ABP were using dry powder fire suppression systems across their 21 ports, but were increasingly dealing with a number of hazardous materials. We used our enormous experience to specify twin agents and advise them on everything from systems to the cleaning of machines.

Company
Associated British Ports

Industry
Ports

System
Ansul Twin Agent System

The Challenge

ABP are the UK’s largest port group. The ‘dry powder’ systems they were using across their 21 ports had had some very near misses and they were increasingly dealing with biomass, Amonium Nitrate and fertiliser, which are highly hazardous. Biomass can self-ignite and can start smouldering on the axles of a machine. Amonium Nitrate is both explosive and corrosive, which means a suppression absolutely MUST stop a fire.

Our Solution

To make sure we really got to grips with how they worked, we did a number of site visits to see the environment they operate in and how their machines work.

We specified a twin agent plus some additional wet chemical for further coverage of axles. All our systems were installed with stainless steel fittings to stop the system corroding. We even went as far as advising the client on the cleaning of machines to reduce fire risks.

ABP have adopted this system across the company. It has already been called into action, working as planned to protect people, machines and production.