Introduction

A Fire Training Trailer can consist of the following parts, but not limited to:
- The Control Unit
- A Series of Fires
- A Flash-Over Simulation
- A Ventilation System
- A Gas-detection System
- A Extinguishing Detection System
- A Control and Instrumentation System
- An Observation System
- A Dry Chemical Extinguishing and Recovery System
- The Composition of the Systems
- Maintenance and Services
- Norms and Regulations

The control unit consists of an outer body and an inner body. The unit is thus build with double sides, insulating the instrumentation from excessive heat.
The control unit contains the pilot flame. This pilot flame is one of the most important features of the system. It ignites the fire at will and prevents the flow of unburned gas. The pilot flame construction is made of a stainless steel tube to which a ventilator is attached. In addition to this you can find a pressure switch, ignition pen, burner unit and a pressure reducer. The ventilator cools the burner and brings fresh air.

The Burn area can, depending on the customer's wishes, made from stainless steel or carbon steel. Shape and size depends again on the wishes of the customer and dimensions of the configuration it is placed in. The burn area is filled with water. A gas pipe placed in this water, is delivering the (liquefied) gas. Through the water the gas expands and is ignited by the pilot flame. The gas is lighter than air and will "float" on the water surface. This will give the effect that it feels and looks like a liquid spill fire. By using the waterbed system, the surroundings don't become that hot (compared with gas phase dry systems) and can be ignited faster after extinguishing. By this it is possible to start again faster

It is also possible to simulate the first stages of the famous Flash over. It will be a simulation. The smoke density normally associated with the build up towards a flash over is not present. FITP delivers a Flash-over/roll-over simulation that comes close to the real thing. Heat radiation and pressure can be experienced. The Flash over system will be ignited in two or three phases enabling the system to spread around in even the largest of rooms. A big advantage of this system is that the flash over can be stopped at all times securing the safety of the students. Another feature is that the system can be used rapidly after another. In short 100% control and reliable as well as being repeatable.
For ultimate safety we recommend a safety zone of at least 3,5 meters between floor and ceiling. It is possible to install the system in lower areas but than the size of the flash over simulation is also adjusted accordingly.

The ventilation system secures the temperature control. When up- and under the burn units the temperature gets too high the ventilation system kicks in. To make sure that the system is reacting consistently, it is linked to the Burner control unit.
The system consists of a ventilator made out of heat resistant materials and airflow detectors. One can also find temperature-sensors and a control-unit. By means of separate canals for airflow to and from the area, FITP prevents that high concentrations of toxic gasses can build up like, Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or Carbon monoxide (CO). A lack of oxygen is also prevented and carbon (soot) particles are removed

A gas detection system is placed in all rooms where a gas leakage could occur. It consists of a central detection system coupled to several gas detectors.
The system measures the mixture between the air and gas. The system is calibrated for the gas used (e.g. propane) Two levels are programmed. The lower alarm level is 20% LEL (Lower Explosion Limit), and the upper alarm level is 40% LEL.  Other levels may be considered depandant on location.

When 20% LEL alarm is reached, a minimum automated response is programmed:
· Shut down of burner unit and start-up-block.
· Acoustic signal
· Optical signal
· Lights are switched off
· Main gas valves close
· Ventilator on maximum power

To start again after this alarm is possible, but only after the detected level drops below 15% LEL .The system will reset automatically.

If the second alarm is reached (40% LEL alarm), the following measurements (as a minimum) will de executed:
· Shut down of burner unit and start-up-block.
· Acoustic signal
· Optical signal
· Lights are switched off
· Main gas valves close
· Control units power shutdown
· Ventilator shutdown

Restarting after this type of alarm is not possible and the system needs to be checked by an authorized person before reset and restart.

The gas detection system works 24 hours and in case of a power failure a back-up battery is installed. The gas detection system will be adjusted if necessary to local standards.

If so requested an extinguishments detection system can be installed inside the burner units. With thermal sensors the system detects a certain amount of temperature drop within a pre-determined time frame. When this is recognized by the system and the temperature drop is consistent, the system will slowly shut off the gas supply, mimicking the extinguishments of the fire.

The parameters for this system will be determined in close co-operation with the customer. A wide variety of possibilities are possible. Even a situation when after a certain time a certain temperature drop is not detected and the fire will than expand.
We are able to program a wide variety of scenarios, giving almost an unlimited amount of possibilities

Safety is paramount at FITP. It is because of this, we always will try to eliminate the weakest link in a safety chain: The human being. After the initial design phase a Risk analyses is performed and based on this analyses the risk are minimized to a minimum if possible.

Safety can only be secured when one can trust the control system 100%. The system is build from several redundant systems and modules. Each module has it's own PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). A central control body rechecks the safety parameters. In this way we can guarantee a consistent and continuing safety system. This central system is also responsible for the go or no go when fire is ignited.
Every component is purchased from companies with the best of reputations and every part is build together according to international codes and regulations (e.g. EN60_204). The system has the mandatory emergency switch off system. This system immediately closes the gas valves and activates the ventilator to maximum power. Every other part of the system will be cut off from its power supply. An optional lighting system can be switched on after the area is ventilated from smoke, heat and gas.

The Observation System

The whole installation is watched and observed by the SCADA system. SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) enables FITP to visualize the system with drawings, diagrams, reports, and graphic interfaces. By means of common interfaces (like touch screen, keyboard, mouse etc.) one can use SCADA to control the system.
FITP uses this SCADA system to visualize the process. The system can be programmed 100% to the wishes of the customers. It can show which valves are open, where what temperatures are measured, what the gas concentration is in the room, etc. The burner area's can be ignited with the touch of a finger or brought to live by the click of a mouse button.

FITP can use the system to connect it to the computer of our technician. Through "event logging" and modem hook up the technician can see what kind of failure the system reports and is able to learn from the system what went wrong

Service and maintenance becomes uncomplicated in this way. When linked through the Internet FITP is even able to follow a certain exercise and see where and when the system reports a problem.

It is possible that with the assistance of the Instructor or customer predetermined scenarios are being programmed into the system. This "scenario based programming" makes it possible to let the system automatically perform a certain fire development.
Safety is guaranteed by a separate emergency control system.

FITP offers this as an option. The parameters and the extent of the scenarios are build with the assistance of the customer and are tailor-made to their specific needs.

It may be clear that the above-mentioned systems could be used together. A wide range of possibilities is in this way possible and it is only limited by the imagination of the user and designer.

To assist the customer in the design of such a high tech tool, FITP developed the "Scenario Based design Concept". This concept takes the customer step by step through the designing process and let him help to design the best-suited configuration.

He may even invent a complete new concept, allowing a head start to his competitor.

FITP uses only high quality components for it's systems and then only when they have a proven track record of reliability. FITP considers maintenance and service issues already during the designing phase. In this way we manage to design a concept that is low on maintenance and limits the service necessary to keep it running. By simplifying maintenance schedules, it is now possible that third party technicians can maintain large parts of the system. Only authorized personnel must service the control and safety systems.
FITP offers next to these features a preventive and/or corrective maintenance contract. For a low fee you are always secured of assistance without to worry about cost. Not only is maintenance secured the life span of the equipment is also extended. In the event of a major problem FITP is offering assistance within 24 hours (at the moment only in Europe) either by solving the problem through our SCADA system or by a visit of one of our technicians.

Codes and regulation to be considered (but not limited to):

- NEN 1010 Safety code for low voltage installations.
- NEN 3324 Codes for installing liquefied Gas installations.
- 72/23/EEG Low voltage regulations
- 89/336/EEG EMC regulation
- 90/396/EEG Gas regulation
- 93/68/EEG Machine regulation
- NEN-EN 60204 Electrical equipment code
- NEN-EN 954-1 Code for components for control systems with a safety function.
- NEN 1050 Safety code for machines
- DIN 14097-2 Code for standard training buildings for the German Fire department