Fire extinguishing agents, their types and application
often, the selection of equipment and means of fire localization is probably the last priority for the administration of enterprises. Most are confident that a fire will happen anywhere but at their enterprise. And they are especially surprised when it happens to extinguish the fire with whatever means are at hand, and after that resolve issues with regulatory authorities.
Whether you want it or not, fire safety is a necessary part of a company’s costs that cannot be excluded from financing. But you can save your money if you skillfully calculate a suitable complex and accurately determine the specifics of the object. How to do this correctly? What is the operating principle of automatic fire extinguishing systems and who can help you decide correctly? All answers are in this article.
What is an automatic fire extinguishing installation and what does it produce?
AUPT is a combination of means and equipment that turns on when temperature and smoke levels at a facility are critical. It is this system that localizes and eliminates the source of fire when it occurs. Simply put, a standalone installation is capable of:
- Turn on light and sound detectors;
- Monitor the temperature, increasing smoke levels and the source of the fire;
- Manage the evacuation of employees;
- Neutralize the fire before the emergency services arrive.
Scope of use of AUPT
The automated system has great customization capabilities. This procedure is recommended for installation at various sites:
- retail network facilities;
- free-standing server and data centers;
- car services and repair shops;
- parking lots and garage complexes;
- archives and storage facilities;
- wholesale bases and warehouses;
- production premises;
- office buildings.
Classification of automatic fire extinguishing devices and specific application
The equipment used to limit the initiation of flames varies in its design characteristics. And it is divided into two types:
- Aggregate;
- Modular
In addition, the installation is equipped with unique blocks. And it makes it possible to manage a range of measures using advanced digital systems or manually. In this regard, the AUPT will be able to work with many types of automated fire extinguishing equipment:
- robotic installations;
- volumetric complexes;
- local nodes;
- surface devices.
But what are automated fire extinguishing systems with different contents? Is foam or powder better?
Water installations
Water-powered systems differ in the design of their nozzles:
- Sprinkler systems are suitable for buildings, premises, and storage facilities with a high fire hazard, where flame suppression is achieved simultaneously across the entire facility;
- Drencher systems are more often used as a water barrier in areas with a high concentration of people and when extinguishing fires in warehouses containing equipment or petroleum products.
The main advantage of such units is their low operating cost and the ability to deliver water over long distances. At the same time, these devices are most effective for extinguishing fires when integrated into a building’s water supply system. However, there are also disadvantages: despite their reliability, the system is not suitable for localizing a fire in an office where electrical equipment is present.
Gas system
A set of components for extinguishing a fire, using:
- Freons or inhibitors – such systems are very compact and effective for small businesses;
- Diluents (for example, argon or nitrogen) – units containing such components are quite large. They are ideal if space allows;
- Perfluoroketones – these designs offer a broad range of action and are highly environmentally friendly. They do not cause damage to property. They are considered a successful innovation and have only recently been used.
Powder systems
A particularly common option, largely due to their wide range of applications. These devices can extinguish fires of varying complexity. They are also used in facilities where it is necessary to extinguish electrical equipment that is switched on.
Furthermore, a stand-alone system is recommended for placement close to electrical panels, for pinpoint fire containment, or for use throughout the entire utility room. However, there are drawbacks. Powder systems cannot be used in warehouses where chemical mixtures and flammable materials capable of smoldering without oxygen are stored. Foam system
A set of devices designed for installation at storage facilities for flammable materials, petroleum products, and flammable substances. These are subdivided into deluge and sprinkler systems. Foam-based fire alarm systems operate identically to water-based systems, except for the presence of a reservoir and separate storage of the substances.
These systems are extremely effective at extinguishing oil and its derivatives. Their rapid spreading properties also contribute to rapid fire suppression. Their downsides include slow filling of spaces and high operating costs. Furthermore, the foam composition must be removed.
Aerosol System
The operating principle is based on combining components that can quickly neutralize a fire. This design has been around for over two centuries; initially, a clay-water mixture was used for filling. However, due to its extremely low efficiency, production was discontinued. Modern systems are only suitable for small-scale fire suppression. They should not be used in areas storing the following:
Chemical liquids and polymers prone to smoldering;
- Pyrophoric compounds and metal powders;
- Spontaneously combustible and flammable materials.
- Aerosol systems are not environmentally friendly and are extremely harmful to the respiratory system. Therefore, they are not installed in areas with a high concentration of people that cannot be quickly evacuated, or where there is no emergency exit. It would be unwise to ignore this rule. During an inspection, the Ministry of Emergency Situations inspector pays special attention to such items.
Which buildings are designated for automatic fire suppression protection?
At the discretion of the AFSP owners, you can place the systems in a wide variety of buildings. However, there are also mandatory requirements. Platforms must be installed in public, industrial, and warehouse facilities and buildings, according to Federal Law No. 123 and relevant regulations and acts. In addition, the systems are installed in the following buildings:
Storage facilities and shafts;
- Cultural and amenity areas;
- Data centers and server rooms;
- Underground and isolated parking lots;
- Workshops in basements.
- Operational requirements for various types of automatic fire suppression systems and installations
The main set of rules regarding AFSP activation methods, foam (gas, water, etc.) volume, component reliability, response speed, monitoring methods, and other parameters. The duration and response time must meet the written requirements. Deviations are permitted within certain limits. Details can always be clarified with a specialist.
What are automatic fire extinguishing systems equipped with?
There are no exceptions in this regard. Each automatic fire extinguishing system must meet the technological requirements and have the following components, assemblies, and capabilities:
light and sound detectors;
- remote control for centralized systems, tank and cylinders;
- danger warning signs;
- permissible triggering of a car alarm when pressure changes;
- insulated buttons with mesh covers or glazing;
- auto-check and monitoring of proper operation;
- fire extinguishing stations
- fire extinguishing systems with protective partitions and doors and fire boxes; done during feeding, draining and filling of pipelines;
- sprinklers, modules and nozzles for each zone;
- delayed response to personnel evacuation;
- signals in the event of a break or drop in liquid level and pressure;
- automatic restart for additional electric drives and pumps;
- automatic switching to a backup power source;
- timely removal of foam, water, powder or gas;
- start – manual, remote, operational, local and automatic, with protection and output;
- grounding and grounding;
- protected control nodes;
- water systems with automatic regulation;
- primary documents – certificate, technical passport, project and acceptance certificates;
- mandatory zoning on collectors.
- How can you calculate your fire extinguishing system yourself?
It is possible by obtaining special knowledge, following the rules and technology of action with each type of AUPT. It is much easier and quicker to contact a competent specialist who will not only select equipment and facilities for the purposes of your company, but will also take into account the following data:
Detailed hydraulic pressure calculation;
- Tightness parameters and mandatory zoning of premises;
- Clearance from the wall for sprayers;
- Volume and system properties of the installation;
- Intensity, expected flow rate and duration of irrigation;
- Length, length, diameter of pipes and number of connections;
- Step, standard size, installation height, place for sprinklers and sensors.
- Modern AUPT systems highly effectively localize the source of fire even before the fire brigade arrives. This will help the business owner avoid significant material damage and prevent casualties.
Fire extinguishing agents, their types and application
