Dynamic Fire Protection at Chemische Fabrik Karl Bucher GmbH

The family-owned company Chemische Fabrik Karl Bucher GmbH, located in Waldstetten, Bavaria, in southern Germany, manufactures specialty chemicals and faces unique fire protection challenges. Historic building structures, dense site development, and the handling of corrosive substances such as chlorosilanes make fire protection particularly demanding. The previously installed manually operated fire monitors offered only limited range and efficiency.

Use of Stationary Firefighting Turbines

The decision to implement a semi-automatic firefighting system with EmiControls water mist turbines resulted in significant improvements. The turbines can be activated quickly and generate a fine water mist that provides effective cooling and fire control. The large surface area of the mist enables optimal heat dissipation and allows hidden fire sources to be reached, a major advantage in confined and complex plant areas. In addition, the water mist has proven highly effective in suppressing hazardous gases.

Besides easy remote control, the turbines can also operate with firefighting foam and cover a larger protection area through predefined sectors. The spray pattern can be individually adjusted depending on the fire source or affected plant section.

Project Implementation and Challenges

Integrating the new turbines into Karl Bucher’s existing system required modifications to the firefighting water infrastructure and close coordination with authorities, as approvals for this technology in chemical plants are still relatively new. The turbines are supplied through centralized firefighting water pipelines, ensuring a constant water pressure.

Thanks to automation, an immediate initial attack using large water volumes is now possible even before the fire brigade arrives. The project was implemented through close cooperation between EmiControls, the turbine manufacturer, and the insurance providers, resulting in a fire protection system optimally tailored to the facility. An expansion of the system is already underway.

Firefighting Robot with Water Mist Turbine

In addition to the stationary installation, the facility operates a TAF35 firefighting robot. This remotely controlled robot can be used for pollutant suppression from a safe distance. The turbine mounted on a tracked chassis is also suitable for ventilation and air extraction measures within the chemical plant.

With this comprehensive package of measures, Karl Bucher Chemie has taken a major step toward preventive fire protection and significantly enhanced safety throughout the company without requiring additional personnel resources.