Ansul, part of Tyco Fire Products, has just started a major roll-out of its new CHECKFIRE 110 and 210 systems. It will be the 210 that is most useful in mining, a supervised electronic detection and actuation system that has been engineered to stand up to extreme operating environments. This versatile system is designed to provide detection, alarm and fire suppression system actuation for mobile applications like hydraulic excavators, haul trucks, wheel loaders, dozers and graders.
CHECKFIRE 210 is used with an Ansul LVS, A-101, or twin agent vehicle fire suppression system for 24-hour protection of equipment.
Features include:
- Multiple detection and actuation options
- Supervised, plug-and-play circuits
- Built for extreme environments
- Dust and water tight (IP67 rated)
- Automatic or manual actuation#
- Internal reserve power source
- Downloadable 4,000+ event history log with real-time stamp
- System isolate feature
- FM approved and CE marked.
One of the hallmarks of the CHECKFIRE 210 system is its flexibility in protecting multiple hazard areas. Featuring colour-coded, plug-and-play connectors, the system is equipped with two, independent detection circuits configurable for various options including single-zone detection, two-zone detection, cross-zone detection, discharge pressure feedback monitoring or alarm only.
Detection is the critical first step in successfully dealing with the threat of fire. The system offers two highly-reliable forms of detection used individually or in combination. Linear Detection Wire consists of spring-steel conductors separated by a heat sensitive insulator. At the temperature rating of the wire, 180°C, the insulator melts and the two conductors make contact, sending a signal to the detection module, which signals the control module to actuate the fire suppression system. With Spot Thermal Detection, the thermal detector contacts close and signal the control module to initiate fire suppression when the temperature reaches either 121°C or 177°C depending on the model selected.
Upon receiving a fire detection signal, the display module activates the release circuit, which is capable of actuating up to 10 agent tanks via electronic actuators mounted directly onto expellant gas cartridges. The system can also be actuated manually by either the manual activation button on the display module itself or electric manual actuators used remotely from various locations on protected equipment.
The display module can be mounted in the dashboard or surface mounted using a swivel bracket. Through communication with the display module, operators receive continuous system updates, and operator input commands go directly to the Interface Control Module (ICM). System programming may be accomplished using the manual programming button and indicator LEDs or by using a computer with the Ansul CHECKFIRE 210 Programmer software communicating through the micro USB port.
A more detailed article will appear in the July issue of International Mining.