Safeguarding Pulp & Paper Operations from Fire Risks

Pulp & Paper

Protecting High-Risk Areas to Ensure Operational Continuity

Enhancing Fire Safety in Pulp & Paper Manufacturing

The pulp and paper industry depends on seamless operations to maintain efficiency and productivity. However, frequent fire incidents and explosions disrupt these processes, leading to significant costs and safety risks. As production scales, the likelihood of fire outbreaks grows, making proactive fire safety measures more critical than ever.

High-risk areas such as flash dryers and slab presses are particularly vulnerable to fires and dust explosions. By addressing these hazards with advanced detection and suppression systems, facilities can enhance safety, reduce disruptions, and optimize operations for continuous efficiency in the pulp and paper industry.

Identifying the Problems and Solutions

The Problems

  • Fire-Prone Areas: Critical zones like IR-dryers, mills, and filters are highly susceptible to fires and explosions
  • Rapid Fire Spread: Fires can quickly escalate, causing extensive damage to machinery and the facility
  • High-Risk IR-Dryers: Common in both paper and packaging industries, IR-dryers are frequent sources of fires, leading to costly and prolonged production halts
  • Conveyor Risks in Pulp Yards: Long conveyors transporting wood chips are vulnerable to fires caused by overheating or damaged bearings
  • Operational Disruptions: Fire incidents result in significant downtime, repair costs, and safety risks for employees and assets

The Solutions

  • Advanced Heat Detection: Implement Firefly’s specialized systems to detect heat sources in machines and surrounding areas, preventing potential ignition
  • Combustible Dust Risk Mitigation: Address the significant fire risk posed by wood and paper dust, responsible for 24% of combustible dust incidents in the U.S.
  • Rapid Fire Suppression: Utilize quick-response suppression systems to extinguish fires before they spread, minimizing damage and operational disruption
  • Protect Critical Machinery: Safeguard high-value equipment like paper machines, avoiding lengthy replacement times and prolonged startup periods
  • Proactive Risk Management: Detect and neutralize fire hazards early to maintain continuous production and reduce costly downtime

Firefly IR-Guard™

The Firefly IR-Guard™ solution offers advanced fire protection for mills and filters in the pulp and paper industry. Using infrared technology, it detects sparks and hot particles, ensuring early intervention to prevent fire outbreaks. Detected heat sources are swiftly extinguished with water spray, CO2 isolation, or water mist suppression, depending on the specific application needs.

Designed as a Quick Suppression System, the IR-Guard™ provides rapid flame detection and efficient water mist suppression, delivering optimal protection for critical components in the production chain. By safeguarding high-value assets and processes, Firefly’s IR-Guard™ enhances safety and minimizes disruptions in pulp and paper manufacturing.

Firefly IR guard.

Explore Additional Resources

Access detailed resources on Firefly’s solutions for the Pulp & Paper industry.

Firefly ConveyorGuard™pdf
Firefly EXIMIOpdf
Firefly Quick Suppression Systempdf
Firefly Spark Detectionpdf
View More Resources

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