Plymovent case study at Broki Metallwaren

The risk of fire under control with SHIELD fire safety solutions

THE CHALLENGE

Since 40 years Broki Metallwaren GmbH & Co. KG has been manufacturing metal components and products, like retail store displays, store racks and shelves. Broki is the leading supplier for individual shop fitting projects in Germany.

Broki has two welding areas where people work in two shifts from 06.00 to 22.00 o`clock. Both welding areas have been equipped with an extraction and filtration system from Plymovent for many years. 14 extraction arms are connected to one central fan and filtration system, a MultiDust® Bank.

Although the processes are dry welding activities, the filter cartridges have caught fire three times in the last 40 years. The main problem of these filter fires are sparks and spatter reaching the filter cartridges. Broki needed a solution to deal with that specific risk of fire.

THE SOLUTION

Broki has been working with Plymovent for many years. After the filter fires it was clear that Broki needed a solution that would reduce this risk of fire.

SHIELD fire safety solutions have been developed –especially– to reduce any risk of fire in the metalworking industry to a minimum. And in the event of a fire, ensure that any consequential damage will be minor. The SHIELD programme contains several components to prevent fire, detect fire and suppress fire in welding fume extraction and filtration systems.

To reduce the risk of fire at Broki three SparkShield units were installed to prevent sparks and spatter from entering the ductwork and reaching the filter cartridges and debris in the dustbin To detect a fire, Plymovent installed heat, spark and smoke detectors. As soon as a signal is detected, ShieldControl activates the suppression products. The sliding valves cut off the airflow immediately and the FlameShield units (fire extinguishers)

extinguish the fire inside the filtration units.

To save valuable floor space, the central fan and filter unit were installed outside. A system control panel makes sure that the system does not waste extra power, making it an energy saving system solution. To keep the system up and running to full satisfaction a Plymovent service/maintenance agreement has been arranged.