Fire Suppression System
What is a Fire Suppression System?
A fire suppression system is a designed product intended to halt the spread of a fire, earning its name as it seeks to restrain the fire and minimize potential damage. By preventing the fire from spreading, it helps reduce losses and provides time for emergency personnel to respond.
While sprinkler systems represent the most prevalent form of fire suppression, certain applications necessitate special hazard fire suppression systems that diverge from water-based solutions. These systems are designed to address hazards where water might exacerbate the situation. In the field of fire science, fires are classified into categories such as A, B, C, D, and K, with the type of fuel dictating the most effective extinguishing method. For instance, a sprinkler system is effective for Class A fires involving wood, but attempting to suppress a Class C electrical fire with water could worsen the situation. Ultimately, the choice of the most suitable system depends on the specific environmental conditions.
When selecting a clean agent fire suppression system, it is crucial to consider the logistics of the space being protected. All three of these systems store the clean agent in pressurized cylinders, and the quantity of suppression agent they can hold depends on the specific type of agent. Clean agents are stored in cylinders and released through a fixed piping system at concentrations calculated for the intended protection area. Inert, Novec 1230, and FM-200, the three agents discussed, can extinguish Class A, B, and C fires. They are electrically non-conductive, posing no risk of short-circuiting electronic equipment or thermally shocking delicate circuitry. The table below provides general information for each clean agent.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
Engineered systems
Additionally, it is important to discuss fire suppression systems. Engineered fire suppression systems are designed to safeguard entire rooms. For instance, clean agents are selected for their safety with electronics and the ability to be inhaled without causing harm to individuals.
Pre-engineered systems
Applied to safeguard small compartments or micro-environments, these systems find utility in protecting areas such as engine compartments and electrical panels. They are also effective in suppressing fires in CNC and EDM machines.
Direct Release Systems
How it works: In a direct release system, the suppressant is discharged directly through the hole in the tube.
Common applications: For the protection of electrical panels and server racks, it is advisable to use direct release systems.
Here’s how they work:
1. In the event of a fire, the section of the tube closest to the point with the highest detected heat ruptures, creating a spray nozzle.
2. As the tubing releases the fire suppression agent from the cylinder through the spray nozzle (burst hole), the pressure decreases, effectively suppressing the fire.
3. To safeguard multiple enclosures using a single cylinder, a direct release system can be installed by routing additional tubing to each enclosed space.
Key benefits: The direct release system is effective for safeguarding against electrical hazards as it does not depend on any metal components installed within an electrical enclosure. Metal components, such as nozzles, can induce electrical arc faults, thereby heightening the risk of fire. Given that direct release systems solely rely on plastic tubing, the fire risk is minimized.
