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, 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 than 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.
The extinguishing of fires can often be achieved by sprinkler and water mist systems. However, using water-based extinguishing systems in areas where electronics operate or irreplaceable/high-value assets are stored could be as devastating as the damage caused by the fire itself. Gas Suppression systems are the preferred choice for these applications because clearing up after a fire is relatively straightforward.
Gas Suppression systems fall into two categories; clean agent synthetic halocarbon and clean agent inert gas.
Synthetic Gaseous Fire Suppression Agents
Synthetic Gas Suppression agents, often called active agents, such as Sapphire, Novec-1230, FM-200, HFC-227ea, NAF S-III, NAF P-III, Halon 1301, or Halon 1211, are stored as liquids, compressed with dry nitrogen and discharge as a gas within ~7-10 seconds of transport time. Extinguishing is achieved by removing heat from the fire through chemical cooling and are approved for Class A, B, C and E fires. As these agents are stored as liquids, a smaller storage area is required for the cylinders than Inert Gas agent cylinders. Some older synthetic gases are halocarbon based and have high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and, in some cases, Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP).
Sapphire and Novec-1230
Sapphire and Novec-1230 have a GWP of <1 [1] and ODP of 0 [1] and are considered a viable and sustainable halocarbon replacement. Sapphire and Novec-1230 agents are considered 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. Predominantly over the last 27 years, FM-200 has been the main scheduled extinguishing agent used in special hazard systems in Australia. 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 performance.
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. NAF S-III is suitable for occupied and unoccupied spaces such as Data Centres, equipment rooms, control rooms, flammable liquid storage, widely used in marine & maritime applications, etc.
Halon 1301
Halon 1301 has a GWP of 6290 [2] and an ODP of 10.[2] It’s 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 highly regulated because of its very high GWP & ODP values and is therefore limited in its usage.
Halon 1211
Halon 1211 has a GWP of 1750 [2] and an ODP of 3.[2] It’s a halocarbon and is highly regulated because of its very high GWP & ODP values, and is therefore limited in its usage.
Inert Gaseous Fire
Suppression Agents
Inert Gas Suppression agents, such as INERGEN, IG-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. 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. IG-541 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.
CO2 has a GWP of 1 & ODP of 0 and is considered unsafe for normally occupied areas, requiring multiple safety features such as lock-off valves & sirens. It is utilised in systems protecting normally unoccupied spaces such as electrical switchboards, substations, Shipping Vessels, machine rooms, Navy, Military, Marine & Maritime Applications, machinery & equipment rooms, high risk & dangerous equipment, etc.
Design Considerations
Designing Gas Suppression systems takes special training and expertise, Contact FSP for a design tailored to your 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 are used to protect 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. The gas concentration must be maintained for a set period of time (called the hold or retention time) to ensure 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 designed to protect a specific isolated piece of equipment within unenclosed spaces by applying a gaseous extinguishing agent directly onto the fire using strategically positioned directional nozzles. These systems, although less common, have isolated purposes such as Dip Tanks/Plating, Engine Rooms, Flammable Liquid and Gas Storage Areas, Generators, Hoods and Ducts, Machinery Spaces, large hot oil cooking appliance’s, Paint Lines, Paint Lockers, Printing Presses, Process Equipment, Open Pits, Ovens, Semiconductor Wet Benches, Spray Booths, Vaults, etc.
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. Major improvements have been made regarding environmental issues in newer agents, listed first above, because some older generations of agents, although highly effective, have environmental and other issues, such as halocarbons with an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) & Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Watch
Introduction to gaseous fire suppression solutions
Our Company
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 experienced and friendly staff are available to help deliver the gas refill you need as quickly as possible to maintain the protection of your most critical assets.
Fire Systems Products are a licensed distributor and wholesaler of Gaseous Fire Suppression Cylinders and Systems.