Modern intralogistics is characterized by space-saving storage, efficient processes and flexibility. Automated compact container warehouses are therefore being used in more and more logistics properties, which ensure optimal use of the available storage space.
The high degree of automation guarantees efficient processes; the scalability of the systems creates flexibility. However, these advantages come with risks in terms of fire protection. If, for example, a fire is triggered by defects in the electronics, the packing density in particular poses a potential danger. This makes targeted fire fighting more difficult, for example with conventional, water-based extinguishing agents.
Complete interruption of operations
In the event of an incident, the extent of the damage can be significant, particularly due to the high concentration of valuables.
The extent of the damage can be significant, particularly due to the high concentration of valuables
Fires and consequential damage can lead to a complete interruption of operations. A tailor-made fire protection solution and preventive protective measures are therefore of crucial importance for maintaining values and operational capability. WAGNER will be showing innovative fire protection solutions for automated compact container warehouses at LogiMAT 2024 in Stuttgart in Hall 7, Stand C15 .
Potential fire triggers
Dirk Band, Head of Sales at WAGNER Group GmbH in Langenhagen, emphasizes the importance of preventive fire protection measures as early as the planning phase of logistics properties and systems for intralogistics.
"A holistic approach to fire protection is essential in order to achieve the individual protection goals," explains Band. The development of such solutions is based on a thorough risk analysis and a precise definition of the protection goals. Various factors play a role here, such as storage density, container and packaging material or potential fire triggers, such as lithium-ion batteries stored or used in the course of automation.
Fire protection planners
"I recommend involving all relevant parties, including fire protection planners, experts and insurance companies, at an early stage in the fire protection planning for automated compact container storage systems in order to identify risks and set individual protection goals," continues Band.
This enables a precise risk assessment and the development of individual protective measures
WAGNER has been helping companies for years to develop tailor-made solutions to prevent fire-related losses and delivery interruptions in automated warehouses. To this end, the company in Langenhagen near Hanover carries out extensive fire tests as part of customer projects. The respective application, the spatial requirements and the materials used are taken into account here. This enables a precise risk assessment and the development of individual protective measures.
Container storage facilities
What could a suitable fire protection solution look like? By using OxyReduct® , the oxygen reduction system for active fire prevention, open fires in automated compact container storage facilities can be avoided under defined conditions.
The system prevents fires from starting or spreading by introducing nitrogen into the protected area and reducing the oxygen concentration to a previously defined level. The nitrogen is evenly distributed in compact storage situations, thus creating a protective atmosphere. The oxygen component that is essential for fire development is thus removed from the fire. Devastating consequential damage, such as that caused by fire and even by the use of water-based extinguishing agents, is avoided. Goods, buildings and people remain protected. The nitrogen required is sustainably extracted directly on site from the ambient air. The system for this can be accommodated in a space-saving manner.
Aspirating smoke detectors
This enables a precise risk assessment and the development of individual protective measures
Even in oxygen-reduced environments, cable or smoldering fires can occur, particularly with a high degree of automation. In order to locate even these small sources of fire as early as possible and to be able to initiate countermeasures, WAGNER's holistic solutions are based on early fire detection, which thus offers additional protection. Aspirating smoke detectors from WAGNER's TITANUS ® family are used.
They detect fires up to two thousand times earlier than conventional point detectors - even in areas that are difficult to access. This is crucial for rapid intervention in the event of a fire. Since major fire or extinguishing agent damage is avoided thanks to the reduction in oxygen, processes in the warehouse can be resumed as quickly as possible after a cable smoldering fire. The TITANUS® aspirating smoke detectors protect against unnecessary interruptions to operations thanks to their specific high level of false alarm security.
Existing logistics properties
For holistic fire protection, a hazard management system from WAGNER can also be added. By integrating various safety systems into the manufacturer-independent, central user interface, it ensures a transparent representation of all display systems.
Automated storage systems are becoming increasingly more efficient and versatile
Automated storage systems are becoming increasingly more efficient and versatile. They can respond well to increases in demand. This is particularly interesting for applications in e-commerce and intralogistics, where high storage capacity and quick access to the stored items are required. If an increase in throughput or efficiency with high flexibility in the same space is desired and no additional space is available, automated compact warehouses are subsequently integrated into existing logistics properties. This allows operators to meet the increasing demands on storage and efficiency of work processes cost-effectively.
Individual protection goals
"Just as with new properties to be planned, there is also a high fire risk in existing halls equipped with new storage systems. It is therefore important here too to define individual protection goals - as a rule, in addition to the general protection of personnel, goods and the environment, this particularly includes 24/7 operational capability - and to plan specific fire protection," explains Dirk Band.
"Thanks to the flexibility of modern fire protection solutions, subsequent planning and installation can be implemented in an economically viable manner in almost all cases. The right fire protection solution from WAGNER systems for fire detection and active fire prevention offers the highest possible protection against fire and consequential fire damage, even in retrofit warehouses."
