Fighting high hazard fires and protecting storage tanks presents a complex challenge for firefighters and crisis management teams. The need for mobile equipment to complement fixed fire protection systems is becoming increasingly important. An evolution in foam firefighting techniques adds a new layer of complexity for equipment manufacturers, as the industry faces both challenges and opportunities.
The occurrence of high hazard fires has decreased in recent years, suggesting a general improvement in training and testing standards. This positive trend is supported by industry bodies such as JOIFF and LASTFIRE, which share best practices among end-users. However, the industry is also experiencing changes, including the move from environmentally harmful PFAS foams to Fluorine-Free foams (FFF). The oil and gas industry has adopted Industry 4.0 & digital solutions, leading to a reduction in manpower requirements and posing new challenges.
While fixed fire protection systems remain a crucial part of fire safety, they can be damaged during a fire incident, and the growing complexity and cost of these systems create a need for flexible responses. This is where the use of mobile firefighting equipment becomes essential, providing an easily deployable method to fight large fires.
The ideal fire protection system is a combination of fixed systems and versatile mobile equipment that can quickly be deployed, depending on the hazard. Modern fire protection systems now offer remote and automated operation, reducing the need for personnel to be in harm’s way.
When it comes to mobile firefighting equipment, using high capacity monitors and associated tools is essential. The challenges lie in hose lengths and pressure drops, with many current systems lacking suitability for modern mobile applications. The ideal mobile firefighting equipment should be independent of external power, providing consistent performance and easy deployment.
The FireDos GEN III hydraulically driven foam proportioners present a significant advancement in foam firefighting technology. These proportioners offer accurate foam proportioning rates, significant cost savings by eliminating foam testing costs, and improved capacity for firefighting applications.
Another crucial factor is the pressure loss of an extinguishing system, which FireDos GEN III has addressed by minimizing the drop across the proportioner. The company’s range of firefighting monitors is also designed with low-pressure drop, balanced design, and adjustable flow during operation, making them easily transportable and rapidly deployable.
Utilizing mobile equipment designed for rapid deployment leads to fewer manpower requirements and keeps firefighters at a safer distance from hazards. These advancements in hardware design have made the industry safer and more responsive than ever before, with a focus on ease of use and environmental sustainability.
For more information, visit firedos.com.