An innovative fire safety system for a new hangar at a large airport in the Netherlands
Lesezeit: 3 min.
As part of a project to modernise a maintenance hangar at a large airport, Cegelec Fire Solutions was entrusted with the full design and installation of its fire protection system. They have designed an innovative and environmentally friendly sprinkler, FOAM and fire detection system.
At a large airport in the Netherlands, a major player in MRO (Maintenance Repair & Overhaul) is transforming an existing hangar into a high-tech space for the maintenance of aircrafts of different owners. To completely overhaul this building comprising two 8,250 sq. metre spaces, the company is investing between €80 million and €100 millionCegelec Fire Solutions (VINCI Energies) was entrusted with the full design and installation of its fire protection system. “We are responsible for the design, engineering, construction and certification of the fire protection and detection system,” says Rick van de Langenberg, Business Unit Manager at Cegelec Fire Solutions Netherlands. “That includes the installation of sprinklers, fire-suppression foam monitors, detection cameras to activate the monitors and fire alarm, plus all the pipework systems and related cabling.”
Sustainable solutions
In line with the customer’s requirement for a low-carbon building, Cegelec Fire Solutions prioritised sustainable solutions. “On this site, we’ll be implementing a PFAS-free foam installation that meets the FM [a property damage insurance provider] requirements,” says Rick van de Langenberg.
“On this site, we’ll be implementing the first installation in the Netherlands with PFAS-free foam which meets the FM requirements”
This innovation involves the installation of a foam tank with a built-in monitor and pumps to mix the pure foam with water. This mixture is used to extinguish water-resistant burning substances. “The difficulty lies in putting together the right components and getting official approval for an installation that is not yet on the market,” explains Rick van de Langenberg. “An additional challenge is the physical installation of pipes and sprinklers in a hangar 30 metres high, not to mention the tricky task of coordinating numerous companies working together simultaneously.”
Resource savings and reuse
Again with a view to sustainability, the system has been designed to reduce the number of pipes, cables, detectors and sprinklers. “Similarly, we will be paying close attention to our Scope 3 environmental impact,” adds the business unit general manager. “Transportation will be reduced accordingly for our own teams and also for our suppliers. Thanks to great collaboration with the other contractors on site, we will be able to share and save on resources.”
Cegelec Fire Solutions also plans to reuse some elements of the existing installation, such as pipework, valves, and possibly cables and cable trays.
Work began on the construction site in March 2024, with the dismantling of the existing facility, and design and engineering work for the new installation. On-site construction will begin at the end of Q1 2025, for completion toward the end of Q2 2026.
17/04/2025
