Smart proportioners: Intelligent extinguishing technology saves time and money

Smart proportioning systems – these are intelligent extensions to our mechanical proportioning systems. Equipped with numerous sensors, these proportioning systems enable reliable remote monitoring and fault detection. They transmit information and generate reports, which optimizes the maintenance processes and saves costs and personnel.

Reliably monitor operating parameters

The smart proportioning systems offer numerous functions based on the version chosen (RETROFIT, LITE, BASIC, PRO). Operating parameters such as extinguishing water flow, foam agent flow and proportioning rate, as well as position monitoring*, consumption and system status can be determined and can be called up and documented at any time.

This eliminates the need for error-prone manual calculations and documentation. An incorrect proportioning rate, for example, can have a direct impact on the success during an extinguishing event. If it is too low, the foam may not be able to develop its full extinguishing effect. If it is too high, the extinguishing time is shortened due to the unplanned higher foam concentrate consumption.

Remote maintenance and fault analysis

In addition, early warning systems and reminder functions prevent unnecessary system downtime. In addition to the availability of operating instructions and report templates, assisted remote services, such as commissioning, maintenance or report generation, enable resource- and timesaving access to the proportioning system – naturally in accordance with the highest data protection requirements.

Save time

• Fast data access
• Early problem detection
• Avoidance of faulty operating and test states

Save costs

• Less downtime due to early Troubleshooting
• Monitor the development of operating
  parameters for future predictive maintenance
• Avoid wrong operating status as
  incorrect ball valve positions are detected
• Lower CO2 emissions due to fewer on-site
  service calls

Save resources

• Less personnel deployment (internal and external) at the plant

Our smart proportioning systems are available in four versions: RETROFIT, LITE, BASIC and PRO. Depending on the system or application environment, a suitable solution is available to you. Installed FireDos proportioning systems can be retrofitted using the RETROFIT version. For new installations, the version can be selected as required. All versions have a local control unit with display screen. A VPN edge gateway with expansion options for phone card and wireless can be integrated as options for remote access.

Retrofit: For all who want an upgrade 

Most of the FireDos proportioning systems of the older generations I and II can be expanded to smart proportioning systems. Please contact FireDos for an evaluation. The RETROFIT has equivalent functionalities as the LITE version.

Lite: The smart entry-level version 

This version is available ex works or for retrofitting GEN III systems. The proportioning system is equipped with a revolution counter on the water motor to measure the flow rate and a volume flow sensor to measure the foam concentrate flow¹.

Basic: Position monitoring of the ball valves included 

Like the LITE version, the BASIC version is also available for GEN III systems ex works or for retrofitting. In addition to the speed and volume flow sensor, sensors for monitoring the position of the ball valves for recirculating or mixing the foam concentrate and for the flushing function included.

Pro: All operating parameters of your GEN III Systems at a glance 

The PRO version includes numerous sensors for recording the most important operating parameters of any GEN III proportioning system. Whether ex works or retrofitted – with this version you can keep an eye on all operating parameters. The following sensors are installed: Revolution counter on the water motor, volume flow sensor for recording the foam concentrate flow, sensors for monitoring the position of the ball valves, sensors for monitoring the oil level of the foam concentrate pump and sensors for recording the pressure and temperature of the foam pump and the water motor. This data can be used to evaluate wear for preventive maintenance measures when the proportioning system is used regularly.

_{1) The extinguishing water flow rate determination using a revolution counter is configured on the FireDos test bench before delivery. Wear in the water motor can influence measurement results. The revolution counter has been approved by FM to provide a general estimate of the extinguishing water flow rate of 20% - 100% of the maximum rated extinguishing water flow.}

<sub>Legend:
The functional scope of the software varies depending on the version selected.
x = included
- = not included
(o) = optional
1) Can only be retrofitted to proportioners on which have a flow meter (DUMK-XXX) already installed in the return line.
2) The position of the foam agent return line connection may change when retrofitting.
3) The user interface, which can be transmitted via wireless, may have functional limitations.
4) Local display of the user interface in a web browser (operation as an access point; no integration into other WLAN networks).
5) The foam agent volume flow is measured exclusively via the existing flow meter (DUMK-XXX) in the return line. It is not possible to measure the foam agent volume flow or determine the proportioning rate in proportioning mode.
6) Only applicable if proportioner is equipped with cylinder cut-off for changing the proportioning rate.
7) Requires VPN remote maintenance gateway</sub>

Smart proportioning systems can be used in a variety of ways, for instance where reliable fire protection is essential, where system failures must be avoided at all costs and/or where personnel deployment needs to be reduced due to large distances or hazardous operating conditions. Typical applications include tank farms, wind farms, transformer stations or critical infrastructures in general.

Numerous sensors are available for measuring the operating parameters of the proportioning system – depending on the version selected. While the RETROFIT version only contains the revolution counter for the water motor, the PRO version can also be used to monitor pressure, temperature, oil level and the positions of the ball valves – a frequent source of error that can have detrimental consequences.