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Museums and libraries are custodians of history, safeguarding irreplaceable collections and the structures that house them. Fires within these institutions not only threaten a country's heritage but also the cultural and historic items housed within them. Case studies from around the globe underscore the devastation that fire incidents can wreak upon cultural heritage, such as that witnessed in the 2018 National Museum of Brazil fire, which consumed many millions of items, erasing centuries of history in hours.
Libraries and museums worldwide recognise the need for advanced fire suppression systems to protect their invaluable collections. Instances where inert gas fire suppression systems have been implemented reveal the efficacy of these solutions - with examples including The British Library in the UK and The Lenbachhaus, Munich's Municipal Art Gallery in Germany.
TRADITIONAL FIRE SUPPRESSION METHODS
AND THEIR DRAWBACKS
Traditional fire suppression methods in libraries and museums, such as water-based sprinkler systems and chemical retardants, pose significant risks to valuable items. With sprinklers, while effective at extinguishing fires, the liquid can irreparably damage sensitive materials like paper, archive materials and canvas through water saturation, mould growth, ink run-off and more. Chemical suppressants, though less invasive, can introduce corrosive residues that degrade artefacts over time, causing surface etching, colour alteration, and material breakdown for example. These methods often require extensive cleanup, disrupting operations and permanently lowering the quality of cultural artefacts, prompting the search for alternative solutions like inert gas fire suppression systems.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND INERT GAS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Inert gases display remarkable chemical properties, being very stable and non-reactive. In the context of fire suppression, these gases, predominantly argon, nitrogen, and a mix of the two, known as inergen or argonite, suffocate fires by displacing the oxygen in the protected area to a level where combustion is no longer sustainable, yet allowing sufficient oxygen for humans to breathe.
Inert gas fire suppression systems provide effective fire extinguishment by rapidly diluting oxygen, without the cooling effect of water - reducing the oxygen concentration in the room from 21% typically found in ambient air to <12%.
ABOUT INERT GASES
Nitrogen and argon, the primary inert gases used in fire suppression, are colourless, odourless, and tasteless. They constitute a significant portion of the Earth's atmosphere, with nitrogen forming about 78% and argon around 1%. Their non-reactivity stems from their atomic structure, which inhibits them from easily forming chemical bonds with other elements, a characteristic that proves pivotal in fire suppression.
Unlike water or chemical-based suppression systems, inert gas leaves no residue and does not involve any chemical reaction with fire. The principle behind this system is simple: by reducing the oxygen level, the fire ceases because it lacks one of the three elements fires need - fuel, heat, or oxygen.
INERT GAS SUPPRESSION SYSTEM OPTIONS
Choosing the right system involves considering the volume and layout of the protected area and the nature of the stored materials. Systems are customisable to the specific needs as required. Libraries and museums, which house invaluable items, benefit from these specialised systems. Argon (Ar) displaces oxygen and is ideal for enclosed spaces with delicate artefacts, documents, or electronics. Nitrogen (N2), abundant and sustainable, reduces oxygen concentration to extinguish fires and is suitable for larger areas needing rapid gas distribution. Inergen, a blend of Nitrogen, Argon, and a small amount of Carbon Dioxide, supports safe evacuation by maintaining breathable air during a fire - it's optimal for spaces frequented by personnel and visitors.
Given these properties, libraries and museums globally are adopting inert gas suppression systems to safeguard irreplaceable items, recognising that the preservation of cultural heritage warrants state-of-the-art fire protection strategies.
THE ADVANTAGES OF INERT GAS SYSTEMS FOR CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Libraries and museums safeguard objects/materials of irreplaceable cultural value. These institutions demand fire suppression solutions that offer protection without compromising the integrity of the treasured artefacts and materials within. These systems cause no damage to sensitive materials, avoiding deterioration, electronic damage, or loss of historical value. As a result, artefacts, documents, artworks and more remain unscathed after discharge, helping ensure their preservation for future generations. Additionally, with no post-discharge cleanup required or restoration, normal operations can resume quickly, minimising downtime.
Concerning the safety of any occupants, inert gases work by maintaining oxygen levels above 10%, which is still safe for humans, giving enough time for evacuation. Systems can be designed with pre discharge alarms, alerting staff and visitors of the need to evacuate when deployed. These systems are fine-tuned to balance fire suppression necessities with the need to provide a window for safe exit.
Systems utilising inert gases offer the dual benefit of fire suppression and preservation, sustaining the legacy of artefacts and other valuable materials for future generations while prioritising the safety of individuals on site.
DESIGNING THE RIGHT SYSTEM: INTEGRATION AND INSTALLATION
A bespoke inert gas fire suppression system ensures the safety of any contents without inflicting damage common with water-based methods. Crafting a tailored system involves meticulous attention to the environmental and structural nuances of each site.
KEY DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEW CULTURAL SPACES
Experts conducting installations in cultural institutions face unique challenges. Maintaining the architectural integrity of historical buildings while installing modern fire suppression systems demands a nuanced approach. Every system component, from nozzles to piping, should blend seamlessly with the environment to avoid detracting from the cultural experience. What's more, the zoning of each area should be precise to ensure thorough protection and minimal disruption in the event of deployment, preserving the delicate balance between aesthetics and functionality.
THE PROCESS OF INTEGRATING INERT GAS SYSTEMS WITH EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE
The integration of inert gas fire protection systems into existing structures involves many different aspects. Careful positioning of gas cylinders and discreet routing of distribution networks form the blueprint of a successful installation, maximising efficiency and minimising visual impact. Upon installation, rigid testing ensures each element performs as expected, providing reliable protection should the system need to be deployed.
DECIPHERING THE COSTS AND LONG-TERM VALUE OF INERT GAS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
When deciding whether to install an inert gas fire suppression system into different institutions, such as libraries and museums, stakeholders should compare the upfront and ongoing costs against the potential loss of irreplaceable materials and artefacts. Careful analysis of these costs helps in making informed choices for long-term protection.
THE COST CONSIDERATIONS FOR INERT GAS FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
The total cost of inert gas fire suppression systems includes the purchase price, which varies based on the gas blend, system complexity, and coverage area. Installation expenses also need to be factored in due to the need for specialist technicians and adherence to safety standards. Additional costs may arise from necessary structural modifications to the enclosure, such as sealing works, to ensure the gas can be retained. Ongoing expenses include routine inspections and maintenance to ensure the system's functionality and reliability.
LONG-TERM INVESTMENT PROJECTIONS
Analysing the long-term investment benefits shows that investing in a fire protection system can be financially wise when discussing the high value contents including cultural artefacts, archives, papers and more. Without an effective fire suppression system, the costs of damage or loss of irreplaceable historical items could be extremely high.
Although the upfront costs of installing an inert gas fire suppression system can seem high, protecting against a potential fire is crucial. Evaluating the value of historical and cultural assets shows the significant risk of loss and highlights the lasting benefits of investing in thorough fire protection.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Traditional fire suppression methods, such as water-based sprinklers and chemical retardants, present significant risks to valuable cultural and historical items in libraries and museums. These systems can cause irreparable damage to delicate materials and often require extensive cleanup. In contrast, inert gas fire suppression systems offer a sophisticated solution, effectively extinguishing fires without harming sensitive objects.
Inert gases, like nitrogen, argon, and blends of both gases (Inergen), work by displacing oxygen to smother fires while leaving no residue behind. This method preserves the integrity of valuable items and any equipment, ensures minimal disruption to operations, and provides a safe environment for occupants with oxygen levels maintained above critical thresholds, giving time for evacuation.
Understanding the application of inert gas suppression systems in cultural institutions, like museums and libraries amongst others, is a strategic investment that balances fire protection with the preservation of irreplaceable contents. Although the initial costs may be high, the long-term benefits of safeguarding historical treasures and reducing potential damage often outweigh the expense. By carefully integrating these systems into existing structures, libraries and museums can ensure the protection of their collections for future generations while maintaining operational efficiency and safety.
WHY CHOOSE MEP FIRE FOR YOUR FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS?
We have looked at inert gas fire suppression systems and whether it offers effective protection for libraries and museums, amongst other institutions. In the event of an unfortunate emergency, the safety of all personnel, data, contents and storage infrastructure remains key. Our expertise and innovative approach in this industry have revolutionised our clients' experiences, particularly those who have installed listed systems.
MEP Fire's integrity, expertise and proven track record ensure the ideal solution for selecting the most suitable fire suppression system to enhance safety in this high stakes environment.
Only the best is enough here at MEP Fire. Based in the United Kingdom, our commitment to paying attention to every detail ensures that clients consistently receive the best advice and products, resulting in optimal outcomes. This dedication is fundamental to our ethos.
If you're in the market for an inert gas fire suppression system, we recommend you speak to a professional expert here at MEP Fire to equip you with a plan moving forward. If you have an enquiry, simply call us on 01628 963415 or proceed to the contact us section in the top right-hand corner of our website and submit the relevant information.
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