Boundary Dam is located on the Pend Oreille River in Northeastern Washington. The hydroelectric powerhouse and dam generates power for the city of Seattle. The Boundary Hydroelectric Project supplies more than one-third of Seattle City Light’s power. The facility consists of 299,000 horsepower turbines and electrical generating facilities that produce clean, renewable energy.

Seattle City Light needed a fire suppression system that could keep the Boundary Dam Hydroelectric Facility safe at all times. Fire Protection Specialists, contractors on this project, trusted the Victaulic Vortex Fire Suppression System to provide life and environmental safety while protecting the turbine enclosure at Boundary Dam. The Victaulic Vortex system is a hybrid technology that extinguishes via heat absorption and oxygen deprivation with minimal heat presence. With Victaulic Vortex, even during discharge, personnel are safe because of the sustainable design made entirely of non-toxic agents and holds oxygen levels within safe breathing tolerances.

The Victaulic Vortex System seamlessly integrates with the alarm and detection systems as well as the facility’s security technology. Other suppression or CO2 systems, that use dry chemicals, were not a solution for this project because if discharged, it could ruin the equipment and lead to a long facility downtime for repairs and replacement. In the event of a fire, the Victaulic Vortex system is recharged rapidly allowing for a return to working conditions almost immediately

Publications

Touring To and Through Boundary Dam, Thunder Press

Stepping beyond standard to enhance safety, Water Power Magazine

External Links 

Northwest Backroads Boundary Dam Video