When it comes to preventing the tragic consequences of an explosion, time is the most important factor. Fike Explosion Suppression systems are designed to detect and chemically suppress an explosion in its earliest (incipient) stages. Explosion pressures reach dangerous levels in less than 50 milliseconds, and with Fike's unique detector technology, the deflagration can be detected in less than 1 millisecond! Additionally, the Fike GCA (Gas Cartridge Actuator), used to activate Fike's explosion suppression and explosion isolation systems, offers the fastest, most reliable response time on the market. The GCA also lowers maintenance costs and plant downtime because of its 10 year service life -- competitor's conventional detonators recommend a replacement every 12 months!

In addition, a Fike Explosion Suppression system controls any ensuing fire and reduces the propagation of the flame front to other process equipment. Because explosion suppression does not vent flame or other material, it is the solution of choice when toxic materials are being handled, equipment is located indoors, or venting exposes personnel to the discharge of pressure and flame.

Fike provides solution-based designs so you can expect an explosion protection strategy based on your specific needs. An explosion suppression system from Fike offers a variety of distinct advantages:

• Extinguishes the flame within the equipment, preventing fire damage.
• Fike uses "zero restriction" patented dispersion nozzles to reduce response time and increase agent discharge velocity.
• For added reliability, Fike control circuit designs provide continued service even if two of the wires become severed by some type of facility upset.
• Suppresses Class ST III dust explosion hazards - offering your business the highest level of industrial explosion protection.
• Prevents pressure piling and secondary explosions with interconnected equipment.
• Retains toxic or valuable material within the process equipment.
• Integrates with the process controls to enable other protection devices, process shutdown, and remote annunciation devices.
• Uses gas cartridges instead of explosive charges to release suppressant, providing a safer, more reliable initiation device with longer service and shelf life.
• FM approved; meets or exceeds global standards including ATEX, NFPA 69, and CSA; validated by CIBA in Switzerland. Fike is the only explosion protection manufacturer with all of these third party endorsements.

No one solution is right for everyone. Knowing the explosibility characteristics of the potential fuel is necessary to design an effective explosion suppression system. Fike has its own Testing facility to perform these, as well as other pertinent tests, to help identify which safety and protection equipment is correct for your application.