Oils and separating agents are required for the production and processing of aluminum. These are highly flammable. This hazard is increased by the enormous heat build-up throughout the entire production process. In addition to the machines, the press and hydraulic room can easily ignite. A fire can cause severe damage to the system technology, electronics and hydraulics of the robots and the press, which brings with it long-term production downtimes and costly repairs. These production areas must be monitored and protected around the clock. The stationary extinguishing system from Rosenbauer provides comprehensive protection for the multi-stage production process.

High demands on the extinguishing system

• Fast detection of incipient fires with a flame detection system
• Automated extinguishing
• Initiation of extinguishing process in less than 15 seconds
• Energy-autonomous extinguishing system
• Optional feed by fire fighters
• Avoidance of production downtimes

The special requirements of Bharat Forge Aluminiumtechnik were decisive in the selection of the extinguishing system: the best extinguishing performance and stand-alone operation were essential requirements for their fire fighting sytem.

In addition to the two presses, the  RPE POLY CAFS extinguishing system from Rosenbauer also protects the press basement as well as the hydraulic room and mixing chamber for consumables. The risk of costly repairs and production downtimes are greatly minimized as a result. The RPE POLY CAFS extinguishing system with a capacity of 3,000 l premix (water-foam mixture), and which is operated with compressed air, is completely self-sufficient without an external energy supply and is immediately ready for operations.

The integrated Grecon flame detection system scans the entire extinguishing area around the clock with the help of infrared radiation and UV rays. If a fire source is detected, the extinguishing system is automatically activated and the extinguishing agent is released via CAFS full cone spray noozles over the entire surface of the fire source.

Many extinguishing systems from Rosenbauer are based on the innovative CAFS compressed air foam system. It has the following characteristics:

• Consistently stable foam quality
• Foam sticks to hot surfaces - also vertically
• Rapid smothering of the flames through oxygen deprivation
• Deep penetration into the burning material by reducing the surface tension of the water
• Increased burn-back safety and sustainable cooling thanks to compact CAFS foam structure
• Low application rates for efficient firefighting and reduced water damage
• Multiplied extinguishing agent quantity through active foam expansion to CAFS

Bharat Forge Aluminiumtechnik (BFAT) is part of the India-based Kalyani Group, one of the largest full-service suppliers of forged engine and chassis components and non-automotive components and systems worldwide. The company supplies axles and swivel bearings to customers such as Audi, VW, Porsche, Daimler, and Maserati. BFAT is a development partner from the first draft to material selection and through to series production.