Clearing the way for tunnel response

Published: 11 June, 2009

A remote-controlled mobile firefighting support unit for tunnel fires has recently been launched by

International Fire Solutions, writes Director Rob Miller.

The LUF 60 wireless remote controlled mobile firefighting support unit clears the path for advancement of up to a distance of 300m by incorporating a high capacity positive pressure ventilator and a “water beam” fog.

This combination clears away smoke, heat, toxic gases and reduces the intensity of the fire, allowing firefighters and rescue teams to follow safely. Using state-of-the-art control elements ensures easy handling and high precision operation.

As a high performance machine it is highly flexible and easy to service. The very short time it takes for the LUF 60 to control a tunnel fire reflects in the minimal damage to the tunnel structure itself and its associated infrastructure.

The diesel powered LUF 60 is a rugged machine that can withstand the rigors of severe operating conditions and confines spaces. And the radio-controlled unit has additional back-up manual controls in the event of a power supply failure. High mobility as well as flexibility is guaranteed by a “crawler track” system, which enable it to go up and down stairways as steep as 30° and is easy capable of “bulldozing” a normal family car out of the way.

Standard equipment includes a steel/cast aluminium water cannon with a hydraulically driven ventilation fan, and high pressure nozzles that provide a wireless remote controlled elevation adjustable from 0-40 degrees. The 300m range wireless remote includes a spare battery and on board charger. The unit also has two Xenon 300 watt working lights.

Applications in a variety of situations, include, but are not limited to road and rail tunnels, railway stations, car parks, production plants, warehouses, refineries, airports or any closed compartment building. Additional connection in the centre of the conical fan tube for:

• Medium foam tube: foam range approximately 35m, flow rate up to 800 litre/min.

• Heavy foam tube: foam range approximately 70m, flow rate up to 3,000 litre/min.

• Monitor nozzle: flow rate continuous adjustable from 400-3,000 litre/min, jet and spray stream, range approx. 80m.

A high power and density ventilator can be operated as a suction fan (ventilation funnels etc) or as a positive pressure fan (tunnels, factories, large buildings, etc).

The additional ventilator is capable of quick set-up and the volume output is adjustable. Operated via remote control or manually by devices installed directly on the LUF60, the unit can be used in horizontal or vertical applications +/- 150. Use of the additional ventilator increases airflow to 88,000 CFM.

Power is supplied directly from the LUF 60 or with a portable power pack, and the unit is resistant to corrosion, gases and other contaminants.

With the Rail-Drive System, the LUF 60 is an ideal package for operational crews in rail and subway tunnel systems. The two axles are mounted directly to the LUF 60 with three bolts on the front side (three-point hydraulic system) and four bolts on the back of the machine. The LUF 60 is then driven onto the rails using its rubber tracks and once it is in driving position, the Rail-Drive System is lowered. The maximum designed speed under full load is 25 mph. Remote control or manual control devices installed directly on the LUF 60 unit drive the Rail System. The unit can be used as a rescue shuttle or for crew and additional equipment transportation when coupled with the optional trailer.

The added flood water pump is capable of pumping up to 792 gallons per minute. Also available is an adapter that can handle up to seven pump units at one time. Usage of this adapter increases water pumping capability to approximately 5,550GPM.

In addition, the carrier box can be lifted, lowered or tipped with the remote control or operated manually. It is mounted with a three-point hydraulic lift at the front side of the LUF 60. The carrier box lifting force is 1,320 lbs and has a workload of approximately 880 lbs.

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