Fire Protection Applications

Fire Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are made up of two essential variables, the extinguishing agent and the system for delivering the agent. Solenoids and solenoid valves are used in these systems to control and/or deliver the agent to the event. There are several types of agents used in fire suppression systems:

Water Fire Suppression Systems

Water acts as a suppression agent in that it absorbs heat and displaces oxygen. The benefits of water are that it is relatively inexpensive and readily available in most areas. However, the disadvantages are that it is extremely heavy, conducts electricity, can damage property and can freeze. To combat some of the disadvantages of water, modifiers such as foam can be added to increase the ability of water to penetrate combustibles.

CO₂ Fire Suppression Systems

When the atmosphere that supplies oxygen to a fire is diluted by adding carbon dioxide, the heat generated by the rapid oxidation of fuel is reduced. When the rate of heat loss is greater than that of the heat generation, the fire will eventually die out. The high density of CO₂ vapor makes it useful for blanketing the surface of a fuel or combustible. Most often used in kitchen fire suppression systems.