FireFlex Systems wins Busch vacuum innovation award for sprinkler tech

FireFlex Systems Inc. of Boisbriand, Québec, received the Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award 2026 for its VACTEC vacuum fire protection technology. The system uses vacuum technology to improve dry-pipe and pre-action sprinkler performance, reduce corrosion and help prevent freeze-related failures.

Why it matters: - FireFlex Systems’ VACTEC technology aims to make sprinkler systems more reliable in commercial, industrial and mission-critical settings. - The vacuum-based design reduces internal corrosion, removes residual water and helps prevent ice plugs that can disrupt fire protection in cold environments. - Busch Group said the approach improves the safety, reliability and longevity of sprinkler systems.

What happened: - FireFlex Systems Inc. received the Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award 2026. - The Canadian company is based in Boisbriand, Québec, and was founded in 1991. - Busch Group announced the award in Maulburg, Germany, on October 8, 2026. - The award recognized FireFlex for its patented VACTEC vacuum fire protection technology.

The details: - FireFlex is a privately owned manufacturer of integrated fire protection systems. - The company specializes in automatic fire protection solutions for commercial, industrial and mission-critical applications. - VACTEC keeps the entire sprinkler network under vacuum instead of compressed air, unlike conventional dry-pipe and pre-action systems. - The system uses a DOLPHIN liquid ring vacuum pump from Busch. - Vacuum inside the piping network removes oxygen and moisture, which are key drivers of internal corrosion. - Each pump cycle also removes residual water from the riser. - The system is designed to prevent water columns and ice plugs. - The technology is designed to avoid condensation problems and does not require additional special equipment. - Busch said the DOLPHIN LX 0030 liquid ring vacuum pump establishes the required vacuum level in less than four minutes for a 1,000-gallon sprinkler network. - The Busch Group presents the Innovation in Vacuum Busch Award once a year. - Busch introduced the award in 2013 to mark the 50th anniversary of Busch Vacuum Solutions.

Between the lines: - The award signals growing attention to vacuum technology outside traditional industrial uses. - Fire protection is a practical fit because moisture control and corrosion prevention are central to sprinkler system performance. - The recognition also puts a spotlight on equipment that can improve reliability without adding operational complexity.

What's next: - FireFlex can use the award to promote VACTEC as a higher-reliability option for dry-pipe and pre-action sprinkler installations. - Busch Group is expected to continue its annual award program for companies using vacuum technology in innovative ways.

The bottom line: - FireFlex won for applying vacuum technology to a long-standing fire protection problem: keeping sprinkler systems dry, durable and ready to work.