Reacton started due to a need for fire suppression in heavy equipment.
Being owned by a waste management company in the UK, through their operations it became apparent that a better solution was needed.
Existing systems they had tried did not meet the required durability for the extreme environments of heavy plant equipment in their waste operations, so they chose to see if they could fill the market need.
These machines are loaded with fuel and have large, complex hydraulics and electrical systems.
In addition, they often operate in environments with potential fire hazards like chaff, organic material, and waste can accumulate within the machine.
Unique challenges abound in every market – in forestry, for example, there are pine needles and brush that can accumulate, while in mining, rocks and heavy debris can cause damage to any external systems – typically where fire systems are mounted.
Heavy equipment endures significant abuse, enduring impacts off road operation as well as constant vibration, dirt and dust impregnation in every area and temperature extremes ranging from desert heat to artic cold.
Most detection systems are vulnerable to one or more of these conditions, either go off when they shouldn’t or fail to activate when needed due to the harsh conditions.
Reacton’s systems are designed to withstand these environments and function reliably despite these conditions.
We use a proprietary pneumatic tube as a detector.
It operates under pressure and, when exposed to heat and the radiant energy, the tubing wall softens and bursts, releasing pressure and activating the system.
It’s a purely mechanical system, unaffected by vibration, oil buildup, or grease.
This detection has been proven time and time again to be the most reliable fire detection solution in the market for the varying conditions faced by heavy equipment.
Additionally, the primary Reacton components are made of stainless steel, including the ball valves, which are housed in stainless steel for protection.
Our brackets are extremely durable, among the best in the industry, designed with the harsh environment in mind.
The battery disconnect feature is proprietary and highly valued by our customers.
Most systems can shut down a machine and alert the driver.
Our system uses ABC chemical, which fights common combustible and flammable liquid fires and protects against electrical fires.
Our system connects the battery disconnect to the pneumatic tubing network.
If the tubing ruptures, it releases pressure it of course activates the fire suppression cylinders to release the agent, but at the same time opens the battery connection, and cuts the electrics throughout the vehicle, addressing all potential fire sources.
Like anyone in the market, we are called are fire suppression, not fire extinguishers.
Reacton’s systems are designed and installed to suppress the fire effectively; however if the cause isn’t addressed, the fire can reignite.
We use dual agent systems that utilize dry chemical powder to knock down the fire, which is immediately followed by wet chemical applied directly to hot surfaces, cooling them to help prevent reignition.
However, with electrical issues like arcing can cause fires – without disconnecting the battery, the fire can restart.
Reacton’s automatic battery disconnect addresses this source of fire in a way no other system can offer.
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Reacton’s pneumatic tube is a polymer tubing with a typical diameter of six millimeters, or a quarter inch.
One end is attached to the valve of the system and the other end (or ends) will be terminated by a variety of devices, from a simple plug toa manual activation point to a in-cab controller, and it’s under pressure at 360 psi.
When exposed to the heat and radiant energy of a fire from a fire to hit the side of the tubing, softening it until the pressure causes the tubing to burst, releasing the pressure and activating the system.
Reacton systems are certified through the European SPCR 199 standard for heavy equipment and the prestigious Australian AS 5062 standard for heavy equipment fire protection.
These standards subject the systems to rigorous tests simulating common heavy equipment scenarios, ensuring they will function effectively.
Additionally, they test the durability of each component to ensure they can withstand harsh environments and be ready to function when needed.
This ensures the system will work and survive long enough to be effective when required.
In heavy equipment, we typically protect the motor, hydraulics, and other common fire hazards.
Our systems offer design flexibility to accommodate different equipment layouts, ensuring effective suppression regardless of equipment’s design and configuration.
The hazards are generally the same: turbo failures, hydraulic hose leaks, and electrical wire issues.
We have a variety of system sizes to match the equipment, from small skid steers to large excavators, using appropriately sized bottles for each application.
It’s continual development.
Every customer and environment is different, so we are always learning.
In the UK, we have a group called Fireward, bespoke installers owned by the same company, which provides transparency and direct field feedback.
If an installation needs improvement, we can quickly develop and deliver the necessary parts or make improvements.
This real-world feedback loop, thanks to our in-house design and installation team, allows us to be agile and responsive.
Unlike working through distribution, where feedback can be limited, our in-house setup ensures we get accurate, immediate feedback, which is a significant asset.
