Fire protection for front-end loaders
Automatic fire sensing and suppression systems were developed and ruggedized for use on front-end loaders operating in harsh mine environments. Temperature sensors mounted in the loader's engine, transmission, and articulation areas detect the heat from a fire while it is still small and controllable. This triggers the release of the ABC class dry chemical extinguishing agent through a fixed piping system onto the fire. The system can also be manually activated from either the cab or ground level. Two control subsystems were designed to respond to varying fire protection needs and mine conditions. One subsystem only initiates discharge of the extinguishing agent. The other subsystem initiates visual and audible operator alarms if there is a fire sensed or if there is a fault in the control circuit. Two complete systems were fabricated and bench tested. The contractors then installed the systems on two different loaders and tested them in two mines. These front-end loader fire protection systems that functioned satisfactorily during Bureau tests are now commercially available from firms in Raleigh, North Carolina and Belleville, New Jersey.
- OSTI ID:
- 5379103
- Journal Information:
- Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States), Journal Name: Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States) Vol. 74; ISSN TNBMD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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