Martens Wood Waste Solutions Case Study

At the heart of any waste facility is the plant and equipment it needs to operate efficiently. Material handlers, wheel loaders and telehandlers work hard every day to make the business a success.

Buying or leasing this plant is a significant investment, yet unless an insurer stipulates fire suppression, it is often left off the machine. This might be a short-term saving, but it creates a longer-term risk.

No one knows when or where a fire will start, but we all know they happen. Plant works long hours in demanding environments, often drawing debris into the machine and needing regular maintenance and cleaning. Combine this with hot turbochargers, engine manifolds, hydraulic pumps and several hundred litres of diesel and hydraulic fluid, and the risk is clear. Fitting an approved fire suppression system mitigates it, protecting both people and assets.

The challenge

Leading Dutch wood recycling company, Martens Wood Waste Solutions adds value to wood waste, processing shavings and agro-fibre into ground cover for stables and wood pellets that fuel boilers as green energy.

The facility had previously suffered a fire that damaged both its machines and its buildings. Following the fire, its insurer required fire suppression to be fitted to every machine.

The solution

Martens approached Reacton partner A.M.C., where David Cooninx advised on the approved fire suppression system best suited to their needs. They selected a Reacton Dual Agent system with a Manual Actuator.

As of today, 7+ machines are now protected by Reacton systems.

The result

The decision was recently put to the test. Unknown to the operator, a fire had started near the turbo of a JCB 427 loader. The detection tube routed above it burst and the system suppressed the fire before it caused any damage. A.M.C. attended site, replaced the detection tube, recommissioned the system and checked the rest of the fleet.

"Not only did the Reacton fire suppression system protect the operator, it saved the cost of replacing the JCB 427 plus the downtime, which itself would have run into hundreds of thousands of euros. Great product Reacton, great service A.M.C., we are satisfied." - Martens Wood Waste Solutions

Why Reactons Dual Agent was select

Reacton offers both single and dual agent systems. Our Dual Agent configuration combines the individual features of Dry Powder and Wet Chemical in one highly effective solution. Dry Powder provides rapid flame knockdown, while the cooling and blanketing properties of Wet Chemical prevent re-ignition.

Compared with single-agent extinguishing mediums, Dual Agent can reduce automatic fire suppression system size by up to 40%, and it needs no electrical power to operate.

Our heavy equipment fire suppression components and systems are approved and certified to SPCR183, SPCR199 and AS5062:2016 standards.

In conclusion

Waste operations will continue to face the risk of fire, so comprehensive fire safety measures are essential. By fitting approved fire suppression to mobile and static plant and equipment, operators can protect people and assets and avoid the devastating fires and consequential losses that can lead to temporary or even permanent business closure.

Our dedication to innovation and research and development means your heavy plant and equipment are protected to the highest level, giving you peace of mind when operating in some of the most demanding environments in the world.