German firefighting system manufacturer FireDos asserts that its foam proportioning systems are fit for mining tasks in Southern Africa.

The company boasts a variety of foam proportioning systems ranging from type FD500, FD1000 and FD1600, which are used at a depth of 6 km. In the undertaking of its mining case study, the company has concluded that mine water and cold weather conditions pose significant challenges.

FireDos asserts that mining machines are often operated with highly flammable liquids, meaning that fire protection demands are correspondingly high.

South African mines are said to use compact FireDos proportioners supplied through fire protection equipment supplier DoseTech, and these include types FD500, FD1000 and FD1600. These foam proportioners protect conveyor belts in case of fire. The units are part of a sprinkler extinguishing system with deluge valve, with 1% used as the foam concentrate (AFFF).

For easy transport, the proportioning systems, foam concentrate tank and valves are mounted on portable skids, protected by a grid. Individual elements can be easily replaced during maintenance.

The quality of the mine water is a critical factor when using the proportioning mixing systems in a mine. The lime content is very high. Over an extended period, the lime calcifies and can cause a potential blockage. For this reason, the water quality was carefully checked before installation. Regular maintenance and regular cleaning every six months are essential to ensuring the safe operation of the units.

FireDos stresses that its proportioners should be able to work at low temperatures and emphasises reliability as its highest priority. It adds that the testing and maintenance should be seamless, without the consumption of foam concentrate.

FireDos convened a second case study where it worked with Canadian industrial company Novota Engineering to install a stationary foam proportioner in the historical location of the Yukon gold mine in Canada, a region known for its freezing weather environment, with the climate reaching -50°C.

The FireDos stationary proportioner, FD500/1 (vertical, 1% proportioning rate) was installed in a container, complete with foam concentrate tank, fire pump, alarm control panel and heating.

FireDos proportioners are a solely mechanical construction, meaning that they are reliable and provide a long service life under tough weather conditions. Operated by the extinguishing water flow only, they are independent from any auxiliary power supply, making them highly suitable for remote mines or sites.

Novota Engineering and the installation team on site successfully managed the FireDos proportioner installation in freezing weather conditions.

After the installation, the enclosure was handed over to the mine safety team, which tested the system thoroughly, and will conduct the required maintenance and yearly testing in the future.