MINIBUS SYSTEMS

AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS

Compact fire suppression systems for minibuses

Most minibus fires start in the engine compartment. Automatic fire suppression can extinguish a fire before the driver has even detected it, minimising disruption and repair costs.

Our minibus fire suppression system offers reliable fire protection designed to fit minibus engine compartments. The ABC Dry Chemical agent provides rapid fire knock-down and excellent coverage, even getting to hard-to-reach areas of the engine compartment. The linear detection and distribution tubing discharge the extinguishing agent directly to the area where it is most needed to provide fast, effective fire suppression.

KEY BENEFITS
Direct fire detection

The suppression agent discharges from the ruptured detection tubing at the closest point to the fire, suppressing it in a matter of seconds.

Rapid fire knock-down

The Forman Minibus Fire Suppression System uses ABC Dry Chemical powder, which provides the fastest suppression time and excellent coverage.

Cost-effective

Our compact minibus systems are easy to install and maintain. They can be quickly reinstated after deployment with minimal downtime and repair costs.

Fully automatic

The system requires no manual operation, with automatic detection and suppression, for minimal downtime and repair costs.

ABC Dry Chemical Agent

In a study commissioned by the Fire Protection Research Foundationanalysing the impact various extinguishing agents on Class A materials, ABC Dry Chemical showed the fastest extinguishing time using the least amount of agent.

Compared to water mist, the dry chemical extinguishing agent was able to extinguish the fire in half the time using half the quantity of agent.

Table showing efficacy of dry powder suppression agent for minibus fire suppression

Efficacy of Suppression Agents with Regard to Extinguishing Time, Discharge Time and Discharge Volume

1 Scheffey, J.L. and Forssell, E.W., “Measuring the Impact of Fire Extinguisher Agents on Cultural Resource Materials – Final Report,” Fire Protection Research Foundation, Quincy, MA, February 2010.

How the Forman Minibus System Works

The Forman Minibus Fire Suppression System is designed for local application within the engine compartment of minibuses. The system comprises of linear detection tubing routed around the engine compartment, with a focus on the fire hazard areas. When a fire ignites, the gas in the tubing is heated, causing the tube to burst and distribute the extinguishing agent from the point of rupture.

The Dry Chemical agent is extremely effective at suppressing most types of fire and offers high coverage rates thanks to its excellent dispersion properties. Rapid suppression means minimal downtime and vehicle damage, as well as increased safety for driver and passengers.

Sample Minibus Fire Suppression System

The Forman Minibus Fire Suppression System offers full flexibility in the scope of the system. The basic system provides complete fire protection, and optional features can be added to deliver driver warnings or audio messages.

A pressure switch is included which allows an LED to be fitted on the dashboard to alert the driver if the fire suppression system is activated.

  • Linear Detection Tubing
  • Dry Chemical Agent Tank
  • Pressure Switch
  • Pressure Gauge

Forman Vehicle Services Automatic Minibus Fire Suppression System

Integrations and features

The Forman Vehicle Services Minibus Fire Suppression System is designed to be cost-effective and to fit into the smallest of spaces. A number of integrations are available for customers who want a more comprehensive system.

VMMS Multi-Message Unit

The Forman Fire Suppression System can be linked to the V-Series VMMS unit. This allows audible warnings to be delivered to the bus driver through a speaker installed in the driver’s cab, alerting of fire suppression system status and activation.

If additional features such as the smoke detector and temperature pre-warn sensors are included, the VMMS also delivers high temperature and smoke detected warnings to the driver.

High Temperature Pre-Warn Sensors

The high temperature pre-warn sensors are installed in the engine bay and connects to the VMMS unit. This allows the VMMS to deliver high engine temperature warnings to the driver. The sensors alert the driver when engine compartment temperatures exceed normal operating temperatures. This allows the driver to safely stop the bus, lowering the temperature of the engine and potentially preventing the fire altogether.

Smoke Detector

The smoke detector is recommended for the upper deck of double-decker vehicles. It links for the VMMS system to provide voice alerts to the driver if smoke is detected on the top deck of the bus.

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