Heavy Equipment Fire Suppression

Heavy equipment fire suppression 

From agriculture to construction, businesses in all kinds of sectors rely on a variety of mobile plant and equipment to keep operations running efficiently. With long working schedules and harsh operating environments putting additional pressure on the machine, large mobile plant face extremely challenging conditions, making heavy equipment fire suppression a vital safety measure.

A fire on a machine can not only result in significant repair and replacement costs - it can lead to downtime and disruption to operations, and affect production and profitability. In the worst-case scenario, a heavy mobile plant fire can put the machine operator and other personnel at risk of injury and lead to fines, sanctions, and damage to business reputation. With an abundance of flammable liquids such as diesel and hydraulic fluid, and surrounded by highly combustible materials, the risk of vehicle fire also needs to be carefully managed.

The first step in securing safe protection for lives and livelihoods where bulky machinery is in use: installing heavy mobile plant fire suppression systems to strategically and compliantly fit the application and operating conditions of equipment in an organisation.

End-to-end heavy equipment fire suppression servicing

As specialists in heavy mobile plant fire suppression systems, we have more than 28 years of proven experience in helping businesses to protect their people and equipment against the risk of fire. 

Coupled with the highest installation standards and fleet of fully trained and highly experienced field engineers, our reliable heavy equipment fire suppression systems are proven to protect operators and vehicles while increasing machine availability and minimising downtime.

After carrying out a thorough fire hazard analysis, our teams specify and design systems tailored to each machine type, characteristics and operating environment - from forklift trucks to 1,000 tonne excavators. Our field engineers install and service these systems to the highest standards, with a level of care and attention to detail to every vehicle that makes us different.

Our large mobile plant fire suppression systems are recognised and approved by most of the UK's major insurance providers, which can help businesses lower insurance premiums.

How our heavy mobile plant fire suppression systems work

1. Detects high temperatures, fast

Our heavy equipment fire suppression systems use a Linear Heat Detection (LHD) cable routed around the identified fire hazards to rapidly detect a fire or high temperature condition. As the LHD cable does not require pressure to operate, it does not suffer from false discharges which can arise due to loss of pressure in pneumatic systems, making the electronic systems a safer and more reliable option for mobile plant.

2. Activates the system

Once the LHD cable detects a fire, it sends a message to the Ardent Control Module to initiate the discharge of the suppression agent within a matter of seconds. A time delay can be set up if required, and the operator can also manually delay the discharge so they’re always in control of the machine.

3. Distributes the agent

Distribution nozzles are critically located to target all identified fire hazard areas in the machine, both inside and outside the engine compartment. A network of distribution hoses connects the tanks storing the suppression agent to the nozzles. On system activation, the suppression agent travels through the distribution network and discharges through the nozzles for effective heavy equipment fire suppression.

Heavy equipment fire suppression agents

Large amounts of flammable fluids, superheated machine components, and build-up of highly combustible materials create a very high-risk environment. Selecting an agent type and quantity suitable for heavy equipment fire suppression is crucial to ensure the system performs optimally, and when needed the most.

For heavy mobile plant, Ardent dual agent fire suppression systems use dry and wet chemical suppression agents simultaneously, combining the benefits of each agent to provide the highest level of protection:

How we deliver

At Ardent, we take care of every step of the process to ensure plant and personnel are protected against the risk of fire 24/7. From understanding the fire hazards specific to sectors, equipment, and environments, to our rapid emergency responses, organisations can rest assured our heavy equipment fire suppression systems will deliver the highest level of protection a business requires.