CO2 Fire Suppression System is a fire extinguishing system that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as its extinguishing medium. CO2 is known to be effective in extinguishing fires in areas or rooms containing electronic equipment, industrial machines, and materials that cannot be extinguished with water or foam. This system is often applied to server rooms, electrical control rooms, ship engines, and laboratories that require fire protection without damaging the protected devices or materials.
How CO2 Fire Suppression System Works
CO2 Fire Suppression System works by spreading CO2 gas quickly to the area experiencing a fire. This system is designed to reduce the oxygen levels in the area to a level that does not support combustion, so that the fire is quickly extinguished. There are two main principles used in this system:
- Remove Oxygen: CO2 reduces the oxygen concentration in the air to below 15%, which is the minimum limit for combustion. This causes the fire to die out because it does not have enough oxygen to continue the combustion process.
- Cooling: In addition to reducing oxygen, CO2 also has a cooling effect on the affected area. This helps lower the temperature of the fuel so that the ignition point is not reached again.
Main Components
- CO2 Storage Cylinder: Serves to store CO2 gas under high pressure. The number of cylinders needed depends on the size of the area to be protected.
- Distribution Pipe: A piping system is used to direct CO2 gas from the storage cylinder to the protected area. This piping is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials and is able to withstand high pressures.
- Nozzle or Diffuser: The nozzle is used to spread CO2 throughout the area affected by the fire. This nozzle is designed in such a way that the gas distribution is even and covers all parts of the room.
- Control Panel: Used to activate or deactivate the extinguishing system automatically or manually. This panel also functions to detect leaks and monitor system status.
- Fire Detectors: This system is equipped with smoke, heat, or fire detectors that will detect a fire and provide signal to activate the blackout.
Advantages of CO2 Fire Suppression System
- Effectively Extinguish Fire Quickly: CO2 is able to extinguish fire in a short time because it can reduce the oxygen concentration and temperature of the area affected by the fire.
- Leaves No Residue: Because CO2 is a gas, it leaves no residue or debris after extinguishing, making it ideal for use in areas with sensitive electronic devices.
- Environmentally friendly: CO2 is a natural gas that does not damage the ozone layer and is easily obtained from the air.
- Suitable for Special Areas: CO2 is very effective when used in closed spaces such as server rooms, laboratories, and storage areas.
CO2 Fire Suppression System Application
CO2 Fire Suppression System is usually applied in the following areas:
- Electronic Room: Includes server room, data center, and control room.
- Engine Room: In marine engines, turbines and generators, where water or foam cannot be used.
- Chemistry Laboratory: To protect against fires caused by reactive chemicals.
- Storage Warehouse: Storage area for materials that are susceptible to water damage, such as paper archives or antiques.
CO2 Fire Suppression System is an effective and efficient fire suppression solution for areas that are sensitive to conventional extinguishing media such as water or foam. However, it is important to remember that this system requires proper planning and installation as well as an understanding of the potential risks to human safety. Therefore, the use of CO2 Fire Suppression System must be accompanied by strict evacuation and safety procedures to prevent injury to personnel.
Contact us if you need fire suppression system for your building, hotel or office.