Loading shovel fire protection
An automatic fire sensing and suppression system using both dry chemical and Halon 1301 was developed. It is more rugged than similar industrial-type fire protection systems. Temperature sensors detect heat from a fire, and trigger the system. These sensors are located inside the machinery house and under the house and shovel frame where it rotates around the crawler chassis ring gear. An alarm is sounded, and extinguishing agents are released either in the machinery house or in the ring gear area. The system can also be triggered by a manual control. If the fire is detected in the machinery house, all power is shut down to the motor-generator sets, ventilation fan, and all electrical controls. Doors are automatically closed. After a delay to allow time for the ventilation fan to stop, Halon 1301, a gaseous fire extinguishing agent, is released inside the machinery house until it reaches a concentration of about 7 percent. This concentration is sufficient to extinguish a fire, but isn't toxic to personnel. After the concentration reaches 7 percent, additional Halon 1301 is continuously released inside the machinery house at a rate which replaces the Halon that is lost through the house's many small, permanent openings such as rope openings, louvers, vents, and pipe and cable runs. Halon 1301 is the preferred fire extinguishing agent for this application because it does not leave harmful residues that could damage costly electrical and mechanical equipment.
- OSTI ID:
- 5379147
- Journal Information:
- Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States), Journal Name: Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States) Vol. 77; ISSN TNBMD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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