Carbon dioxide systems

Functionality of a carbon dioxide extinguishing system

Quick and effective fire fighting is the strong point of carbon dioxide extinguishing systems. Extinguishing with carbon dioxide is achieved by displacing the oxygen from a fire source quickly - and thus starving the fire. The high heat binding capacity of the carbon dioxide causes the withdrawal of energy from the source of the fire, which enhances the extinguishing effect.

Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems, due to their special extinguishing agent properties, feature advantages over other inert gas extinguishing systems: Even freestanding objects in a room can be protected. The liquefied carbon dioxide forms a thick aerosol cloud in the flooding zone. Special local application nozzles put the extinguishing agent precisely at the object to be protected.

Advantages

The extinguishing effect of carbon dioxide is caused by the fast displacement of oxygen in the vicinity of the fire source and a high heat-retention capacity. Due to special extinguishing agent properties, carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are not only able to protect entire rooms, but also open facilities. Carbon dioxide is a natural component of ambient air and electrically non-conductive. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems require little space for storing the extinguishing agent.

Suitable for both, the protection of rooms and freelystanding objects
Carbon dioxide is a natural component of ambient air and is therefore readily available
Extinguishes without residue without adversely affecting the protected objects
Chemical reactions as a result of extinguishing are virtually impossible
The extinguishing agent is electrically nonconductive and therefore suitable for protecting electric system components
The homogeneous distribution of extinguishing agent and the fast concentration buildup provide optimum effectiveness
After a fire, there is no extinguishing agent residue and therefore no cleanup expense
The extinguishing effect is ensured even at low ambient temperatures
Reliable extinguishing provides maximum protection of assets
The system technology for components has been tried and tested for decades
The modular, multi-zone system can be easily adapted for most renovation or expansion measures
Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems allow space-saving extinguishing agent storage, especially with low-pressure vessels
After a fire, the extinguishing system is ready for operation again, at a low cost
Approvals by certified test bodies and design compliance with national standards ensure acceptance by insurance companies and building authorities
If installed, insurance companies grant rebates on fire and fire business interruption insurance

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How does a carbon dioxide extinguishing system work?

Supply in low-pressure vessels Supply in high-pressure steel cylinders Functional readiness and operational safety

Supply in low-pressure vessels

If large quantities of extinguishing agent are needed for the overall safety concept, a low-pressure vessel is recommended – especially on economic grounds. The liquefied carbon dioxide is stored in the vessel at a temperate of approx. –20 °C and at an operating pressure of approx. 20 bar.

A cooling unit provides a constant low temperature. The operating costs are minimized through optimum insulation design. The supply vessel is mounted on a easy to calibrate electronic weighing unit, which constantly displays the actual weight and therefore any potential loss of gas due to leaks.

Supply in high-pressure steel cylinders

At installation, high-pressure steel cylinders are combined in one cylinder bank with special frames and independent suspension. Arranged in one or more rows, surprisingly large supplies of gas can be stored in a very small space.

The special frames can easily be adapted for extended protection zones or quick replacement of individual cylinders. Each cylinder suspension is also a weighing unit, which automatically indicates small leakages of extinguishing agent.

Functional readiness and operational safety

Neuralgic functions and components of the extinguishing system, such as the gas quantity, shutoff, release and distribution units, are monitored to ensure the constant functional readiness of the extinguishing system.

Control and monitoring of the carbon dioxide extinguishing systems is provided via Minimax fire detection system. Fire detectors monitor the protected zone. If the system detects smoke or an excessive rise in temperature or flames, the fire detection control panel initiates the extinguishing process.

Applications

Due to its outstanding properties, the carbon dioxide extinguishing system is the ideal fire protection solution for many areas of application. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are well-suited for high risk areas, where, in the event of a fire, it is necessary to keep the protected objects available and functioning, to minimize operational interruptions after a fire, to prevent reactions between the burnt material and the extinguishing agent, to prevent damage from the extinguishing agent itself and to ensure effective extinguishing of objects in areas with difficult access (3-D extinguishing effect).