Fire protection for warehouse robots with Inergen

The prevalence of automated warehouse systems has increased in recent years owing to the increased productivity that warehouse automation entails. An automated warehouse robot quickly becomes the facility’s most important factor, and temporary malfunction or, in a worst-case scenario, complete destruction by a fire will result in considerable financial consequences.

Fires involving automated warehouse robots may be caused by a short circuit in the motor, for example, or by the stored products. Such a fire can be difficult to extinguish and cause considerable damage and get out of control. It may spread to the entire warehouse or even cost lives.

With Inergen, we can help you with an effective fire protection solution that is adapted to your needs and provides security throughout the working day.

Inergen can help you

Areas difficult to access

A compact storage automation system presents a significant challenge in case of a fire, as it is difficult to access the fire using conventional methods. However, an Inergen-based extinguishing system is ideal for this type of challenge.

By reducing the oxygen level in the unit, for example, for 10 minutes, all types of fires that do not sustain themselves can be effectively extinguished.

The fire risk arises from stored products or in the motor area, often located at the bottom of the unit. A storage unit often consists of tightly stacked plastic containers, which limits the effectiveness of ceiling-mounted sprinklers, especially for fires that start at the bottom or in the motor area.

An extinguishing system using Inergen as the extinguishing agent is particularly effective in these tall and compact machines.

5 good reasons for using Inergen fire protection

  • Detection inside the warehouse robot ensure early detection.

  • Rapid, effective extinguishing everywhere in the warehouse robot.

  • The system can be designed to protect against re-ignition for as long as desired by the authorities.

  • Leaves no consequential damage to buildings, inventory or goods.

  • Harmless for humans to remain in the affected area.

Why choose Inergen?

Why choose Inergen?

Effective fire extinguishing with a special solution for robots.

A spark from a short circuit inside an automated warehouse robot can readily start a fire and put production on standby. As regulations for fire protection of warehouse robots are yet to be established, the way this is dealt with varies widely.

Fires in warehouse robots can be difficult to extinguish since they are very compact and water will have difficulty penetrating to where the fire is. The fire potential from a compact, fully filled warehouse robot is considerable, so the authorities will often require extinguishing specifically in the warehouse robot itself.

An Inergen extinguishing system inside a warehouse robot is optimal, as the relatively dense, limited area concerned may often be managed with only 2-5 cylinders. And since Inergen will fill the entire machine all possible entryways and a fire will suck air towards it, the Inergen itself will ‘find’ the fire and effectively extinguish it.

Fire Eater has developed a special solution for warehouse robots, which maintains the extinguishing concentration and compensates for any gaps that the robot has.

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Why use Inergen for firefighting?

  •  

    It only takes 40 sec.

    It extinguishes fire quickly and efficiently.

  •  

    Compensates for gaps

    Can compensate for gaps in the robot.

  •  

    Safe

    Safe for equipment, people and the environment.

  •  

    No damage

    Prevents secondary damage.

    No damage

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This is how Inergen works in a warehouse

Nozzles should be evenly distributed in the unit, both at the top and in the middle if the machine is taller than approximately 6-7 meters, and also down in the motor unit.

An extinguishing system using Inergen consists of a number of gas cylinders, with the number depending on the volume of the protected area. The cylinders are typically placed near the unit, and pipes from the cylinders lead to nozzles inside the unit, strategically placed for uniform reduction of oxygen content.

A storage unit typically does not require pressure relief due to its relative leakiness. To compensate for the unit’s relative leakiness, and in case the door cannot be closed, the Inergen system should be supplemented with a number of extra cylinders with a longer discharge time, for example, 10 minutes, ensuring that the oxygen level remains low during this period.

The extra cylinders with a long discharge time should be in a 2:1 ratio. For example, if the volume in the unit requires 4 cylinders to reduce the oxygen level in the initial phase, it should be supplemented with 2 additional cylinders with a longer discharge time.

Different kinds of detection

You can choose between smoke detectors or an aspiration system for detection.

The advantage of the aspiration system is that it is more sensitive and can provide earlier detection of a fire.

Detectors or suction points for the aspiration system should be placed both at the top, in the middle if the unit is tall, and near the motor at the bottom, where the risk is relatively higher.

In the event of an alarm from the detection system, a “PRE-ALARM” should be issued, and the unit should initiate the shutdown procedure (doors close, power should be cut off, etc.).

Only upon the second alarm from the detection system will the Inergen system be activated to lower the oxygen level in the unit and extinguish the fire.

Pressure relief in the protected area?

When installing an Inergen system, attention should always be paid to installing pressure relief in the protected area.

The immediate general assessment, however, is that storage units are not so airtight that it is actually necessary. But one might consider simply securing one of the ceiling panels on one side only, so that if the pressure becomes too high, it can serve as pressure relief.

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Considerations before choosing an extinguishing system

  • The storage unit should be as air-tight as possible
    • Rubber bands can often be installed between panels.
    • Extra panels can often be mounted around/at the door.
    • Other possibilities to make it more air tight – ask the supplier
  • Ceiling panels should always be installed in the unit

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  • Turbulence

    A lot of turbulence occurs during activation, so attention should be paid to this if the items stored in the unit are relatively light:

    • Nozzle dampers: if there is space, nozzle dampers can be installed on the nozzles.
    • More nozzles: more nozzles reduce turbulence from the individual nozzle.
    • If possible, consider placing lids on boxes where light items are stored.
    • If possible, program the unit so that boxes with light items are not placed in sections where nozzles are located.
  • During Service

    The Inergen extinguishing system should be turned off during service and when working in the machine. Next to the main switch, there should also be an option to turn off the Inergen system. It must be ensured that the Inergen extinguishing system is put back into operation when normal operation resumes.

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Do you want to know more
about Inergen?

Whether you need advice or a thorough review of your fire protection needs, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. We are ready to answer all your questions and provide the support you need.

Simply fill out the contact form and we will contact you immediately. Your fire safety is our priority.

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