WAGNER Rail GmbH, a subsidiary of WAGNER Group GmbH, which specializes in fire protection solutions for rail vehicles worldwide, has developed a fire protection solution that extinguishes fires in open, well-ventilated technical areas in moving trains.
The effective firefighting in these train areas, even while traveling at high speed and without the journey having to be slowed down or interrupted, is unique worldwide. The development of the innovative extinguishing process was based on extensive series of tests carried out in cooperation with TÜV Süd Rail.
Holistic fire protection solutions for rail vehicles
An essential part of holistic fire protection solutions for rail vehicles is fighting fires in technical areas
An essential part of holistic fire protection solutions for rail vehicles is fighting fires in technical areas, such as transformers, power converters or diesel engines. These areas are usually equipped with several non-closable openings through which ventilation takes place.
This creates air currents inside these technical areas during travel. These air currents pose a major challenge for effective firefighting. Until now, trains had to reduce speed or stop their journey completely in order to safely extinguish the fire.
Fire scenarios tested under various ventilation situations
“In cooperation with TÜV Süd Rail and in compliance with the railway guideline ARGE Part 2 'Firefighting in rail vehicles', we carried out an extensive series of tests from August 15 to 31, 2022, in which fire scenarios were tested under various ventilation situations,” explains Dr. Peter Stahl, Managing Director of WAGNER Rail GmbH, the research and development work for the innovative process.
“The aim of the tests was to completely extinguish fires in technical areas of the train while it is moving. With the help of the series of tests, it was successfully demonstrated that simulated fires that were fanned by airflow and air speeds of over 100 km/h acting on the side of the train can be completely extinguished using aerosol extinguishing agents,” continues Dr. Peter Stahl.
Develop ground-breaking fire protection solutions
“We congratulate our colleagues on this innovative solution. It is exemplary for WAGNER: We are pioneers and develop holistic, ground-breaking fire protection solutions that are used worldwide,” says Dipl.-Ing. Werner Wagner, Managing Director and Partner, WAGNER Group GmbH.
WAGNER Rail is currently the only provider on the market to offer an effective fire protection solution for technical areas in moving trains.
