When it comes to fire suppression and protection, there are many agents on the market. Each fire suppression agent has pros and cons, and each is suited for various fire classes. As fire protection experts, we frequently respond to queries regarding the most suitable fire suppression agent for specific applications. One commonly discussed subject is clean agents. We get questions like, “What’s a clean agent?” and “Is Ansul a clean agent?”
In this article, we'll provide you with comprehensive information on clean agents, covering what they are and how they work:
A clean agent is any fire-extinguishing agent that is electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous and does not leave a residue upon evaporation. Clean agents and fire suppression systems use an inert gas or chemical stored in a container and discharged once a fire is detected.
This fire-extinguishing substance is called "clean" because it doesn't leave any residue. Moreover, most clean agents are notably more eco-friendly compared to other alternatives. They earn the label "clean" not just for being residue-free but also for their environmental friendliness.
A fire happens only when you have heat, oxygen, and something to burn. If any of these is missing or blocked, the fire goes out. Clean agents eliminate heat or oxygen elements to extinguish the fire.
Many fire suppression systems are available, but the primary agents for putting out fires are inert gases, FM-200, and Novec 1230. Let's explore how these three agents work to extinguish fires, taking a closer look at their mechanisms.
ANSUL provides various products to suit your business requirements.
Utilizing an innovative fire protection liquid, this clean agent suppression system swiftly transforms into vapor upon release. This action smothers the flames and soaks up heat, leaving no residue that might harm delicate equipment. The system is also environmentally friendly, with a global warming potential (GWP) 1.
INERGEN is the preferred clean agent for protecting spaces from fires. It uses harmless nitrogen, argon, and small amounts of carbon dioxide to put out fires. It is safe for people and has a GWP of 0, making it the most environmentally friendly option for suppressing fires.
This liquid substance swiftly removes flames and cools hot surfaces. It also simultaneously forms a durable vapor-securing blanket, which helps prevent the possibility of the fire re-igniting.
The PIRANHA system, a unique agent-plus-water fire suppression hybrid, is specially crafted to safeguard commercial kitchens' hoods, ducts, fryers, grills, and other appliances. It consistently performs better than traditional single-agent systems in protecting against fires.
Carbon dioxide, the original "clean agent," eliminates oxygen to create fires without any leftover residue. It's specifically designed for places without people, like control rooms, bank vaults, flammable liquid storage areas, printing presses, and more.
ANSUL provides three types of fire extinguishers: SENTRY, CLEANGUARD, and K-GUARD. These extinguishers are useful in various settings, from general-purpose areas to harsh, corrosive environments, including commercial kitchens. Handheld extinguishers empower your employees to assist in firefighting alongside the automated protection of a fixed suppression system.
Why should you opt for a clean agent fire suppression system? While all systems possess pros and cons, clean agents are among the easiest fire suppression systems to maintain. Here are just a couple of the advantages of adopting a clean agent fire suppression system:
Clean agents are not toxic and won't corrode. This implies they can be safely used in places where people are present.
Because clean agent fire suppression systems avoid using water or powders, they cause no harm. They're secure for applications involving delicate technology, electronics, and valuable assets.
Clean agents don't create any residue. This implies that you won't have to worry about extensive cleaning after your system released.
With no harm and no cleanup, it's simple for you to get your business back on track.
Clean agent systems activate in just a few seconds. As they effectively put out fires, most harm should be confined to a small area.
Many firefighting substances work well for stopping fires but are only sometimes the best for nature. Some substances may add to ozone reduction, while others have harmful properties that aren't safe for people or the planet. Realizing that clean fire suppression agents are safe for the environment is reassuring.
Clean agents possess zero ozone reduction potential. They don't impact the Earth's ozone layer, ensuring they're safe to use without causing harm to the environment. They're also non-harmful and non-corrosive. Ultimately, most eco-friendly substances disperse rapidly, if not immediately after the fire is halted. With brief atmospheric lifetimes, these substances don't contaminate the environment either.
Clean agents are a practical and appealing fire suppression choice for various uses.
Choosing the right fire suppression system for your needs involves considering various factors. The process of selecting the ideal system is not that simple. When making decisions, it's crucial to think about expenses, potential upgrades, environmental impact, and similar aspects.
Here's what to focus on: find a fire suppression system from a reputable fire protection company. Collaborate with industry professionals like us at Texas Fire & Safety Equipment to identify the most suitable system for you. Additionally, you'll be assured that the products and services come from experts in the field. We can assist in designing a system that meets your building requirements and offers regular maintenance or repairs as necessary. Please reach out to us today!