Description – Dry chemical fire suppression systems have several key advantages over water-based solutions for a wide range of applications. This article entails everything you need to know about dry chemical systems.
A dry chemical fire suppression system is designed to immediately extinguish fires and reduce the chances of reignition. A great advantage dry chemical has over water-based systems is that it extinguishes fire without the disastrous consequences of water.
Dry chemical fire suppression systems use chemical compounds like sodium bicarbonate and mono-ammonium phosphate which are quick-acting extinguishants. While the former chemical effectively knocks down Class B and C fires, the latter is used for Class A, B, and C hazards.
How Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems Work
Dry chemical agents 'attack' the fire at the molecular level by powder coating the fuel. This separates it from oxygen which in turn interrupts the chemical reaction of the fire. When the system activates, whether by detection or manually, high-pressure nitrogen discharges the suppressant immediately. If it’s a piped system then it disperses through nozzles, whereas modular systems disperse through a sprinkler head on each unit. The result is that the fire is extinguished within seconds of discharge.
Which Applications Prefer Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems?
Dry chemical fire suppression systems are deployed in an endless variety of applications, from small rooms or cabinets to massive warehouses or hangars. They are commonly used in paint booths, extraction facilities, laboratories and test booths. Buildings that store harmful waste can also leverage dry chemical fire suppression systems, depending on the type of waste they store.
Since most fire hazards are of the A, B and C class variety, dry chemical agents will extinguish fires of paper, wood, cardboard, flammable liquids, and even those of an electrical nature.
Benefits of a Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Solution
Like other types of systems, dry chemical systems are chosen for key reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages and see if it’s the right fit for your commercial space or specific application.
Advantages:
Dry chemical fire suppression systems are pressurized with nitrogen to discharge their dry chemical agents, suppressing the fire almost immediately.
They are easily accessible and simple to install, in new construction, remodeling or in retrofit scenarios.
They can operate automatically as well as mechanically.
Their maintenance cost is lower than other fire suppression systems.
They are ideal in areas where an extensive piped in sprinkler system is not viable, or water is inaccessible or impractical.
And, unlike the water-based systems, they don’t cause damage to electronic equipment or other assets on your premises. (Sometimes water damage can be worse than the damage caused by fire.
In the event of a discharge, modular systems only require replacing the units.
They are built to last, reliable, and time tested. Dry chemical fire suppression systems have been relied upon for protecting lives, property, and products for decades.
In Closing
Dry chemical fire suppression systems are quickly gaining acceptance over other systems for a variety of reasons, including the aforementioned advantages.
It is quite possible that a dry chemical system provides the best solution for your facility, in addition to being cost-effective and easy to install. If you want to know more while choosing the right solution for your intended application please, reach out to Cease Fire at 1-(888)-232-7334.