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Automatic Fire Suppression for Laboratory and Filtration Enclosures
Automatic fire suppression systems engineered for fume hoods, extraction systems and filter cabinets. Designed to protect laboratory environments where chemical exposure and enclosed fire risks require controlled, residue-free suppression
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Industry Risk
Fire Exposure in Laboratory and Filtration Systems
Fume hoods and filter cabinets operate in environments where flammable vapors, solvents and chemical residues may be present. These systems combine enclosed airflow channels, electrical components and heat sources within confined spaces.
A fire incident in a laboratory enclosure may result in:
- Laboratory shutdown
- Equipment contamination
- Safety exposure for personnel
- Operational interruption
Because of confined volume and ventilation dynamics, early detection and controlled suppression are critical.
Common Ignition Sources
Typical Fire Hazards in Laboratory Enclosures
Laboratory installations present specific ignition mechanisms due to chemical handling and electrical components operating in enclosed spaces. Ignition inside an enclosure can escalate quickly if not suppressed at an early stage. Primary fire risks include:
Flammable vapor accumulation
Solvent exposure near ignition sources
Short circuits and insulation failure
Static discharge within filtration systems
Protega Fire Suppression Systems
Clean and Controlled Suppression for Enclosed Installations
Protega systems for fume hoods and filter cabinets are typically configured using clean agent (FK-5-1-12) suppression to prevent contamination of laboratory environments.
Systems are designed to:
- Detect elevated temperature inside the enclosure
- Activate automatically without operator intervention
- Discharge non-conductive, residue-free agent
- Preserve sensitive laboratory equipment
Detection can be configured using pneumatic detection tube or linear heat detection with battery-backed module to ensure continued operation during power interruption.
How Our Systems Work
Direct and Indirect Detection Technologies
Protega fire suppression systems can be configured as direct or indirect systems depending on enclosure layout and suppression strategy.
Protega uses a heat-sensitive polymer detection tube as primary detection technology.
Operating Principle:
- The tube is continuously pressurized (approx. 20 bar).
- It is routed through the protected compartment.
- When exposed to flame or critical heat, the polymer softens and ruptures.
- The pressure drop pneumatically activates the suppression system.
This configuration:
- Requires no external power
- Is fully mechanical
- Operates autonomously
- Is suitable for vibration-intensive environments
In a direct system, the pneumatic detection tube performs a dual function: it acts both as the fire detection element and as the discharge line for the extinguishing agent.
The heat-sensitive polymer tube is routed throughout the CNC enclosure, positioned near identified risk zones such as spindle assemblies, tooling areas and lubrication components. The tube is continuously pressurized (approximately 20 bar).
When exposed to flame or critical radiant heat:
- The polymer softens at the hottest point
- The tube ruptures locally
- System pressure drops immediately
- The cylinder valve opens pneumatically
- The extinguishing agent is discharged directly through the rupture point
Because discharge occurs exactly where the highest temperature is detected, suppression is highly localized and immediate.
In an indirect system, the pneumatic detection tube functions solely as the fire detection element. It does not discharge the extinguishing agent.
The heat-sensitive detection tube is routed throughout the CNC enclosure near identified risk zones. The tube remains continuously pressurized (approximately 20 bar).
When exposed to flame or critical radiant heat:
- The polymer softens at the hottest point
- The tube ruptures locally
- System pressure drops immediately
- The cylinder valve opens pneumatically
- The extinguishing agent is discharged through pre-engineered nozzles
Unlike the direct configuration, the extinguishing agent is not released through the rupture point itself. Instead, it is distributed through strategically positioned discharge nozzles that are engineered based on enclosure geometry, airflow patterns and risk concentration areas.
This enables controlled and volumetric suppression within the protected compartment.
Agent selection
Suppression Agents for Electrical Enclosures
Agent selection is based on application-specific fire risk assessment.
FK-5-1-12 Clean Agent
In electrical cabinets and enclosed technical compartments, FK-5-1-12 is commonly applied where clean, residue-free suppression is required.
The agent suppresses fire primarily through rapid heat absorption, interrupting the combustion process without reducing oxygen concentration to unsafe levels.
Technical characteristics:
- Electrically non-conductive
- Leaves no residue
- Rapid heat absorption
- Safe for sensitive electronics
- Suitable for occupied environments
FK-5-1-12 configurations are engineered according to enclosure volume, electrical load profile and integration requirements. Agent selection is defined during technical assessment to ensure compatibility with safety and operational standards.
CO₂ (Where Applicable)
In specific enclosed technical compartments, CO₂ configurations may be applied where clean gaseous suppression is required and personnel exposure is controlled.
CO₂ suppresses fire by reducing oxygen concentration within the protected enclosure, interrupting the combustion process without leaving residue.
Technical characteristics:
- Electrically non-conductive
- No residue after discharge
- Effective for enclosed compartments
- Rapid oxygen displacement
- Suitable for sealed technical enclosures
CO₂ configurations are engineered case-by-case based on enclosure volume, accessibility and safety requirements. Application is defined during the engineering assessment to ensure compliance with operational and personnel safety considerations.
Designed for Laboratory Integration
Compact and Controlled Installation
Laboratory equipment requires careful integration to avoid disruption of airflow or operational performance.
Protega systems are engineered for:
- Compact cylinder placement
- Flexible detection routing
- Minimal interference with ventilation design
- Integration with ventilation shut-off mechanisms where required
System configuration is defined during application-specific engineering assessment.
Benefits of a Protega System
Supporting Safe and Continuous Operations
24/7 Autonomous Protection
Prevents contamination of precision components and machining surfaces.
Protection of sensitive electronics
Non-conductive clean agent discharge safeguards control systems.
Reduced equipment replacement cost
Early suppression limits secondary damage to high-value components.
Autonomous activation
Continuous monitoring without reliance on operator intervention.
System Architecture
Engineered System Design for Machine Integration
A typical installation configuration may include:
- Suppression cylinder
- Detection tube or linear heat detection cable
- Discharge nozzles (indirect systems)
- Control module (for monitored systems)
- Integration interface for alarms
Integration & Optional Add-ons:
- Manual activation button
- Visual and audible alarms
- Pressure monitoring switches
- Remote monitoring interface
- Signal output to machine control
Certification & Quality Management
Regulatory Compliance and Controlled Manufacturing Standards
CE certified manufacturing
ISO 9001 certified quality management system
In-house engineering and production
Installation by Protega or certified partners
OEM and Laboratory Integration
Engineered for Equipment Manufacturers and Facility Operators
Protega supports collaboration with laboratory equipment manufacturers, filtration system suppliers and facility engineers. System configuration is tailored to enclosure geometry, airflow characteristics and chemical exposure profile to ensure safe and reliable integration.