Dissecting The Key Advantages Of Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems

In the world of fire protection, fire suppression systems have proven to be highly effective in safeguarding valuable assets and ensuring the safety of occupants during an outbreak of fire.

By using specially designed gases, gaseous fire suppression systems have an adequate fire suppression rate when used in the correct applications. 

In this article, we will dissect the key advantages of gas suppression systems in fire safety and prevention. Carry on reading to learn how you could implement this in your workplace or home today!

What is a Gaseous Fire Suppression System?

In regards to what a gaseous fire suppression system is, this is a specialised fire protection system designed to suppress or extinguish fires in a venue without the need for water. Rather, these systems use various types of gases to displace oxygen from the fire area, effectively removing one of the key elements of the fire triangle. 

As you look closer into the gases used in gaseous fire extinguishing systems, this includes fire suppressant agents such as clean agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec 1230), inert gases (e.g., nitrogen, argon), and carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases are stored in cylinders or containers under high pressure and are released into the protected space when a fire is detected. 

However, they can’t be used in all areas and often specialise in certain surroundings. They are commonly used in critical environments such as data centres, server rooms, control rooms, museums, archives, and other spaces where water damage from traditional sprinkler systems could be detrimental. 

Therefore, if you’re a business within these niches, this could be an excellent choice for you if you’re looking to take fire safety seriously, not only for you and your sensitive equipment but for all of your staff members. As long as they feel safe coming to work each day, that is all you can ask for!

Comparing Each Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Method

As we stated above, there are many opposing fire suppression methods that are used in different scenarios based on the application. However, to further understand each gas, we’re going to break down the key elements you need to know when storing these cylinders or containers within your workplace.

Inert Gases

Argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide are stored as gases within their cylinders or containers and can take up to 60 seconds to discharge into the atmosphere. As soon as the inert gases have displaced oxygen from the fire, they leave no residue behind, meaning you won’t have to clean up.

Novec 1230

Novec 1230 contains carbon, oxygen, and fluorine, but unlike inert gas fire suppression systems, these can be discharged within 10 seconds. Nevertheless, similar to inert gases, you won’t need to clean up any leftover residue after the fire suppression effects. 

FM-200

This clean agent fire suppression system includes naturally occurring gases like hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon in its compound makeup. It is also released within 10 seconds and requires no cleaning up after the fire is extinguished.

What Are the Benefits of Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems?

Although there are different types of gas fire suppression systems that are typically suited to specific areas, their advantages certainly outweigh the minimal number of drawbacks that this automatic fire suppression system presents. Let’s delve deeper into them so you can align your fire safety methods with your building. 

Perfect For Critical Environments

Gaseous systems are perfect for critical environments where any other water-based systems, such as fire sprinklers or water mist systems, are not feasible or may cause damage to your electrical equipment. These include locations such as data centres, server rooms, control rooms, museums, libraries, and healthcare facilities. 

Often, traditional fire extinguishing methods such as fire blankets, fire extinguishers, etc. will not conduct electricity, meaning that you simply can’t extinguish the fire without causing lasting damage to your expensive electrical equipment.

Rapid System Response

Depending on the type of gaseous fire suppression system you choose, the majority of high-performing detection systems will perform automatically at a rapid rate. If they weren’t to act as fast as they do, the fire could spread to other areas of your building, causing problems that could end in serious injury or even death. 

Therefore, the presence of a safe gaseous system will be released quickly and settle or extinguish the fire within a matter of moments.

Environmentally-Friendly

As you look closer at the specifications of the individual gaseous fire suppression systems, you will notice that each model won’t add to the effects of climate change. For example, they have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and little to no global warming potential (GWP) either.

Moving forward with fire suppression methods, this should be one of the biggest factors you consider as a business when choosing a system to install. Not only will our planet benefit from this, but your staff members will too, as you’ll learn shortly.

Non-Destructive Damage

Unlike water-based systems, gaseous suppression systems do not cause damage in the aftermath. They do not leave behind residue, water, or foam, making them suitable for protecting sensitive equipment, electronic equipment, and many other valuable assets in the long run.

This not only benefits you from having to invest in new equipment, but you will also have no cleaning up to proceed with after the event of a fire. Additionally, you will be able to reopen your business much quicker than someone who is not prepared for these unfortunate events to occur.

Human Safety

Gaseous fire suppression systems work with non-toxic agents, meaning that they pose no threat to your health or safety. Furthermore, with these systems working so swiftly, you will not have to worry about being in the presence of a fire. Once discharged, they displace the oxygen immediately from the fire, causing it to disintegrate within a matter of moments. 

Overall, these systems are highly effective in preventing fire from spreading across your building and leaving no damage behind. To ensure that you’re not within the vicinity of the fire before the automatic fire suppression system detects it, we advise you and all of your staff to evacuate the building as quickly as possible.