Manufacturing & Technology Archives - Advanced

Amazon Fulfilment Centre

Alex Robertson — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 12:20:36 +0000

A fault-tolerant network of 17 Advanced MxPro 5 panels with BMS integration and cause and effect has been installed at a new state-of-the-art Amazon fulfilment centre.

The hi-tech facility, boasting a four-storey, 80,000 sq m warehouse, with a substantial ground-floor office area, amenity areas, and an external gatehouse, is set to redefine the standards of efficiency and safety in automated warehousing.

Fire, security, access control and electrotechnical services specialists Broadway Brand Ltd undertook the project management and commissioning for this substantial project while Avalon Technology Group LLP designed, supplied and installed the equipment.

The fault-tolerant network, comprising 19 nodes and 2,700 devices, was meticulously connected using enhanced cable and duct grade technology where required. This robust infrastructure ensures seamless communication and data flow, even in the face of unexpected disruptions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the entire network.

One of the standout features of this installation is the integration of Building Management System (BMS) functionality through the Advanced Commander. This powerful IP-based solution enables centralised control over various critical components, including sprinklers, door access modules, air handling and heat recovery units, conveyor and robotics shutdown, lifts, and speed gates. This level of integration not only streamlines operations but also enhances overall security and responsiveness in the event of emergencies.

The cause-and-effect programming capabilities allowed by the Advanced MxPro 5 panels add an additional layer of sophistication to the facility’s fire safety protocols. Particularly noteworthy is the protection afforded to high-priority data rooms, where cause-and-effect programming is tailored to ensure swift and precise responses, shutting down data servers if pre-action sprinkler systems are activated.

At the client’s request, a custom-built staff training panel was also provided, allowing new starters to receive training on all the equipment included in the network without the need to use a live site.

Phil Calvey, Regional Sales Manager at Advanced, said: “We take pride in empowering businesses with top-tier fire protection solutions. On this project, protecting a state-of-the-art facility, our MxPro 5 is a reliable ally in ensuring the highest levels of fire safety, safeguarding valuable assets and creating a safer environment for our clients.”

Kevin Harris, Managing Director of Broadway Brand Ltd, said: “One key factor in the selection of Advanced for this project was their unparalleled capability to adapt to evolving specifications. The cause and effect requirements were introduced later in the project, and Advanced’s technology seamlessly accommodated this addition. This flexibility and responsiveness underline Advanced’s commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project.”

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Lawrence David, Peterborough

Alex Robertson — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 09:53:21 +0000

Advanced now protects two key sites of a leading trailer and truck manufacturer, following a large-scale installation of the fire protection solutions provider’s flagship MxPro 5 panels.

A total of 10 MxPro 5 panels have been installed across two Lawrence David sites in Peterborough, including its 161,000 sq ft Woodston Point headquarters.

Lawrence David is a leading provider of trailer and rigid body manufacturing, ancillary equipment repair and maintenance, trailer, and tail-lift parts, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.

At the company’s Woodston Point site, comprising a dynamic mix of ground and first-floor offices transitioning into expansive production and storage areas, Advanced’s fire alarm system provides comprehensive coverage. Six MxPro 5 panels were deployed with a combination of point and beam detection, tailored to suit the diverse environments and effectively mitigate fire risks and maintain productivity levels during night shifts.

Site two, at Morley Way, Peterborough, featuring main offices and multiple remote production buildings, presented unique challenges due to its expansive layout. However, Advanced’s solutions proved instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. With four MxPro 5 panels programmed to send warning signals across buildings in the event of a fire, and ATEX-compliant configurations ensuring safety in hazardous areas such as paint and blast booths, Lawrence David can operate with confidence knowing that their facilities are equipped to handle emergencies.

The design, supply, installation and commissioning of the systems at both sites was undertaken by Advanced installer Swift Fire and Safety, which was also responsible for the integration of third-party systems including F-link wireless network receivers, CSL monitoring units and Apollo devices.

Looking ahead, Swift Fire & Safety plans to leverage the scalability of Advanced’s solutions to accommodate future expansions and changes in building layout.

Wayne Hill, Business Development and Project Lead at Swift Fire & Safety said: “The decision to implement Advanced fire alarm systems was an easy one. MxPro 5 is a panel for all occasions, from the aesthetics, cause-and-effect programming and battery back-up to the ease of installation.”

Neil Parkin, Regional Sales Manager at Advanced, said: “This is a great example of the versatility, reliability, and ease of installation afforded by MxPro 5 – even on large-scale projects like this one. The installation of our state-of-the-art panels doesn’t just enhance safety, it also empowers customers like Lawrence David to operate with confidence and efficiency, even in the face of complex operational challenges.”

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Wacker Neuson, Serbia

Alex Robertson — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 07:26:17 +0000

An industry-leading fire protection system from Advanced has been installed at construction equipment maker Wacker Neuson Group’s state-of-the-art new Serbian manufacturing facility.

Wacker Neuson Kragujevac d.o.o opened recently following a 25 million euro investment in the site. Equipped with state-of-the-art production and automation technologies, the factory produces steel components for excavators, dumpers, wheel loaders and telehandlers. These components are then used at the German-headquartered company’s plants in Austria and Germany. A second phase of construction is already underway and is set to increase production and equipment space to 50,000 square metres when completed, placing it among the Group’s largest factories globally.

Advanced’s Serbian partner, TVI d.o.o., installed six powerful MxPro 5 panels to protect the site’s 200 employees and high-specification equipment, which includes 40 welding robots, a fully automated warehouse, and an ultra-modern energy-efficient painting process for steel structures.

The panels were networked with beam detectors, ideally suited for the protection of large areas where the use of traditional detection technologies would prove difficult or costly to install. Other devices included aspirating smoke detectors and specialist gas detection devices – made possible thanks to the flexibility afforded by MxPro 5’s multi-protocol compatibility.

Radomir Kerkez, Electrical Engineer at TVI Ltd, said: “MxPro 5 was chosen for this project for its ease of commissioning, which streamlines the installation process and saves valuable time. Moreover, the networking capabilities are exceptional, allowing for seamless integration and communication between devices.”

Vladimir Zrnic, European Sales Manager at Advanced, said: “MxPro 5’s versatility and cutting-edge features make it an ideal choice for complex manufacturing sites, while ease of commissioning and robust networking ensure that it meets the demands of modern factory environments. This project not only reflects the quality of our product but also highlights our commitment to providing innovative solutions that excel in real-world scenarios.”

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Rawmec Industrial Park, Hertfordshire

Alex Robertson — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 18:17:28 +0000

A single MxPro 5 addressable fire panel and Advanced’s leading false alarm management solution, AlarmCalm, were all that was required to protect every unit on Rawmec Industrial Park.

The estate is home to nearly 100 businesses, with light industrial spaces from 2,480 to 7,000 sq ft., and the new system was installed following a recent fire in one of the manufacturing units, after which it was decreed that a new site-wide fire alarm system was required. Installers CRE8 Electrical Solutions specified a single Advanced MxPro 5 panel in the main reception, with an AlarmCalm intelligent loop device in each unit, allowing occupants to delay a full alert when an erroneous incident occurs.

The fire system is programmed using Cause and Effect so that activation of a single detector within a unit will only trigger the sounders in that specific area (alarm zone). If the alert is genuine, the occupants can simply evacuate and allow the full alert to go ahead- (the added bonus of activating a local manual call point would also initiate a full evacuation), but if it is false or unwanted (ie. caused by steam or car exhaust fumes) each unit has 60 seconds in which to press the AlarmCalm Button and avoid a site wide evacuation alert. If the cause of a confirmed false alarm is taking time to clear, a further two minute window can be activated by utilising the AlarmCalm feature, but if more than one detector is triggered at any point the system automatically goes to full alert.

MxPro 5 is the fire industry’s leading multiprotocol panel, offering high performance fire detection and alarm control across multi-panel networks and multiple sites. Approved to EN54 2, 4 and 13, MxPro 5 panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200-panel networks covering huge areas. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration make MxPro customisable to almost any application. AlarmCalm is available as standard on Advanced’s MxPro 5 multiprotocol panels, and delivers unprecedented control of verification times and investigation delays by dividing site up into virtual false alarm building areas that can be points, rooms, floors or whole buildings. The optional AlarmCalm Button allows trained occupants to verify if they believe a local fire signal is a false alarm, helping to radically reduce false alarm incidents.

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Elfab Manufacturing Facility

Alex Robertson — Sat, 20 Feb 2021 15:11:23 +0000

Elfab, a global manufacturer of pressure relief products, selected a high performance MxPro 5 fire system from Advanced for its corporate headquarters and adjoining manufacturing facility.

Elfab designs and manufactures rupture discs, explosion vents and detection systems for use in a wide range of applications and industries, including oil and gas, chemical & pharmaceutical, and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) in industries such as aerospace, medical, cryogenics and automotive.

Installers specified an Advanced MxPro 5 2 loop multiprotocol fire panel and over 130 Apollo Discovery devices to protect its facility. The MxPro 5 range is the leading multiprotocol choice, offering world-beating quality, reliability and flexibility.

MxPro 5 is Advanced’s highest performing analogue addressable fire panel, fully approved to EN54 parts 2,4 and 13. Backwards compatible with MxPro 4, the MxPro 5 fire panel is available in 1, 2, 4 and 8 loop formats with up to 254 devices per loop and 200 panels on a fault-tolerant network. It is the system of choice for protecting sites of all sizes.

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Victrex Manufacturing Facility, Lancashire

Alex Robertson — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 17:47:20 +0000

Advanced MxPro 5 multiprotocol fire panels have been chosen to protect a major UK chemical plant owned by manufacturer, Victrex, a world leader in the high-performance polymer solutions.

The company focuses on serving a diverse range of markets that use VICTREX™ PEEK polymer, including smartphones, aeroplanes, cars, medical devices, oil and gas operations.

The fire system installed at the Victrex Hillhouse site, in Lancashire, is built around MxPro fire panels from Advanced. The system was recently expanded with new MxPro 5 panels being added seamlessly onto the existing MxPro 4 network allowing Victrex to keep costs down and take advantage of leading features of MxPro 5 such as AlarmCalm complete false alarm management.

Approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13, MxPro 5 panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas and tens of thousands of field devices. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range mean that MxPro is customisable to almost any application and it can be found in challenging and prestigious sites around the world.

Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire systems support two new technologies: The TouchControl touchscreen repeater and AlarmCalm complete false alarm management system. TouchControl is a 10” HD touchscreen that offers dynamic reporting and control via a unique interface that includes Active Maps and zone plans. AlarmCalm uses Advanced’s fast hardware, updated configuration software and optional loop verification devices to deliver a system that allows the false alarm strategy for any building to be quickly and easily programmed and managed, increasing safety and reducing false alarms.

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High Performance Computing Centre, Cambridge

Alex Robertson — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 18:10:32 +0000

ExGo suppression control panels from Advanced have been installed in a £20m, state-of-the-art data and high performance computing centre at the University of Cambridge that is working on some of the globe’s greatest challenges.

Situated on the West Cambridge site of the University of Cambridge, the building is the new home for high performance computing, centralised data storage and also business operations, teaching, learning and research. The High Performance Computing Centre is working on data from two of mankind’s greatest and data heavy science projects, the Large Hadron Collider and BRIDGE Genome Project.

ExGo, Advanced’s ultra-dependable extinguishant release system, was configured and installed by Advanced customer Advanced Fire Solutions Ltd. The suppression control system installed in the building comprises four ExGo panels with mode select key switch assemblies.

ExGo has been developed specifically for sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms, historic and cultural attractions and control rooms. It has been installed in high-profile buildings across the globe, including the Magna Carta vault at Lincoln Castle, Romanian National Library and strategic oil pipelines in Sudan. ExGo is suitable for almost all single-flooding area applications and includes a range of control options and devices. It is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 and EN12094-1 and is among the first systems to combine these with EN12094 Part 3 in a single solution. EN12094-3 relates to the integrated manual release on the front of the panel. ExGo can be integrated into Advanced’s Axis and MxPro fire panels, or any third party fire system.

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Port Sudan Pipeline, Sudan

Alex Robertson — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 17:36:17 +0000

Axis EN intelligent fire systems from Advanced were selected to protect critical infrastructure along a 1,600km Sudanese oil pipeline.

Control buildings and pumping stations along the pipeline, which plays an important part in the country’s infrastructure, are protected by Axis EN and ExGo extinguishant control panels.

The Sudanese Petroleum Pipeline Company commissioned a fire protection and suppression control right along the double pipeline, which runs 800km from Khartoum, the country’s capital, to Port Sudan. Advanced products were selected for their reputation for quality, ease-of-use and reliability.

Axis EN is Advanced’s EN54 2, 4 and 13 approved fire system and offers leading performance and flexibility. It is available in 1-8 loop formats as standard, and supports up to 240 devices per loop. ExGo is Advanced’s extinguishant and suppression control system, which has been developed specifically for sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms, historic and cultural attractions and control rooms.

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Luxottica HQ, Milan

Alex Robertson — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:57:46 +0000

An intelligent fire system from Advanced protects the headquarters of Luxottica, the world’s market-leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of fashion, luxury, sports and performance eyewear.

Founded in 1961, Luxottica Group distributes and produces eyewear for almost every major eyewear brand including Armani, Burberry, Bulgari, Chanel, D&G, DKNY, Oakley, Paul Smith, Versace and many more. Advanced’s MxPro 5 fire panels have been chosen to protect the company’s new HQ building in the centre of Milan.

MxPro panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas and tens of thousands of field devices. Three MxPro 5, four-loop panels have been installed in the Luxottica complex in a 19” floor standing rack and are connected in a fault-tolerant network which includes repeater panels. An iP Gateway was installed so that the entire network can be monitored and controlled remotely via a web browser.

The MxPro 5 is Advanced’s highest performance analogue panel, fully compliant with EN54 Parts 2, 4 and 13, and backed up with Advanced’s renowned customer care and technical support.

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M Station, Dubai

Alex Robertson — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 18:15:31 +0000

M Station, the United Arab Emirates’ largest power generation and desalination plant, is protected by an Axis AX fire system from Advanced.

Built by DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) at a cost of more than US$2.5bn, it can produce over 2 megawatts of electricity and 140 million imperial gallons of desalinated water per day, equal to around 20 percent of Dubai’s current requirements.

Advanced’s Axis AX (UL 864-compliant) fire system technology provides fire detection, alarm and control for M Station. The equipment is networked into one of the region’s largest fully automatic fire systems. The 89 node fire panel network includes 46 dual redundant panels in 2m high rack enclosures which means in the unlikely event one panel fails, the other takes over operation automatically and with no user intervention.

The system includes bespoke gas detection panels, multiple remote control and display terminals, mimics and over 7,000 field devices. It includes a hybrid mix of UL 864 and EN54 devices and both standard panels and bespoke Advanced control equipment, designed and manufactured by the company’s AdSpecials department.

The network is monitored via Advanced’s Graphics integrated into the network via BMS interface. The control PCs and BMS units are also duplicated for full redundancy operation. The system also includes Advanced’s ExGo suppression control panels.

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