Stationary Suppression

Stationary systems consist of an enormous variety of types and styles. The following are the main ones used in most facilities. Stationary systems are used in commercial, industrial and residential applications. Each system has specific uses and a particular system is chosen depending on the application, environment and materials protected.

A) Water Sprinkler Systems:

1. Wet Pipe: Water is always in the pipes above the sprinkler heads. Used in buildings where there is no risk of freezing.

2. Alternate: The pipes can be filled with water or compressed air as needed for the environmental conditions.

3. Dry Pipe: The pipes are filled with pressured air at all times and the water is held by a control valve. Used where Wet Pipe or Alternate systems can not be used.

4. Pre-Action: Like the Dry Pipe systems, but water is only let in when a detector goes into alert mode. Used where it is not acceptable to have pipes full of water unless there is a fire.

B) Foam Systems:

1. Hot Foam Systems: Heated water and foam are mixed to reduce possible damaging effects caused by rapid cooling in some applications. Used mainly in marine applications such as engine rooms.

2. Fixed Foam Systems: Very low density foam is used with out water to extinguish floating fires and various liquid combustible fires. Used mainly in marine and offshore environments.

C) Dry Chemical Systems: Dry powder is sprayed onto the fire, inhibiting the chain reaction that causes combustion and putting the fire out. Used mainly in marine application for cargo handling areas and industrial applications. Also used in some kitchens.

D) Carbon Dioxide Systems:

1. Low Pressure CO2: Chilled, liquid CO2 is stored for use and when used becomes a vapor and displaces the oxygen to suppress the fire. Used in many applications to include high voltage and electronic areas.

2. High Pressure CO2: Like the Low Pressure CO2 systems but used for small and localized applications. Used in many applications to include high voltage and electronic areas.

E) FM 200 Systems: The one of the least toxic vapor extinguishing agent currently used and can be used in computer rooms, vaults, phone buildings, mechanical rooms, museums and other area where people may be present. It absorbs the heat energy from the surface of the burning material, which lowers its temperature below the ignition point and the fire goes out.

F) FE-13 Systems: Developed as a chemical refrigerant initially, it is used a one replacement for some Halon vapor systems. It works like the FM 200 systems but is safer and more desirable if the area being protected has people in it.

G) Inergen Systems: A mix of Nitrogen, Argon and Carbon Dioxide used to suppress fires in sensitive areas such as telecommunications rooms control rooms and kitchens.

H) Halon Systems: Vapor system that displaces the oxygen from the fire. Used in various areas where sensitive equipment is located and other industrial applications.

I) Halotron Systems: Vapor system like Halon but, more environmentally friendly.

J) Purple K Systems: Chemical powder systems used for special petroleum products. Usually found in large fuel storage facilities.

Return to top