AEROSOL FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Condensed aerosol systems consist in ultra-fine particles of potassium salts and gases, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The process behind the extinguishing is of a chemical nature, which works by attacking the molecules and elements involved in the chain reaction feeding the flames, a principle that follows that of Halocarbon chemical gases, also being the most efficient.
Fields of Application
Condensed aerosol is ideal for fire-suppression systems for paper archives or data processing centres due to the versatility of use in environments characterised by confined spaces along with the high degree of integration in the event of variations in volume.
Other examples of applications include:
- Electrical cabins and panels;
- Engine rooms;
- Machine rooms;
- Fuel deposits;
- Libraries;
- Historic premises;
- Transformer rooms.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- The aerosol system is the cheapest of the saturation extinguishing systems currently on the market;
- There is practically zero environmental impact (ODP, GWP, ALT equal to 0);
- There is no thermal shock inside the room (as occurs with CO2 systems);
- It does not require the installation of an overpressure damper, given that only modest overpressures are generated;
- No aerosol transport pipes are required, as the extinguishing agent is stored directly inside the generators;
- Only electrical connections – and no invasive masonry work – are required;
- The system is quick to install;
- Lower weight and bulk compared to a gas extinguishing system, facilitating installation and handling whilst avoiding the waste of space that would be occupied by cylinder packs;
- Easy integration in the event of changes in volume, given that such would simply require the addition/removal of an adequate number of aerosol dispensers;
- Non-toxic to humans at concentrations resulting from normal design, even if it is recommend that people do not remain in the environment during discharge due to the high concentration of particles in the air.
Disadvantages
- The discharge of extinguishing agent causes a thin deposit of particles that are in any case easily removable by cleaning operations, guaranteeing a rapid restoration of usability for the environments.
System components
- Detection and extinguishing unit
- Smoke detectors
- Temperature detectors
- Area washing system activation command (optional)
- “Evacuate the area” acoustic panel (optional)
- “Shutdown in progress” optical-acoustic panel
- Shock activation button
- Discharge inhibition button
- Junction box for activation card PS SC 01
- Junction box for generator connection
- POWERSol aerosol generator
- Door/window status control connection
The image (click to enlarge) shows the typical conformation of an aerosol system, the activation of which is controlled through a detection system.
As can be seen from the image, no aerosol transport pipes are necessary, as the extinguishing agent is stored entirely inside the generators. This means that aerosol systems offer a great advantage, being that no invasive masonry works are necessary.
COMPATIBLE WITH AEROSOL SYSTEMS
The Aerosol extinguishing systems designed and manufactured by us do not pollute and are not toxic to humans but – as defined by all national and international standards of reference – it is always best to avoid any extinguishing agent discharges that are not strictly necessary. Hence why it can be useful to have their activation be assisted by a smoke detection system with interlinked consent and by a temperature detection system. Furthermore, the maintenance and assistance of these systems is also part of the servicing packages that we offer to customers through the exclusive activities of our Service.
Types of fire-fighting systems
Our Aerosol extinguishing systems are efficient, free from environmental impact and competitive on the market due to their swift design, installation and maintenance.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) systems are simple, reliable and effective. Being easy to manage and maintain, they offer total safety even in large industrial production spaces.
Our inert gas systems use Argon and Nitrogen which, due to their nature, offer complete safety even on particularly delicate and precious materials.
Dry powder extinguishing systems, in particular with Sodium Bicarbonate, are ideal for extensive sites in the petrochemical industry.
Water Mist extinguishing systems are efficient, having no environmental impact and being non-toxic, offering a high extinguishing power thanks to the elevated pressurisation of the water that is not released as a “deluge” but is sprayed.
In the event of fire, these active safety systems guarantee the escape of any smoke from the safeguarded rooms, produced by the combustion in the areas at risk. With this mode, the SistemOpen90°™ ensures the areas are safe and smoke-free, guaranteeing the area leading to the escape routes is protected.
Designed to suppress and extinguish fires of solid materials, flammable liquid fuels and electrical equipment.
Foam Systems avail of a mixture of water and foam to extinguish fires and are particularly appropriate in the presence of flammable liquids.
For all systems using water as an extinguishing agent, these guarantee that the flow rate is exact so as to ensure perfect efficiency and reliability.
ESSECI S.r.l. offers an instrumentation rental service and performs tests directly with its own qualified technicians. On request, a Test Report signed by a Fire Prevention Expert can also be issued.
In the event of a fire, active safety systems guarantee a higher pressure in the safeguarded premises than in the other environments. In this way, they keep the safeguarded areas constantly free from smoke, creating a protected area leading towards the escape routes.
Our smoke and gas detection systems, with the relative alarm signalling systems and any extinguishing units, guarantee full protection against the risk of fire.
Integrated detection, video monitoring and extinguishing systems with remote control for the open-air storage of various kinds of flammable materials.