Fire Protection in a Food Processing Plant, Gauteng

Fire Protection in a Food Processing Plant, Gauteng 

Description of Project

In 2023, Elite Fire Protection was invited to participate in a tender for fire protection at a food processing facility in Gauteng and was subsequently awarded the tender.  

The facility, housing beloved South African brands, specializes in snacks, manufacturing, processing, marketing, and distribution. A company that Elite Fire Protection is proud to do business with. The company values contributing to sustainable economic development through working with employees, their families, local communities, and society at large, and to improve quality of life. 

The project will consist of various sprinkler systems to protect various zones within the plant.  

ProjectFire Protection Systems
Size10500m2 
ScopeFire Sprinkler Systems 
DisciplineDesign, Supply & Installation   

PROJECT SCOPE

Design, Supply and Installation of:  

  • Various Fire Sprinkler Systems  
  • Fire Pumps (diesel)  
  • Wet Sprinkler Control Valves & Deluge Valve 
  • Construction of ICV Chambers 

      PROCESS OUTLINE

      Various Fire Sprinkler System Installations 

      The primary objective of a fire sprinkler system is to serve as the first line of defence to prevent fire growth and spread.  

      The client requires fire sprinkler systems within their offices, canopy, basement, palm olein storage area and warehouse roof. 

      Due to the complexity of the project and the palm olein area, various sprinkler systems will be installed.  

      In summary, the below fire sprinklers will be used:  

      • ESFR (Early suppression fast response). 
      • High hazard CMSA with 25mm sprinkler heads. 
      • Medium Velocity open sprays with pilot line for the palm olein storage area.  
      • Ordinary hazard 15mm brass conventional.  
      • High hazard 20mm brass conventional. 
      ESFR-Sprinkler-head-viking.jpg

      Sprinkler Control Valves

      Fire Pumps 

      The plant will require one diesel fire pump in the pump room. 

      Diesel fire pumps play pivotal roles in fire protection sprinkler systems. The diesel pump, powered by a combustion engine, ensures reliability during power outages, offering a resilient backup. It serves the critical function of maintaining adequate water pressure to extinguish fires, safeguarding lives, and property.  

      Diesel fire pump for food processing plant

      Wet Sprinkler Control Valves and Deluge Valve 

      Sprinkler control valves control the flow of water in an automatic fire sprinkler system. Due to the size of the building, the client’s fire sprinkler system will need a total of 5 (five) valves to enable the system to function.  

      In addition to the warehouse, the client has a palm olein storage area requiring a fire protection system.  

      Palm olein, a flammable liquid, stored in large quantities poses a significant fire risk to facilities when exposed to high temperatures. Its low flashpoint makes it susceptible to ignition, potentially leading to rapid and uncontrollable fires. However, implementing a deluge system can mitigate this risk by swiftly dousing the area with water, cooling the environment, and smothering flames before they escalate. This proactive approach effectively prevents the spread of fires and minimizes potential damage to the facility. 

      Construction of ICV Chambers 

      It’s essential to house Isolation Control Valves (ICV) to shield them from environmental elements and potential tampering. By providing a protective enclosure, ICVs are safeguarded against weather conditions and unauthorized access, ensuring their functionality and reliability in managing water flow within the system. 

      Challenges we foresee:  

      • Limitations of working hours to avoid contamination within the facility in production zones.