A UK supermarket chain has chosen Patol Ltd and Securiton Aspirating Smoke Detection (ASD) to protect a significant investment in expanding the retailer’s online offering.

With a general upturn in online grocery shopping, the supermarket has embarked on a programme to develop a number of facilities throughout the UK, with dedicated automatic picking areas completely separate to the customer areas introduced in its larger stores where excess space is available.

Alarmtec, a supplier of fire alarm systems for over 40 years, approached Patol, a company that has specialised in the design, manufacture and supply of fire safety products and services for more than 50 years. Alarmtec had employed ASD in a large warehouse project and recognised the potential it offered in meeting the needs of the fulfilment centres.

Alarmtec and Patol worked together, along with the retailer’s own dedicated engineering department, to design and develop a turnkey solution. The first store was in West Bromwich and a template was created for the fire alarm system to protect the centre.

Patol’s ASD was chosen to provide early warning of fire, with the pipework installed throughout the ceiling voids and racking areas. The detectors are located to allow easy access for maintenance which would have proved difficult with conventional point detectors.

The early warning provided by ASD also proved a significant advantage given the increased fire load represented by the electrical motors which drive the automated conveyors at the heart of the picking area. The ASD is supported by Patol’s digital LHDC (Linear Heat Detection Cable) which monitors the chillers and freezers.

The air sampling pipework and detectors provide dedicated protection of the West Bromwich fulfilment centre area, networked to the store’s existing fire control panel and sprinkler system. The success of the West Bromwich facility provided the blueprint to roll-out the solution to other stores.

Jeff Hickling is Head of Installation at Alarmtec and commented: “We recognised that ASD provided the ideal solution to meet the challenges of the project, with its ability to identify a potential fire at the earliest possible point. Patol’s technology provided the performance we were looking for, backed by an excellent level of service.”

The fulfilment centres are designed to allow faster picking and quicker deliveries, adding to an extensive network of distribution facilities and in-store picking. It will expand the company’s online capacity, providing customers with more home delivery slots, as well as reducing congestion on shop floors.