DLF files 5 patents for fire safety methods

Country's largest realty firm DLF today said it has filed for five patents for inventions that relate to fire safety of its buildings. The company has installed these systems in its commercial buildings, comprising 30 million sq ft, across the country and would do so in future projects as well.

"All 5 patents are related to fire safety of buildings. This is the first time in India that any real estate company has developed such unique technology critical for safety and security of building," DLF Commercial Developers Managing Director Ramesh Sanka said.

The company has filed patents for inventions of firestop cable barrier, system to contain inflammable and combustible liquid, proper storage of batteries as well as oil and a method to divert chilled water of AC system for fire-fighting. Sanka said the company had appointed a consultant almost a year back for improving safety of buildings. "We found plenty of areas where improvement was required. The problem areas were specific to India and no international solution was available. In last one year, we had to go through lot of research and development to create these inventions," Sanka said.

The five patents have been filed for in Indian Patent Office and they are to be evaluated, he added. The firestop cable barrier has been designed to restore the fire-resistance ratings of wall and floor assemblies by impending spread of fire, which is done by sealing openings with fire resistant materials and covering cables and joints by fire resistant material. In case of inflammable and combustible liquid present in the generator sets, DLF has created a system to make such tanks fire-resistant, and also has reduced the quantity of diesel by three-fourth.

It has installed a system for indoor storage of batteries and oils where there are devices to detect heat and smokes. A method has also been devised for diverting chilled water of HVAC system in case of fire. "The large buildings have extensive air-conditioning system wherein several thousand litres of chilled water is available. We have created a system to utilise the chilled water in HVAC to fight fire, which is in addition to the existing water storage system of the building," Sanka said.

In past couple of years, DLF has taken number of such initiatives that includes establishment of privately-owned fire stations in Chennai and Gurgaon. It is also constructing roads and metros in Gurgaon.