Scribd
Upload
152 views2 pages

Afex Afex Afex Afex Afex: FAQ S

Side cartridge fire extinguishers store dry chemical powder separately from compressed nitrogen gas, while stored pressure extinguishers contain both components pressurized in the same canister. Side cartridge extinguishers only become pressurized during use, while stored pressure extinguishers remain pressurized. Both extinguisher types can experience powder compaction over time, but side cartridge extinguishers are designed to break up compacted powder during discharge for more effective use. Stored pressure extinguishers require more complex inspection and maintenance procedures.

Uploaded by

Advenser Group
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
152 views2 pages

Afex Afex Afex Afex Afex: FAQ S

Side cartridge fire extinguishers store dry chemical powder separately from compressed nitrogen gas, while stored pressure extinguishers contain both components pressurized in the same canister. Side cartridge extinguishers only become pressurized during use, while stored pressure extinguishers remain pressurized. Both extinguisher types can experience powder compaction over time, but side cartridge extinguishers are designed to break up compacted powder during discharge for more effective use. Stored pressure extinguishers require more complex inspection and maintenance procedures.

Uploaded by

Advenser Group
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

SIDE CARTRIDGE vs.

STORED PRESSURE
OPERATED EXTINGUISHERS
AFEX
FAQ´s
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AFEX Side Cartridge Technology Typical Stored Pressure Extinguisher

Valve Body
Cartridge
Seal
Gauge
Perforated
Gauge and
Gas Tube O-Rings (3) O-rings Present
Nitrogen
Leak & Failure
Siphon
Gas (N2)
Tube Points.
Nitrogen
A:B:C Gas (N2)
Powder

A:B:C
Powder

Gas is released only when


the seal is punctured,
automatically or manually.

1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 3. DOESN’T A STORED PRESSURE


STORED PRESSURE AND SIDE EXTINGUISHER KEEP THE DRY
CARTRIDGE OPERATED CHEMICAL IN SUSPENSION?
EXTINGUISHERS? No. The specific gravity of nitrogen is .97 and the
Stored pressure extinguishers have the compressed specific gravity of A:B:C powder is 1.8. In an
nitrogen gas that is used as the propellant for the dry extinguisher, these materials will settle according to their
chemical agent stored in the same canister as the dry specific gravity, with the heaviest settling to the bottom.
chemical. Side cartridge operated units store the dry As the A:B:C powder is heavier than the nitrogen gas,
chemical in a non-pressurized container and the such a mixture will not stay in suspension.
compressed nitrogen gas in a separate cartridge. Only at
the time of actuation is the extinguisher under pressure 4. IF THE POWDER COMPACTS, HOW
and then only briefly. DOES THIS AFFECT THE DISCHARGE OF
THE EXTINGUISHER?
2. DOES THE A:B:C DRY CHEMICAL In side cartridge operated extinguishers the nitrogen
COMPACT IN EITHER OF THEM? gas is introduced to the extinguisher through a tube with
Settling and compaction are common to both stored gas escape ports designed to break up and fluidize the
pressure and side cartridge operated extinguishers when dry chemical before it is forced out the extinguisher to
they are installed on vehicles. This is a result of the the distribution network. Stored pressure units depend
vibration inherent to that application. Side Cartridge units upon the downward pressure of the nitrogen gas to force
are designed to fluff the powder before discharge. The the compacted powder back up a siphon tube and out
gas passes through perforations in the gas tube, breaking the extinguisher.
up and fluffing the powder before discharge.
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems 5808 Lease Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617 USA, 919.781.6610 Fax: 919.787.3915
AFEX Fire Suppression Systems
AFEX FAQ’s Continued Side Cartridge Technology
5. HOW ARE THESE EXTINGUISHERS the distribution system are key issues as well. There is no
INSPECTED? DOES THE INSPECTION substitute for a thorough examination of the system on a
REQUIRE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT? regular periodic basis for assessing its readiness.
The National Fire Protection Association, in its Standard
No. 17, the Standard for Dry Chemical Extinguishing 7. HOW LIKELY IS IT THAT THE NITROGEN
Systems, outlines the monthly and semi-annual inspection WILL LEAK OUT OF EACH TYPE OF UNIT?
requirements for both stored pressure and side cartridge Stored pressure extinguishers depend upon rubber “O”
operated systems. rings on the valve stem and in the valve assembly to seal
Stored pressure extinguishers must be de-pressurized, the compressed nitrogen gas in the extinguisher. These
the valve assemblies rebuilt and the dry chemical removed “O” rings can be deformed by vibration or improper
and replaced every six years. No other inspections are installation, allowing the pressure to leak. These units have
required to determine if the dry chemical has been a vent check on the control head whose purpose is to
contaminated, is clumped, or if the siphon tube has been bleed off any pressure that can cause the control head to
damaged. Because special equipment is required to pre-maturely discharge the agent cylinder. Pressure
perform this service, the extinguisher must be removed gauges are installed on stored pressure units to monitor
from the installation and taken to a service facility. the rate of leakage. Side cartridge units are sealed with
The dry chemical in side cartridge operated units is to a bronze disc. These units need only to be weighed to
be inspected every six months. This can be done quickly verify they are properly filled.
on site by simply removing the extinguisher cap. The Dry
Chemical needs to be replaced only if it is clumped or 8. HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH IS BETTER
shows evidence of moisture. FOR MY APPLICATION?
The difference between side cartridge and stored
6. HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A GAUGE pressure extinguishers is found in more than just their
ON THE EXTINGUISHER? ARE THEY design. Each type will do well when used in the right
RELIABLE? application and in the right environment. The secret is
Pressure gauges are used on stored pressure units to knowing when and where to use each type. The state of
indicate if they are properly charged. However, experience the art side cartridge units are preferred industry wide in
has shown that those gauges are not reliable indicators of the heavy mobile equipment market for the following
the working condition of the extinguisher. These reasons:
inexpensive gauges are known to have the pointer stick
to the lens of the gauge and to have the bordon tube (which • heavy duty construction,
controls the movement of the indicator needle) take a • simple design eliminates failure points,
memory set and cause the needle not to move. The • easily serviced on-site,
accuracy of these gauges is reflective of their cost - less • low maintenance,
than $1 each. Relying on these gauges to indicate the • no special tools required,
readiness of the system, or even just the extinguisher, • over 30 years of vehicle fire protection.
would be risky.
The working condition of a fire suppression system Stored pressure units share their niche with side
cannot be revealed simply by the status of a pressure cartridge operated units as hand held portable
gauge. The condition of the actuation hose, the condition extinguishers, and in stationary situations such as protecting
of the sensors and detection system, and the condition of restaurant range hoods and electrical switching stations.

AFEX Fire Suppression Systems 5808 Lease Lane, Raleigh, NC 27617 USA, 919.781.6610 Fax: 919.787.3915

You might also like