The Various Fire Suppression Systems2717921
One of the most efficient ways to deal with a fire incident is to have a Fire Suppression System installed inside your building. These systems basically comprises each fire detection and fire protection instruments which assist in dealing with both the before-and-after effects of a fire. There are various types of suppression systems available and you can choose any one or a mixture of multiple systems to maintain your business and workers safe in times of a fire. These systems include:
1. Fire Alarms: Very reliable instruments that raise an alarm in case of a fire. They even use state-of the-art technology to detect fires. As soon as a fire is detected by the built in (or in some cases, a separate) fire detector, an alarm goes off as a warning to evacuate the building.
2. Gaseous Suppression Systems: Consist of a wide variety of tools to suppress a fire. The two broad categories are Chemical suppression systems and Inert Gas suppression systems.
a) Chemical Fire Suppression: They extinguish fires primarily through the use of chemical agents like FM200 and NOVEC 1230. These chemicals extinguish a fire by absorbing the heat so that the temperature falls and the flame can no longer survive, which extinguishes the fire. This technique of suppression is safe to use in most areas and circumstances.
b) Inert Gaseous Fire Suppression: Inert gases such as Nitrogen, Argon, Inergen, Argonite and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) are used to reduce the oxygen levels in a room to beneath 15% so that a fire can't survive. They maintain optimum oxygen levels for humans and animals to survive but not sufficient for the flame to spread.
3.Water Sprinkler Systems: Also known as Water Mist systems, they can be used exactly where gas suppression systems aren't suitable. They are two types of Water Mist Systems:
a)High Pressure Water Mist Systems (HPWM): consist of high pressure pumps, storage tanks and pressurized nitrogen cylinders to release water utilizing small bore pipe work and high pressure discharge nozzles. They use a minimal amount of water but are more expensive.
b)Low Pressure Water Mist Systems (LPWM): consist of pumps and storage tanks, which use more water at a reduce pressure than HPWM systems. Copper or specialist pipe work can be used for this type of fire suppression system.
4. Emergency Lighting Systems: These are vibrant emergency lights which can be installed anywhere in the building. They are usually used to point towards emergency exits for help in case of evacuation and permit for a fast get-away. Emergency lights are also used in lifts and other locations which should be avoided in case of a fire.
These are the fundamentals of an efficient Fire Suppression System. Suppression systems are generally governed by the codes of the NFPA and can be used in most locations following the regulations of the same. They have now turn out to be a necessity to several industries as they help detect fires, control damage and loss to gear and human lives.
