Click here to view this interesting report concerning industrial dust hazards. - (offsite link)

Blue Springs, MO, July 14, 2009 – Fike is proud to announce it has been named Chemical Processing magazine 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards survey winner for explosion protection systems.

Now in its sixth year, the award is based on a questionnaire sent to Chemical Processing readers via e-mail notices and electronic newsletters. Readers were given specific instructions to vote on their favorite technology provider in 44 different categories. By not providing a pre-selected list of companies in each category, readers avoided any influenced opinions and were free to list whomever they wanted. Fike has been listed as the top company for explosion protection systems every year since the survey began.

Fike is updating its packaging on all larger diameter rupture discs.  The changes will first be seen in the 8” size only.  Larger standard disc sizes, up through 24”, will be implemented throughout the remainder of 2009.  Though the need for packaging improvements stemmed from needs internal to Fike, numerous additional benefits for our customers have been realized.

-  The packaging is much “greener”, using recyclable materials to lessen the environmental footprint

-  It is more compact and lightweight for ease of handling and less required storage space

-  Can prevent disc damage with clear handling indication

  - Disc inspection out of the box and repackaging has been made easier

  If you have any comments or concerns, please contact Fike technical support at 1-877-342-3453.

Fike recently released the latest addition to the Axius SC line of sanitary rupture discs (bursting discs). The 1” Axius SC has a burst pressure range of 25 psig (1.72 BARG) to 275 psig (18.96 BARG), a standard lead time of 5 days, and is available in 316/316L stainless steel only. (Other burst pressures may be available; consult the factory for additional information).

After investigating fire suppression system alternatives, the Wharton Esherick Board decided on a Fike ECARO-25 clean agent fire suppression system with DuPont™ FE-25™. The ECARO-25 system is activated by an ionization-based smoke detector that sounds an alarm and reports the first indicators of smoke. Small pressurized tanks of FE-25 installed in closets throughout the studio eliminated the need for an extensive piping system, greatly reducing the cost of installation.

Fike fire distributor, American Fire Technologies, was recently presented with the U.S. Commerce Department's Export Achievement Certitificate. The award recognizes companies that have benefited from the Department's U.S. Commercial Service assistance to make their first export sale or expand into new international markets.

"Over the years, exporting has enabled our company to grow and expand, and being well-diversified geographically has helped us to weather the worldwide economic situation and sustain local jobs here in Wilmington [NC]," said Carl Busian, President of American Fire Technologies. "In just a few short years, our exports as a percentage of total sales have grown from 4 to 15 percent - a 266% increase ... "

For more information on the award received by this quality, long-time Fike distributor ...

Fike® announces the acquisition of axonX LLC, a developer of video image flame and smoke detection technologies (also called Video Image Detection or VID). Fike and axonX will continue to market the product line under the SigniFire™ brand.

Blue Springs, MO, July 15, 2008 – Fike announced today that its global clean agent fire suppression system offering will include the use of DuPont™ FM-200® clean agent, beginning August 15, 2008.

The use of FM-200®(ASHRAE name HFC-227ea) will not require engineering changes to Fike’s product offering, nor will it require any technical or installation changes for Fike’s distributors. FM-200® has identical performance characteristics as FE-227® (ASHRAE name HFC-227ea) that Fike previously offered. After August 15, 2008, all Fike HFC-227ea systems globally will be marketed, manufactured, and delivered using the FM-200® brand. Fike’s systems with FM-200® will continue to meet UL and FM approvals as before.

Fike announced it has received the City of Chicago approval on its CyberCat 1016 and 254 control systems. These fire alarm control panels, which have been UL and FM approved since 2004, are now accepted for Class I and Class II applications within the City of Chicago.

The Fike team worked closely with Chicago officials as well as local distribution to add the appropriate functionality in the panel firmware, as well as design specific peripherals to meet the requirements of this market. 

Blue Springs, MO, October 6, 2008 – Fike has announced reductions on lead times for Oilfield Products.

Oilfield customers require strict lead times on Oilfield Products. During drilling, completion, and production processes, schedules can not be compromised and on time delivery is critical. The Fike Oilfield Product team has created a delivery program that meets, and in many cases, exceeds customer-defined criteria. This program includes plant process improvements, and dedicated machines and experienced operators exclusively to Oilfield Products. All this has been accomplished while maintaining Fike’s high quality standards and workmanship. Moving forward, the team will continue to monitor results and address opportunities for improvement.

I am very pleased to announce that Mr. James Rutledge has joined the Fike Alarm Systems team. Jim assumes the duties of West Regional Sales Manager, where his responsibilities includethe support and development of our Fike Alarm Systemsdistributor network.