ANSUL Introduces Design and Materials to Ensure Customers Meet New MHSA Battery Charging Station Requirements

Marinette, Wisconsin and Las Vegas, NV, September 22, 2008: ANSUL®, a premium brand of Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products (TFS&BP), today announced it will showcase the latest technology to detect, suppress, cool, and secure fires that occur in surface and underground mobile equipment at MINExpo in Las Vegas, September 22-25, 2008. These state-of-the-art technologies include dry chemical systems, twin-agent systems, triple IR detection systems and actuation systems. ANSUL is also announcing it has designs to help customers meet the new Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) fire safety requirements for underground battery charging stations.

On July 28, 2008, MHSA issued a Program Information Bulletin (PIB) outlining requirements for the protection of unattended battery charging stations and other unattended electrically powered equipment used in underground coal mines with automatic fire suppression systems. As per this PIB, all mine operators with non-conforming fire suppression systems will need to either modify or replace their current systems with ones that meet the regulations. ANSUL has introduced at MINExpo conceptual designs, including bills of material, to assist customers in updating their fire suppression systems in the field, which will include several of the products showcased at the show.

“ANSUL has been a leader in manufacturing fire suppression products across several different industries for years, including state-of-the-art equipment designed for mining safety,” said Bill Smith, vice president, sales, Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. “While TYCO/ANSUL is deeply committed to developing the most innovative solutions to address our customers’ complex needs and improve their bottom line, fire protection and safety has always been our top priority. Our products meet MHSA requirements and cover nearly every aspect of underground mining in order to help crews reduce the risk of serious injuries, while also improving efficiency by cutting costs related to equipment repair/replacement and greatly reducing worker downtime.”

ANSUL will also be showcasing and discussing a number of advanced fire detection and suppression systems optimally suited for high-risk mining applications. They include, but are not limited to:

The ANSUL A-101 Mobile Equipment Fire Suppression System. This system discharges proven ANSUL FORAY® multipurpose dry chemical agent, quickly combating flames. With tank capacities from 10 to 250 lbs (4.5 -113.4 kg), the A-101 fixed-nozzle system can be designed to flood entire volumes with the chemical agent, or can be aimed at specific high-hazard areas.

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Suppresses flames quickly & efficiently
• Floods entire volumes, or specific areas
• Protects and extends life of machinery
• Optimized for specific applications, with several versions available

The ANSUL LT-A-101/LVS Twin-Agent Fire Suppression Systems. The ANSUL LT-A-101/LVS Twin-Agent Fire Suppression Systems provides the combined effects of dry chemical and liquid agents. While the FORAY dry chemical knocks down the flames, the LVS agent cools surrounding areas and helps minimize the possibility of reflash.

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Provides maximum benefits with twin-agent approach
• Added liquid agent blankets fuel and cuts off oxygen while cooling the fuel and surrounding areas
• Helps prevent fire reflash
• Highly effective in applications where superheated equipment is used

The ANSUL LVS-5 Liquid Agent Fire Suppression System.   When paired with an A-101 dry chemical system, this compact new model is designed to provide the benefits of a twin-agent system on low-profile equipment found in underground mining applications.  Stored in a 5-gallon (18.9 L) tank, the LVS agent cools surrounding areas, helping to suppress the fire and prevent reflash. Additionally, because it is liquid, the LVS agent flows along the same path as burning fuels to reach and suppress fires in areas dry agents might not.

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Ideal for smaller pieces of equipment with minimal room for installation
• Helps prevents reflash
• Cools the surrounding areas

CHECKFIRE®, DETECTION & ACTUATION SYTEMS. Exclusive ANSUL CHECKFIRE detection and actuation systems provide detection, alarm, machine shutdown and actuation—all automatically, if required.

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Resists shock & vibration with rugged control modules
• Features internal diagnostics and internal/external power sources
• Thermal linear wire or spot detectors, with triple IR option
• Optimized for specific applications, with several versions available

SHARPEYE™ 20/20 TRIPLE IR DETECTOR. ANSUL SharpEye infrared detection provides advanced triple-IR flame detection. Added to existing linear wire or spot detection, the beginnings of fire are detected much sooner. SharpEye features include sensitivity selection, automatic built-in testing, compact size and 100-degree field of vision. 

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Provides advanced triple-IR flame detection
• Detects fires quickly
• Includes multiple features for maximum effectiveness

RED LINE® BACKUP SUPPORT. As backup to the primary fire suppression system, ANSUL RED LINE dry chemical cartridge-operated extinguishers are recommended. These rugged, reliable handheld units are a proven means of extinguishing a wide range of Class A, B and C fires, and provide that extra measure of protection as required by authorities having jurisdiction.

    Benefits at a Glance:

• Provides reliable and efficient means of manual fire extinguishment
• Suppresses Class A, B and C fires
•  Offers additional means of protection, as required by authorities

For more information, please visit www.ansul.com

About ANSUL
ANSUL® is a premium brand of Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. The full line of ANSUL special hazard fire protection products includes fire extinguishers and hand line units; pre-engineered restaurant, vehicles, and industrial systems; sophisticated fire detection/suppression systems and a complete line of dry chemical, foam, and gaseous extinguishing agents. ANSUL products are developed and tested at the ANSUL Fire Technology Center, one of the most extensive fire research and testing facilities in the world. ANSUL products meet the demanding challenge of industry and commerce, including high hazard/high risk markets such as automotive, aviation, mining, chemical and petro-chemical, utility, fire service, and metal manufacturing/processing industries. www.ansul.com

About Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products
Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products is a strategically aligned business unit with globally recognized products sold under leading brands including ANSUL, GRINNELL MECHANICAL, HYGOOD, PYRO-CHEM, RAPID RESPONSE, SKUM, and TYCO FIRE & BUILDING PRODUCTS. Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products produces fire protection and ancillary building construction solutions for commercial, industrial, institutional, governmental, and residential customers. Heavy emphasis is placed on research and development resulting in innovations and global approvals covering specialized chemical and water-based fire technologies. Key products include manual firefighting equipment, detection/suppression systems, extinguishing agents, sprinkler systems, valves, piping products, and fittings.