A Closer Look At Modern Fire Safety
Posted on: 8 October 2015
Fire is a great example of how too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. Whether you are looking to install fire suppression systems in your business or home, having one can save you a lot of money in case of a fire. These systems have evolved from the most well-known ceiling sprinklers to different options that more effectively put out the fire.
Dry Chemical Suppression
In an industrial setting, a dry chemical suppression system is becoming more common. The reason that this is more desired in a factory type setting is because this is best at protecting machinery. Fires in these types of work settings are especially dangerous because machinery is often full of oil or other flammable material which puts everyone in a higher risk if a fire breaks out. Also, machinery is much more expensive and difficult to replace.
Dry chemical systems suppress more fire than any other substance, including water, when compared pound for pound in electrical and flammable liquid fires because of the sodium bicarbonate base. It is still very effective, though, at putting out wood, paper, and cloth fires. These systems work in seconds- by first quickly sensing a fire, sounding a warning alarm for anyone in the area, then discharging the dry chemical substance over the source of the fire. This helps to put out the fire quickly, preventing too much damage.
Gas Systems
Through much research, an agent with mixtures of Argon and Nitrogen gases was found to be very effective in putting out a fire. These gases are discharged onto the fire source through pipes in the ceiling that detect fires very similarly to a smoke detector. These gases snuff out the flame quickly by depleting oxygen levels around the flames once it hits. Gas systems are used in residential and industrial settings.
Mixture Agent
Systems that spray a liquid are not totally obsolete, but rather evolved. Now there are fire suppressant systems that contain a hybrid liquid and gaseous agent. The amount of moisture residue left behind from a spray is minimal because the levels of water in this substance are very small. Not only that, but it is mixed fairly equally with Nitrogen in the agent, making extinguishing fires a fast process. Another reason water and fire damage are so small with this system is because the water droplets are incredibly small and are formulated to actually remove the heat from large fires, limiting combustion.
The next time you are in the market for a fire suppression system, realize that there are so many options out on the market today. Take a look, install what you feel is best, and rest easy knowing that you have little to worry about if a fire starts.
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