Home  News and Events Press Releases 2002
SimplexGrinnell Working on Complete Upgrade of Fire Detection
and Control System in the World's Largest Soft-Ground Tunnel
$1.5 Million Retrofit System Designed to Protect Three Major Highway Tunnels
in Seattle Against High-Intensity Fuel Tanker Fires
HOUSTON, Texas and WESTMINSTER, Massachusetts (Sept. 9, 2002) - SimplexGrinnell, a business unit of Tyco Fire and Security and a leader in fire protection, life safety and integrated security, has reached the installation phase of a high-profile project to upgrade and replace the existing fire control system in three heavily traveled tunnels along Interstates 5 and 90 in Seattle.
The Seattle tunnels are thought to be the world's only highway tunnels equipped with foam/water sprinkler deluge systems, which are particularly effective against high-intensity fires such as those that would result from hazardous cargoes or other combustible materials transported by tanker trucks.
The project marks the first time that a tunnel foam/water deluge system has ever been retrofitted. For SimplexGrinnell, the challenge with the retrofit project is that the system must remain active, protecting against the possibility of a flammable fuel fire, while new system control panels and components are being put in place. The cost of the complex networked system that SimplexGrinnell is designing, supplying and installing exceeds $1.5 million, and includes 70 Simplex® high-end fire alarm control panels, 18 Windows®-based operator workstations, and a central command center located in a state office building 15 miles away.
Mount Baker Tunnel, believed to be the world's largest tunnel ever driven through soft soil, is about 3,000 feet long and consists of three separate roadways - each in a separate tunnel. Each of the three tunnels, one of which is built under the Washington State Convention and Trade Center, will have its own networked system. The three individual tunnel systems will be networked, using fiber optics, to the central command center.
The tunnel fire control system upgrade project has been commissioned by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). The project's lead contractor, Totem Electric of Tacoma, Washington, selected SimplexGrinnell as the fire system provider. The project specifications developed by the WSDOT required that the fire control system provider have experience with large projects of comparable size. The specifications also called for the development of a system with a consistent operator interface - a feature that provides uniform operability and minimizes retraining.
"SimplexGrinnell met all the project criteria and is honored to be the major subcontractor on this important and challenging upgrade of the tunnel fire control system," says John Haynes, Director of Marketing. "SimplexGrinnell has an exemplary track record in completing large, complex fire projects and will provide a reliable, flexible and high-quality system to protect the thousands of motorists who utilize the tunnels each day."
In the event of a flammable fuel fire in one of the tunnels, the system would release a foam agent. The system also has the capability to release and control water sprinklers to extinguish smaller vehicle fires. In a fire situation, the system can also control dampers and ventilation fans and monitor emergency telephones inside the tunnels. All functions of the new system can also be remotely monitored and controlled from the Department of Transportation's command center north of Seattle.
A successful witness test
SimplexGrinnell recently completed a successful "witness and acceptance test" of the tunnel system. Having completed the custom design, engineering, programming and configuration work, SimplexGrinnell "staged" the tunnel system on the factory floor at its facility in Westminster, Massachusetts, using the control panels and operator workstations that will make up the actual system. WSDOT officials traveled to Westminster to witness the testing and verify the system's operation.
SimplexGrinnell has now begun the installation phase of the project, which is expected to be completed in the beginning months of 2003. The construction sequencing, a critical facet of the project, has been carefully developed to minimize downtime and ensure that fire detection and suppression capabilities are maintained at all times. The continuity of protection will be accomplished by keeping portions of the existing fire management system operational while new system panels and components are installed.
"Construction coordination is essential to the construction process and to the overall project," says Jeff Starck, project manager in SimplexGrinnell's Seattle district office. "Everything is in place for a successful project. It's been a real team effort between WSDOT, Totem Electric and SimplexGrinnell. It's enjoyable to work in that kind of environment."
About SimplexGrinnell
SimplexGrinnell LP, a unit of Tyco International's Fire and Security Division, is a leading provider of fire detection and alarm, fire suppression, and integrated security systems and services. SimplexGrinnell delivers single-source solutions using its comprehensive portfolio of high-quality products and services. The Simplex® and Grinnell® product lines being sold, delivered and serviced by SimplexGrinnell include: fire detection and alarm systems; fire sprinkler systems; fire extinguishers and pumps; restaurant fire suppression systems; special hazard fire protection systems; integrated security applications that link access control, CCTV and fire; emergency lighting; healthcare communication systems; and integrated sound, intercom and telephone systems. SimplexGrinnell serves its customers through a network of company-owned district offices that covers all of North America. The SimplexGrinnell district offices also provide 24/7 emergency services. For additional information or to locate the nearest SimplexGrinnell district office, visit www.simplexgrinnell.com
About Tyco Fire and Security
Tyco Fire and Security, one of the major business units of Tyco International Ltd., designs, manufactures, installs and services electronic security systems and fire protection, detection and suppression systems. With $10 billion in annual sales and more than 100,000 employees, Tyco Fire & Security includes more than 60 brands, which are represented in over 100 countries. Its products are used to safeguard firefighters, prevent and fight fires, deter thieves and protect people and property.
Copyright © 2002 SimplexGrinnell LP. All rights reserved.
Tyco, Simplex and Grinnell are trademarks of Tyco International Services AG or its affiliates.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CONTACT: Chris Woodcock
Manager, Advertising & Public Relations
SimplexGrinnell
978-731-7052
chwoodcock@tycoint.com
Peter Ferris
Tyco International
603-334-3933
pferris@tyco.com
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