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There are a number of different types of gas suppression system s and all are supported by Fire Safety UK:
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Chemical or Synthetic Gas Fire Suppression
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Inert Gas Fire Suppression |
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CO2 Systems |
Chemical or Synthetic Gas Fire Suppression
There are a number of key benefits from using these systems:
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Non-conductive – they can be used safely on electrical fires in locations such as server rooms and data suites
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Space saving – they require only small quantities of the gas or chemical, storage cylinders occupy minimal space compared to water tanks etc. |
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Not ozone depletion – they have a zero ozone depletion potential |
In most instances these systems are used in conjunction with conventional and addressable fire alarm systems. The most commonly used of the chemical / gas systems is currently HFC227ea (trade name FM200) which is a clean agent that is not harmful to the ozone layer.
Fire Safety UK Ltd has worked with nearly all the manufacturers of this type of product/system including LPG, Fike, Tyco and Hygood. All works carried out by us on such systems are compliant with BS-5839, BAFE SP203-1 and SP203-3 and BS EN 15004.
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Inert Gas Fire Suppression
This technology uses inert gases to suppress a fire by reducing the oxygen concentration to below 15% - where most combustible materials will not burn. At this level of oxygen, life is sustainable and healthy people would not notice any adverse effects. Systems of this type are an ideal solution in IT environments such as server rooms and data suites.
The key benefits of inert gas fire suppression include:
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Non-conductive – so can be used safely on electrical fires in locations such as server rooms and data suites
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Environmentally friendly
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Can be used in occupied spaces
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The most common gases used in inert gas suppression are IG55 (Argonite) and IG541 (Inergen); and most of our work with this process has involved using products and systems from LPG and Fike.
All of the work we do on these systems is compliant with BS-5839, BAFE SP203-1 and SP203-3, and BS EN 15004.
CO2 Systems
Carbon dioxide is a highly efficient fire suppressant. When a fire occurs, a CO2 system will deliver a blanket of gas that quickly reduces the amount of oxygen to a levels where combustion can no longer continue.
Since carbon dioxide is a gas, there is little or no clean-up and CO2 systems provide an economic solution for areas that are normally occupied, as well as for areas with significant IT or other water sensitive equipment such as printing machinery.
The main benefits of CO2 systems are:
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Fast and effective – systems can deliver rapid and effective penetration of a fire affected area
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Minimal peripheral damage - (CO2) is a colourless and odourless gas which is non-conductive so it limits damage to electrical and IT equipment and makes for easier clean-up |
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Economic – inexpensive to recharge after a discharge and can minimise business disruption |
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Reliable and versatile – the systems are reliable and extremely versatile, as they are effective on a wide range of flammable and combustible materials and can be used in a wide range of applications.
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Fire Safety UK Ltd works extensively with a number of suppliers when delivering CO2 solutions. These include Fike and LPG products and systems.
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