May 25, 2011 - The Firechek FC-4 Series valve is a FM approved heat activated pneumatic shut-off valve. When the shape memory alloy of the FireChek senses excessive heat from a nearby fire, it immediately vents the pneumatic actuator and closes the actuator air supply line. FireChek triggers quickly, securing pneumatically operated process line valves. Because this valve responds to heat, not flame, it offers dramatically improved protection compared with conventional plastic tubing burn-through. It shuts off the air supply line to prevent plant air from feeding oxygen to a fire.
The element is 100% reliable because the shape memory effect is intrinsic to the alloy. The element senses the ambient temperature and through a phase induction change, rapidly produces the force and motion to operate FireChek. Firechek's manual reset allows routine performance testing for safety maintenance programs. Shape memory alloys have performed successfully for years in military, industrial, and consumer product applications.
Featured Application
A major pharmaceutical company was seeking to improve their fire safety systems. They were currently using either fusible plugs or plastic tubing on their automated valves. The fusible plug or plastic tubing would melt under high temperatures venting the valve actuators and sending the valves to their fail positions. Their onsite fire department, comprised of plant personnel, was concerned about their safety under fire conditions with this system. When the fusible plug or plastic tube burns, it feeds the fire with an air source putting the responding fire crew in greater danger with larger fires.
They were introduced to the FireChek. When exposed to heat the shape memory alloy changes state. It seals off the air supply and vents the valve actuators downstream. The blocked air supply cannot feed the fire. The pharmaceutical employee fire team quickly specified the FireChek as their new product of choice for venting automated valves under fire conditions.
They also have the ability to check these valves each year to ensure their proper function.
