There are areas in which extinguishing fires with water or foam is no longer effective, as these extinguishing agents would destroy the protected object or make it unusable. This applies as highlighted by Rosenbauer, for example, to the protection of museums, libraries, archives or computer and server rooms. In these cases, the extinguishing effect of gases is used.
Extinguishing gases
Extinguishing gases are divided into oxygen-displacing gases (including inert gases and carbon dioxide) and chemically active extinguishing agents.
The term ‘inert gases’ is derived from the Latin word ‘inert’, which translates to ‘sluggish’ in English. They are characterized by their particular inertness and generally do not enter into any chemical compounds with combustible materials or other substances.
Oxygen-displacing gases (inert gases and CO2)
In addition, these inert gases are colorless, electrically non-conductive and completely residue-free
These inert gases, such as nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2) or argon (Ar), are already present in the natural atmosphere and are for use in gas extinguishing systems. Once released, they have no adverse effect on the environmental balance. After they have been used, it is sufficient to ventilate the room well.
In addition, these inert gases are colorless, electrically non-conductive and completely residue-free. Hence, they have no influence on the function of the protected systems, so as to ensure that the systems remain operational, even after the extinguishing operation.
Extinguishing effect of inert gases
The extinguishing effect of inert gases is based on the displacement of oxygen in the room. The flames are smothered and a combustion process is interrupted. Another application is the lowering of the oxygen content in the air from the outset.
In this way, the development of a fire in certain sections of production processes, sensitive storage areas or in museums, and archives with unique cultural goods can be totally excluded.
Chemically acting extinguishing gases
Chemically acting extinguishing gases, such as NOVEC1230 intervene directly in the combustion process. The extinguishing effect is based on the extraction of heat and only to a negligible part, on the displacement of oxygen.
Extinguishing gases can reliably protect entire rooms, as well as flammable objects
The concentration of the extinguishing agent is lower than that of inert gas extinguishing systems, as an entire room does not have to be flooded. Extinguishing gases can reliably protect entire rooms, as well as flammable objects, by aligning extinguishing nozzles directly to them. In any case, the personal danger posed by gas extinguishing systems must not be disregarded.
Optical and acoustic alarms
Optical and acoustic alarms warn those present, before the extinguishing system is activated, so that people can be evacuated in good time. The selection of the appropriate extinguishing gas depends on the intended use. For example, the inert gas argon is used at extremely high combustion temperatures, such as those of metal fires, because in comparison to CO2, it does not split even at high temperatures.
Basically, however, CO2 is the most popular of all extinguishing gases, because it is versatile, inexpensive and readily available worldwide. Nitrogen is often used to make rooms inert and thanks to its excellent human tolerance, it is particularly suitable for protecting rooms with high traffic.