Addressing Fire Risks in Oil-Filled Power Transformers with STONEQUENCH®-LHD®

Oil-filled power transformers pose a critical fire risk due to hydrocarbon pool fires. In the event of a leak or failure, flammable oil can accumulate in the concrete containment pits beneath transformers. When exposed to a heat source or spark, this oil can ignite, leading to an intense and rapidly spreading pool fire. Such fires are particularly hazardous, causing severe damage to electrical installations and the surrounding environment.

The STONEQUENCH®-LHD® Innovation by NORTHBRIT

The STONEQUENCH®-LHD® fire-suppressing grating system is a cutting-edge solution specifically designed to mitigate the risks associated with hydrocarbon fires in concrete containment pits. Based on PcP technology, these robust gratings deliver superior fire suppression by blocking oxygen supply to the fire while allowing hydrocarbons to flow into the pit efficiently.

Key Features of STONEQUENCH®-LHD®

1. Fast Fire Suppression
   The system allows flammable hydrocarbons to quickly enter the containment pit while preventing the accumulation of oxygen, suffocating the fire instantly and halting its spread.
2. Anti-Slip and Maintenance-Free Surface
   Unlike traditional solutions using gravel or pebbles, which require frequent replacement and cleaning, the STONEQUENCH®-LHD® provides a clean, anti-slip surface. This design reduces operator slip risks and enhances workplace safety while minimizing maintenance needs.
3. High Durability and Load Capacity
   Built for demanding environments, the STONEQUENCH®-LHD® gratings support heavy loads up to 500 daN/m² (standard), ensuring reliable performance under the toughest conditions.
4. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
   By improving hydrocarbon management and meeting stringent safety and environmental standards, the STONEQUENCH®-LHD® helps facilities maintain compliance while enhancing fire risk management.

5. Hatch Door Access: Easy Maintenance for SPI Filtration Systems

   The STONEQUENCH®-LHD® includes integrated hatch doors that provide convenient and safe access to SPI filtration and pre-filtration systems, such as PETRO PIPE, PETRO BARRIER, and PFB. These access points allow for quick inspections, maintenance, and replacement of filtration components without disrupting operations. This feature enhances operational efficiency by simplifying the management of hydrocarbon containment systems, ensuring optimal performance, and supporting environmental compliance with minimal downtime.

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Benefits for the North American Market

The STONEQUENCH®-LHD® system offers North American energy operators an additional tool to manage fire risks in power transformer installations:

• Enhanced Fire Safety: Provides a passive, fail-safe solution to protect transformers and surrounding infrastructure.
• Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for periodic replacement or cleaning of traditional materials such as washed stones.
• Improved Operator Safety: Anti-slip surfaces and reduced fire risks create a safer working environment.
• Sustainability: Supports better environmental practices by efficiently containing hydrocarbons.

With advanced technology and proven effectiveness, the STONEQUENCH®-LHD® system from NORTHBRIT ensures passive fire protection and operational reliability, addressing the unique needs of North America’s power transformer industry.