With Kristina Linaa Hansen, Marketing Coordinator at VID FIREKILL, we look at alternatives to foam fire suppression systems for aircraft hangars
The aviation industry presents numerous fire hazards, with aircraft hangars being particularly vulnerable due to the presence of flammable fuels and the close proximity of ignition sources to the aircraft.
Hangar structures are designed for housing and maintaining aircraft and storing high-value equipment. A fire in an aircraft hangar can be catastrophic, jeopardizing both the aircraft and the people working there. Having the right fire suppression systems in place is crucial.
What is the concern with fire extinguishing foam?
For decades, foam fire suppression systems have been used in aircraft hangars to extinguish fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. During recent years there has been a growing focus on these systems due to heightened concerns from aviation operators, insurance companies, and the general public regarding potential life safety hazards associated with their use. While these systems effectively control fire, they are not without risks. Foam discharge can have serious consequences, including damage to high- value aircraft and their systems, requiring expensive repair or replacement of components, and harm to other hangar equipment. An additional consequence is the rapid discharge of foam, which can quickly fill the hangar and create a dangerous situation for people inside.
Another concern with foam systems is the negative environmental impact. Research has shown that certain firefighting foams used to extinguish fires in hangars contain extremely persistent and harmful chemicals. Firefighting foams rely on a group of synthetic chemicals known as PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” as they are non degradable. Studies have linked these chemicals to a significant risk of contaminating groundwater and causing long-term health problems, including various types of cancer.
In response to these issues, the 2022 edition of NFPA 409, the standard for aircraft hangars, introduces new alternative fire protection solutions for Group II aircraft hangars. This update has changed the foam requirements and has opened up the options for alternative fire suppression methods, allowing for safer and more environmentally friendly solutions.
Environmentally-friendly fire protection with low-pressure water mist
VID FIREKILL, a Danish company and member of the International Water Mist Association (IWMA), specializes in creating advanced water-based fire protection solutions. With a strong focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly solutions, VID FIREKILL is positioned as a frontrunner in the industry.
One of the unique solutions offered by VID FIREKILL is the low-pressure water mist system developed for the protection of aircraft hangars. The system features telescopic nozzles designed to suppress and mitigate fires and prevent damage to aircraft surfaces located directly above or adjacent to a fuel fire.
„Unlike foam-based firefighting systems, the FIREKILLTM system only uses water, effectively suppressing fires without filling the hangar with foam, thereby reducing the environmental impact and avoiding harm to people or high-value aircraft.“, said Miguel Martinez, CCO at VID FIREKILL.
Miguel explained further: „Low pressure water mist systems are designed to fight fires by removing heat and oxygen. The smaller and finer water mist droplets have a larger surface area, allowing for greater heat absorption. This enables the mist to suppress a larger fire area without using excessive water. In addition to being safe for people and the environment, the water mist system also allows for easy clean up after activation, presents a cost-effective solution, and can be installed during retrofit works in old hangars.“
The FIREKILLTM system, which has undergone full-scale fire testing, is increasingly being used in large commercial and fighter jet hangars worldwide.
For more information:
TechInfo
Representative for Bulgaria of
VID FIREKILL
20 Frederic Joliot-Curie, 1113 Sofia
Моbile: +359 888 441 336
E-mail: info@techinfo.bg
Website: www.techinfo.bg
