Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems: FE-13, FM-200, Novec 1230
Since the elimination of Halon as a gaseous fire suppression agent, a number of replacements have been developed and are now proven alternatives in combating fire in special hazards and sensitive areas. These clean agents are identified as such because of their chemical compatibility with the atmosphere and environment. Gaseous agents today contain the same chemical firefighting method and characteristics offered by Halon but do so with molecules much less offensive to the environment.
Clean agents are used in total flooding applications to protect enclosures that are often occupied by people, contain sensitive electronic equipment or high value commodities that may be sensitive to the application of water by traditional sprinkler systems. The low toxicity of gaseous systems allow for discharge of the agents while people are still present within the protected area. The non-conductive and non-corrosive characteristics of gaseous agents make their application in areas containing sensitive electronic equipment ideal.
Clean Agents leave by no unpleasant residue or visible particulates. These agents are designed to interfere with the chemical combustion process of fire. The advantage with working on a molecular level is faster fire suppression, often within seconds, instead of minutes. Gaseous fire systems are designed with the intent of fire extinguishment as opposed to fire control normally provided by a traditional fire sprinkler system. The extinguishing process and characteristics give gaseous extinguishing systems real advantages over sprinkler systems in cases where water application may cause more damage than the fire itself.
Gaseous systems include a fixed amount of agent stored under pressure in containers which is discharged through a limited network of piping to nozzles located within the protected area. Total discharge and extinguishment is completed within seconds. Maintaining agent concentration levels for 10 minutes is important in preventing the recurrence of fire.
Gaseous agents provide the following benefits:
- Safe for People
- Does not leave a residue
- Electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive
- Eliminates water damage
Typical applications include:
- Data Center Fire Suppression - For businesses in the financial services, health care, or retail industries, a fire at a data processing facility could bring the business to a standstill. A small amount of smoke, fire, water or vapor can halt business and shut down a facility. A FM200 fire suppression system offers superior performance to ensure that a potential fire is detected before it can cause damage.
- Museum & Library Fire Protection - Fire is not the only threat to these irreplaceable items. Water or chemical damage can add up to millions of dollars in restoration costs or result in the total destruction of these priceless treasures. FM-200 fire suppression systems are perfect for extinguishing fires in museums, historical sites and libraries where delicate or irreplaceable items are present.
- Semiconductor Fire Protection - Despite precautions taken to protect highly sensitive equipment and instruments within a semiconductor facility, it doesn't take much to damage them severely. A small amount of smoke, fire, water or vapor can halt business and shut down a facility. A FM200 fire suppression system offers superior performance to ensure that a potential fire is detected before it can cause damage.
- Telecommunications Fire Protection - When fire shuts down a telecommunications system, businesses are interrupted, financial transactions are halted, emergency response units can be compromised, and lives are put at risk. Vulnerable areas include data storage facilities, control rooms, substations, transfer stations and even towers. For telecommunications companies, the FM200 fire suppression system is a superior fire protection system that is safe for people, electronically nonconductive, non-corrosive, and free of residue.