1. Inadequate or malfunctioning fire protection systems can result in production downtime.

2.Workplace safety concerns resulting from fire, deflagration or explosions are very significant.

3.External insurers may increase insurance premiums or decline coverage if fire protection is not appropriately addressed.

4. Financing for operations or planned capital expansion may not be available if fire protection is not addressed.
Viz. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the reference standard for fire safety. The relevant sections are NFPA 61,68,69,91,654, and 664. More information or a copy of the standards can be found at www.nfpa.org.

Employees and workers in biomass and wood fibre conversion plants/mills should always be mindful of the potential fire hazard.

Allied Blower & Sheet Metal Ltd’s five Canadian service centers specialize in turnkey fire protection, dust collection, conveying  & HVAC systems, and offer several key biomass refinery plant design-engineering tips:

1. Consider spark detection at the earliest phase of dust system design. Fire protection equipment requires certain features that are difficult to make allowance for after equipment selection and equipment locations have been finalized.

2. Determine the likeliest sources of sparks and install spark detection equipment as close to the source as possible.

3. By optimizing pipe sizing in the system for air volume and flow allows for the most efficient selection and location of spark detection equipment. For example, system velocity higher than required leads to greater pipe length required for activation of protection devices.

For more pro-forma tips and fire protection audit check list information for biomass, wood/biomass and wood-to-energy plants contact www.alliedblower.com 604-930-7000.