Aerosol-based Automatic Fire Detection & Suppression Technology:
This technology is being used widely across India for various applications. Central Government Departments, especially the Ministry of Railways have approved this particular technology, and is being used in all kinds of electrical panels which are inside the trains and also in their offices.
Why Pyrogen: Automatic fire Suppression products?
Aerosol based Automatic Fire Detection and Suppression Technology was Invented, Designed, and Developed by M/s Pyrogen.
In the case of Pyrogen: Fire/Heat sensing is through a heat sensing cable, which helps fire detection at a very early stage and suppresses it immediately thereafter. This early detection of fire saves protected areas from any damage.
There is minimal Residue after fire suppression.
After the fire suppression, the same activation device can be reused, which saves a lot of money for all industries.
PYROGEN’s Key officials are board members in global committees of Aerosol & Fire Technologies.
Technical detail of Pyrogen’s Aerosol based fire suppression products:
a) Certifications: –
i. ISO 15779:2011 Approved.
ii. Australian Standard AS 4487-2013 certified.
iii. Australian Standard AS 1857-2012 certified.
iv. NFPA 2010-2006 certified.
v. RDSO approved
b) Advantages: –
i. Ecologically safe & environment friendly (ODP=0, GWP=0)
ii. Uniquely easy to install and maintain
iii. No significant pressure build-up
iv. Very cost effective
v. Non-pressurized containment.
vi. No piping or nozzle is required.
vii. Product life is an average of 10 years
viii. Virtually Zero maintenance
c) Feature: –
i. Non-corrosive
ii. Non-conductive
iii. No risk of flashing out or backdraft
iv. Very small footprint
v. Easy to retrofit
vi. Very quick suppression and extinguishing.
THIS TECHNOLOGY IS BEST SUITED FOR CLASS-A, CLASS-B, CLASS-C & CLASS-E TYPE OF FIRES.
Classification of Fire:
Class-A: Combustible Materials like paper & wood
Class-B: Flammable Liquids like paint and petrol
Class-C: Flammable Gases like butane and methane
Class-E: Electrical Fires like electrical equipment, computers, and generators Comparison of this technology with other technologies:
As a thumb rule, a 100gm Aerosol compound unit is sufficient for 1 cubic meter of space. This technology is maintenance-free.
Several key differences and benefits emerge when comparing aerosol-based fire suppression systems to traditional fire-extinguishing gas cylinders. Here’s a detailed comparison based on various criteria:
- Material and Durability
Aerosol-based Fire Suppression Systems:
It is made of high-quality stainless-steel material ensuring durability and longevity.
Resistant to corrosion and physical wear, providing a robust solution for fire suppression.
Traditional Fire Extinguishing Gas Cylinders:
Typically constructed from mild steel
They may require more frequent inspections to check for corrosion or physical damage.
2. Size and Weight
Aerosol-based Systems:
Compact, with options like 8 gm, 13gm,20 gm,30gm,60gm,100gm,200gm,500gm,1kg,2kg,5kg Aerosol cylinders depending on the application size
Lightweight and easy to install in various locations, including small and confined spaces.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
Larger and heavier due to the need to store gas under high pressure.
Require more space for storage and installation.
3. Activation Mechanism
Aerosol-based Systems:
Activates automatically when exposed to temperatures ranging from 70° – 180°C.
Temperature activation can be customized to meet specific requirements.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
Often require manual activation or rely on an electronic detection system.
Some systems are designed to activate at specific temperatures, but customization is generally less flexible.
4. Coverage and Effectiveness
Aerosol-based Systems:
Suitable for almost all kinds of fires, with rapid suppression capabilities.
Highly effective in preventing re-ignition and minimizing damage.
Capable of quickly dispersing the aerosol agent to cover the affected area.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
Effective for limited types of fire sizes, from small to large-scale incidents.
Depends on the type of gas used (e.g., CO2, FM-200) for effectiveness and re-ignition prevention.
Coverage is dependent on gas dispersion which can be affected by room layout and ventilation.
5. Maintenance
Aerosol-based Systems:
No maintenance is required.
Designed to be a fit-and-forget solution, reducing ongoing operational costs and effort.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
Require regular maintenance and inspections to ensure functionality.
Periodic checks for pressure levels, potential leaks, and overall system integrity are necessary.
6. Environmental and Safety Considerations
Aerosol-based Systems:
Environmentally friendly with zero ozone depletion potential and global warming potential.
Safe for use in occupied spaces, posing no harm to individuals.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
Environmental impact varies depending on the gas used; some gases have higher ozone depletion and global warming potential.
Safety measures depend on the type of gas; CO2 systems can be hazardous in occupied spaces.
May include safety features like pressure gauges and relief valves, but these can vary by system.
7. Shelf Life
Aerosol-based Systems:
Designed for a minimum 10-year shelf life.
A long shelf life ensures reliability over an extended period without degradation.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
- Warranty and shelf life can vary widely by manufacturer and type of system.
- Typically require more frequent replacements or refills.
8. Cost-effectiveness:
Aerosol-based Systems:
Automatic fire suppression systems are cost-effective as they do not require any installation cost, no refilling of chemicals, and also do not require any maintenance throughout the product life.
Traditional Gas Cylinders:
They required proper maintenance, Installation charges, and timely refilling and pressure checks which resulted in more cost of the product.
Conclusion
Aerosol-based fire suppression systems offer several advantages over traditional fire extinguishing gas cylinders, particularly in ease of maintenance, environmental safety, and suitability for small to medium fires. Their compact size, automatic activation, and robust construction make them an appealing choice for modern fire protection needs. However, traditional gas cylinders may still be preferred for larger-scale fire suppression and in scenarios where specific types of gas are required for effective firefighting.