Apollo Intrinsically Safe Fire Detection Protects Major Defence Manufacturer
Apollo intrinsically safe (IS) fire detection technology has
been specified to protect a new manufacturing facility at Wallop
Defence Systems Ltd site near Stockbridge, Hampshire. A division of
Esterline Technologies, Wallop Defence Systems is a world leader in
the design, development and manufacture of defence pyrotechnics for
air, sea and land applications.
The contract to design, supply, install and commission the IS
fire system was won by Canon Fire Protection1 based in nearby
Midhurst. John Barfoot, the company's Fire Systems Manager,
explains the rigorous selection process and how Apollo helped to
meet the client's requirements.
"Wallop Defence Systems was a key contract for our company, and
is the largest project we have secured to date. Apollo was very
supportive of our bid. We must make special mention of our Apollo
sales manager, Sam Ward, who was truly exceptional. He worked
closely with us throughout this project to ensure its success and
has become an integral part of our team."
Apollo helped in two key areas. Firstly, its fire detection
products meet all key international standards, including the
European ATEX Directive requirements for equipment used in areas
with potentially explosive atmospheres. Secondly, Canon Fire
Protection was able to use Apollo's extensive in-house testing
facilities to demonstrate its fire detection technology to the
client.
Says John: "With Apollo's support, we were not only able to meet
the specification for ATEX approved intrinsically safe fire
detection, but could also demonstrate to Wallop Defence Systems how
the Apollo IS devices would work in practice."
Among the products manufactured at Wallop Defence Systems' site
in Hampshire are infrared flares to counter air-to-air and
ground-to-air missiles, decoy systems for naval protection and
missile tracking flares. The assembly of these essential defensive
products involves the use of potentially flammable and explosive
materials, so fire protection is a key priority to ensure personnel
safety and protect valuable assets.
Electrical equipment for use in these areas needs to be designed
so that it cannot ignite an explosive mixture. There are a number
of methods available to achieve this, but one of the most common is
intrinsic safety. Intrinsically safe equipment operates at such low
power and with such small amounts of stored energy that it is
incapable of causing ignition, not only in normal operation but
also in fault conditions. Apollo offers intrinsically safe versions
of its XP95 intelligent range and its Orbis conventional range of
fire detectors.
Fire system specification
Canon Fire Protection supplied and installed a fire system based
around Apollo XP95 IS fire
detectors and a four-loop Kentec Syncro control panel. The system
features a modem link so that fire system performance can be
monitored remotely 24/7. The entire system is wired using
mineral-insulated (MICC) cabling. This is an additional precaution
against any part of the system causing an electrical spark.
Around 100 Apollo IS devices provide comprehensive fire
detection in the manufacturing areas. Where flame detection was
required, devices were used in conjunction with IS-rated enclosures
to meet the requirements for intrinsic safety. Due to high ambient
noise levels, visual indicators are used in the administrative
areas, while Vimpex IS sounders are fitted in the transfer
corridors between manufacturing processes.
In the event of an alarm being raised, the entire premises are
evacuated immediately. The site has its own firefighters, who are
trained to tackle minor incidents. In addition, a repeater panel in
the main gatehouse alerts security staff to any incident, so that
they can summon the appropriate external fire services as
required.
In conclusion, John Barfoot says: "This was an unusual project
which, due to the nature of the business, placed very stringent
demands on the fire protection system. We were confident that
Apollo was the right choice for this application, but we needed to
prove this to the customer. With Apollo's help, we were able to go
that extra mile and give the customer reassurance that the proposed
fire detection solution would work reliably, which was
invaluable."
Wallop Defence System's new manufacturing premises are due to be
completed early in 2010.
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