GAseous

automatic suppression systems

Gaseous fire suppression is a term to
describe the use of inert gases and chemical
agents to extinguish a fire; also called Clean
Agent Fire Suppression. These Agents are
governed by the NFPA Standard for Clean
Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems - NFPA
2001, as well as NFPA Standard for Carbon
Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems - NFPA
12.
The systems typically consist of the agent,
agent storage containers, agent release
valves, fire detectors, fire detection system
(wiring control panel, actuation signaling),
agent delivery piping, and agent dispersion
nozzles.
While NFPA 2001 designated systems
are designed for total flooding protection

only, there are two methods for applying

a Carbon dioxide agent: total flooding and
local application.
The main difference in local application
from total flooding design is the absence of
physical barriers enclosing the fire space.
In the context of automatic extinguishing
systems, local application does normally
not refer to the use of manually operated
wheeled or portable fire extinguishers,
although the nature of the agent delivery is
similar.
These systems shall be designed, installed
and maintained by certified professionals.
Proper records shall be kept for all works in
relation to these systems.

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Applications

CO2 vs Clean Agents

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High Pressure CO2 Systems

Every enterprise has equipment and facilities
that are vital to its operation. Business would
be seriously affected if these were destroyed
by fire.
In many cases valuable assets should
not be protected by water or other similar
extinguishing agents, as these types of
agents often are unable to reach inaccessible
parts of the hazard. They can also cause
considerable damage - even in excess of
that done by the fire itself.

Advantages of CO2
fire Extinguishing Systems

A viable agent for the foreseeable future.

No ban on its use.
Is well established. Has been successfully
used for 80 years.
Is a standard commercial product with
many other uses and as a result is readily
available in most towns and cities around
the world.
Low agent cost. Beneficial when frequent
recharging is a factor, such as with engine
test cell protection.
Installed system cost is lower when
compared to clean agents.
Is stable and inert.

Carbon dioxide is a reliable, versatile and

efficient fire fighting agent. It has provided
decades of successful operation. It is a dry,
inert, non-corrosive gas that will not damage
equipment or materials or contaminate
liquids or food.
It does not leave any residue to clean-up,
and as a result, business down-time is held
to a minimum. In addition, carbon dioxide is
a non-conductor of electricity, and can even
be used without danger in spaces housing
high voltage electrical equipment.

Why CO2...
Carbon dioxide is a standard commercial
product that is commonly used for
carbonated beverages, for fast freezing food,
for medical purposes, for purging pipes and
tanks, as well as for extinguishing fires. It is
readily available in most cities and seaports
throughout the world. For more than 80
years carbon dioxide has been used for fire
protection purposes. The NFPA standard for
fire extinguishing systems was initiated in
1928, was first adopted in 1929.
It has been revised approximately 26 times
since, and represents the accumulated
knowledge and experience of those who
have designed and used CO2 systems for
fire extinguishing purposes.

Does not decompose when subjected to

fire.
Does not cause corrosion or damage
materials and equipment.
Vaporizes completely on discharge. No
clean-up of agent required.
Protected facilities can be back in operation
with a minimum of delay.
Suitable for Class A, B and C fires.
Four proven and standard methods of
application:
-- Total flooding, surface burning.
-- Total flooding, deep seated burning.
-- Local application, area method.
-- Local application, volume method.
-- Accommodates long pipe runs.
-- Readily accommodates systems with
selector valves (integrated systems that
protect more than one hazard from a
common carbon dioxide supply).
-- Carbon dioxide discharges by the force
of its own expansion. Does not require
super-pressurizing agents, pumps, or
other pressurizing mechanisms.
-- May be used simultaneously with other
types of extinguishing agents with no
effect on extinguishing efficiency.

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High Pressure CO2

Extinguishing Systems Explained
High
pressure
storage systems
are
comprised
of CO2 cylinders
stored at ambient
temperatures.
At 70 F (21 C),
the
pressure
in this type of
storage container
is 850 psi (5860
kPa).
Low
pressure storage
systems, on the
other hand, are
comprised of CO2
cylinders stored
at a controlled low
temperature
of
0 F (-18 C). At
this temperature
the pressure in this type of storage is 300
psi (2068 kPa).
Advantages of high pressure systems
High pressure cylinders are available
in 50, 75 and 100 lb (20, 34 and 45 kg)
capacities. Low pressure containers are
typically available in one ton increments.
This greater flexibility among high pressure
systems allows the system designer to
allocate storage with greater efficiency,
thus saving storage space and money.
Refrigeration of carbon dioxide is not
required. Cylinders can be stored without
any special treatment at temperatures
between 0 F and 130 F (-18 C and 54
C) for total flooding systems, and 32 F to
120 F (0 C to 49 C) for local application.
Cylinders can be easily adjusted for higher
or lower temperatures by under-filling for
higher temperatures, or adding nitrogen
for lower temperatures.
Flexible space requirements if a single
large space is not available, multiple
cylinder banks can be divided and stored
in a number of smaller locations.
Flexible for weight requirements if floor
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loading is a problem, multiple cylinder

banks can be divided and stored in a
number of locations to distribute the floor
loading.
Electric power is not required for high
pressure carbon dioxide storage.

Principles of Operation
A carbon dioxide system consists of a
battery of one or more cylinders, manifolded
together and connected to a system of
distribution pipe work terminating in special
carbon dioxide discharge nozzles.
These systems are custom designed for
the specific application. The quantity of
carbon dioxide required for the protection
of any particular hazard is dependent on
the cubic capacity or the surface area of the
hazard, together with the type of material
involved, temperature of the hazard, and
with allowance for special conditions.
More than one hazard can be protected
by the same bank of cylinders, and these
systems are referred to as joint systems.
Selector or directional valves are utilized to
direct the carbon dioxide to the fire area. An
interconnected reserve bank of cylinders
is generally recommended for this type of
protection.
Carbon dioxide systems may be actuated
manually or automatically. Automatic
systems incorporate fire detectors and
controls. The fire detectors are located in the
hazard area, and when a fire occurs, send
a signal to the control panel which releases
the carbon dioxide. Automatic systems are
electrically operated and always incorporate
a manual override feature.

Method of Application
There are two methods of applying carbon
dioxide to hazards: Total Flooding and Local
Application.
Total flooding injects a sufficient volume of
carbon dioxide into an enclosure so that an
inert atmosphere is created. The enclosure
should be reasonably well sealed and doors,

vents and other openings should be arranged

to close on the discharge of the system.
Enclosures with openings that cannot be
closed can be protected if known at the
design stage. For deep-seated type hazards
(insulation, rags, storage vaults, etc.) The
enclosure must be well sealed to retain the
carbon dioxide for a long period of time.
The location and orientation of discharge
nozzles for these applications is not of major
concern, minor deviations to project design
can generally be accommodated.

850 psig at 70 F (58 bar at 21 C). It may

also be stored at 300 psig at 0 F (20 bar at
-18 C), for special large requirements. One
of carbon dioxides most valuable properties
is its amazing high ratio of expansion,
approximately 450 to 1.
Carbon dioxide is discharged from the
cylinder by the force of its own expansion
without the need for pumps or other
pressurizing mechanisms. Carbon dioxide
will penetrate every nook and corner of a
space where fire might lurk.

Local application is the method used to

protect a specific hazard (engine, dip tank,
etc.) within an enclosure without flooding
the entire enclosure. Nozzles are arranged
to discharge carbon dioxide directly onto
the hazard, to build up an inert atmosphere
immediately surrounding the hazard. For this
application, the layout of piping and nozzles
is critical, and deviations to project design
must not be made unless approved by the
designer.

On discharge, carbon dioxide creates a

cold fog. The temperature of carbon dioxide
discharging from a nozzle is approximately
110 F below zero. This cloud effect, or
fogging, is due to the moisture in the air being
frozen by the extremely low temperature
of the Carbon Dioxide and fine snow
accompanying the discharge. The fogging
will generally dissipate after a few minutes.

Properties of CO2
as a Fire Extinguishing Agent

How
Carbon Dioxide
Extinguishes Fire

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless,

odorless, clean, dry, electrically nonconducting, non-corrosive, non-damaging
and non-deteriorating inert gas, that is
approximately 50 percent heavier than air.
Carbon dioxide is a standard commercial
product. It is commonly used for carbonating
beverages, for fast freezing food, for medical
purposes, and for purging pipes and tanks,
as well as for extinguishing fires. Carbon
dioxide is available in most cities and
seaports throughout the world.
When inhaled, CO2 produces a tingle in the
nostrils, the same as is experienced when
drinking carbonated beverages. Carbon
Dioxide stimulates breathing (increases
the rate of breathing), and is useful in small
controlled doses in the resuscitation of
drowning and electric shock victims.
Carbon Dioxide is stored in liquid form in
high pressure steel containers, usually at

Carbon Dioxide extinguishes fire by diluting

the oxygen content of the space to a point
where it will not support combustion.
Reducing the oxygen content from the normal
21 percent in air to 15 percent will extinguish
most fires. For some materials the oxygen
content must be reduced below 15 percent,
and in some cases its concentration needs
to go down to as low as six percent of the
volume. Surface and flash type fires (oils,
paints, etc.,) are quickly extinguished, while
smouldering or deep-seated fires (baled
cotton, clothing, etc.) are extinguished by
the prolonged action of a high concentration.
In addition to its smothering action, the
reduction in temperature due to its rapid
expansion will provide some suppression
caused by the cooling effect.

Cleanup
Following a CO2 Discharge
Carbon Dioxide vaporizes completely on
discharge. Whereas the cost of clean-up and

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peripheral damage associated with water,

foam, and dry chemical agents can exceed
the cost of the fire damage itself, cleanup
costs associated with carbon dioxide are
negligible.
Carbon Dioxide is inert and most materials
and equipment are totally unaffected by
exposure to it. Carbon dioxide is stable,
even at high temperatures, and does not
decompose when subjected to fire, therefore
it does not cause metals to corrode. The
reduction in temperature, caused by the
dramatic expansion of the Carbon Dioxide
as it discharges from the nozzles, can have
a strong chilling effect on objects, including
cord shock to delicate electrical equipment.

Compatibility With
Other Extinguishing Agents
Carbon Dioxide may be used simultaneously
with other types of fire extinguishing agents
for fire fighting purposes. There are no known
indications that extinguishing efficiency will
be affected.
Use and Limitations
Carbon Dioxide Systems may be utilized
for Class, A, Band C fires (North American
definition).
They are particularly useful for extinguishing
fires in specific hazard areas or equipment:
Where an inert, electrically non-conductive
medium is desirable,
In high value occupancies particularly
susceptible to fire, smoke, and water
damage.
Where clean up of another medium would
present a problem,
Where they are as efficient as, but more
economical to install than systems using
other extinguishing agents.
Carbon Dioxide Will Not
Extinguish Fires Involving
The Following Materials:
Chemicals containing their own oxygen
supply such as cellulose nitrate,
Reactive

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metals

such

as

sodium,

potassium,
magnesium,
titanium,
zirconium, uranium and plutonium,
Metal hybrids.
While carbon dioxide will not extinguish
these fires, it will not react dangerously with
these materials or increase their burning
rate. Carbon Dioxide, if used in this type of
situation in a total flooding system, will provide
protection for adjacent combustibles.
Local application systems with attendant
high velocity directed discharge should not
be used.
Caution is required where carbon dioxide
may be discharged into potentially explosive
atmospheres. Electrostatic charging of nongrounded conductors may occur during
the discharge of liquefied gases. These
conductors may discharge to other objects,
causing an electric spark of sufficient energy
to initiate an explosion.
CO2 Safety Precautions
Safeguards must be taken to ensure the
safety of personnel in areas where the
atmosphere could be made hazardous by the
discharge of carbon dioxide. The following
list, which is strongly recommended, is
generally taken from NFPA 12: Standard on
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
Provide adequate aisle ways and routes
of exit and keep them clear at all times.
Provide emergency lighting and directional
signs as necessary to ensure quick, safe
evacuation.
Provide alarms within such areas that will
operate immediately upon detection of
the fire, with the discharge of the carbon
dioxide and the activation of automatic
door closures delayed for sufficient time
to allow evacuation of the area before
discharge begins.
Provide only outward swinging self-closing
doors at exits from hazard areas, and,
where such doors are latched, provide
panic hardware.
Provide continuous alarms at entrances to

such areas until the atmosphere has been

restored to normal
Provide warning and instruction signs
at entrances to and inside such areas.
These signs should inform persons in, or
entering the protected area that a carbon
dioxide system is installed, and may
contain additional instructions pertinent to
the conditions of the hazard.
Provide for the prompt discovery and
rescue of persons rendered unconscious in
such areas. This may be accomplished by
having such areas searched immediately
by trained persons equipped with proper
breathing equipment. Self-contained
breathing equipment (and personnel
trained in its use, and in rescue practices,
including artificial respiration), should be
readily available.
Provide instruction and drills for all
personnel within or in the vicinity of
such areas (including maintenance or
construction people who may be brought
into the area), to ensure their correct
action when carbon dioxide protective
equipment operates.

Standard equipment
and optional components
Cylinder Assemblies
A basic cylinder assembly consists of a
pressure vessel, a valve and siphon tube
assembly, and a charge of carbon dioxide.
A variety of cylinder sizes are available.
They are all designed to hold pressurized
carbon dioxide in liquid form at atmospheric
temperatures, corresponding to a nominal
pressure of 850 psi at 70 F (58.6 bar at 21
C). All cylinders are seamless. They are
manufactured and tested in accordance
with the requirements of Transport (EU)
and/or Department of Transport (USA),
Specification 3AA-1800 or higher. Large
cylinders having capacities of 35, 50, 75
and 100 pounds (15.9, 22.7, 34 and 45 kg)
are made of steel. Small cylinders, used for
special applications, have capacities of 10
and 15 pounds (4.5 and 6.8 kg) and may be
made of aluminum or steel, depending on
availability.

Provide the means for prompt ventilation

of such areas. Forced ventilation will often
be necessary. Care should be taken to
really dissipate hazardous atmospheres
and not merely move them to another
location.
Carbon dioxide is much heavier than air
and can collect in pits, cellars and lowlying areas. Care should be taken when
entering such areas after carbon dioxide
has been discharged.
Provide means to lock off or disarm
the system during periods of system
inspection, maintenance, or modification.
Provide such other steps and safeguards
that a careful study of each particular
situation indicates are necessary to
prevent injury or death.
Systems and Equipment cannot be
reliable unless properly maintained by
professionals on a yearly basis

Except for special temperature conditions,

all cylinders are filled to their specified
weight with liquid carbon dioxide. Cylinders
are not partially filled. The pressure inside
the cylinder will vary as the temperature
changes.
In general, the ambient storage temperature
for standard cylinders used in local application
systems should be between 32 F and 120
F (0 C and 49 C). For standard cylinders
used in total flooding systems, the ambient
storage temperature should be between 0
F and 130 F (-18 C and 54 C).
The valves are of the force differential type
using a piston seal. The pressure above the
piston is maintained at cylinder pressure,
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but the area at the top of the piston is greater

than the seal area. This results in a higher
force above the piston, which acts to keep
the valve closed.
To open the valve, the pressure above the
piston is vented and cylinder pressure raises
the piston to open the valve. A transport plug
is attached to the valve by a chain and must
be attached to the discharge port when the
cylinder is disconnected from the discharge
piping.
A pressure relief safety disc, incorporated
into the cylinder valve, is designed to release
pressure should the cylinder be subjected
to exceptionally high temperatures or other
abnormal conditions. The disc rupture point
is in the range of 2,600 to 3,000 psi (182.7
to 206.8 bar). The safety disc nut is of a type
that will relieve pressure without cylinder
recoil.
The master valve can be operated manually,
by pressure actuator, with a solenoid valve
kit, or by direct back pressure from the
discharge manifold. The slave valve can be
operated only by direct back pressure from
the discharge manifold.
Single cylinder systems simply require a
single valve with a manual actuator and/or
a solenoid valve. This is generally referred
to as a master cylinder. For systems with
two cylinders interconnected, only one
master valve is required. The other cylinder
is operated by a slave valve. For systems
with three or more cylinders interconnected,
some cylinders must act as masters and
have solenoid and/or manual actuators
arranged for simultaneous operation.
A rigid siphon tube is used in all cylinders
to ensure liquid discharge. All cylinders must
therefore be installed in the normal upright
position.

Discharge Bend
and Discharge Adapters
A discharge bend is used to connect the
cylinder valve outlet to the system manifold
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and discharge piping. This flexible hose

allows for the temporary misalignment
of the cylinders on installation, and for
ease of cylinder removal for maintenance.
The cylinder end of the hose has a swivel
connection for ease of installation.
A discharge bend with a
built-in check valve must
be used when cylinders are
manifolded together. The
check valve is locked onto
the hose assembly and
must not be separated from
it. If a cylinder assembly
is disconnected from the
discharge bend, and if the
system operates while the
cylinder is disconnected,
the check valve will ensure
that an appreciable quantity
of carbon dioxide will not discharge from the
disconnected discharge bend.
Flexible
discharge
bend
adapter
combinations are available for single cylinder
systems where a check valve is not required.
When the discharge adapter is used without
the flexible bend, a union connection must
be installed close to the cylinder for ease of
installation and maintenance. It is important
that neither the discharge bends nor the
discharge adapter be mounted onto the
cylinder valve during transportation and
storage. The transit plug must remain in
place on the cylinder valve until the cylinder
is installed and secured in its bracket.

Cylinder Brackets
The cylinders can be arranged to be
bracketed to a wall or to be free standing
when no wall is available. Straps for single
cylinder wall mounting installations are
available. Brackets for multiple wall mounted
installations and frames for multiple cylinder
free standing installations are normally
supplied by the installer, and assembled on
site to suit the space available.
For installation of three or more cylinders, a
variety of arrangements can be fabricated
by the installer.
The single row, wall mounting arrangement

is recommended for installations of up to five

cylinders.
Double row, free standing arrangements
have the advantage (particularly for systems
using main and reserve cylinders, and for
joint systems), that any cylinder can be
removed for recharging without disturbing
the others. However, this arrangement
requires two aisles and considerably more
space.
The double row, wall mounting arrangement
is generally used when sufficient space is not
available for a free standing arrangement or
for a single row wall mounting arrangement.
For marine applications, additional cylinder
supports are required. Two straps or sets of
retainers must be used.

cylinder manifold. In the manifolds of joint

systems they are also used to prevent the
discharge from activated cylinders causing
activation of the other cylinders in the bank.
Bleeder Valves
Bleeder valves are used in the manifolds
of main and reserve banks of cylinders, as
well as in the manifolds of systems that have
selector valves (joint systems). The bleeder
valve vents accidental check valve leakage
(that could discharge the other bank or banks
of cylinders) from one bank to the other.
The valve is normally open and closes when
manifold pressure reaches approximately
20 psi (1.4 bar) to prevent loss of CO2 under
normal discharge conditions. The pipe
connection is usually NPT.

Discharge Nozzles
Two types of discharge nozzle are available:
total flooding type and local application type.
Total flooding nozzles are used where an
even distribution of gas is required throughout
an enclosure. Local application or directional
nozzles are used where a concentration of
carbon dioxide is required on a particular
surface or piece of equipment.

Check Valves
A range of check valves are available
These are used to isolate the main cylinder
manifold from the interconnected reserve

Nozzles are designed to discharge large

volumes of carbon dioxide without freezing.
For local application use (when installed
in accordance with their approvals), the
velocity of discharge from the nozzle is
reduced to prevent agitation and splatter of
the hazardous material which could spread
the fire.
All nozzles have a drilled orifice. The nozzle
orifice size will vary depending on the flow
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and the location of the nozzle in the system.

It is important that nozzles are installed
exactly as specified on the project drawings,
otherwise system performance will be
jeopardized.
Special finishes for nozzles are available
and can be provided by special order to suit
project requirements.
Manual Control
A manual actuator is used
to operate the carbon
dioxide system manually
and locally at the cylinders.
The actuator is screwed
into a port on the top of the
cylinder valve. When two
master cylinders are required, the levers of
the two actuators are joined together with a
connecting link for simultaneous operation.
The actuator has a hole in the side of the
main body fitted with a blank plug. This hole
allows the actuator to be operated from an
external pressure source. It is also used to
connect to the discharge from the solenoid
valve (when used).
The blank plug is removed from the actuator
only for these two purposes. Otherwise the
plug must remain tightly connected at all
times. The hand lever on the manual actuator
can be operated from a remote location.
This is achieved by connecting a 1/16 -inch
diameter stainless steel cable to the end of
the lever, and running the cable through
-inch conduit or 3/8 -inch pipe to a pull box
using corner pulleys at each change in cable
direction. Using a mechanical dual junction
box, two remote pull boxes can be joined to
operate one master cylinder arrangement.
Or, one remote pull box can be used to
operate two separate manual actuators.
Automatic Control
Electric actuation is achieved by using a
solenoid valve kit. The solenoid valve is a
normally closed device, closed when deenergized and open when energized.
The standard solenoid voltage is 24 VDC,
but other voltages and special enclosures
(including explosion-proof) are usually
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available by special order. The standard

electric connection is by a DIN connector,
and a cable assembly is available for ease
of connection to field wiring.
The solenoid coil is designed and rated
for continuous duty service. However, it
is recommended that the actuating circuit
incorporate a shut-down device (e.g. a
pressure switch or time delay relay) to open
the circuit when the cylinder is empty.
When the coil is energized for a long period
of time, the solenoid enclosure becomes hot.
This is a safe operating temperature and will
not damage the solenoid. Any excessive
heating will be indicated by the smoke of
burning coil insulation.
The solenoid valve connects directly to
a special adapter on the cylinder valve.
The discharge side of the solenoid valve
is connected to the pressure port on the
manual actuator with supplied 3/16 -inch
braided hose. When de-energized, the
solenoid valve opens allowing pressure from
above the main piston of the cylinder valve
to operate the actuator and open the valve.
The solenoid should be connected to a
Listed control panel that is powered through
a separately fused circuit, and that also
incorporates battery backup power.

Control Panels

Any control panel specifically listed for

extinguishment control (releasing panel)
that provides continuous supervision, and
that is compatible for the interconnection of
all devices, may be used.
Listed control panels provide fully supervised
detection, signaling and activation control
as well as audible and visual annunciation of
the system status. They also provide battery
backup power, and control of auxiliary
equipment.

Initiating Devices
Initiating devices such as heat detectors,
smoke detectors, and manual stations should
be listed devices compatible with the control
panel being utilized. See the respective

manufacturers instruction manuals for

installation and operating details. A remote
electric manual station should be included
in all automatic electric systems. This allows
the system to be manually actuated should a
fire be visually detected before an automatic
detector operates.

the switch should be used to break a relay

holding-coil circuit.

Pressure Release Trip

The pressure release trip can be used to
release dampers, close fire doors, windows,
louvres, fuel supply valves, to open dump
valves, etc., automatically when the system
discharges. The equipment to be operated
must be weight or spring loaded, or be pivoted
off centre. The release trip is connected
to the carbon dioxide discharge piping for
operation when the system discharges.
Cable from the equipment to be controlled is
looped over the pressure release operating
stem. When the trip is operated, the stem
retracts and the cable is released.

Change Over Switch

The change-over switch is a rotary type
used to direct automatic actuation to a main
or reserve cylinder bank when main and
reserve cylinders are provided. The switch
should be located adjacent to the cylinder
bank or in a secure area.

Header Safety
Pressure Operated Switch
The pressure operated switch connects to
the carbon dioxide discharge piping and
operates when the system discharges.
The switch may be wired with contacts
in the open or closed position. Operation
causes the electrical switch contacts to
reverse position. Switches can be used
to confirm system discharge, to operate
alarms, to shutdown motors, pumps, fans
and conveyors, to release magnetic door
holders, etc., automatically when the system
discharges.
The switch may be mounted in any position,
but preferred installation is with the pressure
connection (CO2 supply line) entering from
the bottom. The switch enclosure is rated
for standard and weatherproof conditions.
When the line load of the equipment to be
operated is greater than the switch rating,

This pressure relief device is installed in

sections of closed piping such as between
selector valves and the cylinder manifold.
It is a frangible disc assembly designed to
rupture if trapped CO2 expands and the line
pressure exceeds 2,650 to 3,000 psi (182.7
to 206.8 bar). The body is made of brass
and the pipe connection is NPT.

Gas Operated Siren

This unit sounds an alarm by means of
carbon dioxide pressure. It is connected
to the discharge piping of the system, or
to a separate independent carbon dioxide
cylinder. Sirens should be located throughout
the hazard area in order to ensure an audible
alarm will be heard on the activation and
discharge of the carbon dioxide system. Due
consideration should be given to the normal
background noise in the area.
If the carbon dioxide system incorporates
a delayed action device, the siren must be
arranged to operate at the same time that
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the delayed action device is initiated.

cylinders are provided with a siphon tube.

When connected to the carbon dioxide

system piping, the alarm will cease when
the gas discharge has been completed. If
it is desirable or necessary for the sirens to
operate for a longer period of time than will
be allowed by the system discharge time,
a separate independent carbon dioxide
cylinder must be used.

Clean Agent
Engineered Systems

Bracket Installation
Single bank, wall mounting is recommended
for installations of up to five cylinders.
Freestanding arrangements allow for
multiple banks while maintaining sufficient
access to all cylinders for maintenance or
replacement purposes.

Strap Installation

For floor mounted cylinders against a solid

wall. Mounting bolts must be anchored to a
solid structural member.

Safe, Powerful
Fire Protection For Custom Applications
Fire protection systems engineered for use with
clean agent act fast to knock down fires
before they can take hold. With discharge
times of 10 seconds or less, lives and
valuable property benefit from virtually
instant response to the danger posed by
fire.
Systems engineered for use with clean
agent deliver an effective clean agent thats
safe for use in occupied spaces.
The clean agent leaves no messy residue,
and will not harm sensitive equipment. It
also exceeds all current standards regulating
the use of ozone-depleting substances,
and is approved by the US Environmental
Protection Agency and Environment Europe
as an acceptable Halon alternative.

Cylinder Assemblies
Carbon dioxide cylinders may be located
inside or outside the protected space,
although it is preferable to locate them
outside the space. When they are installed
within the space they protect, a remote
manual control should be installed to ensure
the system can be actuated from a safe
location outside the fire area.
The cylinders should be located to provide
convenient access so that they can be
readily inspected and easily removed after
use for recharging. They should not be
installed where they will be exposed to the
weather elements or the direct rays of the
sun. Cylinders should not be installed where
they will be subjected to temperatures of
less than 0 F (-18 C) or higher than 130 F
(54 C), unless otherwise specified.
If cylinders are located in a hazardous
(explosion-proof) area, the cylinder solenoid
control and all other components should be
approved for such use, and the installation
of all materials needs to be done in an
approved manner. Cylinders should be
installed in the normal upright position. All
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Because clean agent interferes with the

chemical properties of fire, it is exceptionally
effective in small amounts. This high potency
means it can be stored at lower pressure
and systems can be designed with lighter
pipe work and less agent. Safe, effective,
economical, and uncomplicated, clean
agent systems are ideal for a wide range of
settings from clean rooms and laboratories to
applications in mines and marine vessels.
Where to use Clean Agent Systems
Where valuable property needs to be
protected
Where weight and space versus
extinguishing potential is a factor

Where there is difficulty ensuring the

safety of personnel
Where an inert, electrically non-conductive
extinguishing agent is required
Where fast burning, high heat-producing
materials are stored or used
As first line of defense to prevent damage
where water sprinkler systems are
installed
Some of the hazards suitable for this kind of
protection include...
Control rooms, Computer rooms, Data
processing centers, Switch gear rooms,
Telephone equipment rooms, Cellular
transmitter buildings, Dry cleaning plants,
Spray booths, Transformer vaults, Radio and
TV station facilities, Radar sites, Machinery
spaces, Engine compartments, Chemical
storage areas, Flammable liquid stores,
Museums and archives, Records storage,
Bank vaults and depositories, Libraries.
Typical System Layout

Clean agent engineered systems are

relatively simple to design and lay out.
There are four primary objectives that need
to be achieved with every system:
-- Provide adequate agent and cylinder
pressure to flood the area to the specified
design concentration in ten seconds or
less.
-- Provide a means of actuating the fire
protection system manually, and/or
automatically when fire is detected.
-- Provide audible and visible warning prior
to system discharge by means of a timer
that allows adequate time for evacuation

of the immediate area.

-- Provide a means of manually aborting
the system when the discharge timer is
operating.
What Happens When Fire is Detected
Fire detector enters alarm state.
Releasing panel activates alarm signals,
controls equipment and safety devices,
and starts the countdown timer.
When the timer expires clean agent
discharges from the container, through the
piping system, and out of the discharge
nozzles and into the protected area.
Discharge is complete in 10 seconds
or less.
Applications
Total flooding clean agent intended for use
in both occupied and unoccupied enclosed
spaces. As a clean, electrically nonconductive agent it is ideal for use in areas
containing sensitive and valuable assets,
such as computer hardware and electrical
equipment. Clean agents are highly suitable
for a wide range of Class
A, B and C surface fires.
Environmental
Clean agent was developed to extinguish
fires in an environmentally responsible
manner.
They have a low 100-year Global Warming
Potential and a short Atmospheric Life Time.
Furthermore, their Ozone Depletion Potential
is well within the range of acceptable limits,
and its low storage and operating pressures
allow the use of relatively light weight
cylinders and pipe work.
Personal Safety
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency has designated clean agents as safe
for use in occupied areas at concentrations
up to 10 per cent.
Clean agents do not rely on the reduction
of oxygen levels to extinguish fire, nor does
it increase C02 levels to artificially stimulate
breathing in the protected area.

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Standard Equipment
and Optional Components
Engineered clean agent Fire Suppression
Systems are custom designed for total
flooding applications in accordance with
the design requirements of NFPA 2001 and
other applicable codes and standards.
Systems storage containers
are available in a full range of
cylinder sizes and individual
clean agent fill quantities.
They can be arranged for
either individual or multiple
piped installations to suit
each individual hazard requirement.
Depending on the system requirements,
discharge can be initiated either automatically
from a wide variety of detectors, or manually
at the cylinder or at a remote location.
Electric control panels and auxiliary control
components such as pressure switches
and pneumatic release trips are utilized to
control the operation of fans, power supplies,
alarms, dampers, etc. To suit the individual
system requirements.
Manifolds
Manifolds may be used to
join the discharge pipes
of two or more cylinders
to
enable
discharge
through a single pipeline
to the discharge nozzles.
Manifolds are constructed and supplied
by the installer. The manifold design for
each project will be detailed on the project
drawings.
It is important that the manifold be
constructed exactly as detailed on the project
drawings. Any changes will have an effect
on the clean agent flow and on the system
performance.
Discharge Bends and Check Valves
Discharge bends and check valves are used
when cylinders are manifolded together.
The discharge bend allows for the
misalignment of the cylinders on installation,
and for ease of cylinder removal for
maintenance. If one cylinder assembly is
disconnected from the system, and the
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other cylinders discharge while that cylinder

is disconnected, the check valve will ensure
that the clean agent will not discharge from
the disconnected discharge bend.
It is important that discharge bends are not
mounted onto the cylinder valves until the
cylinders have been installed and secured
in their brackets.
These items must not be mounted onto the
valves during transportation and storage.
Nozzles
System discharge nozzles are specifically
designed to provide an effective distribution
of the clean agent throughout the protected
space.
Nozzles are made of brass. Other materials
and special finishes may available as a
special order.
The nozzle can be located either in the centre
of the space to be protected or on side walls.
It is equally efficient in either location.
Nozzles are not interchangeable.
It is important that nozzles be installed
exactly as specified on the project drawings,
otherwise system performance may be
jeopardized.
The nozzle orifice diameter is stamped on
the bottom of the nozzle body.
Solenoid Valve Actuation
The solenoid valve is installed onto a side
port of the cylinder valve. It is configured
to vent the piston chamber of the cylinder
valve.
The solenoid valve is a normally closed
device: closed when de-energized and open
when energized. The standard solenoid
voltage is 24 vdc. Other voltages and special
enclosures are available as a special order.
The solenoid should be connected through
a listed control panel that is powered from
the AC supply through a separately fused
circuit.
Releasing Panels
Listed control panels provide fully-supervised
detection, signalling and extinguishment
activation control circuits, audible and visual
annunciation of system status, emergency
back-up power, and control of auxiliary
equipment. Such panels are necessary

for, and compatible with, fire protection

equipment.
Initiating Devices
Initiating devices such as heat detectors,
smoke detectors, and manual stations should
be listed devices compatible with the control
panel being utilized. See the respective
manufacturers instruction manuals for
installation and operating details. A remote
electric manual station should be included
in all automatic electric systems. This allows
the system to be manually actuated should a
fire be visually detected before an automatic
detector operates.
Nozzles
Nozzles should be installed as indicated on
the project drawings.
Except where more than one tier of nozzles
is used, or special application conditions
apply, the nozzles should not be more
than 12 inches from the top (ceiling) of the
enclosure.
Nozzles can be installed upright or inverted.
There must not be any obstruction adjacent
to the nozzles, such as structural beams or
columns, ducts, cable trays, racks, etc., that
could affect the discharge pattern and the
mixing of the clean agent and air.
Clean Agent System Safety
Safeguards must be taken when using any
chemical extinguishing agent and clean
agent is no exception. It is important to ensure
the safety of personnel in areas where the
atmosphere could become hazardous by the
discharge or thermal decomposition of the
extinguishing agent. The following list, which
has been compiled from NFPA and ISO
Standards, indicates steps and safeguards
that may be necessary.
Warning and instruction signs at entrances
to and inside the protected area informing

operate immediately upon detection of the

fire.
Continuous alarms at entrances to the
protected space until the atmosphere has
been restored to normal.
Only outward swinging self-closing doors
at exits from the protected area and,
where such doors are latched, provision
of panic hardware.
Adequate aisle ways and exit routes:
ensure that they are kept clear at all
times.
Emergency lighting and directional signs
as necessary to ensure quick, safe
evacuation.
Prohibition of smoking until the atmosphere
has been purged of clean agent (even in
very low concentrations, clean agent will
decompose when drawn through a lit
cigarette and may cause lung damage).
Prompt discovery and rescue of persons
incapacitated in the protected space.
A means for prompt ventilation of the
protected space and all adjacent areas.
Forced ventilation will often be necessary
Instruction and drills of all personnel
within or in the vicinity of the protected
enclosure.
Outward opening exit doors operable from
inside for all clean agent cylinder storage
rooms.
A means to lock-off or disarm the
system during periods of inspection and
maintenance of the system or of other
equipment within the protected space.
Any other steps and safeguards that a
careful study of each particular situation
indicates are necessary.

personnel that a clean agent system is installed.

These signs may contain additional

instructions relevant to the hazard.
A time delay to enable evacuation of
personnel before the commencement of
clean agent discharge.
Alarms within the protected space that will

FM200 Clean Agent

For Total Suppression System
- Fast and Clean fire protection: Electrically
non-conductive, it occupies minimal storage
space. Its primary action is through cooling
the fire and removing heat energy so that
the combustion sustained.
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As far as peoples exposure to FM-200 is

concerned, safety is not an issue. In fact,
FM-200 is even used as a replacement for
CFC propellants in pharmaceutical inhalers.
It is also a trusted choice in clean agent fire
protection, perfect where disruption has to be
minimized and survivability of the business
is critical. FM-200 is clean, leaving behind
no oily particulates, water or corrosive
materials. This virtually eliminates any risk
of damage to delicate equipment caused by
the extinguishant itself.
Finally, the environment is not at risk:
FM-200 has a zero effect on the earths
stratospheric ozone layer and has a minimal
impact on the environment in comparison to
the impact of a catastrophic fire. FM-200 has
an Atmospheric Lifetime of 33 years.
Its a fire protection solution that has already
been applied in more than 100,000 situations
worldwide in more than 70 countries.
Complies with ISO 14520
Meets NFPA 2001 standards

- Every second counts

Once actuated, FM-200 systems achieve
extinguishing levels within 10 seconds,
stopping ordinary combustible, electrical
and flammable liquid fires before they have
a chance to spread. When fire is put out this
quickly, it means less damage, lower repair
costs and reduced downtime. Your business
is soon up and running again.

- Protecting your most valuable asset:

Extensively tested and studied, FM-200 can
be safely used in the presence of people.
Its development is supported by the most
comprehensive database of toxicological
data of any similar product.

- Applications:
Computer centres

- Storage and distribution:

This clean agent is stored in containers,
super-pressurized with dry nitrogen to
an operating pressure of 360psi at 70oF

Gas turbines

(24.8 bar at 20oC).

TPED compliant

Oil industry applications

Telecommunications
Power generation
Shipping
Museums and archives

NOVEC 1230 Cean Agent

For Total Suppression System
Systems, using NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection
Fluid have emerged as the solution of choice
for fire extinguishing systems to protect
high value assets and processes. It is a
clean agent system which is proven to be
environmentally friendly.
Todays need is for a fast-extinguishing,
sustainable, clean agent free of any ozone
depletion potential and with the lowest
possible emission of greenhouse gases
that can be used in occupied spaces.
Novec 1230 fluid meets this demanding
profile, precisely. It complies with all statutory
requirements, both current and anticipated.

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the No Observable Adverse Effect Level

(NOAEL), making the fluid an extremely
safe extinguishing solution for occupied
areas. Novec has an Atmospheric Lifetime
of 3 to 5 days.
- Low pressure technology:
Suppression system using Novec needs
only 25 bars to achieve homogeneous
distribution.

Benefits:
Zero ozone depletion potential
Global warming potential of one
Clear, colorless, low-odor agent
Simple to refill
Discharges within 10 seconds
- Applications:
Telecommunications sites
Computer centres
Museums and archives
Oil and gas industry sites
Power generation installations
Civil and military marine

Properties

Novec
1230

HFC 125

Halon
1301

Ozone
depletion
potential
(ODP)

0.0

0.0

12.0

Global
warming
potential

3.400

6.900

Atmospheric
lifetime (years)

0.014

29

65

SNAP

yes

yes

n/a

SNAP* - Significant New Alternatives Policy

(US EPA)

Condensed Aerosol;
New Approach for Suppression System
In the early 1990s upheaval was at hand
as a result of the banning of halon in the
fire protection industry due to its disastrous
environmental effects.

Rail and mass transit

- Fast acting protection
Systems using Novec 1230 fluid are
designed to work fast, rapidly absorbing heat
to the point where combustion ceases. Once
actuated, systems deliver the extinguishant
within 10 seconds, stopping Class A, B and
C fires before they have chance to spread.
When fire is extinguished this quickly, the
result is less damage, lower refurbishment
costs and reduced downtime.
- Playing safe
Toxicity testing shows Novec 1230 fluid to
be safe for use in occupied areas. Studies
conducted in independent laboratories
demonstrated that the agent is very low in both
acute and chronic toxicity, with an extremely
high safety margin - the difference between
the extinguishing design concentration and

Competition therefore to replace halon

became fierce between halo carbons, inert
gases and of course condensed aerosols.
Condensed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing
Technology was first developed by the Soyuz
Space Technology Centre, in Russia more
than 30 years ago and consisted of a solid
material (solid aerosol forming compound)
of mainly potassium salts that on activation
transformed into a fire extinguishing aerosol.
Unlike the other alternatives, which
offered merely a slight deviation to the old
technologies, acceptance of the Aerosol
Technology (a relative new comer), its quality,
reliability was not immediately forthcoming.
Surmounting the markets initial scepticism
held by traditionalists in the industry regarding
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the effectiveness and efficiency in a wide

range of applications of this new technology,
although not difficult, it nonetheless required
time and effort at considerable expense.

commercial forces which require a detailed

understanding of the product and its
relationship to competing products approvals
and regulatory processes.

This was of course achieved by adhering

to the industrys internationally accepted
standards related to quality and reliability
asserted by undergoing all the necessary
relevant assays, tests and trials

As a result the Official Regulatory Bodies

are developing the standards covering the
new technology.
Consultants and specifiers should require
that the manufacturer is certified according
to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, the products are
certified/listed by accredited Authority such
as UL/ULC, BSI or KIWA for land applications
and have the Maritime Equipment Directive,
MED approval for marine applications and
moreover, the products must carry the green
label, thus ensuring that they are environment
friendly. Additional Certifications and Listings
issued by other accredited Authorities will be
an added advantage.

As a result today this technology is seen as

one of the most efficient Halon alternative
available.
Development of the Condensed
Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Technology:
The original condensed aerosol forming
compound developed by Soyuz contained a
fundamental flaw in its formula and this was
the inclusion of nitro-cellulose (also known
as colloxylin, classified as pyrotechnic
material) that was used as accelerator of
the chemical exothermic reaction leading
to the transformation of the solid material to
aerosol.
However the presence of this type of
pyrotechnic material has the following
detrimental/debilitating effects that ultimately
lead to loss of efficiency:
Instability with temperature increase
Decay of its mechanical properties over
time
Reduced operational lifetime
Understanding the limitations of these
pyrotechnic materials (nitro-cellulose, nitroguanidine, or other cellulose derivate) lead
manufacturers in Europe and the United
States to develop a new solid aerosol
forming compound free of such materials.
The pronounced advantages that this new
compound offered were the extended life
time (15 years compared to 5 for those
containing pyrotechnical compounds) and
stability versus temperature increase.
Standards and Norms
When a new technology is introduced in the
international market, it develops a complex
combination of technical, regulatory and
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Environmental Considerations
Some of the newly developed Fire Extinguishing
Aerosol Generators do not contain any harmful
chemical substance i.e. Sulphur Hexafluoride
SF6, Hydro fluorocarbons as HCFC, HFCs
(23, 32, 41, 43-10mee, 125, 134, 134a,
152a, 143, 143a, 227ea, 236cb, 236ea,
236fa, 245ca, 365mfc) and Perfluorocarbons
PFCs, which are either banned or in
the process to be banned or their use is
restricted, according to regulation (EC) No
842/2006 of the European parliament and of
the Council, due to their negative impact on
the environment.
On the contrary, the certifications and reports
owned by some aerosol manufacturers are
demonstrating that the characteristics of the
product / technology are consistent with the
most stringent environmental requirements
stated by the international regulators
bodies.
Specifically :
European Green Policies, Green Label
Mark. COUNCIL REGULATION (EEC) No
880/92 of 23 March 1992. This Regulation
establishes a Community eco-label award
scheme which is intended to promote
the design, production, marketing and

use of products, which have a reduced

environmental impact during their entire life
cycle, (eco-label award scheme).
Only Aerosols certified according to this
scheme are complying with the European
Regulations.
Few Condensed Aerosols have passed all
the examinations and been accepted and
listed under the SNAP program.
Therefore,
no
chemical
substances
responsible for ozone depletion (such as
halocarbons) or for global warming or for any
kind of environmental impact, are present in
the chemical composition.
Therefore the environmental characteristics
of certified Aerosol Extinguishing Generators
are listed here below:
-- ODP Ozone Depletion Potential = 0
-- ALT Atmospheric Life Time = negligible
-- GWP Global Warming Potential = 0
-- Non toxic
-- Non corrosive
-- No oxygen depletion
On the contrary some solid aerosol forming
compounds contain in their chemical
formulation Chlorides, thus do not comply
with the environmental requirements stated
by the international regulators bodies and
are not certified and listed.
This is another important issue to consider
when selecting an aerosol product.
The final result of all the above mentioned
environmental considerations is that the
selection of a condensed aerosol system
should be directed to the ones, which
fulfil all the requirements of European
and International directives and which
are certified and listed according to these
directives.
Commercial Aspects
Ever since its introduction in the market,
Condensed Aerosol Extinguishing Systems
have shown to be the most effective and
efficient fire extinguishing agent, both in

terms of fire extinguishing capabilities and

costs.
Aerosol Extinguishing Systems employ a
solid compound that is transformed into a fire
extinguishing aerosol that extinguishes fire
by breaking the uncontrolled chain chemical
reactions of combustion without depleting
oxygen.
Aerosol Extinguishing Systems are presently
installed in many countries worldwide
including the UK, Italy, Denmark, Norway
Germany, Belgium, USA, S. American
Countries and more.
It is the preferred choice for total flooding
fire protection in applications including, but
not limited to, computer centers, museums,
car and bus engine compartments, pleasure
yachts, archive rooms, gold and diamond
mines,
telecommunications
networks,
television stations, electrical industrial
panels, oil field installations, electrical
transformer substations and many more.

The success of Aerosol Extinguishing

Systems is partly attributed to the versatility
of the systems which allows to protect
internally / locally the likely sources
from where a fire might start e.g. electrical
panels, cabinets etc. The important benefit
conveyed, from this, is that in the event of
a fire occurring in such fire sources, the fire
is locally extinguished thus preventing its
spreading outside the source. Consequently,
no additional fire fighting means are required.

Systems and Equipment cannot be

reliable unless properly maintained by
professionals on a yearly basis

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Some of the main advantages that Aerosol

Extinguishing Systems offer vis--vis
gaseous systems are:
1. Tremendous space saving i.e. the space
required is only a fraction of the space
needed for cylinders etc.
2. Aerosol Extinguishing Systems design
calculations are based on uncomplicated
parameters resulting in simplified design
calculations.

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3. Far easier installation - no piping,

pressure cylinders, special supports
and valves are required thus reducing
installation time and costs considerably.
4. Easy maintenance without the need for
pressure testing, weighing, pressure/leak
detection etc.
5. Cost effectiveness - Aerosol Extinguishing
Systems are less expensive compared
to most other gaseous systems (Halon
replacements) making it more attractive
to the end user.

Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Principle

A cost effective and efficient Total Flooding System.

Fire

Aerosol Phase I :

Formation of radicals (O*H*, OH*) during

the chemical chain reactions of the fire

(before extinguishing process)

Inert gases (N2 , H2O, CO2)
Carrying solid, micro-sized particles(K2CO3)

Aerosol Phase II :

Fire is extinguished:

(during extinguishing process) Formation of

K* radicals by the disassociation of K2CO3

Reactions between radicals lead to

the formation of stable compounds
(KOH,k2CO3)

Relative Quantity Required/m3

Typical Fire Extinguishing

Aerosol Generator Diagram

Aerosol
Halocarbons
Inert Gases
CO2
Environment Considerations:
-- ODP Ozone Depletion Potential = 0
-- ALT Atmospheric Life Time = negligible
-- GWP Global Warming Potential = 0
-- Non toxic
-- Non corrosive
-- No oxygen depletion
The latest generation of Aerosol Generators use stable non-pyrotechnic aerosol forming solid
compounds and no longer contain pyrotechnic materials such as nitro-guanidine or nitrocellulose.
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