C02 Suppression Systems
Carbon dioxide is a plentiful, non-corrosive gas that does not support combustion nor react with most substances.
It has a low toxicity classification by Underwriters Laboratories (Group 5a). It is commonly compressed to the liquid
state for storage and transportation in DOT cylinders. Upon release, it discharges under its own pressure giving the
appearance of steam as its low temperature crystallizes water in the air. For clean agent fire suppression purposes
the discharge is designed to raise the carbon dioxide concentration in the hazard. This removes the free oxygen
which supports combustion*, and results in fire extinguishment. The resultant lack of free oxygen dictates that total
flooding hazards be evacuated immediately, and carbon dioxide from local application be avoided by personnel.
Carbon dioxide is an effective fire extinguishing agent that can be used on many types of fires. It is effective for
surface fires, such as flammable liquids and most solid combustible materials. It expands at a ratio of 450 to 1 by
volume. Other desirable attributes are its high degree of effectiveness, its excellent thermal stability, and freedom
from deterioration. In addition, carbon dioxide has so many additional commercial uses that refills are available in
practically every large city or seaport throughout the world. Criteria for quantity and concentration of carbon dioxide
is developed in NFPA-12 for both local and total flooding applications.
Non-occupied Applications:
Dip Tanks
Electric Generators
Electric Generating Equipment
Electrical Panels
Marine Applications
Spray Booths
Waste Disposal Equipment
Gas Turbines
Coal Silos
Hazardous Material Storage
Quench Tanks
Semiconductor Wet Benches
Computer Room Subfloors
Non-Occupied Control Rooms
Coating Operations
Paint Lines
Wave Solder Machines
Machining Operations
Hose Reel Stations
Transformer Vaults
Dust Collectors
Printing Presses
Inerting Systems