Valsir Plumbing and Heating Solutions

In modern industrial environments, ensuring the safety of personnel and assets is critical. Valsir, a renowned Italian manufacturer in the plumbing and drainage systems industry, recognised the significance of robust fire detection systems in minimising the risks associated with fire outbreaks, especially in a facility like theirs. To address this need, they collaborated with CUBI Impianti Tecnologici, a reputable fire detection installation company, to deploy cutting-edge life safety technology from Hochiki Italia in Valsir’s three plants located in Vobarno, Verolanuova and Prevalle.

Valsir, headquartered in Vobarno, Italy, is a global leader in the design and production of innovative plumbing and drainage systems. With a strong commitment to quality and safety, Valsir sought to enhance its fire safety measures by implementing an advanced fire detection solution , under expert guidance from CUBI Impianti Tecnologici. This well-respected brand in fire detection and prevention industry has a proven track record of delivering tailor-made solutions that meet the unique needs of various industrial and commercial clients.

The brief required a highly reliable system, which should be easy to maintain yet capable of providing suitable optical-acoustic signals, especially in the production area, which is very noisy. CUBI Impianti Tecnologici proposed the use of Hochiki’s ESP range because they are known for their reliability, precision, and adaptability.

CHQ-WSB2 wall sounder beacons were installed in the areas where noise levels were high as these alarm devices are also equipped with a visual warning device, making them ideal for noisy areas where the acoustic alarm alone may not be sufficient. And, being loop-powered, the installer avoided additional battery power supplies.

The Hochiki ESP wall sounder beacon also makes it possible to provide a double sound for pre-alarm and evacuation (as indicated by the UNI744 standard) with the same sounder, instead of installing two different sounders.

Several Hochiki conventional beam smoke detectors from the CDX range were interfaced to the ESP intelligent system via addressable Zone monitors. The beam detectors were chosen for their ability to quickly detect the presence of smoke across a wide area; with a detection range of 15 metres wide and up to 100m in length, they are ideal for large, open-plan industrial spaces.

Key features of the chosen solution included:

Early Detection: The SPC-ET detectors offer early and accurate fire detection by continuously monitoring the environment for the early presence of smoke at high level.

Adaptive Technology: The detectors are equipped with advanced adaptive algorithms that enable them to adjust sensitivity levels based on environmental conditions, reducing false alarms while maintaining high sensitivity.

Network Compatibility: The ESP Range components are designed to seamlessly integrate with a facility's existing fire safety network, allowing for centralised monitoring, control, and reporting.

Scalability: The modular design of the ESP Range ensures scalability, enabling easy expansion or modification of the fire detection system as the facility's needs evolve.

Managing the system is the 6-loop Latitude control panel, which is powerful, versatile, and capable of interfacing with gas detection systems installed at the Valsir plants, allowing for precise monitoring of the entire production process.

The implementation process was executed with meticulous planning and precision. CUBI Impianti Tecnologici's team of experienced technicians worked alongside the Hochiki project management team to conduct a thorough assessment of each of the three facility's layouts, identifying key areas for the Hochiki devices to be placed, e.g., along critical pathways, potential hazard areas, and other high-risk zones.

Ezio Danese, Project Manager di Hochiki Italia said:

“Given the special nature of the environments, numerous sounders tests were carried out prior to installation, with all the production machinery in operation, to find the right flash-sound combination and achieve an optimal result for the individual sites. This individual and rigorous testing ensured that the fire alarm was able to always reach all the occupants of the buildings.”

The collaboration between VALSIR and CUBI Impianti Tecnologici resulted in a highly effective fire detection solution that addressed each of the plant's safety concerns. The deployment of the Hochiki ESP Range with SPC-ET linear detectors yielded several significant benefits including early detection, reduced false alarms, scalability and has created enhanced fire safety at the facilities by fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness among employees. The Hochiki ESP solution was much appreciated by the client.