One of the most popular fire suppression systems is a clean agent fire suppression system. A clean agent is an electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent that leaves no residue upon evaporation. Clean agent fire suppression systems use inert gases or chemicals stored in containers, and discharged upon fire detection.
These agents are called ‘clean’ because not only do they leave no residue, but are also substantially more environment-friendly than all other options. Let us take a detailed look at these, shall we?
NFPA 2001 has defined the term “clean agent” as an electrically non conductive, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent that does not leave a residue upon evaporation. A clean agent fire suppression system will take either an inert gas or a chemical that is stored in a container and discharge it, when necessary, to extinguish a fire in its incipient stage.
Types of Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems and Their Applications
When facilities contain irreplaceable artifacts, computer labs, or electrical rooms they utilize types of clean agent fire suppression systems for protection. These areas in a building have clean agent systems because they are waterless systems that extinguish fires with inert gases and chemical agents. These fire suppression agents require virtually no cleanup, non-conductive, and ideal for class A, B, and C fires. Since fire sprinkler systems use water to prevent fires from spreading, they would damage property in these areas.
What are the Types of Clean Agent Fire Suppression Systems?
There are three main types of clean agent fire suppression systems:
FM 200
Novec 1230
Inert Gas
FM 200 Clean Agent Fire Suppression System
FM 200 clean agent fire suppression systems extinguish fires by quickly absorbing heat. The extinguishing agent is stored as a liquified compressed gas in cylinders near the area it protects. The agent flows through the system and changes into a gas that expels onto the fire when the system activates. The gaseous agent is relatively safe to use in human-occupied spaces and is often in computer rooms. Unfortunately, FM 200 systems have one of the highest ozone depleting ratings out of the three main types of clean agent fire suppression systems.
Novec 1230 Clean Agent Fire Suppression System
Novec 1230 clean agent fire suppression systems are like FM 200 systems in many ways. These systems suppress fire by removing heat and located close to the area it protects. Unlike FM 200 systems, the agent is stored as a liquid and is converted into a gas when discharged. This clean agent is a replacement for halon and an alternative to hydrofluorocarbon extinguishing agents so it’s not subject to the HFC phaseout. Novec 1230 is also the safest agent for human-occupied areas and its applications include data processing centers, race cars, and industrial facilities.
Inert Gas Clean Agent Fire Suppression System
Inert gas clean agent fire suppression systems use a combination of inert gases that exist as a gas and reduce oxygen in the area of the fire when expelled. In contrast to other systems, inert gas cylinders are highly pressurized and located further away from the area they protect. Some of their disadvantages include that they require more agent to suppress fires, therefore take up more space. Additionally, inert gas clean agent systems take longer to activate. The two types of inert gas clean agent systems include INERGEN and CO2.
INERGEN
INERGEN clean agent systems use a combination of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide to suppress fires. Out of the three main types of clean agent fire suppression systems, INERGEN is the only system that has no global warming potential. These systems are safe to use in occupied spaces and are often in historical archives, museums, and art galleries.
CO2
CO2 fire suppression systems dispense carbon dioxide gas into a fire and in the process reduces oxygen and extinguishes the fire. Since CO2 poses health risks to humans at certain levels this type of system is usually an option for unoccupied spaces such as electrical rooms, spray booths, and flammable liquid storage areas. Unfortunately, these systems are sometimes in occupied areas. In these cases, facilities must take extra precautionary measures and have a safety plan in place for building occupants.
The three main types of clean agent fire suppression systems are used for many of the same applications. Unfortunately, there’s no perfect system and each one has its’ positives and negatives. Your best option is to speak with an expert. They’ll evaluate what you need to protect, occupancy frequencies, hazards, cost, and what’s important to you to craft a personalized solution that fits your needs.
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