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Industry Gathers for FSSA 30th Annual Forum February 28, 2012

Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.
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Over 150 industry leaders have gathered for the 30th Fire Suppression Systems Association Annual Forum in Rancho Mirage, CA.

A variety of topics ranging from economic outlooks to water mist fire suppression have engaged the attendees. The hot topic of fire protection challenges associated with hot aisle/cold aisle containment systems was reviewed by Steve Carter of Orr Protection Systems.   It’s clear from the discussion generated that this topic continues to be one that FSSA is leading the way on.

Steven Turner with Turner Time Management demonstrated the myriad ways of improving productivity with tips and shortcuts available for smartphones and laptops.

Factory Mutual engineering specialist, Matt Daelhouse, provided an overview of water mist fire suppression systems from Factory Mutual’s perspective.  He provided details on the various types of water mist suppression systems that FM Global tests as well as the testing methods employed.  He further explained the future testing that take place for other types of hazards to be protected with water mist.

The 30th Annual Forum concludes today with morning sessions devoted to topics of interest for the two divisions represented in the association:  Installers and Manufacturers.

To learn more about FSSA, visit www.fssa.net

FSSA Prepares to Celebrate 30th Annual Meeting February 25, 2012

Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA, Uncategorized.
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The Fire Suppression Systems Association is set to celebrate 30 years of fire protection excellence beginning tonight at the opening reception at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Over 150 attendees will gather to renew friendships, share industry experiences and learn about new activities and initiatives being undertaken by the FSSA.

The in addition to numerous committee reporting sessions, this three day annual meeting features several seminars including:

  • Keynote Speaker:   economist Alan Beaulieu
  • Technical Session:  Fire Protection Challenges with Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Containment in Data Centers
  • Educational Session:  Liability for the NICET Designer
  • Educational Session:  Maximizing Your Productivity & Efficiency When You’re On the Road

Industry leaders William Eckholm, President and CEO of Firetrace International, and Roger Bourgeois, Founder and President of Bourgeois & Associates, Inc., will be presented with FSSA’s Leadership Award during the President’s Banquet on Monday evening, February 27th.

The FSSA Leadership Award is presented annually to honor individuals in the special hazards fire protection industry that have shown great leadership and responsibility in their professional and personal lives. When choosing a recipient, the FSSA Awards Committee takes into consideration a variety of attributes including dedication to and longevity in the industry, integrity and fairness in their work, and a desire for innovation and change to improve the industry.

To learn more visit:  www.fssa.net.

The 30th Annual Meeting concludes on Tuesday, February 28th.

Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Containment Issues Presented March 1, 2011

Posted by shawnpci in Fire Protection, Fire Systems, FSSA.
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Example of HACS/CACS solution

Challenges created by hot aisle/cold aisle containment systems (HACS/CACS) to effective fire suppression system design were presented at FSSA’s Framing for Success Annual Meeting by Jeffery Kidd of New England Fire Systems.

Kidd presented the variety of HACS/CACS solutions that are being implemented in data centers to deal with increasing heat loads. He cited recent studies that showed average data center operating temperatures rising from an average of 72 degrees before 2004 to 81 degrees in 2008. He also noted that it’s not uncommon for hot aisle temperatures to reach well over 100 degrees.

Proposals are currently being presented to the technical committees of NFPA 75 and NFPA 76 to recognize the challenges posed to fire suppression systems by these HACS/CACS efforts.

Kidd noted several items to consider when designing or modifying a fire suppression system where HACS/CACS systems are used including: detection for high air flows; agent design considerations for higher ambient temperatures and obstacle interference for nozzle placement.

FSSA’s annual meeting concludes on March 1.