Vehicle fire suppression systems are automatic suppression packages designed against fires that can occur in the engine compartments of heavy equipment and passenger and cargo vehicles. The engine compartment is where vehicle fires most often start, because of high temperatures, hydraulic and engine oils, electrical wiring and flammable vapor buildup, and its enclosed, cramped layout means manual suppression is not always possible. The system is mounted on the vehicle as a single package of detection setup, suppressant cylinder(s) and discharge nozzles, and moves with the vehicle's own body.
Dry chemical powder and a chemical liquid are used together as the suppressant. The powder breaks the combustion reaction and puts out the flame quickly, while the liquid cools the area and prevents re-ignition from hot surfaces. This dual action creates more reliable and lasting protection in hot, enclosed, poorly ventilated volumes such as an engine compartment than any single suppressant type could; it also reduces the risk of the area reheating and reigniting after suppression.
The system is preferred in vehicle fleets under heavy working conditions such as mining, construction and logistics because it works effectively on engine and hydraulic oil fires, suits dusty and dirty work environments, has low refill cost and short refill time, and withstands vibration and outdoor conditions. The application covers vehicle groups with engine compartment fire risk, such as heavy equipment, buses, forklifts and garbage trucks; cylinder capacity and nozzle count are designed separately for each vehicle type.
