MINIEXFIRE

This section introduces the implementations that will be carried out both on the EXFIRE360 control unit and on its compact version to meet the requirements of points 4.29 (release of extinguishing agents for selected discharge zones) and 4.30 (activation of alarm devices with different signals) of the standard EN12094-1.

Compared to the EX6EV-C board currently certified for shutdown; SV intends to propose a new configuration in which the role of the individual input/output channels is not defined a priori and in which the logics are performed directly by EXCPU360.

To explain how this new configuration works; refer to the diagram of a detection and extinguishing system on two zones shown in the following figure:

Optional requirements

The boards used to manage this system will be 2 EX6EV; 2 EX6SO and 2 EX8SI (or an EXLOOP-E in addition for the detection part only).

Analyzing in detail the individual signals, we will have that:

The detection will be performed by acquiring at least 2 conventional signals per zone (EX8SI or EX6EV card) or through addressable devices (EXLOOP-E card). The solenoid activation logic will be defined in the control panel configuration program (SV Protection);

The shock buttons will be acquired under a conventional input (EX8SI or EX6EV). The control panel configuration program will be modified so that a specific function can be defined for each input channel (eg manual release, abort button, etc);

The same principle will also be used for all the remaining inputs (emergency stop and extension buttons, automatic / manual mode selectors; main / reserve selectors, high and low pressure switches, generic system supervision signals);

As for the outputs, the EX6EV board will remain the board responsible for controlling the zone solenoids (directional valves) and will also be able to activate the optical / acoustic pre-discharge and discharge warning devices (point 4.30). The functionality of the individual outputs will be defined in the configuration program of the miniexfire control unit. an EX6EV card will be provided for each discharge zone;

The EX6SO boards will instead take care of the command to the solenoids of the banks of main / reserve cylinders common to both extinguishing systems; as well as the implementation of any additional alarm devices. The function of the individual outputs will be defined through SV Protection;

To meet the requirement of the standard according to which a generic fault must not affect more than one discharge zone; the commands to the common solenoids will be redundant (in the example above you will therefore need 8 outputs in total, for this you will use 2 EX6SO);

Control of auxiliary devices such as ventilation block; closing shutters etc. it will be carried out through the unsupervised outputs of the EX6EV board; the intervention logic will be freely programmable by the user through SV Protection;

The control of the system status and of the activation logics will be performed through the EXCPU360 control units; according to the functions defined in the configuration program.

For example; the inhibition of the discharge in the presence of a fault on an emergency extension device; will be decided by evaluating the status of all the configured devices; as HOLD type in Protection. In this way it will also be possible to configure multiple input or output lines with the same functionality;

The signals about the status of the discharge zone (activated / released / fault / etc.) Will be shown on the MODLCD display of the relative EX6EV board;

Through the menus of the same display it will also be possible to modify the settings (discharge delay / reset inhibition time / etc.) Of each extinguishing zone; as well as disable (at access level 3) the download itself.

The previous example relates to a “complete” configuration. With the same type of logic it will in any case be possible to manage even less complex systems (for example a single zone with a high pressure switch; a discharge button and a single solenoid to be controlled).

Unlike the previously certified configuration, locked on using an adjacent EX8SI and EX6EV card; the new approach will make it possible to cover plant and regulatory requirements with a single card (EX6EV); to be expanded with additional input cards (EX8SI or EXLOOP-E) or output (EX6EV or EX6SO) depending on the system characteristics.