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Preventing Rapid fire spread Using automated firefighting technology
High concentrations of materials and packaging increase fire risk
Fire Protection in Warehousing
As demand for storage capacity continues to grow while available space remains limited, warehouse facilities are becoming increasingly large and complex. Alongside conventional high-bay warehouses, automated storage solutions are becoming more common, offering high storage density and efficient handling and retrieval of goods.
The combination of high concentrations of materials, automated processes and limited accessibility creates specific challenges for fire protection. Early fire detection and targeted fire suppression are essential to prevent fire from spreading rapidly and to limit damage.
Goods and system components to be protected:
- Goods of all types
- Packaging materials and load carriers
- Automated storage and conveyor systems
- Robotic systems and electrical components
Fire Risks in Warehousing
Concentration of materials and packaging
The high concentration of materials and packaging in a confined space increases the fire load in modern warehouse facilities. Plastic storage containers, packaging materials and goods with an increased fire risk – such as products containing lithium-ion batteries – can present particular challenges for fire detection and suppression.
Automated storage systems and limited accessibility
The design and technical equipment of automated storage facilities create specific challenges for fire protection:
- High vertical storage structures
- Limited access for emergency responders
- Automated storage and handling equipment such as conveyors, shuttles and robotic systems
- Electrical drives, control systems and charging stations as potential sources of ignition
- Rapid fire spread within densely packed storage structures
Automated Storage and Retrieval System AS/RS
Fire Suppression Technology for High-Bay Warehouses
High-bay warehouses are protected using different fire protection concepts depending on the type of goods stored, storage height and facility use. Automatic suppression systems such as ceiling and in-rack sprinkler systems are commonly used. Depending on the protection concept and fire suppression requirements, fire monitors can also be used to provide targeted fire suppression over greater distances.
For certain fire risks, foam fire suppression may be required. Adding foam concentrate to the water can enhance suppression performance for specific types of fires.
Stationary Foam Proportioning Systems for Fire Suppression
Some types of fire can only be effectively fought using fire-fighting foam. For this purpose, stationary foam proportioning systems are also installed in high-bay warehouses, supplying sprinkler and deluge systems as well as fire monitors with premix to generate fire-fighting foam.
Stationary foam proportioning system for fire suppression, positioned at a safe distance from the hazard area
FireDos proportioning systems provide precise foam concentrate dosing and maintain a consistent proportioning rate. They are suitable for a wide range of foam concentrates and support reliable and effective fire suppression.
Robotic Top-Load Container Storage – Special Fire Protection Requirements
Robotic container storage systems are a specialized form of automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS). Examples include cube storage systems such as AutoStore® installations.
In these systems, storage containers are arranged in a densely packed grid and stacked vertically, while autonomous robots move and retrieve the containers. Unlike conventional racking systems and other automated storage systems, there are no fixed storage aisles and no direct access to every individual container. Instead, containers are stored in stacks and are retrieved as needed by the robots.
This technology enables very high storage density within a relatively small footprint, while also providing fast and automated access to goods. Such systems are used in a wide range of applications, including industry, e-commerce, spare parts logistics and production supply chains.
Robotic top-load container storage systems can accommodate a wide variety of goods – from small parts and spare parts to electronic components and products containing lithium-ion batteries.
The specific design of these systems creates particular fire protection challenges:
- Very high concentration of stored goods within a confined space
- Extensive use of plastic storage containers, typically made of polyethylene or polypropylene, adding to the overall fire load
- Different types of stored goods with increased fire risk, such as electronic components or products containing lithium-ion batteries
- Technical components such as transport robots and charging stations as potential risk areas
- Fire sources that are difficult to access and limited options for manual firefighting, as direct access by the fire service is generally not possible
Top-Load Container Storage
Fire Monitor for targeted firefighting
Infrared camera for early detection of heat sources
Automated Fire Suppression in Cube Storage AS/RS
Due to their specific design, robotic top-load container storage systems require individually engineered fire protection concepts. In addition to established protection measures such as sprinkler systems and oxygen reduction systems, systems for early fire detection and targeted, localized fire suppression can be used.
In automated storage facilities, infrared camera systems can, for example, detect temperature changes and potential fire sources at an early stage.
Once activated, fire monitor systems can provide targeted, localized fire suppression – either automatically in combination with an early fire detection system or as support for emergency responders during a fire.
The design of the fire monitor system must be individually adapted to the geometry of the storage facility. In particular, the reach, targeting accuracy and positioning of the monitors are crucial for reliably reaching areas that are difficult to access. Because the available installation height between the storage structure and the ceiling is often limited, the monitors must be strategically positioned and precisely designed to achieve the required reach and throw height.
Developing a Fire Protection Concept for Warehouse Facilities: Key Considerations
An effective fire protection concept takes the individual characteristics of the storage facility into account and coordinates the different protection measures:
- Type, quantity and fire characteristics of the stored goods
- Design and geometry of the storage facility
- Storage height, storage density and potential fire compartments
- Accessibility for emergency responders
- Existing fire suppression and safety systems
- Options for early fire detection and automated fire suppression
Depending on the specific requirements, different fire extinguishing technologies can be used. These may include automatic suppression systems, early fire detection systems or strategically positioned fire monitor systems. The safe integration of foam fire suppression should also be considered during the planning stage. Stationary foam proportioning systems can be installed outside hazardous areas and reliably supply fire suppression systems with foam concentrate.
Fire Monitor System Design Requirements
When planning a fire monitor system, the following factors are particularly important:
- Sufficient reach and targeting accuracy to cover the geometry of the storage facility
- Strategic positioning taking into account installation height, obstacles and hazard areas
- Control via remote activation or automated systems
- Integration with existing fire protection concepts
The selection and design of a fire monitor depend largely on the specific operating conditions and geometry of the facility. With the FireDos Fire Monitor Configurator, different monitor and nozzle configurations for water or foam can be evaluated. After entering the operating conditions, the tool can simulate the reach, throw height of the extinguishing agent jet and resulting reaction force and provide the results as a PDF.
We will be happy to help you along.
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