Draeger Australia Pty. Ltd

Basic Information

Applicant Type: Organisation

Organisation Name: Draeger Australia Pty. Ltd

Main Questions

Problem Solution

A recent industry report identifies 12000 Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Waste Facilities per annum while states report between 1 – 3 fires per week in waste disposal trucks.

Trucks can cost anywhere from $800K to $1.2Mil to fully replace.

It is estimated that Lithium-Ion Battery fires cost each business more than $400,000 pa made up of.
1. vehicle damage, rebuilding, replacement costs exceed $170,000.
while
2. other costs include insurance, clean up, legal, fines exceed $247,000.

Currently truck drivers may receive a warning that there is a fire in the hopper by:
1. Car drivers waving the truck down.
2. Truck driver seeing flames from the hopper.

The truck then must find a safe location to release the load, contact fire departments and keep people away whilst managing a burning load, smoke and various toxic and flammable gasses.

However, by the time a Lithium-Ion Battery fire has started, we have lost valuable time in identifying a safe working location for the truck driver to dump the load increasing the safety risks for the driver and pedestrians while reducing the possibility of saving the trucks.

How can we create an early warning system for the truck driver and waste company that a thermal runaway could be occurring in the hopper? How do we provide the driver and the waste company time to find a safe location to eject the load whilst reducing the damage to the trucks?

Impact

We know that there are four stages to a Thermal Runaway. (See Image 1)
1. Stage 1 – Lithium-Ion Battery failure
2. Stage 2 – Off Gassing: These gasses include Hydrogen (Highly Flammable), Hydrogen Fluoride (fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin, severe burns) Hydrogen Chloride (severe skin burns, toxic if inhaled), Hydrogen Cyanide (fatal if swallowed, in contact with skin) and Toxic Twins - Carbon Monoxide and Hydrogen Cyanide (These gasses are particularly lethal when inhaled together as they both impact the body’s ability to transport and use oxygen)
3. Stage 3 – Smoke Generation: during smoke generation, Draeger can detect low levels of Carbon Monoxide present during this stage.
4. Stage 4 - Fire Generation. Draeger flame detectors can detect fires.

Draeger gas detection can identify toxic and flammable gasses associated with a thermal runaway.
The Draeger solution involves (See Image 2)
1. Sensor Integration: Install gas sensors in the hopper to monitor for signs of thermal runaway.
2. Alert System: Draeger Gas Detectors contain alert systems that immediately notifies the driver and waste company when potential thermal runaway conditions are detected. Alerts can be sent via in-cab displays, mobile apps, Bluetooth connectivity or direct communication systems.
3. Draeger Gas Detection Connect Software offers Real-time monitoring that continuously analyzes sensor data to detect abnormal conditions indicative of thermal runaway from anywhere in the world.
4. Decision Support: Implement decision support tools that provide guidance on safe locations for load ejection based on current location, traffic conditions, and proximity to designated safe zones.
5. Automated Response Protocols: Establish automated response protocols that assist the driver in taking immediate action, such as slowing down, finding a safe location, and preparing for load ejection.

By integrating these components, the system can provide timely alerts and guidance, allowing the driver and waste company to take proactive measures to minimize damage and ensure safety.

The detector is easy to use and contains its own pump that is attached to tubing. The detection unit sits in its own cradle with the driver. The unit contains Bluetooth connectivity and can integrate with Draeger’s Gas Detection Connect software, enabling real-time monitoring of alarms, locations, and readings from base or anywhere in the world. This allows for quicker safety protocol implementation, protecting drivers, the public, and the truck.
(See Image 3 - Data flow of Gas Detection Connect).

Should and should an alarm sound, the driver and operator can monitor the readings from the hopper whilst the operator locates a safe place to eject the load. The operator can notify relevant emergency services and assist with navigation to the relevant site.

Alarm levels can be pre-programmed into the device. Early detection could provide up to a 10-minute buffer before Stage 4 - Fire Generation occurs.

Draeger gas detectors can monitor multiple gases simultaneously. By placing multiple detection points throughout the truck body, we can enhance early detection capabilities.

Importantly, all readings including certifications are stored in the devices and are readily accessible for compliance or future reference.

Business Model

What will be the Innovation impact on Queensland industry?

As far as we are aware, this will be an industry first trial of this kind. We are aware that there has been the installation of CO2 sensors into Hoppers however as stated previously, this detects stage 4 of the Thermal Runaway. Nothing has been tried for the detection of Lithium battery fires for stages 2 and 3.

Depending on the makeup of the sensors, the detector can also be used for confined space entry of the hopper whilst in operation and before and after thermal runaway.

Business model
1. Equipment
a. Draeger has the specialist equipment and knowhow that is applicable for the solution that Draeger is proposing.
b. Draeger is happy to cover the costs for our products to enable this solution to be evaluated.
2. Installation
a. Tubing: This would require tubing to be run from the device carry cradle to the hopper and installed into the hopper at various locations.
b. Carry Cradle: Installation of carry cradle and connection to electrical supply to hold the detector
c. Installation of GDC Software in a relevant computer back at the office
3. Repair Costs
a. Industry discussions indicate that costs for repairing a garbage truck from a fire (regardless of whether this could be a Lithium Battery or other fire) could be from $20K to $250K if the fire damages the hydraulics.
4. Training and Procedures
a. Provide training for drivers and waste company personnel on recognizing warning signs and executing emergency procedures effectively.
b. Training on an operator/s on GDC Software / bump testing etc.
5. System Testing and Maintenance:
a. Regularly test and maintain the system to ensure reliability and accuracy in detecting thermal runaway conditions.
It is our contention that these costs would be minimal compared to the cost of repairing a waste collection vehicle damaged by fire.
Target Customers:
Recent estimates indicate that there are over four thousand garbage collection vehicles operating in Australia servicing both commercial and domestic waste.
Major garbage collection vehicle owners include.
1. Waste Industry Contractors
2. Local Governments
3. Local Councils
Installation
1. New vehicle builds: This could be offered as an added extra by the truck manufacturers.
2. Existing fleet: Retro fit this solution into existing fleets by service departments.
Revenue Generation:
Draeger earns revenue on the sale of the gas detection products and in the ongoing servicing of the units including the gas detector, bump test station and supply on consumable products including the calibration gas and sensors when required.
We are not responsible for the installation costs etc. of the solution into the trucks. This would need to be done by the truck owner / service company or truck builder.
Industry Driven:
Depending on the viability of this trial, and on the anticipated numbers, Draeger would offer the waste industry competitive pricing on the necessary equipment.
Commercial Viability
It is difficult to determine the commercial viability of this solution in the marketplace until the solution has been trialed, and feedback received from operators and industry groups and a cost benefits analysis has been completed. Once we have this information we can make an informed decision.
Should the solution trial be successful, we would envisage rolling out nationally and develop a case study that could be used globally.
Our solution is not patentable. While all Draeger products are protected by patents, there is nothing that can protect this use case.

Market Readiness

Draeger gas detectors, docking stations, sensors, software are products that are already being used to extensively in many markets and industries to identify workplace dangers and have a long history in increasing workplace safety. Draeger products are renowned for their high-quality and reliable solutions that enhance safety and healthcare outcomes. This technology is ready to go.

We would be at stage 3 of the Market Readiness scale for the solution that we are proposing. This solution has not been trialed in the marketplace as far as we are aware.

As stated, Draeger seeks to find a business partner that is prepared to trial our early detection technology that is:
1. Willing to invest the necessary time, resources, and truck.
2. Prepared to trial a proven technology in an unproven application.
3. Ready to modify their truck to install.
a. A gas detector cradle that would monitor the gasses from the hopper including power source (They are battery operated)
b. Sampling lines into the body of the hopper that feed back into the truck and attach to the pump unit on the detector.
4. Installation of Gas Detection Connect software into a computer back at base. Product training on the software. The ability to monitor the software should a fire occur in the hopper.
5. Able to work with Draeger to refine the processes to find a workable solution to this problem.

We would anticipate 1 month to set up the pilot including
1. Determining number of installation points and locations in the truck
2. Installation of tubing and carry cradle
3. Training of staff in the correct usage procedures of the devices and Gas Detection Connect software
4. Establishment of response protocols to assist the driver and operator should an event occur.

We would anticipate the pilot running for 3 months to gather the data, develop the use case to present to the industry.
3 Months to present the use case to the industry, determine interest and develop pricing model.
If determined commercially viable:
3 months to roll out the solution into the market including development of the marketing and launch strategies.
Presentations at various waste industry conferences etc. throughout Australia.

Team

At Draeger Australia, we excel in commercial operations and project delivery, guided by our global WE LEAD principles: We act responsibly, Empower collaboration, Leverage diversity, Embrace change, Advance innovation, and Deliver excellence. We consistently deliver high-quality outcomes in Australia’s safety sectors.

Key Principles:
• Act Responsibly: We manage major contracts for industrial safety and emergency services with full compliance, supported by ISO certifications.
• Empower Collaboration: We engage stakeholders at every stage, ensuring tailored solutions and seamless teamwork between commercial teams, technical specialists, and field engineers.
• Leverage Diversity: Our diverse team brings creativity and expertise across various fields, including project managers, engineers, and safety educators.
• Embrace Change: We adapt to evolving safety needs with flexible project management, handling large-scale rollouts and rapid deployments efficiently.
• Advance Innovation: We integrate advanced safety technologies, such as gas detection systems and digital monitoring, staying at the forefront of operational efficiency.
• Deliver Excellence: Our rigorous processes ensure timely delivery, ongoing support, and client satisfaction through detailed planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication.

Project Delivery Experience:
• Successfully supplied, installed, and maintained safety equipment for major industrial sites across QLD and NSW, often under tight timelines and in complex environments.
• Managed multi-site technology upgrades with minimal disruption to operations, showcasing our ability to handle large-scale projects efficiently.
• Provided extensive training and support to ensure smooth transitions and optimal equipment use for safety officers and staff, enhancing operational readiness and safety compliance.
• Our commercial team has broad experience negotiating and managing Standing Offer Agreements (SOAs), panel contracts, and single- and multi-site projects, ensuring compliance with government frameworks and effective contract management.
Draeger’s strong financial standing and comprehensive insurance coverage offer additional client confidence.

Conclusion:
Draeger Australia combines technical excellence, commercial acumen, and WE LEAD values to deliver complex safety projects with confidence and care, consistently exceeding client expectations.