FAST FIRE KNOCKDOWN FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT FIRE PROTECTION
What is a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System?
A dry chemical fire suppression system is an onboard fire protection system that uses dry chemical agent to quickly knock down fires on heavy equipment. AFEX dry agent systems are designed to flood protected areas, such as engine compartments, with agent to help suppress Class A debris fires, Class B fuel and hydraulic fluid fires, and Class C electrical fire risks.
These systems are commonly used on mobile equipment in mining, forestry, waste handling, steel and slag, construction, transportation, agriculture, and other demanding industries where fire can put operators, equipment, and production at risk.
Broad Coverage for Demanding Equipment Applications
Dry chemical fire suppression is one of the most widely used fire protection options for heavy-duty mobile equipment because it provides fast knockdown and broad total-flooding coverage.
On heavy equipment, fire risks are rarely limited to one source. Diesel fuel, hydraulic fluid, grease, electrical components, combustible debris, and high operating temperatures can all contribute to a fire event. AFEX dry chemical systems are designed to help protect against these risks by distributing agent through a fixed nozzle network into protected hazard areas.
When a fire occurs, the system can discharge automatically or be manually activated by the operator, helping suppress the fire quickly and limit damage before it spreads.
When is Dry Chemical Fire Suppression a Good Fit?
Dry chemical systems are a strong fit for equipment with enclosed or semi-enclosed hazard areas where fast knockdown and broad agent coverage are important.
Dry chemical may be a good choice for:
- Haul trucks
- Wheel loaders
- Dozers
- Excavators
- Drills
- Forestry machines
- Waste handling equipment
- Slag pot carriers
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Transportation and support equipment
For machines with significant hot-surface risks, cooling needs, or reignition concerns, AFEX may recommend a liquid agent or dual agent system based on the Fire Risk Assessment.
There is no one-size-fits-all fire suppression system. The right solution depends on the machine, application, environment, fire hazards, and operational risk.
Dry Chemical System Features
AFEX dry chemical fire suppression systems are designed for heavy equipment operating in harsh, high-risk environments.
Key features include:
- Total-flooding coverage, especially in well-enclosed areas
- Fast fire knockdown
- Protection for Class A, B, and C fire risks
- Manual and automatic system discharge
- Small system footprint
- Spring-loaded nozzle caps to help keep nozzles clear of debris
- Available in 20, 30, 60, and 125 lb. tank sizes
- Suitable for temperatures as low as -40°F / -40°C
- Third-party tested and approved by FM HDME, Activfire AS 5062, and CE
THERE'S NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL SOLUTION
Fire Risk Assessment
Every machine and application is different. That is why AFEX begins with a Fire Risk Assessment.
A Fire Risk Assessment looks at the machine’s fire hazards, operating environment, operator safety concerns, and the potential financial impact of a fire. This process helps determine the right system type, agent, tank size, nozzle placement, detection layout, and accessories for the application.
The goal is not simply to install a fire suppression system. The goal is to design the right fire suppression system for the equipment, the operator, and the way the machine works every day.
Dry Chemical Fire Protection System in Action
Watch how AFEX dry chemical nozzles distribute agent across the protected area to help maximize coverage and knock down a vehicle fire quickly.
System Accessories
AFEX dry chemical fire suppression systems can be configured with accessories that support operator awareness, system monitoring, machine shutdown, and long-term serviceability.
Available accessories include:
- Stainless steel tubing distribution to reduce the need for costly hose replacements
- Telematic integration through the AFEX Control Unit monitor panel
- Engine shutdown package to help limit intensified fire damage from continued fuel or hydraulic flow
- Fire sleeves for wires and hoses to provide additional heat and flame resistance
- Horn and strobe for secondary audio and visual notification of an alarm condition
- Pushbutton for an electronically monitored means of manual system activation
These accessories help tailor the system to the machine, the environment, and the operational needs of the site.
Fire Protection Systems Made for the Mines
Heavy equipment used in the mining industry includes some of the largest and most expensive machines in operation. These machines work long hours in harsh conditions where hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, electrical components, debris, and heat can create serious fire risks.
AFEX fire suppression systems are purpose-built to withstand the daily abuse mining equipment experiences. Our systems are designed for reliability, low maintenance, and long-term performance in demanding surface and underground mining environments.
AFEX systems protect mining equipment across North America, South America, and other major mining regions around the world.
