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

1. Detection and extinguishing unit
2. Smoke detectors
3. Temperature detectors
4. Area washing system activation command (optional)
5. “Evacuate the area” acoustic panel (optional)
6. “Shutdown in progress” optical-acoustic panel
7. Shock activation button
8. Discharge inhibition button
9. Junction box for activation card PS SC 01
10. Junction box for generator connection
11. POWERSol aerosol generator
12. 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. 

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.