbursed into the equipment’s protected areas via nozzles aimed at the machine’s high-hazard components, like turbochargers, starters, fuel filters, batteries, alternators, and transmissions to extinguish the fire quickly and efficiently.
Fire Risk Assessment
The first step in selecting a fire suppression system is to conduct an on-site Fire Risk Assessment to analyze the unique fire risks of your machines, the safety concerns of your operators and the potential financial impact of a fire. This assessment allows us to provide you with a custom fire protection system to fit your unique needs.
Categories covered when conducting your Fire Risk Assessment include:
• Ignition sources – high temperature areas, electrical components, material being handled, welding/cutting
• Fuel sources – Class A, B or C materials
• Probability of co-existence of fuel and ignition sources
• Personnel exposure
• Economic risk
• Risk reduction
• Available fire suppression alternatives
• Selecting fire suppression system hardware
Fire Suppression System Options
The next step in selecting the right fire suppression system is to determine the type of agent needed to successfully suppress an off-road vehicle fire. The effectiveness of each agent type depends on the risks identified in the Fire Risk Assessment. There are two key agent types – dry chemical and liquid. AFEX also combines these two agents to offer a dual agent or twin agent system. Regardless of agent type, all AFEX systems are suitable for temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F) and third-party tested and approved by FM HDME, Activfire, AS 5062, and CE.
Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System
Dry chemical fire suppression systems provide the fastest fire knockdown and greatest total coverage, making them the industry standard for heavy equipment applications. Dry chemical systems provide fire protection against Class A (debris), Class B (fuel), and Class C (electrical) fires. This system is effective by flooding a volume of space, such as a vehicle engine compartment, with a fire fighting agent to suffocate the flame.
• Total-flooding, especially in well enclosed areas
• Unparalleled fire knockdown speed
• Spring loaded hinges keep nozzles clear of debris with minimal maintenance
• Manual and automatic system discharge
• Small footprint
• Class A, B and C fire protection
• Available in 20, 30, 60, 125 lb. sizes
Liquid Chemical Fire Suppression System
Liquid chemical fire suppression systems provide exceptional cooling abilities to suppress Class A (debris) and Class B (fuel) fires. The liquid agent works by cooling hot surfaces, separating fuel hydrocarbon molecules to prevent fire reignition and forming a layer of foam to suffocate flames. Liquid systems are especially designed to protect high risk vehicle components, such as turbochargers, exhaust components, and Tier 4 aftertreatment components.
• Effective at cooling hot surfaces in open areas
• Fight against fire reignition
• Penetrates debris and suppresses pooled fuel fires
• Manual and automatic system discharge
• Class A and B fire protection
• Available in 5, 15, 30 gal. sizes
Dual Agent Fire Suppression System
As technology advances, equipment manufacturers are designing machines that are more powerful and productive while also reducing emissions. The downside to these advancements is a growing risk of more severe fires due to increased heat throughout the engine compartment and hydraulic systems. Dual agent systems join the best features of AFEX dry and liquid chemical vehicle fire suppression systems for the ultimate protection against fire. The dry chemical system provides fast fire knockdown and total-flooding of enclosed compartments, while the liquid chemical system targets hot surfaces for fast cooling and protection against fire reignition. Dual agent systems are so effective that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) require them for large hydraulic shovels.
• Total-flooding, especially in well enclosed areas
• Unparalleled fire knockdown speed
• Effective at cooling hot surfaces in open areas
• Fight against fire reignition
• Small footprint
• More economical than liquid chemical systems alone
• Penetrates debris and suppresses pooled fuel fires
• Manual and automatic system discharge
• Class A, B and C fire protection
Control Panels For Automatic Fire Suppression Systems
Control panels are crucial to an effective heavy equipment fire suppression system. When the system detects a fire or other operational problem, a signal is sent to the control panel to alert the cab driver to act. The panel may alert the operator with flashing LED lights, an audible alarm, and, on certain models, an intuitive LCD screen.
This constant system monitoring by the control panel protects the machine operator, allows for quick discharge to suppress a fire, and minimizes overall equipment damage.
AFEX control panels for automatic fire suppression systems are available in two models to fit your unique requirements and desired features.
Circuit Monitor Panel (CMP)
The CMP is a basic fire detection panel done well. Using a combination of LED lights, buttons and a horn, the panel regularly monitors the vehicle’s fire suppression system and keeps the equipment operator informed of the system’s status. At indication of a fire, the display will activate the suppression system automatically while notifying the operator to evacuate the vehicle immediately.
Circuit Monitor Panel (CMP) for Vehicle Fire Monitoring and Alerting
• Visual problem and alarm statuses
• Audible alarm
• Test mode
• Adjustable delay
• One detection and one actuation
• External power required
Control Unit – Advanced Defense System
This industry-leading fire detection display is durable, powerful and easy to use. The Control Unit’s integrated LCD display is intuitive, assuring the machine operator that their equipment is being actively protected. Should a problem condition arise, an on-screen message combined with both audible and visual alarms will notify the operator. The system will also store the alert on the Control Unit’s internal log for quick and easy troubleshooting in the field. The Control Unit is also highly configurable; multiple input and output circuits allow for fire suppression system customization ideal for the unique needs of your operations. The programming can be accomplished right at the panel with no need for external hardware.
• Programmable LCD display available in multiple languages
• Audible and visual alarms
• Internal data log for troubleshooting
• Telematics connectivity for remote system monitoring, real-time system statuses and manual system actuation
• 1-year stand-alone power
• Up to two simultaneous detection circuits with adjustable delay
• Compliant with ISO 13766 and other EC standards
• Third-party tested and approved by FM HDME, Activfire and CE
Telematics Connectivity
Using outputs from the Control Unit and inputs on a vehicle’s telematics system, equipment owners can remotely monitor their automatic fire suppression systems. They even have the ability to manually discharge the suppression system when signaled by the vehicle remote control.
AFEX Control Unit integrates with virtually any vehicle management system, including:
• CAT Product Link
• Komatsu Komtrax
• Case SiteWatch
• Navman Wireless
• Telogis
• J1939 CAN Bus
• Modular Mining
• Trimble VisionLink
• Jigsaw
Compact Liquid System for Smaller Equipment
The compact liquid system offers flexible fire protection for machines with limited installation space, such as skid steers and forklifts. The tank can be mounted in any orientation – vertical, horizontal, or at an angle – depending on the space available on the machine. Automatic compact systems also come standard with a new Compact Panel, sized to fit into small cabs and alert operators of a fire for quick machine evacuation.
As with all AFEX fire suppression systems, the compact system remains non-pressurized until a fire is detected. This feature minimizes the risk of leaks, ensuring the system works when it’s needed. At the moment a fire is identified, a nitrogen cartridge pressurizes the tank briefly, releasing agent from the tank through a distribution network to combat the fire. This compact tank is equipped with SAFE-X, a certified AS 5062:2022 fluorine free liquid agent effective at cooling hot surfaces quickly and fighting against fire re-ignition.
