The automated high-bay warehouse of tea expert TEEKANNE has a comprehensive fire protection solution with active fire prevention. This sustainably protects the stored raw materials and the warehouse itself from fires and consequential damage. The high-bay warehouse at the Neuss production site was put into operation in 2022.
Valuable, high-quality raw materials from all over the world are crucial for TEEKANNE's diverse tea creations. Effective fire protection therefore played a central role in the planning of the new high-bay warehouse in Neuss. Here, the raw materials are stored in bags on pallets and prepared for the subsequent production processes. The storage area is divided into three segments and is fully automated. According to fire protection reports, full automation poses the greatest fire risk. As a technology leader in the areas of fire detection and fire prevention, WAGNER Group was therefore commissioned to develop a suitable fire protection solution.
At the beginning of the 20th century, TEEKANNE was a pioneer in developing the first tea bag packaging machine and, shortly afterwards, the double-chamber bag, which is now widely used worldwide – significant milestones in the company's history. Today, the company, founded in 1882, sells its products internationally. Over the past decade, TEEKANNE has modernized its production and storage facilities at its headquarters on the city border between Düsseldorf and Neuss. This measure included new production facilities and a state-of-the-art high-bay warehouse for raw materials.
RISK ANALYSIS
Electrical components such as storage and retrieval systems, shuttles for storing products and control cabinets can be potential sources of fire. In addition, the close storage and high density of goods favor the rapid spread of fire. The height of the warehouse also increases the problematic chimney effect, which significantly accelerates the spread of fire in the event of a fire.
PROTECTION GOALS
Goods: The sensitive raw materials for tea creations must be protected from fires and consequential damage caused by smoke and soot.
Business operations: The functionality of the automatic warehouse must be maintained under all circumstances.
Economic efficiency: Consequential damage caused by fire (loss of customer loyalty, damage to image, etc.) must be kept to a minimum.
SOLUTION
The fire protection solution focuses on fire prevention through oxygen reduction in combination with early fire detection at critical points. The solution is designed in accordance with the guideline VdS 3527, 2018 edition.
The OxyReduct® fire prevention system lowers the oxygen level in the protected areas to a previously defined level that is below the ignition thresholds of the critical materials present. The system continuously maintains the required protective concentration so that the development or spread of a fire is prevented. OXY·SENS ® oxygen sensors constantly measure the current concentration in the protected area and, if necessary, control the further supply of nitrogen, for example after storage or retrieval.
A sustainable plus of the solution implemented at TEEKANNE: a photovoltaic system on the roof of the high-bay warehouse supplies the electricity for both the building and the oxygen reduction system.
CUSTOMER BENEFITS
Ensuring 24/7 availability of the basic product for tea creations worldwide.
No damage to the raw material due to fire or extinguishing agents.
Reliable protection of the warehouse and the stored goods and values.
CUSTOMER VOICE
"When it came to the question of how we could best protect our goods and meet the fire protection requirements, we opted for an inertized warehouse. The concept and the sound experience as well as reference visits have encouraged us to realize our project with WAGNER.”
As a provider of fire protection solutions, our goal is to protect our customers from fires and their consequences in the best possible way. That's why we work with you to plan better solutions in fire protection. We look forward to your request.
