Gas Extinguishing Systems

Gas (or Gaseous) extinguishing systems are typically used in critical area of a business’ operation such as, computer / server rooms, telecoms rooms, electrical switchgear rooms, and other high risk areas where water damage must be avoided. Other areas protected are archive stores, laboratories, gas turbines, oil installations, power generation to name but a few. It is also used where extinguishment of fires in shaded or enclosed areas such as inside control cabinets is required. Like all of the other systems available Argus design these systems on a project by project basis, complying with all BE/EN standards and the legislative requirements.

There are various gases that can be used and the selection will depend on the specific application. The gas is stored in self-contained bottles and when the system is activated total flooding of the room with gas occurs to either reduce the oxygen levels to below the percentage needed for combustion, or creates a chemical reaction to break the “fire triangle” (heat, fuel and oxygen).

The commonly used agents are CO2, Argon, Argonite, and FM200

Gas systems would normally be initiated by an electrical fire system (see fire and gas detection and alarm section for further information). These are commonly heat or smoke detection systems to initiate early detect and rapid release of the gas agents to extinguish the fire.
 

The various gases used are all environmentally safe but all have advantages and disadvantages. The selection of the gas agent used will be dependant on the application, the level of risk and life safety factors for personnel who may be operating in the area being protected.

When selecting as gas extinguishing system other physical factors need to be considered. The rooms “integrity” needs to be established to ensure that the gas is retained in the area, at the appropriate level for the required time. Other gas systems require room pressure relief to accommodate initial discharge pressure. Venting or extraction may be needed to remove products of combustion after discharge.

For further information of the gases used, benefits and disadvantages, typical designs and other technical data available in the technical library or contact us.