Conveyor Belt Fire Protection System

Underground conveyor belt fire protection system, for use in areas that does not have a dedicated
fire water main supply available.
1. Componets
a. Infrared temperature measurement that can be recorded and trended graphically.
b. We must propose a fire protection solution with costing for design, consulting and
commissioning.
c. A contractor will install the equipment as per specification and then commission the
systems.
d. The design must conform to NFPA 16 and NFPA 750 Codes of Practice.
e. The fire systems control must have the ability to interface to the existing client network.
f. The mine will install a graphic display for the fire systems on their network.
2. Regularity Issues
a. The fire systems designs must conform to NFPA 15 or NFPA 16 and NFPA 750.
b. Mine regulations pertaining to fire protection apply.
c. Insurance requirements pertaining to fire protection apply.
d. Environmental regulations apply.

3. Design parameters
The proposed fire systems design will comply with the required regulations pertaining to fire
suppression systems in mines and works. The design is based upon research indicating that belt
slippage is the main cause of conveyor belt fires on hard rock conveyor belts. The class of
combustible material is A-Class with B-Class materials such as grease, oils and hydraulic fluids
sometimes present. All of these types of fire hazards can be controlled and ultimately extinguished
by means of a water mist spray or foam water mist spray with a specific density, water droplet size
and temperature. The fire system design is based upon a live-fire feedback automatic control, thus
allowing for continuous fire protection (continuous or intermittent water mist spray) without the
need for human intervention or control. An added advantage of the system is that continuous
scanning of the conveyor belt surface temperature can, now prevent potential ignition sources
from developing and ultimately result in conveyor belt fires. The infrared temperature scanners will
detect an undue rise in belt temperature immediately and alarms can be raised long before
ignition temperatures are reached. The control system is programmed to actuate water sprays
upon preset temperature levels on the belt surface (alarm only at 60C and spray activation at
68C). When these temperatures decrease below alarm levels then the control system will shut off
the water sprays if fed from a permanent water supply. This action can be repeated automatically
by the control system for as long as is necessary. Interlinks are provided in the control system for
automatic belt shut down outputs in the event of a fire alarm, but these are programmed in
conjunction with client process requirements. Included in the infrared temperature scanner's field
of view will be the bearing housings of the drive equipment being the main, tail endchris and
tensioner pullies and where necessary. All equipment is robust and rated for use in mines and
corrosive environments.
Nitro FS Conveyor Belt Fire Systems outlay
a. The proposal entails the supply of a modular protection kit. Such a kit will be configured to
protect a conveyor belt drive head pulley assembly, or tail end pulley assembly, or tensioner
pulley assembly. The only variances in equipment will be in the quantity of individual
components required for a specific purpose. A set of standard installation and usage
instructions are issued as part of each system design.
b. The required components to make up a complete modular fire system will be designed and
specified for the mine.
Typical Control System Layout (Optional and not quoted for)

Control Layout

Typical Underground NitroFS System Installations

The details are as follows:

The supply and installation of a NitroFS 500L (Nitrogen Foam System) for conveyor belts under
ground or surface application. After work has been engineered, at least 2 x NitroFS 500 L systems
will be installed on each belt. Ember flame detectors with linear heat protectowire will be installed
at each head and end drive pulleys and connected to the fire control panel. The systems can be
connected to your PLC system. The system can notify the user of a fire or maintenance on the

specific belt that has gone into alarm.

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