Fully Automatic System Tailored to Your Application No External Power Required 24/7 Protection Built for Harsh Environments Engineered for Mobile Equipment Certified for Regulated Markets Fully Autonomous Operation Manufactured In-House Designed for Operational Continuity Fast Detection & Suppression Compact System Design R107 Approved Vehicle Systems CE Certified Manufacturing Installation by Certified Partners
Automatic Fire Suppression for Critical Terminal Operations
Autonomous fire suppression systems engineered for port and terminal equipment. Designed for continuous operation, high engine loads and corrosive maritime environments.
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Industry Risk
Fire Exposure in Port and Terminal Equipment
Port equipment operates under continuous mechanical and thermal stress. Container handlers, reach stackers and straddle carriers handle heavy loads while running high-capacity engines and hydraulic systems.
These machines operate in environments where:
- Downtime disrupts logistics chains
- Equipment replacement costs are substantial
- Continuous availability is operationally critical
Fire incidents in port environments can escalate rapidly, affecting terminal productivity and safety.
Automatic detection and suppression reduce escalation risk in high-value mobile equipment.
Common Ignition Sources
Typical Fire Hazards in Container Handling Equipment
Port machinery combines heat, hydraulic pressure and fuel systems within confined engine compartments. In high-availability environments, early suppression is essential to limit operational disruption.
High-Load Engine Operation
Container handlers operate under heavy load cycles, generating extreme engine and exhaust temperatures.
Hydraulic Oil Under Pressure
Hydraulic systems used for lifting and stacking containers may leak onto hot surfaces.
Fuel System Exposure
Diesel engines and fuel lines increase ignition potential in enclosed compartments.
Continuous Multi-Shift Operation
Equipment often operates around the clock, reducing inspection intervals and increasing cumulative thermal stress.
Protega Fire Suppression Systems
Designed for Continuous Terminal Operations
Protega designs automatic fire suppression systems for heavy-duty port equipment such as container handlers, reach stackers, straddle carriers and terminal tractors.
Systems are configured to protect critical zones including:
- Engine compartments
- Hydraulic pump areas
- Fuel systems
- Electrical enclosures
Upon exposure to critical temperature, the system activates automatically without operator intervention. The fully pneumatic configuration operates independently from the machine’s electrical system, ensuring protection even during electrical failure.
Designed for Corrosive Environments
Built for Maritime Conditions
Port equipment operates in environments exposed to salt air, moisture, vibration and temperature fluctuations.
Protega systems are engineered to withstand:
- Corrosive maritime conditions
- Continuous vibration
- Mechanical shock
- Temperature variation
Components are compact and suitable for confined engine layouts typical in container handling machinery.
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 systems utilize a heat-sensitive polymer detection tube that remains continuously pressurized (approx. 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
This configuration:
- Requires no external power
- Operates autonomously
- Is highly resistant to vibration
- Is suitable for harsh vehicle environments
In a direct system, the pneumatic detection tube performs a dual function: it serves both as the fire detection element and as the discharge line for the extinguishing agent.
The heat-sensitive polymer tube is routed throughout the protected compartment near identified risk zones. The tube remains continuously pressurized (approximately 20 bar) and forms a closed detection loop within the enclosure.
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 at the highest temperature location, suppression is highly localized and immediate. This configuration provides fast response with minimal system complexity and no reliance on electrical power.
In an indirect system, the pneumatic detection tube functions solely as the fire detection element. It does not discharge the extinguishing agent.
The pressurized detection tube is routed through the protected compartment near identified risk areas. When thermal activation occurs, it pneumatically triggers the suppression cylinder without acting as the discharge line.
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 via strategically positioned discharge nozzles engineered according to enclosure geometry and airflow patterns.
This enables controlled and volumetric suppression across larger or segmented compartments.
Agent selection
Suppression Agents for Port Equipment
Port equipment typically combines fuel, hydraulic oil and electrical fire risks within confined compartments.
ABC Dry Powder
Primary Port Equipment Configuration
ABC dry powder provides rapid knockdown across multiple fire classes commonly present in diesel-powered terminal equipment.
Technical characteristics:
- Effective against Class A, B and C fires
- Rapid flame knockdown
- Suitable for fuel and hydraulic oil risks
- Proven in heavy-duty mobile environments
- Compatible with fully pneumatic activation systems
ABC powder provides immediate suppression in high-risk engine and hydraulic compartments.
Benefits of a Protega System
Protecting Critical Port Infrastructure
24/7 Autonomous Protection
Continuous monitoring without reliance on operator presence.
No External Power Required
Fully pneumatic activation independent of vehicle or machine electrics.
Reduced Downtime Risk
Early suppression limits secondary damage to critical components.
Designed for Harsh Environments
Resistant to vibration, dust and temperature fluctuations.
System Architecture
Engineered Integration for Mobile and Industrial Equipment
A typical equipment configuration may include:
- Suppression cylinder
- Detection tube or linear heat detection cable
- Discharge nozzles (indirect systems)
- Optional integration modules
Integration & Optional Add-ons:
- Manual activation button
- Visual and audible alarms
- Pressure monitoring switches
- Remote monitoring interface
- Signal output to vehicle 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 & Fleet Integration
Engineering Support for Terminal Equipment Manufacturers
Protega supports OEM integration during equipment design and retrofit implementation for operational fleets.
Systems are engineered according to equipment geometry, operational load and environmental exposure to ensure seamless installation.
Installation and commissioning are performed by Protega or certified partners to ensure controlled implementation and documentation aligned with operational requirements.