The chemical fire suppression systems have proven to be an effective and safe solution in various industries, as they allow fires to be extinguished without damaging equipment or leaving harmful residues.
In this article, we will explore how these systems work, their main features, and in which situations they are the best option to protect facilities and personnel.
What are chemical fire suppression systems?
Chemical fire suppression systems use specialized chemical agents to extinguish flames without the need for water or foam. They differ from other methods due to their ability to act on fires involving flammable liquids, combustible gases, and electronic equipment without the risk of collateral damage.
There are various types of chemical extinguishing agents, each designed for specific applications. These include gaseous, powder, and liquid agents, which interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire or eliminate its oxygen source.
How do chemical extinguishing agents work?
The operating principle of these systems varies depending on the extinguishing agent used, but they all share the same goal: to stop the fire’s spread quickly and effectively without causing collateral damage in the protected environment.
Extinguishing by heat absorption
Some chemical agents, such as HFC-227ea (commercially known as FM-200), work by reducing the temperature of the fire. These compounds absorb the heat generated by combustion, cooling the affected area and preventing the fire from continuing to spread.
On the other hand, FK-5-1-12 operates similarly, but with greater thermal efficiency and a reduced environmental impact, making it a more sustainable alternative to traditional agents.
Types of chemical fire suppression systems
Depending on the environment and the types of materials to be protected, there are different chemical suppression systems that use clean gases to extinguish fires without damaging sensitive equipment.
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) suppression systems
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) is a widely used extinguishing gas in fire suppression systems due to its quick action and residue-free performance after application. Its operating principle is based on heat absorption and interrupting the fire’s chain reaction, achieving effective extinguishment in a few seconds.
Moreover, FM-200 is electrically non-conductive, making it safe for electronic equipment and high-precision systems.
FM-200 application areas:
- Server rooms and data centers
- Offices with sensitive technological equipment
- Pharmaceutical and chemical industries
- Control rooms and telecommunications
- Museums and historical archives where water is not an option
FK-5-1-12 suppression systems
FK-5-1-12 is a next-generation extinguishing agent that offers a high level of safety and low toxicity. Its extinguishing mechanism is similar to FM-200, as it also absorbs heat and stops the fire’s chain reaction, but with a key difference: it has a lower environmental impact and almost zero global warming potential.
This agent is particularly valued in industries seeking more eco-friendly solutions without compromising fire protection effectiveness.
Advantages of FK-5-1-12 over other chemical agents:
- Low environmental footprint: It does not contribute to ozone depletion and has a lower global warming potential (GWP) than HFC-227ea.
- Greater safety margin: Its toxicity is lower compared to other gases, allowing for longer evacuation times without risks to people.
- Safe for electronic equipment and sensitive documents: Ideal for data centers, archives, libraries, and laboratories where water or foam are not an option.
When are chemical fire suppression systems used?
Chemical fire suppression systems are essential in sectors where the use of water or foam could cause more damage than the fire itself.
Industries with flammable materials
Industries working with chemicals, fuels, or highly reactive materials face a constant fire risk that can escalate if not controlled immediately. In these environments, using water or foam can be dangerous for several reasons:
- Chemical reactivity: Some flammable compounds react violently with water or foam, causing explosions or releasing toxic gases.
- Structural damage: In environments with electrical installations or precision machinery, water can cause short circuits or corrosion.
- Fire spread: Some flammable liquids can float on water, spreading the flames rather than extinguishing them.
These gaseous agents suffocate the fire without causing dangerous reactions, making them ideal for:
- Chemical and petrochemical industries
- Oil and gas processing plants
- Factories of flammable products (paints, solvents, adhesives)
- Pharmaceutical industries
FM-200 and FK-5-1-12 do not displace oxygen, meaning their use in areas with people is safe, as long as the concentration remains at appropriate levels.
Server rooms and data centers
Data centers, servers, and telecommunications equipment contain sensitive electronic components that can become completely unusable if exposed to water or foam. Some issues include:
- Short circuits and data loss in hard drives and storage systems.
- Irreparable damage to circuits and motherboards, even with small amounts of moisture.
- Long periods of inactivity while cleaning and restoring damaged equipment.
These systems offer quick and residue-free extinguishment, protecting the equipment without affecting its operation. They activate in less than 10 seconds, minimizing the time the fire can cause damage.
FK-5-1-12, in particular, is considered a superior option for data centers due to its lower environmental impact and reduced toxicity, making it safer for occupied areas.
Application areas:
- Data centers and servers
- Telecommunications control rooms
- IT infrastructure in hospitals and banks
Museums, archives, and libraries
Fires in museums and archives can destroy irreplaceable documents, artworks, and historical records in a matter of minutes. Using fire suppression methods like water or foam could further damage these objects by:
- Soaking and degrading paper, parchments, and canvases.
- Damaging pigments and varnishes in old paintings.
- Affecting the structure of books and manuscripts with the expansion and contraction of moisture.
- Encouraging the growth of mold and fungi on delicate materials.
These gaseous agents extinguish the fire without leaving residues or affecting the integrity of the protected objects. Furthermore:
- They are non-corrosive and do not affect the chemical composition of ancient materials.
- No cleaning is required afterward, avoiding further damage.
- They disperse quickly, protecting even hard-to-reach areas.
Application areas:
- National historical archives and libraries
- Art and science museums
- Private galleries and collections of old documents
Medical facilities and laboratories
Medical facilities and laboratories contain high-precision equipment and delicate chemicals, which can be easily damaged if exposed to water, foam, or chemical powder.
Some problems with traditional methods include:
- Contamination of biological samples and reagents sensitive to moisture.
- Damage to diagnostic equipment such as MRI machines and electron microscopes.
- Dangerous chemical reactions with substances stored in laboratories.
- Contamination in sterile areas of hospitals and operating rooms.
These clean gases are the best option because:
- They extinguish the fire without affecting sensitive materials.
- They leave no residues that could contaminate samples or reagents.
- They are safe for use in operating rooms and pharmaceutical laboratories.
Application areas:
- Clinical analysis and pharmaceutical laboratories
- Operating rooms and radiology rooms
- Vaccine and medication storage areas
The best fire solution for every company
Chemical fire suppression systems represent an efficient and safe solution for various industrial, commercial, and technological environments. Their ability to act without generating residues or affecting electronic equipment makes them the only alternative in key sectors.
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