Pionee­ring Gre­Con Ex­tin­guis­hing Noz­z­le Tech­no­lo­gy

Fire prevention is the best precaution against ignition sources and potential fire hazards in industrial production processes. When an ignition source occurs, quick action is crucial to prevent fires. While prevention starts with the detection of these ignition sources, this article focuses on one of the most critical subsequent steps for ensuring overall success: rapid and efficient extinguishing through highly specialised GreCon extinguishing nozzle technology.

What makes GreCon’s nozzle application so demonstrably reliable and successful? How can an optimal spray pattern be achieved, consisting of numerous small and evenly distributed water droplets, to effectively neutralise the energy of ignition sources? And what role do customised protection concepts play in ensuring maximum protection when using nozzles?

This article delves into the foundations that GreCon customers have relied upon for over 50 years.

The Extinguishing Power of Water

Factors and Functionality of the Natural Barrier

A small spark in the production chain can cause significant damage if left unnoticed. Fortunately, there is a highly efficient natural barrier that can neutralise the spark’s energy: plain water.

The general extinguishing effect for spark detection and extinguishing systems is based on two principles: cooling and displacement. Under real conditions, these principles work together like a perfectly coordinated team, maximising the extinguishing effect of water and effectively controlling incipient fires. GreCon extinguishing nozzles create the optimal conditions for this process. However, without the right strategy, the potential remains untapped. This is where the GreCon protection concept comes into play, providing the strategic foundation for comprehensive fire protection.

Customised Protection Concepts for Optimal Nozzle Deployment

No two industrial processes are alike, each requiring specific protection concepts. While this is not a new insight, it is crucial for planning nozzle deployment efficiently and effectively.

Various installations and obstructions, such as complex internal areas of machinery, determine the placement of extinguishing nozzles, as they can interfere with performance parameters such as spray angle and the range of the mist.

Understanding these individual challenges allows for tailor-made solutions to be developed for each process step. Armed with the necessary knowledge and technology, Fagus-GreCon incorporates customised protection concepts as an integral part of customer-oriented solutions.

The advantages are clear:

• Optimised and minimal water usage to effectively control potential hazards, without wasting resources or unnecessarily flooding systems.
• Significantly reduced water consumption while maintaining extinguishing performance, preserving equipment and minimising water damage to production facilities.

No-Go Zone for Ignition Sources Using Highly Specialised Extinguishing Nozzle Technology

Optimal Spray Patterns Catch Every Threat

The dynamic spray pattern of our specially developed nozzles plays a key role in ensuring the effectiveness of the fire protection system. It is vital that the extinguishing system operates efficiently.

As illustrated in the diagram, the precise droplet distribution of the GreCon hollow cone nozzle enables optimal coverage of the defined area without introducing excessive water into the pipe system. In conjunction with airflow, this ensures an even and optimal distribution, so every spark approaching the extinguishing zone is effectively captured and extinguished.

The water input is optimised for extinguishing, delivering maximum results from the minimal possible water usage. Moreover, the reaction times of the GreCon spark detection and extinguishing system are so fast that the distance between the spark detector and the nozzle can be kept to a minimum – ideal for adequately securing production sections with very short pipe installations.

GreCon Nozzle Design in Detail

Behind the dynamic spray pattern is a well-thought-out nozzle construction that produces droplets with an optimal size and maximum surface area. This significantly enhances the droplets’ ability to absorb energy efficiently, ensuring ignition sources are quickly and reliably extinguished, which greatly improves safety in industrial environments.

The design of the GreCon nozzles is distinguished by larger channels and boreholes in the swirl plates, which provide high resistance to contamination – even at a water pressure of only 4 bar.

Small Droplets, Big Impact

Spark detection and extinguishing systems and machinery fire protection are essential components in safeguarding your production process. When a system or spark extinguishing action is required, you can rely on the interaction of highly specialised nozzles and effective detection, backed by over 50 years of experience from your fire protection specialist, Fagus-GreCon!

In the end, it’s the optimised water application that deprives sparks, smouldering nests, or hot particles of the energy needed to ignite devastating industrial fires that could cause property damage and production downtime.

Interested or questions? Make an appointment with our fire protection experts now and get comprehensive advice on the possibilities and benefits of GreCon technology in use.