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Effective fire suppression system proves its worth

6th June 2019

By: Creamer Media Reporter

     

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This article has been supplied as a media statement and is not written by Creamer Media. It may be available only for a limited time on this website.

Sandvik ECLIPSE™ Fire Suppression Systems are contributing to an enviable fire safety record at the Ambatovy Nickel Mine in Madagascar, one of the biggest nickel mines in the world.

With several mobile machines, as well as other risk areas protected by Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology’s ECLIPSE™ Fire Suppression Systems, the mine has not lost plant equipment nor exposed onsite workers to hazardous fires since beginning production in 2012.

The success of the mine’s safety interventions speaks volumes for its policies and procedures; and points to astute selection of fire suppression systems that are correctly suited to the kind of risks associated with its type of surface mining activities.

Progressive approach

According to Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology business developer for fire suppression, Nick Steinz, Ambatovy’s fire record is a good example of a mine’s management engaging with its supplier to adopt the right technology and systems to best protect its assets and, by implication, safeguard its people and production.

“Our relationship with Ambatovy spans back to 2008 when their maintenance manager at the time first made enquiries about Sandvik’s ECLIPSE™ Fire Suppression Systems. Having used and seen our fire suppression systems in action while at a previous mine, he enquired about the suitability of our systems for plant equipment, pump houses and other at-risk equipment on the mine, which was still in the developmental stage.

“Having met all the mine’s requirements, we won the supply tender and were able to supply systems for mobile earthmoving equipment including dump trucks, dozers, excavators, wheel loaders and graders, as well as pump engines and generators throughout the mine. Every new piece of equipment since then has also been outfitted with a Sandvik ECLIPSE™ Fire Suppression System,” he says.

Foam extinguishing agent

Steinz continues that Sandvik’s ECLIPSE™ Fire Suppression Systems use an entirely water-based foam system that attacks all aspects of the fire triangle.

Cleanups and recharging after triggering of the system is quick and easy, as opposed to powders, which can take hours to clean and may render a machine or entire area inoperable for an entire shift.

In the event of a serious fire the foam-based solution has other advantages, including   having a cooling effect which can prevent reignition. It is also able to extinguish the fire without hampering visibility as is the case with powders. This makes it safer and easier to evacuate an area in the event of a serious fire. Furthermore, the foam is not harmful to the environment, is biodegradable, is non-toxic and is suitable to be used on all diesel-powered equipment.

“Our client also trusts the failsafe triggering ability of our devices, which is kept under pressure and will only activate in the event of a loss of pressure caused by special sensor tubes detecting excessive heat in the presence of fire or when activated manually. Being stored under pressure also provides an additional failsafe when the operator checks the gauges at the beginning of each shift.”

Fleet safety

Ambatovy’s Mobile Equipment Maintenance Manager says that in terms of fleet safety it is critical to have fire suppression systems in place to prevent the loss of a machine and give the operator time to safely exit the machine and move to safety. The system also needed to be flexible enough to be used on different types of machines and robust enough to remain functional in typically tough mining conditions.

Dealing with a company like Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology also provides reassurance that systems are properly configured to cover all risk areas on a machine and that aftersales service and qualified support are available to ensure the systems stay in good condition and are tested regularly. Equally important is the company’s ability to provide sufficient parts and spares, while also being in a position to outfit new machines as required as was the case recently when 78 earthmoving machines were added to the fleet.

Edited by Creamer Media Reporter

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