printer friendly version

Fire-extinguishing products from ADT Security's Fire Division

ADT Security's Fire Division now also installs and supplies fire-extinguishing systems. The gaseous extinguishing media on offer include Inergen, FM200 and CO₂, as well as the 3M patented product Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid, which is being introduced into South Africa by ADT.

Says ADT Security Fire Division sales consultant Jim Grant, "We believe that by supplying these four different extinguishing systems we are able to meet the varied market needs, catering to specific risk requirements. We can also assist clients in assessing their needs and suggesting the appropriate product for the application."

3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid

Novec 1230 fluid is a new standard for halon replacement. Extinguishing via its cooling effect, Novec 1230 fluid works as a gas, yet is a liquid at room temperature. What sets it apart from other products on the market is that it has zero ozone depletion potential and has the lowest atmospheric lifetime for halocarbon alternatives (five days, the closest alternative is 31 years). The global warming potential of Novec 1230 fluid is just 1, making it lower than any other halocarbon agent acceptable for use in occupied spaces. Novec 1230 fluid has the greatest margin of safety for use in occupied spaces.

Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is being introduced into South Africa by ADT Security’s Fire Division

It is a sustainable, long-term technology, meeting not only today's requirements, but also those of the foreseeable future. It has been approved for use by NFPA and ISO 14520 and both of these regulatory bodies will feature Novec 1230 fluid in the new issues of their documents, when they come into print (early 2004). Systems using Novec 1230 fluid have been installed in many large and strategic sites in the UK and also in marine applications, protecting some of the largest sea-going ferries operating from UK ports.

A unique feature of Novec 1230 fluid is that it is stored as a non-pressurised liquid in easily handled containers, allowing it to be transported by air. Another unique feature, is the ability to fill cylinders without the use of a filling rig; just open a valve, pour the liquid into the cylinder, shut the valve and super pressurise with nitrogen. This obviates the removal of cylinders from site, thus reducing down time and refill costs, especially attractive to logistically difficult to reach sites.

A unique feature of ADT Security Fire Division’s gaseous extinguishing media, Novec 1230 fluid, is that it is stored as a non-pressurised liquid in easily handled containers

Novec 1230 fluid-based systems make very efficient use of space as they require approximately the same number of cylinders as conventional halocarbon agents. Novec 1230 fluid is ideal for use in data processing centres, telecommunications, commercial and military aviation, oil and gas exploration and recreational vehicles.

ADT Security Fire Division’s Novec 1230 fluid-based systems make very efficient use of space as they require approximately the same number of cylinders as conventional halocarbon agents

Inergen

Inergen is non-corrosive, containing only naturally-occurring gases that do not have an impact on the ozone - 52% nitrogen, 40% argon and 8% carbon dioxide. Inergen extinguishes fire by lowering the oxygen content of a room below the level that supports combustion. At the same time, it introduces the proper mix of gases that allow a person to breathe in a reduced oxygen atmosphere. Inergen has limited toxicity for use in occupied spaces.

FM200

FM200 extinguishing agent is a clean gas used as a replacement for halon. Also known as heptafluoropropane (CF₃CHFCF₃), FM200 is not electrically conductive, has zero ozone depletion potential and has an atmospheric lifetime between 31 and 42 years. It is effective in the protection of electrical hazards, such as computer rooms and telecommunications areas and is also suitable for most class A and class B fires. It extinguishes fires mainly by physical and chemical means, thereby minimising danger to property and valuable equipment, and ensuring safety to people in the vicinity.

FM200 can be offered as a modular system requiring no pipe work, in small computer/server room environments, as well as engineered piped system to suit bigger installations. Because the gas is stored as a liquid, the space requirement for cylinders is greatly reduced.

CO₂

CO₂ is still a popular choice for non-inhabited areas. The systems can be designed for total flooding or local application. The COM₂ gas is contained in high pressure cylinders and is recommended for areas such as substations, boiler rooms, oil cellars, purification plants, diesel generator rooms, pump rooms, vaults, archives and chemical store rooms.

Share this article:

Further reading: