Gaseous Fire Suppression Cylinders, Systems and Services

Gaseous Fire Suppression describes an Inert or synthetic gas or chemical agent system used to extinguish a fire. Also called clean agent fire suppression or gas suppression. These systems consist of the agent, agent storage cylinders, agent cylinder release valves, fire detectors. The systems also include fire detection system (wiring control panel, actuation signalling), agent delivery piping, and agent dispersion nozzles.

Gas suppression systems can operate using a combination of automatic smoke detection devices. These devices give an earlier response time. Compared to a sprinkler system that utilises a thermal frangible bulb designed to fracture when heated by fire. A gas suppression system has the added advantage of no water damage to your high value or irreplaceable assets.

Extinguishing normally takes place with sprinkler and water mist systems. However, water-based extinguishing systems are not suitable in areas with electronics or where irreplaceable/high-value assets. The damage caused can be as devastating as the fire itself. Gas suppression systems are the preferred choice for these applications because clearing up after a fire is relatively straightforward.

The Australian Standard that covers the installation requirements of gas suppression system is AS 4214-2002 Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems.

Gas Suppression systems fall into two categories; clean agent synthetic halocarbon and clean agent inert gas.

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Synthetic Gaseous Fire Suppression Agents

Synthetic gas suppression agents, also called active agents. This includes: SapphireNovec-1230FM-200HFC-227eaNAF S-IIINAF P-III, Halon 1301, or Halon 1211. Stored as liquids, dry nitrogen compresses the synthetic agents. In addition, discharge as a gas within ~7-10 seconds of transport time. Chemical cooling extinguishes the fire. Synthetic agents appropriately suppress Class A, B, C and E fires. Synthetic agents use less space than Inert gas agent cylinders. Some older synthetic gases are halocarbon based. In addition, have Global Warming Potential (GWP) and, in some cases, Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP).

Sapphire and Novec-1230

With a GWP of <1 [1] and ODP of 0 [1] Sapphire and Novec-1230  considered a viable and sustainable halocarbon replacement. The agents are the most viable halocarbon replacement synthetic agent available on the market today. Due to their low environmental impact and atmospheric lifetime (five days).

FM-200 and HFC-227ea

FM-200 and HFC-227ea have a GWP of 3220 [1] and an ODP of 0,[1] is a Halocarbon and is utilised in similar environments to the above, such as art galleries, healthcare facilities, historical buildings, museums, libraries, etc. For the past 27 years in Australia, FM-200 continued as the main scheduled extinguishing agent for special hazard systems. However, if you were installing a new synthetic gas suppression system today. Sapphire or Novec-1230 would be the extinguishing agent of choice due to its better environmental credentials.

NAF S-III and HFC Blend A

NAF S-III and HFC Blend A have a GWP of 1546 [1] and an ODP of 0.048 [1] and were the first agents designed to replace halocarbons. The agent NAF S-III is suitable for occupied and unoccupied spaces such as data centres, equipment rooms, control rooms and more.

Halon 1301

Halon 1301 has a GWP of 6290 [2] and an ODP of 10.[2] It is a halocarbon, and it is one of the most effective gas suppression systems, as it has the highest suppression area to agent volume ratio. This agent is regulated due to high GWP and ODP values.

Halon 1211

Halon 1211 has a GWP of 1750 [2] and an ODP of 3.[2] It is a halocarbon and regulated because of its high GWP and ODP values.

Inert Gaseous Fire
Suppression Agents

Inert Gas Suppression agents, such as INERGENIG-541 and CO2, can be stored as highly pressurised gas (up to 300 bar), with significantly longer discharge times than Synthetic Gases. Inert gas suppression systems use argon, nitrogen and CO2 in varying combinations designed to reduce oxygen concentration inside or around the protected hazard. Therefore, the oxygen concentration is reduced below the point that combustion is sustainable for the materials found within the hazard, extinguishing the fire.

INERGEN has a GWP of 0 & ODP of 0 and is designed to maintain adequate oxygen levels for breathing short term. It is utilised in systems protecting occupied and unoccupied spaces such as data centres, archive storage, Museums, healthcare facilities, laboratories, etc. In addition, IG-541 has a GWP of 0 & ODP of 0 and is designed to maintain adequate oxygen levels for breathing short term.

Diagram: Fire Tetrahedron

CO2

CO2 has a GWP of 1 and ODP of 0 and is unsafe for normally occupied areas. Thus, requiring multiple safety features such as lock-off valves and sirens. It is suitable for protecting unoccupied spaces such as electrical switchboards, substations and machine rooms

Design Considerations

Designing gas suppression systems involves certified knowledge, training and experience.  Contact Fire Systems Products for a design tailored to your fire risk.

Gaseous Fire Suppression FAQs

What is a Total Flood Gas Suppression System?

Total flood systems are the most common type of gaseous fire suppression system. These systems provide protection against fire hazards located within an enclosed space. Enclosed spaces must be reasonably gas-tight to allow the design concentration of extinguishing agents to form inside the protected space. It is imperative to maintain the gas concentration for a set period of time (called the hold or retention time) ensuring that the fire does not re-ignite. AS 1851-2012 states the retention time as 10 minutes with a compulsory annual room integrity test.

What is a Local Application Gas Suppression System

A local application system is a gaseous fire suppression system that protects a specific isolated piece of equipment within unenclosed spaces. This done by applying a gaseous extinguishing agent directly onto the fire using strategically positioned directional nozzles. These systems, have isolated purposes such as engine rooms, flammable liquid and gas storage areas as well as large hot oil cooking appliance’s to name a few.

What is clean agent gas suppression?

A clean agent is a gas suppression system that does not leave residue after a discharge has occurred. Most gas suppression systems are classified as clean agents, including INERGEN, IG-541, Sapphire, Novec-1230, FM-200, NAF S-III, NAF P-III, CO2, Halon 1301 and more. Newer agent have better environmental credibility. As some older generation agents, although highly effective, have environmental and other issues. This includes halocarbons with an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP).

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Introduction to gaseous fire suppression solutions

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Fire Systems Products provide Gas Suppression Systems and Cylinders with refill and exchange services for iFLOW 300 bar IG-541, INERGEN, IG-541, FM-200, HFC-227ea, NAF S-III, NAF P-III, Sapphire Novec-1230 and Carbon Dioxide CO2 with an emergency 24/7 after-hours delivery service. Our specialist staff are available to help deliver the gas service you need as quickly as possible.
Fire Systems Products are a licensed distributor and wholesaler of Gaseous Fire Suppression Cylinders and Systems.

We’re excited to announce!

Firetrace Australia the agent and distributor of Firetrace – Fire Suppression products in Australia and New Zealand for the past 25 years, has merged it’s operations with Fire Systems Products.

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References

  1. Substitutes in Total Flooding Agents | Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program | US EPA
  2. Ozone-Depleting Substances | Ozone Layer Protection | US EPA