How does fire suppression work? First, let’s explore the different types of fire suppression agents and how they function. Read more about how different agents work in suppressing fire before deciding to have fire protection systems installed by a fire suppression company NYC. Detection systems and chemical agents work to extinguish a fire before it can spread. Foam agents, on the other hand, deliberately set fires. These fires are designed to remove the fuel that feeds an approaching wildfire. Using both fire suppression systems, firefighters can prevent wildfires from spreading.
Extinguishing agents
When thinking about fire suppression, you may wonder how fire extinguishing agents work. These chemical agents work to put out a fire by removing its oxygen. In addition to water, other chemicals can be used to control fire. One of the most common types of fire suppression chemicals is halon, a chemical with fluorine and chlorine. These chemicals can be used in both dry and wet systems.
The two most common types of inert gases used in fire suppression are carbon dioxide and nitrogen. While both are effective, carbon dioxide has twice as much oxygen-absorbing capacity as nitrogen, making them nearly equivalent on a weight-to-mass basis. However, carbon dioxide is slightly heavier than nitrogen, whereas nitrogen has less than half the molecular weight. As such, a dry chemical is a good choice in many situations.
Detection systems
Detection systems for fire suppression are the key components of a comprehensive fire protection system. In addition to sprinklers and smoke alarms, these devices also monitor smoldering fires. They can be installed in interior spaces to protect the building from fire and must be placed on the same level as the sprinklers. Typically, two or more smoke detectors are required to trigger a fire alarm sequence. Smoke detectors are not a substitute for sprinklers, but they can be used to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in buildings.
Some detection systems use pneumatic tubing, which does not need power. These devices are installed in higher-risk areas where they detect fires. The system releases a fire-suppressing agent at the point of contact, which minimizes the damage to the building. Additionally, fire protection systems reduce downtime and repair costs for property and equipment. For a more thorough understanding of how these systems work, contact a company with extensive experience in fire safety.
Chemical agents
The environmental impact of chemical agents for fire suppression is intimately related to their transformations in the environment. When chemicals undergo environmental transformations, they become more reactive to pollutants and other contaminants. The impact of these agents on the environment is difficult to measure in absolute terms, but we can look at the overall trend and how the chemicals are transforming over time. Chemical agents suppress fires in many ways, including burning and sprinkling water.
Halocarbon fire suppression agents are organic compounds containing bromine, chlorine, fluorine, or iodine—these chemicals act as extinguishing agents by extracting heat from the fire and reducing its temperature. Halocarbons also contribute to LEED innovation credits. In addition, they may reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by up to 99%. These agents are considered safe for personnel and the environment and are also often considered a greener alternative to conventional fire suppression systems.
Foam agents
The basic concept behind a foam fire suppression system is that the water in the system is mixed with a foaming agent, a chemical that combines air and water to reduce the heat of a fire. The foaming agent displaces oxygen, preventing it from reaching the fuel and reducing the flames. It can be incorporated into fixed sprinkler systems, introduced through fire hose streams, or produced in special equipment. For foam suppression, Ahern manufactures low, medium, and high-expansion foams.
Class B foam concentrates are specifically developed for certain fires, such as flammable liquids. The purpose of a Class B foam is to protect the fuel by preventing it from agitating the foam or contaminating it with flammable liquid. Foam-based fire protection is unsuitable for fires involving pressurized gases, as these will release a huge volume of vapors. In addition, water-based substances may react chemically with burning metals, causing fireworks-like explosions.
Dry pipe sprinklers
Dry pipe fire suppression systems are installed in buildings where water cannot be released continuously. These systems are typically placed in attics, loading docks, parking structures, and other areas where freezing temperatures are a risk. The dry pipe valve opens when the air pressure reaches a certain level, and water flows out. As a result, dry pipe fire suppression systems are often more expensive than wet pipe systems. When the temperature rises, a dry pipe sprinkler system will activate, releasing water and nitrogen to put out the fire. Because water can be frozen in some parts of the world, a dry pipe fire suppression system is the best choice for places where the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The pressurized air in the pipe system prevents water from entering the pipes until a fire starts. Once the fire has been detected, the air pressure drops, and water is discharged through the piping system.