Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
AUTOMATIC
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
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1. INTRODUCTION
Automatic sprinklers are devices for automatically distributing water upon a fire in
sufficient quantity either to extinguish it entirely or to control its spread.
The water is fed to the sprinklers through a system of piping, ordinarily suspended
from the ceiling, with the sprinklers placed at intervals along the pipes. The orifice of
the fusible link automatic sprinkler is normally closed by a disk or cap held in place
by a temperature sensitive releasing element.
The terms sprinkler protection, sprinkler installations and sprinkler systems usually
signify a combination of water discharge devices (sprinklers), one or more sources of
water under pressure, water flow controlling devices (valves), distribution piping to
supply the water to the discharge devices and auxiliary equipment, such as alarms and
supervisory devices.
The forerunners of the automatic sprinkler were the perforated pipe and the open
sprinklers. These were installed in a number of mill properties from 1850 to 1880.
The systems were not automatic, the discharge openings in the pipes often clogged
with rust and foreign materials and water distribution was poor.
Open sprinklers, an improvement over perforated pipes, consisted of metal bulbs with
numerous perforations attached to piping and intended to give improved water
distribution. This system was only slightly better than the perforated pipe.
The idea of automatic sprinkler protection, whereby heat from a fire opens one or
more sprinklers and allows the water to flow, dates back to about 1860. Its practical
application however, began about 1878. This sprinkler, while very crude when
compared with modern devices, gave generally good results and proved conclusively
that automatic sprinkler protection was both practical and valuable.
Automatic sprinklers are particularly effective for life safety because they give
warning of the existence of fire and at the same time apply water to the burning area.
With sprinklers there are seldom problems of access to the seat of the fire or of
interference with visibility for fire fighting due to smoke. While the downward force
of the water discharged from sprinklers may lower the smoke level in a room where a
fire is burning, the sprinklers also serve to cool the smoke and make it possible for
persons to remain in the area much longer than they could if the room were without
sprinklers.
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multiple death fire (a fire which kills three or more people) in a completely sprinkled
building where the system was properly operating, except where an explosion
occurred or flash fire killed victims prior to the system’s operation.
In addition to the saving in direct fire losses due to sprinkler protection, there is
saving represented by the freedom from business interruption. There also is an
undetermined but possibly even greater reduction in conflagration and exposure
losses, which reasonably may be attributed to automatic sprinkler protection. The
destruction of property and its adverse association and sometimes permanent effect
upon business often is a great hardship not only to the owner, tenants and employees
but also to the community as a whole.
A properly installed sprinkler system operating in a timely manner will generate less
water damage than the later application of hose streams by fire officers. Accidental
discharge of water from an associate sprinkler system due to defects in sprinklers,
water control devices, piping or associated equipment, is very rare.
4. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
In planning for a system many factors must be considered. They can, however, be
broadly grouped into three categories:
There are five major classifications of automatic sprinkler systems. Each type of
system includes piping for carrying water from a source of supply to the
sprinklers in the area under protection. The five major classifications of systems
are (See Appendix I for schematic illustrations of systems):
(1) Wet pipe systems – These systems employ automatic sprinklers attached
to a piping system containing water under pressure at all times. When a fire
occurs, individual sprinklers are actuated by the heat, and water flows through
the sprinklers immediately. This type of system is generally used whenever
there is no danger of the water in the pipes freezing; and wherever there are no
special conditions requiring one of the other types of systems.
(2) Dry pipe systems – These systems have automatic sprinklers attached to
piping which contains air or nitrogen under pressure. When a sprinkler is
opened by heat from a fire, the pressure is reduced to the point where water
pressure on the supply side of the dry pipe valve can force open the valve. The
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water flows into the system and out through any opened sprinklers. They are
used only in freezing environment. According to fire records, more sprinklers
open on the average at fires with dry pipes than with wet pipe systems: this
tends to show that the control of fire is not as prompt with dry pipe systems.
(3) Preaction systems – These systems are systems in which there is air in
the piping that may or may not be under pressure. When a fire occurs, a
supplementary fire detecting device in the protected area is actuated. This
opens a water control valve which permits water to flow into the piping
system before a sprinkler is activated. When sprinklers are subsequently
opened by the heat of the fire, water flows through the sprinklers immediately
– the same as in wet pipe system. Preaction systems are designed primarily to
protect properties where there is danger of serious water damage as a result of
damaged automatic sprinklers or broken piping.
The principal difference between a preaction system and a dry pipe system is that
in the preaction system, the water supply valve is actuated independently of the
opening of sprinklers; that is, the water supply valve is opened by the operation of
an automatic fire detection system and not by the fusing of a sprinkler.
The preaction system has several advantages over a dry pipe system. The valve is
opened sooner because the fire detectors has less thermal lag than sprinklers. The
detection system also automatically rings an alarm. Fire and water damage is
decreased because water is on the fire more quickly and the alarm is given when
the valve is opened. Because the sprinkler piping is normally dry, preaction
systems are nonfreezing, and therefore, applicable to dry pipe service.
(4) Deluge Systems – These systems have all sprinklers open at all times.
When heat from a fire actuates the fire detecting device, the deluge valve
opens and water flows to, and is discharged from all sprinklers on the piping
system, thus deluging the protected areas.
The purpose of a deluge system is wet down an entire fire area by admitting water
to sprinklers that are open at all times. By using sensitive detectors operating on
the rate-of-rise or fixed temperature principle, or controls designed for individual
hazards, it is possible to apply water to a fire more quickly and with wider
distribution than with systems whose operation depends on opening of sprinklers
only as the fire spreads.
Deluge systems are suitable for various extra hazard occupancies in which
flammable liquids or other hazardous materials are handled or stored and where
there is a possibility that fire may flash ahead of the operation of ordinary
automatic sprinklers.
b Automatic Sprinklers
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(1) General
Since they were introduced in the latter part of the 19th century, the
performance and the reliability of automatic sprinklers has been
continually improved through experience and the efforts of
manufacturers and testing organizations.
The most common types of operating elements are the fusible and the
frangible types. Other styles of the thermosensitive operating elements
may be, or have been employed to provide automatic discharge, such as
bimetallic discs, fusible alloy pellet or chemical pellets. ( See Annex C for
diagrammatic illustrations of the operating elements of the fusible and
frangible sprinklers).
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6. Hazards of Occupancy
Automatic sprinkler systems of one type or another have been designed to extinguish
or control practically every known type of fire in practically all materials in use
today. It is essential, however, that for a given hazard the proper system be used.
For the purposes of evaluating hazards, three main classes of occupancy are usually
recognized in most design codes. Schedules of pipe sizes, spacing of sprinklers,
sprinkler discharge densities and water supply requirements differ from each in order
to provide protection appropriate for the hazard. The three main classifications are:
Some conditions require more than ordinary sprinkler protection in order to provide
dependable fire extinguishment and control. Sprinkler experience shows that
occupancies which involve high piled combustible stocks flammable and combustible
liquids, combustible dusts and fibres, large quantities of light or loose combustible
materials and chemicals and explosives can permit rapid spread of fire and often
cause the opening of excessive numbers of sprinklers with disastrous results.
Complete automatic sprinkler protection with strong water supplies will usually
control fires in occupancies containing these hazardous conditions, provided the
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severity of the hazards is plainly recognized and the sprinkler system is appropriately
designed for the hazards.
7. Location of Sprinklers
The fundamental idea in locating and spacing sprinklers in a building is to make sure
there is no unprotected place, however unexpected, where a fire can start. In other
words, no matter where a fire starts, there must be one or more sprinklers located in
relation to that particular point that will operate promptly and discharge water when
heat from the fire reaches them. Furthermore, there should be no direction that fire
can spread in which it will not encounter other sprinklers to stop its progress.
Most codes treat specifically a number of locations where the need for sprinklers is
sometimes questioned. These include locations such as stairways and vertical shafts;
deep, blind and concealed spaces; ducts; basements or subfloor spaces, attics and
lofts; and under decks, tables, exhaust hoods, canopies and outdoor platforms.
The location of sprinklers on a line of pipe, and the location of the lines in relation to
each other determine the size of area protected by each sprinkler. Most codes give a
definite maximum area of cover for each sprinkler, depending principally upon the
severity of the occupancy hazard and, to a lesser degree, on the type of ceiling or roof
construction above the sprinklers.
The distance between sprinklers and the ceiling is important. The closer sprinklers are
placed to the ceiling the faster they will operate. However, except for continuos
smooth ceilings, locating them too close to the ceiling is more likely to result in
serious interference to lateral distribution of water from sprinklers by structural
members.
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WATER
SPRAY SYSTEMS
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1 INTRODUCTION
A water spray system is a special fixed pipe system connected to a reliable supply
of fire protection water, and equipped with water spray nozzles for specific water
discharge and distribution over the surface or area to be protected. The piping
system is connected to the water supply through an automatically or manually
actuated valve which initiates the flow of water.
The term water spray refers to the use of water that has a predetermined pattern,
particle size, velocity and density and that is discharged from specially designed
nozzles or devices. Water spray for fire protection has been called water fog, fog
or by trade name designations applied by equipment manufacturers. (See Annex F
of water spray nozzles).
Fixed water spray systems are specifically designed to provide optimum control,
extinguishment, or exposure protection for special fire protection problems. They
are not intended to replace automatic sprinkler systems, but they may be
independent of, or supplementary to, other forms of protection.
Fixed water spray systems are most commonly used to protect flammable liquid
and gas tank age, piping and equipment such as transformers, oil switches, and
rotating electrical machinery, and openings in fire walls and floors through which
conveyors pass. The type of water spray required for any particular hazard will
depend on the nature of the hazard and the purpose for which the protection is
provided.
Generally, water spray can be used effectively for any or a combination of the
following purposes:
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3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
The practical location of the piping and nozzles with respect to the surface with
which the spray is to be applied, or to the zone in which the spray is to be
effective, is determined largely by the physical arrangement and protection needs
of the installation requiring protection. Once the criteria are established, the size
(rate of discharge) of nozzles to be used, the angle of the nozzle of discharge cone
and the water pressure needed can be determined.
The first factor to determine is the water density required to extinguish the fire or
to absorb the expected heat from exposure or heat of combustion. When this is
determined, a nozzle may be selected that will provide that density at a velocity
adequate to overcome air currents and to carry the spray to the equipment to be
protected. Each nozzle selected must also have the proper angle of discharge to
cover the area to be protected by the nozzle.
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liquids, depends on such characteristics of the fuel as vapour pressure, flash point,
viscosity, solubility, and specific gravity.
Once the type of nozzle has been selected and the location and spacing to give the
desired area coverage has been determined, hydraulic calculations are made to be
establish the appropriate pipe sizes and water supply requirements.
When water spray is to be used for the fire protection of oil-filled electrical
equipment, such as transformers and large switch gear, special care must be taken
to provide safe electrical clearances.
Many factors govern the size of a water spray system, including the nature of
hazard or combustibles involved, amount and type of equipment to be protected,
adequate of other protection, and the size of the area which could be involved in a
single
The size of the system needed may be minimized by taking advantage of possible
subdivision by fire walls, by limiting the potential spread of flammable liquids by
dikes, curbs or special drainage, by water curtains or heat curtains, or by
combinations of these features.
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FOAM SYSTEMS
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1 INTRODUCTION
Fire fighting foam is an aggregate of gas filled bubbles formed from aqueous
solutions of specially formulated concentrated liquid forming agents. The gas
used is normally air, but in certain applications may be an inert gas. Since foam is
lighter than flammable liquids, it floats on all flammable or combustible liquids,
producing an air excluding, cooling, continuous layer of vapour sealing, water
bearing material that halts or prevents combustion.
Foams are defined by their expansion ratio, which is the ratio of final foam
volume to original foam solution volume before adding air. They are arbitrarily
subdivided into three ranges:
Foam was first used to extinguish flammable liquid fires in the early 1900s when
foam was generated by mixing solutions of sodium bicarbonate and aluminium
sulphate containing a foam stabilizing agent. This was known as “chemical foam”
and was still frequently used in extinguishers until quite recently.
Although larger systems were made for tank fire protection the sheer size of the
systems and the problems of maintenance made them both costly and
unsatisfactory.
The general use of foam began to grow rapidly in the 1930s with the development
of foaming agents and foam generating equipment which could produce foam in
relatively simple equipment by entraining air. The foam so produced was known
as “mechanical foam” to distinguish it from “chemical foam”.
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Fuel spills are quickly rendered safe by foam blanketing. Foams may be used to
diminish or halt the generation of flammable vapours from non burning liquids or
solids and may be used to fill cavities or enclosures where toxic or flammable
gases may collect.
Foams of the medium or high expansion type may be used to fill enclosures such
as basement room areas or holds of ships where fires are difficult or impossible to
reach. Here foams act to halt convection and access to air for combustion. Their
water content also cools and diminishes oxygen by steam displacement. Foams of
this type may be used to control liquified natural gas spill fires and help disperse
the resulting vapour cloud.
Foam breaks down and vaporizes its water content under attack by heat and
flame. It therefore must be applied to a burning liquid surface in sufficient
volume and rate to compensate for this loss, with an additional amount applied to
guarantee a residual foam layer over the extinguished liquid. Foam is unstable,
and may be easily broken down by a physical or mechanical force such as a water
hose stream. Certain chemical vapours or fluids may also quickly destroy foam.
When certain other extinguishing agents are used in conjunction with foam,
severe breakdown of the foam may occur. Turbulent air or violently uprising
combustion gases from fires may divert foam from the burning area.
Foam solutions are conductive and therefore not recommended for use on
electrical fires. If foam is used, a spray is less conductive than a straight stream.
However, because foam is cohesive and contains materials that allow water to
conduct electricity, foam spray is more conductive than water spray.
4 TYPES OF FOAM
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injection of foam for tank fire fighting and nozzle or monitor foam
applications where the foam may be often be plunged into the fuel.
Fluoroprotein foams are very effective for in-depth crude petroleum or other
hydrocarbon fuel fires because of this fuel shedding property.
d. Protein Foaming Agent (P) – Protein type air foams utilize aqueous liquid
concentrates proportioned with water for their generation. These concentrates
contain high molecular weight natural proteinaceous polymers derived from a
chemical digestion and hydrolysis of natural protein solids.
e. Alcohol Type Foaming Agents (AR) – Air foams generated from ordinary
agents and subject to rapid breakdown and loss of effectiveness when they are
used on fires that involve fuels which are water soluble, water miscible or of a
“polar solvent” type. Certain special foaming agents, called alcohol type
concentrates, have therefore been developed. These alcohol resistant
concentrates are proprietary compositions of several types, some containing a
protein, fluoroprotein, or an aqueous film-forming concentrate base.
5. FOAM GENERATION
The process of producing and applying fire fighting air foams to hazards requires
three separate operations, each of which consumes energy. They are:
In general practice, air foam generation and distribution occur nearly simultaneously
within the same device. There are also many types of proportioning. In certain
portable devices, all three functions are combined into a single device.
(1) Methods that utilize the pressure energy of the water stream by venturi
action and orifices to induct concentrate.
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(2) Methods that utilize external pumps or pressure heads to inject concentrate
into the water stream at a fixed ratio to flow
6 FOAM INSTALLATIONS
b Semifixed Foam Systems – The type which the hazard is equipped with
fixed discharge outlets connected to piping which terminates at a safe
distance. Necessary foam producing materials are transported to the scene
after the fire starts and are connected to the piping
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HALON SYSTEMS
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1. INTRODUCTION
Because they are either gases or liquids that rapidly vaporize halons leave no
corrosive or abrasive residue after use. They are non-conductors of electricity and
have high liquid densities which permit use of compact storage containers. The areas
of major Halon use are for the protection of electrical and electronic equipment,
petroleum production facilities, engine compartments and other areas where rapid
extinguishment is important, where damage to equipment or materials or clean up
after use must be minimized.
Prior to 1945, three halogenated fire extinguishing agents were widely used: Carbon
tetrachloride (Halon 104), methyl bromide (Halon 1001) and chlorobromomethane
(Halon 1011). The earliest Halon 104, became available in the early 1900sand found
immediate wide use in portable hand pump extinguishers. Its main advantages were
electrical non conductivity and lack of residue following application. In the late
1920s, Halon 1001 was found to have greater extinguishing potential than Halon 104.
Because of its high vapour toxicity it was never widely used in portable extinguishers.
Halon 1011 was developed in Germany in 1939-40 as a replacement for Halon 1001,
but its use did not become widespread until after World War II.
For toxicological reasons, however, concern about using these 3 early halogenated
agents gained significant momentum during the early 1960s. Except for a few Halon
1001 and Halon 1011 systems that may still be in service, systems containing these 3
halogenated agents have been removed from service.
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second most effective and least toxic of the group, while Halon 1202 was the most
effective but also the most toxic.
The concept of using halogenated agents in commercial total flooding systems seems
to have originated between 1962 and 1964. During 1966, attention began to focus on
the use of Halon 1301 to protect computer rooms and electronic data processing
equipment.
The halogenated extinguishing agents are currently simply known as halons, and the
Halon system for naming the halogenated hydrocarbons was devised by the US Army
Corps of Engineers. An example is Halon 1301.
The first digit of the number represents the number of carbon atoms in the compound
molecule; the second digit, the number of fluorine atoms; the third digit, the number
of chlorine atoms; the fourth digit, the number of bromine atoms; and the fifth digit,
the number of iodine atoms. If the fifth digit is a zero, it is not expressed,
bromotrifluoromethane (BrCF3), for example, is referred to as Halon 1301 (not
13010), although its chemical formula shows one carbon atom, three fluorine atoms,
no chlorine atom, one bromine atom, and no iodine atom.
The three halogen elements commonly found in extinguishing agents are fluorine,
chlorine and bromine. Substitution of a hydrogen atom in a hydrocarbon with these
three halogens influences the relevant properties in the following manner:
The toxicology of Halon 1301, Halon 1211 and Halon 2402 has been studied
extensively in both animals and humans. As a result, safety guidelines for these
agents can be written.
Animals exposed to Halon concentrations below lethal levels exhibit two distinct
types of toxic effects:
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The inhalation of many halocarbons and hydrocarbons can make the heart
abnormally sensitive to elevated adrenaline levels, resulting in cardiac, arrhythmia
and possibly death. This phenomenon has been referred to as cardiac
sensitization.
Human exposures to both Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 have shown that Halon
1301 concentrations up to 7% by volume, and Halon 1211 concentrations of 2%
to 3% by volume have little noticeable effect on the subject. At Haoln 1301
concentrations between 7% and 10% and Halon 1211 concentrations between 3%
and 4%, subjects experienced dizziness and tingling of the extremities, indicating
mild anaesthesia. At Halon 1301 concentrations above 4% to 5%, the dizziness
becomes pronounce, the subjects feel as if they will lose consciousness and
physical and mental dexterity is reduced.
From the extensive medical data available, the following exposure guidelines
have been produced for use of Halon 1301, Halon 1211 and halon 2402:
Consideration of life safety during use of halogenated agents also must include
the effects of breakdown products, which have a relatively higher toxicity to
humans. Decomposition of halogenated agents takes place on exposure to flame,
or to surface temperatures above approximately 482ºC. In the presence of
available hydrogen (from water vapour or the combustion process itself), the main
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When used as intended, no significant adverse health effects have been reported
from the use of Halon 1301 or Halon 1211 as a fire extinguishant since their
introduction into the market place 30 years ago.
5 APPLICATION SYSTEMS
The system consists of a supply of agent, a means for releasing or propelling the
agent from its container, and one or more discharge nozzles to apply the agent
into the hazard or directly onto the burning object. The system may also contain
other elements, such as one or more detectors, remote and local alarms, a piping
network, mechanical and electrical interlocks to close fire doors and shut down
ventilation, directional control valves, installed reserve agent supplies etc.
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6 DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
a. Limitations
(1) Fuels that contain their own oxidizing agents such as gun powder,
rocket propellants, cellulose nitrate, organic peroxides etc.
(2) Reactive metals such as sodium, potassium, NaK eutectic alloy,
magnesium, titanium and zirconium.
(3) Metal hydrides such as lithium hydride.
(4) Chemicals capable of autothermal decomposition, such as organic
peroxides and hydrazine.
In the first category in which the compound contains its own oxygen supply,
often built into the fuel molecule the halogenated agent is unable to penetrate
into the reaction zone quickly enough to put out the fire. The oxidizer is in too
close physical proximity to the fuel to permit interaction with the
extinguishing agent.
In the second category, the reactive metals and metal hydrides are too reactive
at flame temperatures for the halogenated agent to operate effectively. Also
the flame chemistry of metal fires is quite different from that of hydrocarbon
fires.
1. Safety
While both Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 have low vapour toxicity, there are
hazards in exposing personnel to high concentrations of either agent (above
10% Halon 1301 or above 4% Halon 1211). Further, the inhalation hazard
produced by the fire itself, such as heat, smoke, oxygen depletion and toxic
combustion and decomposition products may be substantial.
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3. Agent Supply
The relatively high cost of agents and the specialised nature of systems using
them dictate that a specific supply of agent be provided to protect against a
given hazard or set of hazards. Conventionally, the agent is contained in one
or more pressurized vessels which are installed near or within the protected
area.
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CARBON DIOXIDE
SYSTEMS
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1 INTRODUCTION
Carbon dioxide has been used for many years in the extinguishing of flammable
liquid fires, gas fires, fires involving electrically energized equipment, and, to a lesser
extent, fires in ordinary combustibles such as cellulosic materials CO2 will effectively
suppress fires in most combustible materials; exceptions, are a few active metals and
metal hydrides, and materials such as cellulose nitrate that contain available oxygen.
Further practical limitations of CO2 are related to the method of application and to
restrictions imposed by the hazard itself.
Carbon dioxide has a number of properties that make it a desirable fire extinguishing
agent: It is non combustible, it does not react with most substances, and it provides its
own pressure for discharge from the storage container. Also, since carbon dioxide is a
gas, it can penetrate and spread to all parts of the fire area. As a gas, or as a finely
divided solid called “snow” or “dry ice”, it will not conduct electricity and therefore
can be used on energized electrical equipment. It leaves no residue, thus eliminating
clean up due to the agent itself.
A typical discharge of liquid carbon dioxide has a white cloudy appearance due to
finely divided dry ice particles carried along with the flash vapour. Because of the
low temperature, some water vapour will condense from the atmosphere, creating
additional fog which will persist for a time after a dry ice particles have settled out or
sublimed. The cooling effect of the dry ice normally is beneficial in reducing
temperatures after a fire.
Carbon dioxide gas have a density of one and one-half times the density of air at the
same temperature. The cold discharge has a much greater density, which accounts for
its ability to replace air above burning surfaces and maintain a smothering
atmosphere.
Although carbon dioxide is only mildly toxic, it can produce unconsciousness and
death when present in fire extinguishing concentrations. The reaction in such cases is
more closely related to suffocation than to any toxic effects of the carbon dioxide
itself. A concentration of 9% is about most people can withstand without losing
consciousness within a few minutes. Breathing a higher concentration of carbon
dioxide could render a person helpless almost immediately.
2. APPLICATION SYSTEMS
The main component of carbon dioxide system are the carbon dioxide supply, the
discharge nozzles and the piping system. These components, along with control
valves and other operating devices, dispense the carbon dioxide and provide effective
fire extinguishment.
Two basic methods are used to apply carbon dioxide in extinguishing fires. One
method is to discharge a sufficient amount of the agent into an enclosure to create an
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extinguishing atmosphere throughout the enclosed area. This called “total flooding”.
The second method is to discharge the agent directly on the burning material without
relying on an enclosure to retain the carbon dioxide. This is called “local application”.
a Total Flooding
In total flooding systems, carbon dioxide is applied through the nozzles designed
and located to develop a uniform concentration of CO2 in all parts of an enclosure.
Calculation of the quantity of carbon dioxide required to achieve an extinguishing
atmosphere is based upon the volume of the room and the concentration of CO2
required for the combustible materials therein.
b Local Application
3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
a Limitations
The use of carbon dioxide is limited mostly by its low cooling capacity (particles
of dry ice do not “wet” or penetrate) and enclosures incapable of retaining an
extinguishing atmosphere. True surface burning fires are extinguished easily
because natural cooling takes place quickly. On the other hand, if the fire
penetrates below the surface, or under materials that provide thermal insulation
that slows down the rate of heat loss (generally referred to as deep seated
burnings) a higher concentration of carbon dioxide and a much longer holding
time are needed for complete extinguishment.
b Life Safety
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c Methods of Actuation
Total flooding and local application carbon dioxide systems normally are
designed to operate automatically. The detection device may be any device that
are actuated by heat, smoke, flame, flammable vapours, or other abnormal process
conditions that could lead to a fire or explosion. Automatically operated systems
are required to have an independent means of manual actuation.
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DRY CHEMICAL
SYSTEMS
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1 INTRODUCTION
Dry chemical extinguishing systems can be used in these situations where quick
extinguishment is desired and where re-ignition sources are not present. Dry
chemical are used primarily for flammable liquid fire hazards such as dip tanks,
flammable liquid storage rooms, and areas where flammable liquid spills may
occur. Systems have been designed for kitchen range hoods, ducts and associated
range top hazards such as deep fat fryers.
Fire tests on flammable liquids have shown potassium bicarbonate based dry
chemical to be more effective than sodium bicarbonate based dry chemical in
extinguishment. Similarly, monoammonium phosphate has been found equal to or
better than sodium bicarbonate in extinguishment effectiveness. The effectiveness
of potassium chloride is about equivalent to potassium bicarbonate, and urea
potassium bicarbonate exhibits the greatest effectiveness of all the dry chemicals
tested.
When introduced directly to the fire area, dry chemical causes the flame to go out
almost at once. Smothering, cooling and radiation shielding contribute to the
extinguishing efficiency of dry chemical, but studies suggest that a chain-breaking
reaction in the flame is the principal cause of extinguishment.
2. APPLICATION SYSTEMS
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pressures, pipe sizes, quantity of dry chemical, and the number, types and
placement of nozzles for the hazard being protected. A pre-engineered system,
sometimes called a package system, is one in which the size of the system are all
predetermined by fire tests for specific sizes and types of hazards. Installation
within these limits of hazard and system design assures adequate flow rate, nozzle
pressure and pattern coverage without individual calculation. Pre-engineered
systems are frequently used for kitchen range and hood fire protection, including
deep fat fryers
Fixed dry chemical systems consist of a supply of dry chemical, an expellant gas,
an actuating method, fixed piping, and nozzles through which dry chemical can be
discharges into the hazard area. Fixed dry chemical systems are two types: total
flooding and local application.
Local application differs from total flooding in that the nozzles are arranged to
discharge directly into the fire. Local application is practical in those situations
where hazard can be isolated from other hazards so that fire will not spread
beyond the area protected, and where the entire hazard can be protected. The
principal use of local application system is to protect open tanks of flammable
liquids. As with total flooding systems, local application is ineffective unless
extinguishment can be immediate and there are no re-ignition sources.
3. DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
a Limitations
Due to the rapidity with which dry chemical extinguishes flame, dry chemical is
used on surface fires involving ordinary combustible materials. However, it
should be supplemented by water spray for extinguishing smoldering embers or in
case the fire gets beneath the surface.
Dry chemical does not produce a lasting inert atmosphere above the surface of a
flammable liquid; consequently its use will not result in permanent
extinguishment if re-ignition source, such hot metal surfaces or persistent
electrical arcing are present.
Regular dry chemical will not extinguish fires that penetrate beneath the surface,
or fires in materials that supply their own oxygen for combustion. Dry chemical
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mat be incompatible with mechanical (air) foam unless the dry chemical has been
specially prepared to be reasonably foam compatible.
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