Total Flooding Gas Fire Suppression Systems
Overview
Total flooding gas fire suppression systems are designed to protect sealed or semi-sealed enclosures where valuable or mission‑critical assets are housed. Typical applications include server rooms, LV/HV electrical rooms, control rooms, archives and other high‑risk technical spaces.
Fire suppression cylinders may be located within the protected enclosure or externally, depending on space constraints and system design. Suppression is achieved by either reducing oxygen concentration or absorbing heat energy. Both approaches are proven, non‑conductive, and suitable for use in normally occupied spaces when correctly engineered.
Inert Gas Fire Suppression Systems
How they work
Inert gas systems suppress fire by reducing oxygen levels within the enclosure to approximately 12–14%. Combustion typically requires oxygen levels of 15% or higher, while humans can safely tolerate oxygen levels down to around 10% for short durations.
The engineering challenge — and our expertise — lies in striking the correct balance: ensuring the atmosphere is sufficiently inert to prevent combustion while remaining safe for occupants.
Gas compositions
Inert gas systems are supplied under various trade names but are fundamentally composed of naturally occurring gases:
System characteristics
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Storage pressures: 100 bar, 200 bar or 300 bar
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Discharge times: 60–120 seconds
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Pressure relief venting: Required to protect enclosure integrity
Synthetic / Chemical Clean Agent Systems
How they work
Synthetic (chemical) clean agent systems suppress fire by interrupting the chemical reaction of combustion. The gas absorbs heat and bonds with free radicals in the flame, reducing kinetic energy and rapidly extinguishing the fire.
Because lower concentrations are required, oxygen levels remain largely unchanged, making these systems highly effective where rapid knockdown and minimal environmental disruption are critical.
Common agents
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HFC‑227ea (FM‑200®) – Effective but now less commonly specified due to environmental considerations
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FK‑5‑1‑12 (Novec™ 1230) – A modern, environmentally responsible clean agent with excellent suppression performance
System characteristics
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Storage pressures: 15 bar or 42 bar
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Discharge time: <10 seconds
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Pressure relief venting: Required, accommodating both positive and negative pressure changes
Local Application Fire Suppression Systems
Local application systems are designed to suppress fires directly at the source, rather than flooding an enclosure. These systems are commonly used in ATEX or hazardous environments where risks are open, exposed, or continuously operating.
Typical applications include:
Modular Fire Suppression Systems
Modular suppression systems provide automatic, self‑contained fire protection for small or localised enclosures.
Each system typically consists of a cylinder, capillary detection tube, and discharge nozzle or end cap with pressure gauge. When exposed to heat, the tube ruptures at the fire source, releasing the agent directly onto the hazard.
Typical applications include:
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Engine compartments
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Server racks
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Electrical cabinets
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Small enclosed machinery
Key advantages
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No external power supply required
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Automatic operation
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Cost‑effective and compact
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Minimal installation complexity
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Combines both detection and suppression in one singular system