Ground support equipment

fire-protection-ground-handling-equipment

Fire protection systems for Ground support equipment

Over the past fifteen years, the number of airports, strips, fields and heliports have grown from around 10,000 to over 40,000 worldwide. With more than 100,000 daily arrivals around the globe, a fire involving GSE (ground support equipment) immediately impacts airport operations.

If the complex organization of people and vehicles that handle the ground service does not work, no aircraft will take off on time. Although aviation is one of the most heavily regulated forms of transportation in the world with high safety requirements, most of these regulations apply to aircraft but not to ground support vehicles that make the logistics possible.

Dafo Vehicle fire suppression system installed on a avation fueling truck

Fire risks

A GSE (ground support equipment) vehicle on fire can both demolish an aircraft and put passengers at risk. Even a minor fire can result in weeks of downtime, disrupting day-to-day operations.

Risk factors include the age of equipment and the demanding nature of their heavy use. Equipment and vehicles with fuel-based engines can run for long periods, which creates a scorching environment. The fluids used to keep the vehicle running are incredibly flammable and can cause a fire if they come in contact with hot surfaces.

As governments worldwide demand the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint and overall environmental impact, many organisations are turning to electricity as an alternative fuel source for all ground support equipment and machinery. This, however, brings about new fire risks, which can have significant and costly consequences if not appropriately addressed.

Dafo Vehicle Fire Suppression System

Automatic fire suppression systems are designed to protect the GSE (ground support equipment) and keep crews and passengers safe. In many industries such as mining, forestry, material handling & public transport today, it is mandatory to equip vehicles with a Fire Suppression System to prevent risks and downtime.

Correctly designed and installed, a Fire Suppression System from Dafo Vehicle is a fast and effective way of providing protection whilst adhering to worldwide standards and regulations.

SV K System With CV 01 And Alarm Panel 2

How the system works

The Dafo fire suppression system consists of four integrated elements; Detection, Alarm, Suppression and Control, which work together in a coordinated, fast and efficient way to suppress fires. The detection system consists of a linear heat detector wire. It has a fixed temperature sensor with an alarm signal triggered when the activation temperature of 180°C is reached. This signal punctures the burst disc of the propellant gas cartridge, which releases nitrogen into the agent container.

The Forrex liquid is distributed to the nozzles through the pipe system. At the same time, the alarm system is activated, and an alarm horn in the vehicle and a light signal in the panel will warn the driver. The liquid agent will push away the oxygen, cool down the overheated engine parts, impregnate the burning material, stick to surfaces and effectively prevent re-ignition. The Forrex is non-corrosive and environmentally friendly.

The control unit has a Real-time Clock and Event Log that allows access to historical data, making it possible to analyze previous events.