Clean agents are extinguishing agents which don't leave residue after extinguishing and are electrically non-conductive and in gaseous or volatile state. Normally clean agents are used when water, foam and powder agents are not effective or suitable for the fire. Clean agent extinguishing systems also called gaseous fire suppression which are good replacements for Halons.
Are used when water, foam and powder extinguishers are not effective or suitable for materials.
Clean agents are also used in both types of extinguishers:
1- Portable extinguisher
2- Fixed extinguisher (stationary system)
- Single sector
- Multi sector
How clean agents put out the fire?
This extinguishing agent also controls or extinguishes the fires by weakening or eliminating the sides of a fire triangle or square.
There are two types of clean agents:
1- Inert gases (e.g. Ansul Inergen with nitrogen, argon and carbon dioxide)
Inert gases work by mainly reducing the percentage of oxygen in protected area.
2- Chemical gases (e.g. FM-200, 3M Novec 1230)
Chemical gases are colourless, non-toxic and non-corrosive agents which work mainly by reducing the heat in protected area.
Advantages:
- Safe for people: Suitable for occupied area (Manned area): Properly designed clean agents, unlike carbon dioxide, do not reduce oxygen levels on the verge of dangerous situation for occupants.
- No damage: Unlike powder and water extinguishers, it does not damage sensitive equipment.
- No residue (after extinguishing)
- No clean up (after extinguishing)
Disadvantages:
- Expensive (Initial purchase, recharge etc.)
- In case of improper design, increasing pressure may damage the equipment.
- If designed incorrectly, oxygen reduction level may be dangerous for residents.
Note1: Installation of clean agent systems must be according to standards and local regulations.
Related standards:
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