Rail Systems

Fire Protection for Rolling Stock

In the past, the focus of the rail industry in terms of fire protection was almost exclusively directed towards the technical properties of materials and construction measures.

Over the last few years, fire protection systems have become increasingly important. This represents a development from the emphasis on constructural fire protection, which relies on designing a vehicle in such a way that it can withstand fire. Instead, the aim is the automatic detection and localisation of the fire followed by the appropriate action. Given the increasing risk assessment approach to rolling stock fire fighting systems can offer many advantages and can also prove to be a helpful tool in the approval process. This makes it easier – even, in some cases, possible at all - to comply with the demands set by new standards and directives. Issues of compensation and cross-border traffic are at the forefront.

At the same time, the adoption of such systems can bring economic benefits to both the manufacturing and operating of rolling stock, resulting in reduced construction costs as well as lower loss expectations and higher availability.

FOGTEC offers modules and complete systems for active fire protection that have been specially designed for use in rolling stock and that have also been tested or approved by the relevant authorities.

Rolling Stock Capability

Some years ago FOGTEC set up its own specialist rolling stock division, Rail Systems, which resulted from its extensive expertise in fire protection. The wide range of customised high pressure water mist technology solutions that FOGTEC had created for a number of different industries meant that it already had access to high quality components and a solution-oriented team.

Today, FOGTEC, with its Rail Systems Team, is one of the leading providers of active fire protection solutions for rolling stock. Its service portfolio includes full service solutions, from consultancy work, the supply of components and complete systems to the installation and maintenance of fire protection systems. The consultancy division is particularly significant as it forms the basis for all fire protection solutions. For this reason it does not limit itself to active fire protection issues but also covers such areas as passive fire protection measures, evacuation procedures and train communications.

Fire protection with FOGTEC Rail Systems

Rolling stock manufacturers and operators are able to obtain complete solutions from a single source. The same applies to the integration of fire protection solutions in new or existing rolling stock. FOGTEC is able to call on a team of experts from various specialist areas. Its railway engineers play a key role, working closely with other FOGTEC experts from the fields of fire protection, electrical and mechanical engineering, hydraulics, chemistry and programming. FOGTEC is able to complete the range of services it can offer thanks to a number of close, long-term partnerships with specialist companies in these industries.