SAFETY
1
that a custom fire suppression system can
be installed.”
In addition to the excellent performance
of I-CAT’s fire suppression technology,
Van der Merwe adds that there is another
reason to look at the company’s fire
suppression solutions.
“All of our applications and product
offerings are environmentally friendly,
because they use water rather than
chemicals, and so there is no danger of
contaminated runoff,” he explains. “Even
the extinguishers that include a foaming
agent are more environmentally friendly
than similar products on the market, partly
because of the additive itself, and partly
because we only add 0.5% foaming agent
to the mix, compared to about 6% the
industry usually adds.”
Fire Orbs
The FST Fire Orb is a unique self-activating,
portable fire-extinguishing device that
activates automatically when in contact
with open flames.
30 _ QUARRY SA | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018
2
Centurion-based Fire and Security Techniques
recently introduced an easy-to-use, cost-
effective new fire-extinguishing device to the
local market – the FST Fire Orb, a unique, self-
activating, portable fire-extinguishing device
that activates automatically when in contact
with open flames.
Effective for use against all types and
classes of fires, from electrical shortages
to vehicle, workshop and factory fires, the
FST Fire Orbs can be wall-mounted for
maximum effectiveness, according to Fire
and Security Techniques CEO, Neil Hughes.
Each FST Fire Orb weighs only 1.3kg,
making it lightweight and easy to handle
and operate, and comprises a lightweight
case of frangible material, with a protective
exterior sheathing. The internal cavity
contains a pyrotechnic detonator at or near
the centre of mass.
1 & 2:
The final demonstration on the day entailed setting alight the on-site structure,
and then extinguishing the fire using I-CAT’s vehicle-mounted Blaze Buster system.
Activated by fuse cords extending to
the surface, the device is filled with
monoammonium phosphate, a non-
conductive dry chemical powder, which
means it can be used on any electrical
product without resultant damage. The
detonator incorporated in the FST Fire
Orb is a small, non-lethal explosive
mechanism. The use of low-density, low-
mass components means that no part of
the device has sufficient mass or density
to constitute a ballistic hazard, or result in
concussive shock.
The FST Fire Orb activates automatically
upon direct contact with open flames rather
than heat, and is simply rolled or thrown
into the fire, where it activates within three
to seven seconds. Upon activation, it emits
a loud bang of between 119dB and 138dB
as a warning signal, and disperses the dry
chemical powder to extinguish the fire.
The FST Fire Orbs have passed tests
conducted by the PSB Corporation and
Sirim Qas International for Class A, B and
C fires. Additional tests carried out include
thermal resistance, burst effect, sound level,
compression resistance and drop tests.
The devices are regulated and certified in
accordance with ISO 9001: 2001, and have
also been approved and classified by the
South African Police Service.
“We offer a free risk-assessment service
for all clients interested in the product,
where our risk-assessment manager advises
suitable installation requirements pertaining
to customer specifications,” says Hughes.