In a significant step toward enhancing firefighter safety and resource efficiency, Hexagon Digital Wave has announced a strategic partnership with Denny’s Fire Control and the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) to expand the adoption of advanced Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) technology for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinder life extension.
The collaboration will enable fire departments across North America to extend the service life of SCBA cylinders—critical equipment that ensures firefighter safety during operations—from 15 to 30 years. The MAE method, a non-destructive testing (NDT) approach approved by the US Department of Transportation and Transport Canada, ensures structural integrity and regulatory compliance while reducing replacement costs.
NDT Advancing Safety-Critical Inspections
MAE technology is widely regarded as one of the safest and most reliable inspection methods. It uses sound waves to detect even the smallest material defects, enabling accurate assessments without compromising the integrity of SCBA cylinders. To date, Hexagon Digital Wave has successfully performed life-extension testing on over 15,000 cylinders using this method.
Highlighting the broader relevance of NDT in safety-critical industries, George Siedlecki, CEO at Hexagon Digital Wave, said: “By working together, we can make a significant impact on firefighter safety and the sustainability of the fire service industry.”
This aligns with NDT’s growing role in industries such as fire safety, aerospace, and energy, where precise, non-invasive inspection methods are crucial to ensuring both safety and performance of critical equipment.
Partnership Roles
Denny’s Fire Control will utilize its expertise and distribution network to make MAE technology more accessible to fire departments. “We believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionize the way fire departments manage their SCBA equipment,” said Bob Martinelli, Division Manager at Denny’s Fire Control.
Meanwhile, the Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI), the oldest fire training institution in the U.S., will focus on training and educating firefighters on the effective implementation of MAE technology. Tim Walsh, Director of Corporate Relations at IFSI, noted: “We are thrilled to be part of this partnership and to help promote the adoption of this innovative technology.”
A Sustainable and Cost-Efficient Solution
The adoption of MAE technology provides fire departments with a sustainable approach to managing SCBA cylinders, optimizing resources, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. By extending the lifespan of critical firefighting equipment, the initiative reduces costs while enhancing firefighter safety—a critical focus for emergency service providers worldwide.
Through this partnership, Hexagon Digital Wave, Denny’s Fire Control, and IFSI are setting a benchmark for safety-critical inspections in fire services, showcasing the transformative impact of advanced non-destructive testing methods.
