Nitrogen and water extinguishers

January 2009 Fire & Safety

Every fire needs three elements: oxygen, heat, and fuel. If only one of these elements is removed, the fire cannot spread and will inevitably go out. Automated extinguishing systems are designed on the basis of this principle. Depending on the protection objective and the application in question, different agents can be used for extinguishing fires, for example water (ie, sprinkler systems), gaseous agents (chemical gas or inert gas) or a combination of water and gas (ie, water mist). Water cools primarily the materials and the ambient air, preventing the fire from spreading rapidly. The inert gaseous agents work principally by displacing the oxygen, inerting the protected area, while chemical gaseous agents absorb the fire heat leaving the fire without energy.

In the newly developed Sinorix H2O Gas extinguishing solution, the natural extinguishing agents nitrogen and water are combined for a dual effect that quickly and reliably extinguishes the fire. While the nitrogen reduces the concentration of oxygen in the protected zone, putting the fire immediately out, the water mist lowers the ambient temperature to a level below the flashpoint of the combustible material. When discharged, both extinguishing agents are carried by the same piping network and are distributed by the same nozzles to the extinguishing area. The nitrogen also serves as a propellant for the water, assuring moderate and equal distribution. Already by using small quantities of water, the water mist mixture cools down overheated equipment and surfaces, thereby providing an additional protective effect. The water mist also reduces the risk of re-ignition. Thanks to the use of fine spraying technology, exposed surfaces are coated with only a very thin layer of water – so thin that it usually poses no risk even to electronic equipment, because it evaporates within a few minutes.

Furthermore, the water mist removes toxic fumes from the air and the room can be quickly ventilated using a ventilation system or windows. The natural extinguishing agents nitrogen and water are chemically neutral and are safe for the environment and people. (The earth’s atmosphere is composed of about 78% nitrogen and about 21% oxygen. If the oxygen percentage can be reduced to less than 13% by volume, any fire will be extinguished without posing a threat to persons in the area.)

Sinorix H2O Gas is suitable for extinguishing smoldering and deep-seated fires that can arise in closed facilities, such as archives, libraries, museums, warehouses or rooms for technical equipment.

To make the system as efficient as possible, the mixture of nitrogen and water must be tailored exactly to the specific requirements and fire risks. For this, Siemens developed a computer program that precisely calculates the dimensions of the piping network, nozzles, extinguishing range, venting, retention time, etc, for a wide range of application areas. The Sinorix H2O Gas extinguishing system as well as the calculation program have been tested and approved by VdS (Verband der Sachversicherer, European certification authority). Siemens is currently the only supplier to offer a VdS-approved gas-water combined extinguishing system for room protection. The solution offers a package of services, including risk assessment, system design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance – all from one source.

For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Building Technologies, +27 (0)11 652 2412, keshin.govender@siemens.com





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Technoswitch partners with UK’s Hyfire
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression News Fire & Safety Products
UK-based wireless fire technology pioneer Hyfire, has confirmed partnership agreements that will see its products sold in South Africa, for the first time, through local fire and safety stalwart, Technoswitch.

Read more...
Bespoke fire-risk systems for agri and food processing
Fire & Safety
ASP Fire highlights its specialised expertise in the agri and food-processing industries, where compliance is vital to save lives, reduce the costs of fire damage, and protect equipment and buildings from major damage.

Read more...
Incorporate fire safety in the design phase
Fire & Safety
ASP Fire CEO Michael van Niekerk says companies can prevent their infrastructure project from going up in flames by incorporating fire safety in the design phase.

Read more...
Fire-fighting force at Vergelegen
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety Residential Estate (Industry)
Vergelegen wine estate in Somerset West, and its neighbours, are set to enjoy greater peace of mind this summer, thanks to the delivery of a brand new fire truck .

Read more...
Rhino103 extinguishing control panel
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Fire & Safety Products
Technoswitch has released the Rhino103 extinguishing control panel range, designed and manufactured in South Africa to comply with EN54 parts 2 and 4, and EN12094.

Read more...
Technoswitch partners with Ciqurix for video fire detection
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression News Fire & Safety
Technoswitch is pleased to announce the signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with Ciqurix (UK), a leading supplier of video fire detection products.

Read more...
Fire protection for new Fuchs warehouse
Fire & Safety
The new warehouse at Fuchs Lubricants South Africa in Isando, Johannesburg, not only incorporates the latest technology but complies with stringent fire detection and prevention requirements.

Read more...
Fire-safety risks during load shedding
News Fire & Safety
The current load shedding implemented by electricity utility Eskom, as it faces unplanned breakdowns, poses a heightened fire risk for homeowners and their families.

Read more...
FlameSpec flame detectors from Technoswitch
Technoswitch Fire Detection & Suppression Fire & Safety
The FM-approved FlameSpec detectors address slow-growing fires and fast eruptions of fire while maintaining high performance and reliable detection in all weather and light conditions.

Read more...
Improved hydraulic performance and efficiency
Johnson Controls Global Products Fire & Safety
Tyco 5.8K LFII sprinkler from Johnson Controls Global Products brings improved hydraulic performance and efficiency to residential fire protection.

Read more...