page contents

CO² Fire Suppression Systems

CO² Fire Suppression Systems

The rapid expansion of this gaseous agent allows fires to be targetted even in the most inaccessible areas of the risk.

CO² leaves no residue behind…

Carbon Dioxide is a standard commercial product with many other uses and is readily available throughout the world.

Because of its universal use, it can be obtained inexpensively – this is an important consideration when frequent recharging of storage containers is necessary such as in local application systems, where fires may occur frequently. 

CO2 is stored as liquid, under its own vapour pressure of ~59 bar at 21°C. The agent’s low boiling point means that the liquid vaporises rapidly during the discharge, providing a penetrative three-dimensional action.

It is generally specified in locations where people will not be working, since it is hazardous to humans in the concentrations deployed by fire suppression systems.

CO2 is colourless and odourless. After extinguishing a fire, it vaporises fully leaving no residue. With non-conductive properties it can be used on energised electrical equipment and safely used to protect delicate electronic equipment, antiquities or archive materials.

Total Flooding

Total flooding systems extinguish fires by rapidly discharging CO² into an enclosed volume to create an atmosphere that is incapable of supporting combustion. This concentration of CO² presents a serious hazard to personnel and under no circumstances should CO² be released into areas that may be manned at the time of discharge.

IPH Fire Solutions can offer time delays, isolating valves including distribution valves and control head lockout pins to facilitate the safe use of CO²

Local Flooding

This method of system design is used to protect hazards that are open or have only partial enclosure, situated within a larger area that would be unsafe or uneconomic to protect using a total flood system. Discharge nozzles are placed to provide direct agent flow at the points and areas prone to fire.

Flexible Design

The wide range of components manufactured by IPH Fire Solutions long established suppliers, enables systems to be either automatically or manually operated, arranged to protect single or multi-zone hazards and supplemented with a reserve discharge facility. Automatic control can be achieved mechanically, pneumatically, electrically or by any combination of these to suit site conditions.

Facilities are available for providing a pre-alarm and delayed discharge as well as various methods of preventing automatic release while protected rooms are occupied by personnel.

How often must CO2 cylinders be tested??

All DOT-3AL marked CO2 cylinders are to be inspected and hydrostatically re-tested every five years as required in CFR Title 49 Part 180.205(c). Cylinders still with charge at the time the 5 year re-test is due, do not have to be re-tested until the charge is used, but prior to the re-filling of the cylinders.

Is CO2 gas dangerous?

When carbon dioxide gas is released in a confined or unventilated area, it can lower the concentration of oxygen to a point where it is dangerous for human health. This can cause asphyxiation, which means that it becomes hard to breathe normally and you begin to feel like you are choking.
How does a CO2 Fire System work?

A fire needs oxygen, fuel, and heat to continue to burn. When the suppression system detects smoke or fire, it then releases the CO2 agent into the space it is protecting.

The CO2 level in the space quickly increases as the oxygen level quickly drops causing the fire to be suppressed or extinguished.

At what level does CO2 become toxic?

1000 to 2000 ppm, the air quality is low. From 2000 to 5000 ppm, CO2 concentration starts to cause problems (headaches, insomnia, nausea). It is a dirty air.

From 5000 ppm, the presence of other gases in air is altered, arising a toxic atmosphere or poor in oxigen with fatal effects as the concentration increases.

Key Points:

 

High flow ‘Klem’ cylinder valve.

Manual or Automatic operation.

Pilot cylinder or Direct Acting Solenoid operating system.

Continuous weight monitoring option.

Fully compatible with Kidde Fire Protection control panels.

Need to speak to a Fire Solutions specialist?

Do you have a system requiring servicing?

Require further info about our systems?

» » » » »  Want a no obligation quote?

FREE Quote

& Consultation

A Leader in the Industry

IPH Fire Solutions was originally formed in 2003 with an office located in the North West just outside Manchester. Since then, IPH have continued to expand, offering fire suppression services both across the UK and on an International level.

Why Choose IPH?

  • British Standards Institution (BSI) Certified
  • CHAS Certificate of Accreditation
  • Safe Contractor Accredited
  • Over 25 Years Industry Experience
  • Nationwide Cover
  • Fully DBS Checked & Highly Trained Engineers
  • 24 Hour Call-Out Service

When you specify a system for fire protection, lives, livelihoods and the environment are at stake. At IPH, we pride ourselves on offering expert advice to support your decision, ultimately delivering the appropriate fire solution when looking to safeguard all things in your care.

Do you need a Fire Solution?

CONTACT OUR DEDICATED TEAM TODAY

 

Do you need a Fire Solution?

CONTACT OUR DEDICATED TEAM TODAY

IPH UK Head Office

Unit 2, Grove House, Booth Street,
Lancashire, BB4 5JA