Danfoss Fire Safety has announced the successful installation of its advanced SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist fire protection system in the Samruddhi Expressway tunnel, Maharashtra, India. This project signifies a leap forward in fire safety technology, ensuring a secure environment for travellers and protecting the tunnel’s infrastructure.
Connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, the Samruddhi Expressway is crucial for Maharashtra’s socio-economic progress. At the core of this major project, the 8-km, 3-lane Samruddhi tunnel allows swift passage through the Western Ghats mountains, taking less than 10 minutes. Recognising the importance of fire safety in such a vital structure, Danfoss Fire Safety was selected to provide the active fire protection system, equipping the tunnel with its SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist technology.
Tunnel fires can escalate quickly, posing severe risks. To combat this, the Samruddhi tunnel features 26 emergency cross-passages and 54 ventilation fans per tube for optimal airflow and smoke management. The highlight is the SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system, designed to suppress fires efficiently and minimise their impact.
“Pioneering the implementation of our SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system in the Samruddhi Expressway tunnel is a testament to Danfoss’ commitment to innovation and safety. We are proud to be involved in a project vital to the development of Maharashtra, India, ensuring that roads users can travel with peace of mind while preserving the environment for future generations,” said Qusai Alasad, Global Manager- Transportation Infrastructures, Danfoss Fire Safety.
“I am honored to witness the successful implementation of our SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist fire protection system in the Samruddhi Expressway tunnel. This milestone not only showcases Danfoss Fire Safety’s unwavering commitment to pioneering safety solutions but also reflects our relentless dedication to elevating infrastructure safety standards. Our extensive fire testing at RISE in Norway, witnessed and verified by UL and meeting the SOLIT2 and NFPA502 criteria, underscores the depth of our investment in ensuring the utmost safety and reliability of our technology. With this project, we continue to lead the industry, setting new benchmarks in fire protection for tunnels worldwide,” said Poul Harder, CEO of Danfoss Fire Safety.
The high-pressure water mist system is harmless to humans yet highly effective against fires. Testing shows that it can efficiently suppress deep-seated or hard-to-reach fires. By combining cooling and oxygen displacement, the system offers a cooling capacity up to seven times greater than traditional sprinklers, while also preventing re-ignition.
The SEM-SAFE® system covers both tunnel tubes, consisting of high-pressure water mist pump units, section valves, nozzles, pipes, and fittings. Its high-quality stainless-steel components, energy-efficient Danfoss pumps, and durable design ensure a long lifecycle.
Focusing on sustainability, the SEM-SAFE® system uses minimal water, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental conservation near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Western Ghats. Danfoss Fire Safety also provided comprehensive technical design, engineering, and site supervision, ensuring smooth project execution. The project contractor, Afcons Infrastructure Limited, is one of India’s leading construction companies.
With the SEM-SAFE® high-pressure water mist system, Danfoss Fire Safety sets a new benchmark in tunnel fire protection. Their commitment to innovative and efficient solutions provides a significant competitive edge through unmatched performance and cost-effectiveness.
Key Benefits:
- Life Safety: The SEM-SAFE® system cools, absorbs heat radiation, and controls smoke, enhancing evacuation conditions and creating a safe environment for rescue operations.
- Structural Integrity: The system activates quickly upon detecting smoke or fire, rapidly suppressing the blaze and protecting the tunnel’s structural integrity.
- Reduced Downtime: By using water mist and activating only affected nozzles, the system consumes up to 80% less water than sprinklers, minimizing post-fire cleanup and water damage.
- Reduced Total Cost of Ownership: The SEM-SAFE® system optimizes resource usage and requires minimal maintenance, offering a reduced total cost of ownership over its lifecycle.
- Reduced Ventilation Design Requirements: Its efficient fire suppression can lead to reduced ventilation design needs, resulting in cost savings and streamlined infrastructure.
- Long Lifecycle: Built for continuous operation, the SEM-SAFE® system ensures prolonged reliability and performance in critical tunnel environments.