Fire Suppression Systems: All you need to Know
Fire Suppression Systems are used to control or prevent the spread of fire in a building, houses or any outside area.These systems are made up of dry and moist chemicals to suppress fires. They are considered as main fire protection in all types of buildings as they help to control the heavy damage or loss of equipment. Most of the fire suppression systems are static and used in buildings, but there are also some fire safety systems used for vehicles.
According to fire safety experts like Capital Solutions When it comes to choosing the fire suppression system for your industry or organization, it can be a bit difficult to know which type of system you may need. We enlist some of the important systems available in the market along with their benefits and disadvantages.
Water Mist Systems:
Water Mist systems use a very fine spray to control, suppress or extinguish fires by cooling the fire and surrounding gases. They are best in controlling water damage and mainly used in big data centers, large office buildings, museums and theaters.
Advantages
- They are less expensive because of water and also covers a large area.
- Non-toxic in nature so no toxic problem.
- Immediate activation and easy to use.
- Different type of fires can be extinguished with this system
Disadvantages
- There are few manufacturers or distributors who sell this fire suppression system.
- Since heat is required to vaporize water mist, small fires in enclosures may not be extinguished.
Foam Deluge System
The Foam Deluge system controls the fire by using a mixture of foam and water. It forms a blanket type coat on a fire that prevents oxygen from getting to the fire and controls the release of flammable vapors that could increase the fire. It is mainly used and suitable for applications where we cannot use water or gas like transformers, oil tanks, etc.
Advantages
- It does a great job of controlling fire as it has a mixture of foam and water
- It covers a large area or applications where you cannot use water or gas
- Good to protect flammable liquid.
Disadvantages
- Foam Deluge System can be messy to clean up.
- It is a wet agent so electric risk needs to be in mind.
Pneumatic Heat Detection Tube
This fire suppression system is mainly used for vehicles, small machinery, and non-static industries. Basically, a pneumatic heat detection tube consists of a valve and a length of heat detection tube. This heat detection tube acts as the detection and pushes feed for the agent. When the temperature around the pipe reaches a certain level, it blows a small hole and which then pushes the agent directly on the risk.
Advantages
- A small amount of agent is required.
- It can attack the fire at the very starting stage.
- No pipework, no electric work. It only requires a small amount of agent.
- Can work for mobile (non-static) industries.
Disadvantages
- Difficult to cover a large area.
- Not a good solution for a large fire.
- No good standards to design or install.
Kitchen Fire Suppression
As mentioned in this fire suppression name, it is specially designed for commercial kitchens. Nozzles are present under the cooker and they push the agent over the risk. It is based on a water agent with chemical type foam. Other than kitchens it may also be used in hospitals, school cafeterias, banquet facilities, and nursing homes.
Advantages
- Easy to use.
- Low electrical or electronic risk
- Causeless damage
Disadvantages
- Expensive and takes a long time to clean up.
- It takes more time to cool down the kitchen.
- Need to install it in mid-night as some kitchens take more time to cool down.
- No British standards to work.
Gas System
Gas fire suppression, also known as clean agent fire suppression. It uses the inert gases and chemical agents to extinguish a fire. This system typically consists of agents, containers, valves, fire detectors, and pipes. An agent is made up of liquid and nitrogen gas to pressurize it. This fire suppression system is mainly used in switch rooms, communication rooms, and data rooms.
Advantages
- Easy to install as the cylinder is in the same room.
- It takes less space due to store as a liquid.
- It is safe for humans.
Disadvantages
- This gas is available as an agent which does not travel so cylinders need to store close to the application.
- Gas present inside the cylinder is a ban as it is hydro fluoride chloride.
Conclusion:
Always choose the right fire suppression system for your building and organization. Select them according to your industry needs.
