Hexagon Digital Wave has partnered with Denny’s Fire Control and the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to make advanced SCBA cylinder life extension technology more accessible to fire departments across North America.
According to Hexagon Digital Wave, SCBA cylinders, critical for ensuring firefighter safety during operations, require requalification every five years to remain compliant.
The partnership will focus on implementing Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) technology, a non-destructive testing method approved by both the US Department of Transportation and Transport Canada, to extend cylinder service life from 15 to 30 years.
George Siedlecki, CEO at Hexagon Digital Wave, stated: “By working together, we can make a significant impact on firefighter safety and the sustainability of the fire service industry.”
The MAE method ensures thorough inspection without compromising the integrity of SCBA cylinders.
This non-destructive approach is widely regarded as the safest and most accurate method for detecting defects or structural issues.
Regulatory agencies have recognized the reliability of MAE for identifying critical material defects, ensuring SCBA cylinders meet safety standards.
To date, Hexagon Digital Wave has successfully performed life-extension services on over 15,000 SCBA cylinders using this technology.
The process offers key advantages, including cost-efficiency, as it reduces the frequency of cylinder replacement, and enhanced safety by detecting even minor defects.
Denny’s Fire Control will leverage its expertise in the fire protection sector and its distribution network to increase the accessibility of this technology.
The company aims to help fire departments adopt MAE technology for managing SCBA equipment.
Bob Martinelli, Division Manager at Denny’s Fire Control, noted: “We believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way fire departments manage their SCBA equipment.”
This collaboration will enable fire departments to optimize resources while maintaining the highest standards of firefighter safety.
The Illinois Fire Service Institute, recognized as the oldest continuous fire training institution in the United States, will play a central role in training and educating firefighters about MAE technology.
Tim Walsh, Director of Corporate Relations at IFSI, commented: “The Illinois Fire Service Institute is committed to providing firefighters with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership and to help promote the adoption of this innovative technology.”
Through this initiative, IFSI will help ensure firefighters are equipped with the knowledge and skills to maximize the benefits of SCBA cylinder life extension.
Hexagon Digital Wave, in collaboration with Denny’s Fire Control and the Illinois Fire Service Institute, is bringing advanced SCBA cylinder life extension technology to fire departments in North America.
Using Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) testing, cylinders can have their service life extended from 15 to 30 years.
MAE technology, certified by US and Canadian regulatory agencies, offers non-destructive, cost-efficient, and reliable testing, ensuring safety standards are met.
Denny’s Fire Control will support the distribution and adoption of the technology, while IFSI will focus on firefighter education and training to promote effective implementation.
With over 15,000 SCBA cylinders already tested using MAE, the partnership aims to enhance firefighter safety and improve resource management in the fire service community.
