Decorative Panels' new spark detection and suppression system.

Decorative Panels' huge dust extraction system was high on its list of priorities at its prestigious, new Huddersfield site. As such, the company looked into lots of possible solutions and companies to ensure its dust extraction was of the highest quality.

After considerable consultation with Decorative Panels' Malcolm Forward and the company's insurers, FireSafety International agreed on a design structure for Decorative Panels' new site equipment fire protection system.

As the UK partner and distributor for Minimax, a world leader in special risk fire protection systems, FireSafety International not only supplied and installed the system that would give all the protection Decorative Panels required, but was also able to offer a very competitive price. Most importantly, the work could be completed within the timescale required. So, for Decorative Panels, Firesafety International proved to be unbeatable.

In total, there were 16 extract ducts to protect.

These were terminated into two separate filter units outside the building – eight ducts to each filter. It follows that line – one through to eight went to filter one, and the remaining eight to filter two. Due to the excellent design of the duct extraction system, all the spark detection units and the water deluge valves were installed inside the building, with no need of frost protection.

The water pressure on-site was fairly low, at around only one bar, and so FireSafety International installed its own water booster set with a 500l accumulator, which raised the water pressure at floor level to 9.5 bar. This water reservoir would then provide a minimum of seven bar pressure right up to the water solenoid valves that are sited in the duct-work, ready for action if and when required.

All of this field equipment is connected to and controlled by a Minimax FMZ5000 control panel.

The FMZ5000 panel is the very latest in the Minimax range, and is infinitely programmable to carry out any responses according to what

the client requires. For this particular project, FireSafety International programmed the panel to respond to the specific requirements of Decorative Panels.

As in all new installation projects, there were difficulties to overcome. At this site, many other companies were installing their own products, and as such, FireSafety International had to find a route for its cables and pipework which did not clash with others. FireSafety International decided to install a framework of its own in the roof space attached to the purlins, which has proved to be a wise decision – plus FireSafety International's cable tray and pipework installation looked very professional. Moreover, the installation was completed and commissioned ahead of the finish date.

Originally published in Furniture Production Magazine - August 2012 - view the original here (387Kb PDF)