Design

Gas suppression systems are specialised fire protection systems used to extinguish fires without the use of water. They are ideal for environments where water damage to sensitive equipment could be costly, such as data centres, telecommunication facilities, and archive storage rooms.

The principle behind these systems is to reduce the oxygen level around the fire or to interrupt the chemical reactions occurring within the fire. Design is key when mapping out the system on a site and must take into account the following considerations:

Environmental Impact and Safety
Selecting agents that are safe for people present and minimal in environmental impact.

Space and Material Compatibility
Ensuring the design does not interfere with the existing space utilisation and materials in the protected area.

System Scalability
Designing systems that are scalable and adaptable to future expansions or modifications in the infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance
Adherence to local, national and international standards, such as NFPA 2001 (Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems) and ISO standards. The design of a gas suppression system must be precise and tailored to specific environmental needs and regulatory requirements. Our team pairs comprehensive planning, with strategic implementation, to ensure efficient suppression capabilities, minimising damage and downtime in critical applications.

Supply & Installation

Our team of experts will ensure that your gas suppression system installation meets your property’s needs including:

Detection Devices
Do you require both smoke and heat detectors to trigger the system activation? Is a combination of both required to minimise false alarms and ensure rapid response?

Control Panel
The brain of the system, monitoring the environment and initiating the release when fire is detected. Coordinates between detection devices and notifying alarms while managing the release mechanisms.

Agent Storage Units
Cylinders where the extinguishing agents are stored, either in liquid or gaseous form. They are equipped with pressure gauges and are usually made from steel or composite materials.

Distribution Piping
Network of pipes that delivers the suppression agent from storage cylinders to the protected area. Designed to ensure efficient and quick dispersal of the agent throughout the area.

Nozzles
Devices that release the agent into the protected space. Often designed to optimise the dispersal and area coverage.

Monitoring & Maintenance

For the effective and reliable operation of gas suppression systems, regular monitoring and maintenance are essential. Proper maintenance ensures that these systems will function as intended during an emergency, providing crucial protection against fire damage. Here’s an overview of how these systems are monitored and maintained:

System Monitoring

Control Panel Checks
Regular monitoring of the control panel for alerts or faults. Ensure that the system is in ‘ready’ mode and not showing any faults or warnings such as low pressure in storage cylinders.

Environmental Monitoring
Continual assessment of the room’s integrity, including temperature, humidity levels, and the presence of corrosives which may affect the performance or condition of the suppression system.

Alarm Functionality
Test and inspect the audible and visual alarms that must be activated before the system discharges. This ensures occupants have time to evacuate the area.

System Maintenance

Cylinder Inspection and Testing
Regular checking of cylinder pressure gauges to ensure the agent is at the correct pressure level.
Weigh cylinders to confirm that the suppression agent levels are adequate.
Hydrostatic testing of cylinders at intervals specified by manufacturers and safety standards to assess structural integrity.

Component Integrity Checks
Inspect all physical components of the system, such as piping, nozzles, and seals, for signs of damage or corrosion. Ensure all nozzles are unobstructed and clear of dust or debris that might impede the agent’s release.

Agent Level and Quality
For chemical agents, verify the purity and quality of the suppression medium. Recharge systems where agent levels are less than required, or after system discharge.

Electrical Continuity and Connections
Ensure all electrical connections are tight and free of corrosion. Test backup batteries and replace if necessary.

Testing and Documentation

Functional Testing
Conduct full and partial discharge tests in accordance with local regulations and standards. Simulate fire scenarios to test the system’s activation and agent dispersal mechanisms.

Record Keeping
Maintain detailed logs of all inspections, tests, and maintenance activities. Document any changes or upgrades to the system configuration.

Compliance and Certifications
Regularly review and update systems to comply with the latest safety standards and innovations in fire protection. Ensure that maintenance personnel are certified and trained to handle high-pressure systems and hazardous materials.