Aero-X is a European distributor of high-end fire detection and extinguishing solutions for the railway industry. Based in Switzerland, the company has more than 20 years of experience producing aerosol extinguishing solutions. With partners across the world, Aero-X works with clients from a variety of industries, including rolling stock and rail infrastructure, marine and offshore, automotive and transport, tunnelling and mining, power generation and distribution, and more.
Fire detection and extinguishing solutions for railway applications
Aero-X develops and manufactures a line of versatile and compact fire detection and extinguishing control panels, including the Stat-X aerosol fire extinguishing system, Thermac heat sensors, and Protectowire linear heat detection solutions. The company also creates custom-made fire safety solutions that can be tailored to meet specific customer requirements and regulatory standards.
The Stat-X aerosol fire extinguishing system is lightweight, with low installation and maintenance costs. It uses an aerosol of potassium carbonate particles which, when heated by the fire, break down into potassium and carbon dioxide. This potassium then bonds with the free radicals from the combustion reaction to form stable potassium hydroxid, which cannot be used in the combustion reaction and causes the fire to extinguish. The Aero-X calculation tool can be used to work out the amount of aerosol needed to protect a given space. The tool contains pre-defined space definitions and automatic fire class determination, making it reliable and easy to use.
With no pressure vessels or piping, the system is easy to install and highly modular, meaning it can be easily customised to suit any situation. It also features a robust and waterproof stainless-steel design that is highly reliable. The Stat-X is a vital part of any dire detection and extinguishing system, as it is environmentally friendly, non-corrosive, and has a high resistance to shocks and vibrations. The system is also very safe to use as there is no electrical conductivity involved and no harmful by-products (such as acid) are produced. It can operate at temperatures between -60°C and 80°C, meaning it can be used in many different operating environments.
Aero-X offers suitable fire extinguishing solutions for every type of rail unit, including electric trains, diesel locomotives, road-rail vehicles, rail maintenance, and more. In electric trains, Aero-X’s products can be used to protect roof boxes, control cabinets, electrical cabinets, power converters, and other important electrical components. The system is easy to install, making it easy to upgrade and retrofit electric trains.
In diesel trains, the company’s aerosol extinguishing systems are commonly used to protect diesel generators, control systems, electrical cabinets, and engine compartments. Rail maintenance vehicles, road-rail vehicles, tunnelling and mining trains, and more also use the system in similar ways to protect important equipment and systems. The modular design means it can be customised to suit a variety of applications and can be installed quickly and easily.
Heavy duty extinguishing units for the railway industry
The Aero-X E/C type heavy duty extinguishing units feature a robust design and plug connectors. With a metal housing rated at IP 67, the units are shock, vibration, and fire-resistant to ensure that they continue to operate in all conditions. The discharge ports are also protected against impact and tampering, as well as dust and dirt.
The corresponding connection cables also use an IP 67-rated metal connector and a flexible cable to make installation easier. They are highly fire resistant and comply with many regulatory requirements, making them suitable for use in rail, automotive, marine, and offshore applications.
Aerosol extinguishing generators for hazardous railway applications
Aero-X has created a range of Stat-X aerosol extinguishing generators that meet UL Class I Division 2 requirements, as well as ATEX and IECEx Zone 2 specifications, making them suitable for use in hazardous environments. The Stat-X ex units are electrically activated and are suitable for use in dangerous locations, such as tunnelling and mining projects.
Thermal/manual railway extinguishing systems
The Stat-X thermal/manual units are ideal for simple applications and are available in thermal/manual or manual-only activation configurations. Autonomous systems do not require an external fire alarm or extinguishing control panel and use only one extinguishing unit per protected area. They are easy to install and are available with thermal heads at 70°C, 95°C or 123°C.
Electrical railway extinguishing units
Stat-X electrical units are ideal for ordinary applications, such as electrical cabinets, transformers, control systems, and battery storage systems. They are electrically activated and can be configured to match any fire detection or extinguishing panel. This configuration requires one or more extinguishing units to form a complete system.
Fire detection and extinguishing control panels for railways
The Aero-X Micro-FEP control panel is ideal for use in harsher environmental conditions. Featuring an aluminium housing, with an EN 45545 compliant coating, the unit is highly shock and vibration resistant and can withstand high levels of mechanical impact. The control panel is easy to install and maintain and uses an internal UPS for continuous operation.
Heavy duty heat solutions for the railway sector
Aero-X’s HD linear heat detection cables are a reliable fire detection solution that can be used in many different situations. The cables have a large range of alarm temperatures from 60°C to 260°C and meet various EN and UL certifications. The cables’ stainless steel permeable conduit makes them more resistant to mechanical impact, shocks, and vibrations. They can easily be connected to control panels or junction boxes.
The Aero-X Thermac Type E resetting heat detector automatically resets itself after temperatures fall back to below the alarm levels. Its pre-assembled terminals mean that it is simple to install and easy to connect. The heat detector is available with a range of alarm temperatures and features an IP 67 aluminium casing to improve durability.