What is Gas Fire Suppression?

Fire suppression can be achieved by using a variety of suppression systems.

Water mist systems are popular, but many of our commercial clients choose gas suppression systems, also called clean agent fire suppression, to extinguish fires on their premises.

We design fire suppression solutions that can be used with different chemical agents, including inert gas, chemical gas, and carbon dioxide.

Our years of experience allow us to specify the best type of gaseous agent for your purposes.

How does a gas fire suppression system work?

Like all automatic fire suppression solutions, gas fire suppression systems do not require human activation. Their specialised nozzles incorporate a fire detection system activated by increased local temperature.

Upon detecting heat, they then disperse the gas to extinguish flames.

Regulation of gaseous fire suppression systems

Gas suppression system regulations are essential for the safety of users and their assets.

In the UK, British Standards are rigorously applied to the design, install, and maintenance of all gas suppression systems.

When is a clean agent fire suppression system the best choice?

Although water-based systems are popular, there are many contexts in which water mist is not appropriate.

Gas suppression systems are preferred in server rooms and data centres, for example, or any environment with a lot of electrical equipment that could be damaged by water mist.

Unlike water, a gas fire suppression system will not damage paper goods or valuable textiles.

Are gas suppression systems appropriate for all environments?

Some gas suppression systems are inappropriate for occupied buildings because they disperse noxious chemical agents.

However, even gas suppression systems that use safe inert gases or CO2 have to be carefully monitored to ensure that the gas level doesn’t reduce the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere to dangerously low levels. If this occurs, there is a danger of suffocation.

In most circumstances, an alarm that gives occupants time for evacuation alerts them to the imminent release of the inert gas.

When installed and used correctly, appropriate clean agent fire suppression systems have an excellent safety record in occupied premises. They are proven to be a highly effective way to extinguish fires.

Gas fire suppression systems from Armstrong Priestley

We offer a range of gaseous fire suppression systems

Inert gas systems

The inert gas in these suppression systems is colourless, odourless, non-corrosive, and has zero ozone depletion potential.

It is suitable for occupied premises as its density is almost the same as that of air.

Chemical Gases

Our chemical agents, like NOVEC 1230, are also odourless, colourless, and non-conductive.

Our clients like that only a small amount of chemical gas is required for effective fire suppression, which results in zero ozone depletion potential.

These clean agents produce little residue, making clean-ups cheap and speedy.

Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a versatile fire suppressant that can extinguish flames in a localised area, like a kitchen stove, or in a larger space, like a server room, by flooding the environment.

Carbon dioxide extinguishes fires by replacing the oxygen required for combustion to take place. This makes it unsuitable for occupied areas.