EXCEPTIONAL EQUIPMENT FIRE COOLING ABILITIES
What is a Liquid Chemical Fire Suppression System?
A liquid chemical fire suppression system is an onboard fire protection system that uses liquid agent to help suppress fires on heavy equipment and cool high-temperature surfaces. AFEX liquid chemical systems use SAFE-X, a fluorine-free liquid agent designed to suppress Class A debris fires and Class B fuel fires while helping reduce the chance of fire reignition.
These systems are commonly used on equipment with hot surfaces, open hazard areas, combustible debris, fuel exposure, hydraulic risks, and components that may remain hot after the initial fire is suppressed.
Built for High-Heat Equipment Fire Risks
Liquid agent fire suppression is designed for equipment fire risks where cooling is critical.
On heavy equipment, some of the most dangerous fire hazards are tied to heat. Turbochargers, exhaust components, hydraulic areas, and Tier 4 aftertreatment systems can reach high temperatures during normal operation. If fuel, hydraulic fluid, grease, or debris comes into contact with these hot surfaces, fire can spread quickly.
AFEX liquid chemical systems discharge SAFE-X agent through a fixed nozzle network into protected areas of the machine. The agent helps cool hot surfaces, penetrate debris, suppress pooled fuel fires, and form a film that helps interrupt the spread of fire.
This makes liquid chemical fire suppression a strong option for machines where cooling, debris penetration, and reignition control are important.
When is Liquid Agent Fire Suppression a Good Fit?
Liquid agent systems are a strong fit for equipment where cooling hot surfaces and reducing reignition risk are top priorities.
Liquid agent may be a good choice for:
- Forestry machines
- Waste handling equipment
- Construction equipment
- Agricultural equipment
- Transportation and support equipment
- Mining support equipment
- Equipment with Tier 4 aftertreatment components
- Machines with turbochargers, exhaust components, or other high-heat areas
For equipment with enclosed hazard areas where fast knockdown and broad total-flooding coverage are most important, AFEX may recommend a dry chemical system. For machines with both fast knockdown and cooling needs, AFEX may recommend a 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.
Liquid Chemical System Features
AFEX liquid chemical fire suppression systems are designed for heavy equipment applications where cooling, debris penetration, and reignition control are critical.
Key features include:
- Cools hot surfaces in open areas
- Helps reduce the chance of fire reignition
- Penetrates debris and pooled fuel fires
- Protection for Class A & B fire risks
- Manual and automatic system discharge
- Available in 5, 15, and 30 gal. tank sizes
- Suitable for temperatures as low as -40°F / -40°C
- Third-party tested and approved by FM 5970 HDME, Activfire AS 5062, and CE
- Uses SAFE-X fluorine-free liquid agent
SAFE-X LIQUID AGENT
The First Fire Suppression System to Receive AS 5062:2022 Certification
SAFE-X is the liquid agent used in AFEX liquid chemical fire suppression systems. It is certified for use in AFEX liquid agent systems and meets AS 5062:2022 fluorine-free requirements.
SAFE-X is designed for heavy-duty mobile equipment fire risks where cooling, debris penetration, and reignition resistance are important. It helps cool hot components, suppress Class A and Class B fire risks, and reduce the chance that a fire will reignite after initial suppression.
Compared to traditional wet agents, SAFE-X can suppress equipment fires with less agent and faster discharge performance.
Liquid Chemical Suppression System Fighting Equipment Fires
Watch how AFEX liquid chemical nozzles distribute SAFE-X agent across protected areas to help cool hot surfaces, suppress flames, and interrupt fire spread.
System Accessories
AFEX liquid 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.
Needing Both Fast Knockdown and Cooling?
Some machines face fire risks that require more than one type of agent. AFEX dual agent systems combine dry chemical and liquid agent to provide fast flame knockdown, cooling of hot surfaces, and additional protection against reignition.
Dual agent systems may be recommended for larger or more complex machines with fuel, hydraulic fluid, combustible debris, electrical components, and high-heat surfaces in the same protected areas.
