Total Energies

The Client

Bouara & Cie, a maritime safety company based in Pointe Noire, Congo-Brazzaville, recently undertook a critical project for Total Energies, the leading retailer and primary oil operator in the country, boasting over 50 stations and 700 employees. The project focused on revamping the fire suppression systems in three of Total Energies’ archive rooms, transitioning from the IG55 setup to the innovative FirePro condensed aerosol technology. This upgrade was crucial to providing robust fire protection while minimizing disruptions to Total Energies’ operations.

Risks & Consequences

The challenges associated with the existing inert-gas, fire suppression systems included downtimes due to malfunctions, leaving the archive rooms vulnerable to fire. The compromised fire safety would potentially result in significant and irreversible losses of documents and data. It was also posing safety hazards to personnel and the facility itself. The consequences of these risks include financial losses from operational disruptions and data loss, as well as potential penalties for non-compliance with fire safety regulations, both impacting Total Energies at financial and reputational level.

The Task

The task involved upgrading the fire suppression systems in three archive rooms to more resilient and reliable ones. Bouara & Cie, with technical assistance from WattGreen, Tunisia, designed, installed, and commissioned new FirePro condensed aerosol fire extinguishing systems. The primary objectives were to improve fire protection uptime, ensure minimal disruption to Total Energies’ operations, and meet all relevant safety and fire protection standards.

Why FirePro?

FirePro was the best option for Total Energies due to its advanced condensed aerosol technology, renowned for its effective and efficient fire suppression capabilities. Additionally, compared to traditional gas-based systems, FirePro’s installation process is far shorter minimizing downtime and disruption to Total Energies’ operations. Moreover, FirePro requires less maintenance than conventional fire suppression systems to ensure continuous and reliable protection. Finally, its eco-friendly technology produces no harmful residues or emissions, making it a sustainable choice.

Results of Implementation

The implementation of the new FirePro systems significantly improved fire protection in the archive rooms. Its design minimized downtime and maintenance needs, ensuring continuous operation. Total Energies was highly satisfied with the project’s outcome, noting the professionalism of Bouara & Cie and the enhanced reliability of the new system. Additionally, the FirePro system met all safety and regulatory standards, bolstering overall safety and compliance. Comprehensive training and detailed documentation provided by Bouara & Cie ensured that Total Energies’ staff were well-prepared to manage and maintain the new system.