When it comes to fire suppression and protection, there are a number of agents on the market. Each different fire suppression agent comes with a unique set of pros and cons, and each is suited for a variety of different fire classes. As fire protection specialists, we’re often answering questions about which fire suppression agent is best for which application, and one topic that comes up frequently is clean agents. Here’s everything you need to know about clean agents, from what they are to how they work:
A clean agent is any type of fire extinguishing agent that is electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous, and that does not leave a residue upon evaporation. Clean agent fire suppression systems make use of an inert gas or chemical that is stored in a container and discharged when a fire is detected.
This type of fire extinguishing agent gets its name, “clean”, from the fact that it doesn’t leave a residue, but also because most clean agents are significantly more environmentally friendly than other options.
A fire can only occur when three elements are present: heat, oxygen, and a fuel source. If one element is not present or is blocked, the fire will be extinguished. Clean agents eliminate either the heat or the oxygen elements to extinguish the fire.
There are a number of clean agent fire suppression systems on the market, but the three most common agents used for fire suppression are inert gases, FM-200, and Novec 1230. Let’s take a quick look at how these three different clean agents work to extinguish fires.
Why should your business or organization consider choosing a clean agent fire suppression system? While all systems have pros and cons, clean agents are one of the most low-maintenance fire suppression systems. Here are just a few of the benefits of implementing a clean agent fire suppression system:
Many fire suppression agents are great for extinguishing fires, but not always the best for the environment. Some agents can contribute to ozone depletion, while others contain some toxic properties that aren’t safe for people or the planet. When it comes to clean fire suppression agents, it’s good to know that they are safe for the environment.
Clean agents have zero ozone depletion potential. They don’t affect the earth’s ozone layer, which means they’re safe to use without harming the environment. They’re also non-toxic and non-corrosive. Finally, most clean agents dissipate quickly, if not as soon as the fire is suppressed. With short atmospheric lifetimes, these agents don’t pollute the environment either.
Clean agents are an effective, and attractive fire suppression option for a variety of applications. If you’re interested in implementing clean agents, know that your choice will help protect our environment, while still keeping your facility safe. The Vanguard team would love to help you make the switch. Give us a call at 616-245-8719 or contact us online and we’ll set up a convenient time to go over the details.
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