Gaseous fire suppression systems use various gases, like inert gases or clean agents, to extinguish fires by displacing oxygen or removing heat, and are often used in areas where water damage is a concern, such as data centers, High valued Electrical & Electronics equipment installed. For designing, installing, and maintaining gas fire suppression systems, especially those using clean agents like Chemical or inert gases, primarily refer to NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Additionally, NFPA 1 and NFPA 72 are relevant for overall fire safety and detection systems. Gas Suppression works based on the principles

 

  • Oxygen Displacement: These systems work by reducing the available oxygen content in a room to below 15%, the point at which most fires cannot be sustained.
  • Heat Absorption/Chain Reaction Inhibition: Some agents also work by absorbing heat or interfering with the chemical reactions that sustain fire.

 

Inert Gas System Chemical Gas System
Working on Reduction or Isolation of Oxygen<15%

 

Representative agents:

IG-01 (argon); Argonite

 

-IG-55 (a blend of 50% argon,  50% nitrogen);

 

-IG-541(a blend of 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, and 8% CO2)

 

-IG-100 (NN100), nitrogen.

 

·        Effective Fire Suppression:

o   Inert gases, like nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, work by displacing oxygen, thereby “suffocating” the fire.

o   This approach allows for rapid fire suppression, minimizing damage and downtime.

o   The systems are effective against various types of fires, including Class A, B, and C fires.

·        Minimal Damage & Residue:

o   Clean agent systems leave no residue after discharge, unlike water-based systems or older chemical-based systems.

o   This means less cleanup and reduced risk of damaging sensitive equipment, especially electronics and data storage devices.

·        Safety & Occupancy:

o   Inert gases are non-toxic and non-corrosive, zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and low global warming potential (GWP).

o   They are electrically non-conductive, ensuring safety for electronic and electrical equipment.

·        Pressure:

Inert gas cylinders are designed to handle high pressures, often operating around 200 or 300 bar (approximately 2900 to 4350 psi), depending on the application and the type of inert gas.

 

Working on Reduction of Heat to suppress fire

 

Representative agents:

·

o   Novec 1230: A synthetic, waterless fire suppressant manufactured by 3M, known for its ability to extinguish fires quickly and effectively.

o   FM-200 (HFC-227ea): A colorless, non-toxic gas that is non-conductive and environmentally friendly.

o   FK-5-1-12: A newer clean agent that is a good alternative to traditional halon and HFC-based suppression agents.

·        Advantages:

o   Low Environmental Impact: Many clean agents, like FK-5-1-12, have a low or zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), making them a more environmentally friendly option.

o   No Residue: Clean agents typically don’t leave behind any residue after extinguishing fires, which is crucial for sensitive equipment or locations.

o   Fast Response Time: Many chemical gas suppression systems are designed for a quick response time, crucial for protecting valuable assets and personnel.

o   Pressure:

FSL clean agent chemical systems use specially designed cylinder assemblies. Cylinders are available in various sizes. All cylinders are super pressurized with dry nitrogen to a pressure of 25 bar or 42 bar at 21°C.Although some other OEM has 70 Bar pressure system at 21 deg C.

 

Inert / Clean Agent/Chemical Gas Fire suppression system considered at High pressurized System. According to Government of India department of explosive & Hazardous substance PESO (Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization) Certification is mandatory for each Cylinder involved after the year 1998 and periodic Hydro-Testing of installed cylinder in every 5 years interval has to be conducted at OEM bottling plant.

PESO is a nodal agency in India that regulates the safety of hazardous substances like explosives, petroleum, and compressed gases.

GLYPTIC is one of the fastest growing organization & key players in India having Authorized Channel Partnership with SIEMENS, ANSUL of JCI, KIDDE successfully executed numerous Gas Suppression Projects across India. Gas Suppression System needs proper safety precautions while execute any project and maintenance as per NFPA guideline. Correct Design & engineering has to done as per OEM design & engineering Software approved by UL/VDS.

 

Few remarkable Project executed and sites under maintenance by GLYPTIC are :

POWER GRID SUBSTATIONS; GRSE Ship Builders, IISCO SAIL and many more… in India