The term “space industry” refers to the economic activities related to manufacturing components that go in the Earth’s orbit or beyond, delivering them to those regions and other related services. There are many elements that make up the space industry.
Aerospace is the human effort in science, engineering, and business to fly in the atmosphere of Earth (aeronautics) and surrounding space (astronautics). Aerospace organizations research, design, manufacture, operate or maintain aircraft or spacecraft.
Aerospace manufacturing is a high-technology industry that produces aircraft, guided missiles, space vehicles, aircraft engines, propulsion units and related parts. Like most manufacturing efforts, there are many elements to aerospace manufacturing. A series of complex and expensive machinery is used to make and transport the hundreds of thousands of parts that go into each spacecraft.
The manufacturing of spacecraft is usually spread out across different facilities; conventional machine shops for mechanical components, clean rooms for electrical parts and large final assembly facilities.
Spacecraft can take years to produce and cost billions of pounds. Therefore, it is imperative that suitable fire detection is in place to protect valuable machinery, manufactured parts and human life from fire.
What are the Risks?
Like any manufacturing process, manufacturing spacecraft entails a number of components that can cause a fire if they develop faults or the correct procedures are not followed.
- Machinery
- Conveyors, robotic arms and other machinery can cause a fire to break out if they are not properly maintained.
- Welding
- Spacecraft manufacturing involves a lot of welding to connect various parts together. Welding sparks can easily start a fire if they are to come into contact with flammable materials.
- Oils and Chemicals
- Paints, thinners, oils and fuels can be extremely flammable and can cause a fire to catch and spread very quickly.
- Dirt and Debris
- Dust and dirt caused by the manufacturing process can also cause a fire to spread very quickly.
What are the Challenges?
Along with the increased risks, there are also plenty of hurdles that need to be overcome when providing reliable fire detection for spacecraft manufacturing facilities:
- High and Unpredictable Airflows
- Extractors, air-conditioning systems and large open spaces that are present in most manufacturing facilities can hinder the reliability of traditional types of smoke detection.
- Moving Parts
- Fires can be difficult to detect on moving or travelling parts such as conveyors or robotic arms.
- Obstacles
- Obstacles such as machinery, racking and storage cabinets can interfere with the movement of smoke and make it difficult to detect.
- Hazardous Materials
- Fumes and other contaminants caused by hazardous and flammable chemicals can impact the reliability of some detection types.
What is the Solution?
FyreLine linear heat detection provides an ideal solution for protecting elements of spacecraft manufacturing facilities from fire. It is not affected by airflow, is impervious to fumes or contaminants and can be installed along moving components to provide fast and reliable fire detection. A FyreLine linear heat detection system also provides an accurate location of any fire or overheat events so that fires can be investigated and dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Heat sensing cable can be installed around areas that are prone to overheating and a variety of outer sheaths are available to protect the cable from mechanical abrasion, UV rays and hazardous chemicals.
There are two types of FyreLine available:
FyreLine Digital
FyreLine Digital provides fixed heat detection at rated temperatures of 68°C, 88°C, 105°C or 185°C. Once the detection cable reaches its rated temperature, a signal is sent to the fire alarm control panel which will then deal with the event accordingly.
FyreLine Analogue
FyreLine Analogue continually monitors for changes in temperature and triggers an alarm once its user-specified temperature is reached. This also gives the user the option to set a pre-alarm temperature, allowing the user an opportunity to investigate a potential fire before the alarm is raised.
A Hybrid Solution
Due to its switch-like nature, FyreLine linear heat detection can be combined with a Wi-Fyre wireless fire detection system to provide a wireless solution.
When installed into the fire alarm system via a compatible interface, a Wi-Fyre transponder can communicate wirelessly with up to 30 mixed field devices such as wireless manual call points, wireless detectors, wireless sounders and wireless input/output devices.
In this instance, a Wi-Fyre wireless I/O device can be used to relay the signal from the FyreLine system wirelessly to the fire alarm control panel. This eliminates the need for excessive cabling and allows a system to be expanded or rearranged with ease.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre manufactures and supplies all aspects of fire detection including linear heat detection and its associated products and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including FyreLine linear heat detection systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Linear Heat Detection, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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