Since the renovation of the Berlin Museum of Natural History in 2010, WAGNER has been protecting the museum's wet and dry collections from fire. The fire protection expert installed aspirating sampling smoke detectors for early fire detection and the FirExting® gas extinguishing system.
In order to reliably protect the animal specimens in the Berlin Museum of Natural History, WAGNER developed a sophisticated fire protection concept in cooperation with the fire department and experts. In the event of a fire, countermeasures can be initiated at an early stage by means of a highly sensitive and false alarm-proof fire detection system. The automatic gas extinguishing system, which is inconspicuous to museum visitors, ensures that the fire is contained immediately without damaging the exhibits. Inert gas extinguishing provides complete protection for the valuable collection.
The inert gas fire extinguishing system has been designed in accordance with the EN standard for stationary fire extinguishing systems ISO 14520 (EN 15004-1), taking into account NFPA 2001 and, in part, the guidelines of VdS Schadenverhütung, Cologne, Fire extinguishing systems with non-liquefied inert gases and BGR 134/ BGI 888 (Publisher: Verband der gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften).
The Berlin Museum of Natural History is not only one of the largest natural history museums in Germany, but also a major natural history research facility. Approximately 30 million animal specimens of inestimable scientific and cultural value are collected here for research purposes. The Natural History Museum houses scientific collections of mineralogical, geological and zoological objects. Scientists from Germany and abroad appreciate the collections of the Berlin Museum of Natural History. Snakes, snails, lizards, frogs, spiders, and fish – are some of the animal specimens that are over 200 years old. These specimens are used to study the evolutionary history of life.
After parts of the museum were destroyed during World War II, it was completely rebuilt in 2010. On the first floor of the East Wing, visitors can admire the historically unique wet collection of alcohol-preserved animal specimens, providing an authentic insight into research.
RISK ANALYSIS
The animal specimens are preserved in 70% ethanol, which is highly flammable. In addition, the unique museum and research materials are stored in a confined space, which can accelerate the spread of fire.
PROTECTION GOALS
SOLUTION
Highly sensitive and false alarm resistant TITANUS® aspirating smoke detectors detect smoke early, giving you a time advantage in fighting fires.
Upon detection, the fire alarm panel shuts off the room ventilation and floods the protected area with extinguishing gas. The FirExting® gas extinguishing system puts out the fire quickly and without residue. The extinguishing gas is stored underground in a separate extinguishing system control panel. The gas is piped to the areas to be protected. The piping is concealed in ducts and shafts, while the extinguishing nozzles of the SILENT version are concealed under the ceiling and shelves behind protective and baffle plates. Pressure relief flaps ensure optimum pressure distribution in the room, preventing the valuable glassware containing the exhibits from being knocked over. A dwell time is provided to prevent re-ignition.
How the specimens are stored at the Berlin Museum of Natural History
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
WAGNER gas extinguishing systems are tested by experts and approved by the VdS.
Early warning and immediate flooding of the protected area with extinguishing gas can minimize or prevent damage.
The nitrogen extinguishing gas is non-toxic and residue-free. Scientific collections are not damaged by the extinguishing process.
The fire suppression system is installed underground, making it invisible to visitors.
CUSTOMER VOICE
"To store and display our wet collection, we needed an innovative [fire protection] solution that met high functional and aesthetic requirements.”
