The Different Fire Suppression Systems321431
One of the most effective ways to deal with a fire incident is to have a Fire Suppression System installed inside your building. These systems essentially comprises both fire detection and fire protection instruments which assist in dealing with each the before-and-after effects of a fire. There are numerous types of suppression systems available and you can choose any one or a mixture of numerous systems to maintain your business and workers safe in occasions 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 instances, 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 via 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 locations and situations.
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 cannot survive. They preserve 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 quantity of water but are much more expensive.
b)Low Pressure Water Mist Systems (LPWM): consist of pumps and storage tanks, which use much 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 bright emergency lights which can be installed anyplace 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 places which should be avoided in case of a fire.
These are the basics of an effective Fire Suppression System. Suppression systems are usually governed by the codes of the NFPA and can be used in most places following the regulations of the same. They have now become a necessity to a number of industries as they assist detect fires, control damage and loss to gear and human lives.
