Interview with Competec Logistik AG
Logistics service provider for compact storage systems
We from WAGNER spoke with Christian Doppler, Head of Safety and Technology of Competec Logistik AG, about fire protection, risks and protection concepts for compact storage systems. In the interview, he explains which special features and challenges aris for logistics service providers of such storage systems and which needs to be considered from the customer's point of view.
Fully automated, extremely compact systems have become an indispensable part of modern warehouse logistics. They guarantee 24/7 availability, uninterrupted delivery capability and optimal use of space thanks to stackable containers. What are the special features / challenges of these so-called compact storage systems from your perspective?
The biggest advantage for us as a retail group operating in the still emerging e-commerce sector is being able to fit as much merchandise as possible into as little space as possible. A particular challenge is that such facilities carry a certain risk of compaction. They must function without interruption and be constantly monitored. Every minute they stand still, the complicated ecosystem of interwoven trades falters - the delivery promise can no longer be kept in every case. The same requirement also applies to inerting, which provides effective fire prevention for such systems: Our compact storage systems are protected with active fire prevention through oxygen reduction. By introducing nitrogen into the area to be protected, an oxygen-reduced protective atmosphere is built up. The compressor of the oxygen reduction system provides nitrogen production on site so that the oxygen content is continuously kept low. In this way, the protected area is "inerted", which means that the low oxygen concentration makes chemical combustion reactions impossible. This keeps our goods safe. Another challenge is that only trained persons, supervised by a company doctor, can carry out maintenance work in inertised container compacts. Overall, we have grown as a company, which has also increased the need for suitably qualified professionals to carry out this work. That is why we have massively increased our technical team in logistics.
You mention the topic of fire protection. There are many different extinguishing methods that are used in warehouse logistics. How do you evaluate the respective approaches and solutions from the user's perspective?
The already mentioned oxygen reduction is the most effective prevention against the outbreak of a fire. The following variants are available for fire extinguishing:
- Sprinkler systems with extinguishing liquid (water plus antifreeze) or extinguishing foam, which is distributed from above in case of fire. The disadvantage: Both the goods - in our case at least in the top layer in the stack of the compact storage system - and system parts are damaged.
- Gas extinguishing systems. In the event of a fire, gas suddenly displaces the oxygen and the fire is suffocated. For our compact storage systems, a considerable amount of gas would have to be stored.
- Other solutions, e.g. with dust, are also unsuitable for our storage volume.
In the areas where employees work and oxygen reduction is therefore not an option, we use sprinklers.
How have you implemented projects so far? What did you have to pay special attention to? Do you have any recommendations for other users of compact storage systems, e.g. what should be considered during the planning or implementation phase?
We have realised several plants in the past and have had good experiences working with an experienced partner in both planning and implementation. A good planning office takes the time to get to know and understand the company, its processes and the markets in which it operates. This also makes it clear what demands are placed on the corresponding logistics solution in everyday work. During implementation, attention should be paid to forward-looking deployment and resource planning and to customer service with service level agreements that fit the respective deployment scenario. There are learnings for both sides from the ongoing dialogue.
Contact
Automated compact storage systems require innovative fire protection solutions. Active fire prevention protects operators from the consequences of a fire. This ensures delivery and operational capability at all times. We look forward to your task for innovative fire protection and support you in the implementation of your protection goals.