Minimax SOLID SDE Spark Extinguishing Control Panel

A preconfigured control panel for spark extinguishing zones

The Minimax SOLID SDE (Spark Detection and Extinguishing) is a fire detection and control panel preconfigured for the control and function monitoring of spark extinguishing systems. Minimax names pneumatic suction and conveyor systems such as drop shafts in the timber, textile, paint and food industries as typical uses, with one extinguishing zone.

The panel is built for tough industrial environments: it has a dust and jet-proof polycarbonate housing (IP66), settings that can be made quickly and easily, status LEDs and function keys for intuitive operation, and an emergency power supply for continuous availability.

Technical specifications

How it works in a spark extinguishing system

A spark extinguishing system consists of the SOLID SDE panel, spark detectors and a valve unit. When the detectors see sparks or hot particles in the conveyed material, they signal the panel, which evaluates the signal within milliseconds and activates the solenoid valve of the extinguishing unit. Water is released through patented self-closing nozzles, the glowing particles fly into the water mist and are extinguished, and the valve closes automatically. The panel triggers notification devices at the same time.

If the spark counter limit is exceeded, the panel can turn the machinery off so the cause can be fixed and further sparking and flooding of the protected equipment are prevented.

The panel is preconfigured for one extinguishing zone. Plants with several conveying branches should therefore check whether one panel per zone or a larger Minimax panel is the better fit. Commissioning is meant to be simple because the panel is already set up for spark extinguishing, and the status LEDs show the state of each monitored function without a laptop.

What to confirm before ordering

The brochure page is a single sheet and gives no electrical ratings, voltage or contact data, so please request the technical documentation from us. Send the number of spark detector lines, valve type, outputs for machine shutdown, and the supply voltage available on site. For larger systems with several zones or reflex functions, Minimax positions its Clunid FMZ6000 panel.

Planning the spark extinguishing zone

Before the SOLID SDE is specified, the conveying line should be surveyed as a whole. Identify where sparks or hot particles are most likely to be created, such as at grinders, sanders, saws, mills or fans, and where they could be carried into filters, silos or dust collectors. The spark detectors are positioned upstream of the extinguishing point, and the distance between them has to give the panel and the valve enough time to act before the particle reaches the water mist. This layout is a design task for the system engineer and should follow the Minimax design documentation for the detectors and valve unit chosen.

Check that the protected duct or chute really forms a single extinguishing zone. If the plant has several branches that merge or that can run independently, each branch may need its own detection and extinguishing point, which affects whether one SOLID SDE is enough.

Installation and interfacing

Mount the panel in a location where operators can see the status LEDs and reach the function keys, but away from the hottest and dustiest point of the process. Although the polycarbonate housing is dust and jet-proof, cable entries must be sealed properly to keep that protection. Detector, valve and notification device cables should be run as specified by Minimax and kept apart from motor and drive cables. The machine shutdown output must be wired into the conveying system’s control circuit so that it can actually stop the relevant equipment, and the water supply to the extinguishing unit must be available at the pressure and quality the valve unit requires.

Commissioning and testing

Even though the panel is preconfigured, commissioning should confirm every part of the chain. Test each spark detector, check that the solenoid valve opens and closes as expected, verify that the notification devices operate, and simulate a line break and short circuit on the monitored connections to confirm that faults are reported. Set the spark counter limit and time window together with the plant operator, balancing protection against unnecessary stops, and confirm that the machine shutdown works. Test the emergency power supply by interrupting the mains feed. Record all settings and results for the plant fire safety file.

Operating conditions and maintenance in Oman and the GCC

Woodworking, textile and food plants in the region often combine fine dust with high summer temperatures in production halls. Keep the panel out of direct sun and away from heat sources, and clean dust from the housing and its surroundings regularly so that the status display remains readable. Where the water line to the extinguishing unit runs through hot or exposed areas, consider its temperature and the risk of deposits from local water. Periodic maintenance should follow the Minimax inspection intervals and include detector checks, valve function tests, review of recorded events and a test of the emergency power supply, carried out by qualified personnel.

Documents and quotation

The one-page Minimax SOLID SDE sheet (print run 05.15) is attached; it is an older print run, so current data is checked with Minimax. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat. Related panels are listed under Logic Controllers.