Looking for fire equipment supplier in Malaysia? Firefighting systems are used to put out fires. There are four major types: CO2, Water mist, Chemical foam, and Dry powder. Let’s look at each type. Which one is best for my building? Read on to find out! Depending on the type of building, each may use different types of firefighting systems. For your home, you may be lucky enough to have one of each.
Water mist
A water mist and firefighting system have been around for a long time. But newer technology is making a strong case for their continued use. Water mist systems can replace various suppression agents including carbon dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons, and dry chchemicalsIn many cases, water mist systems are much more effective than these traditional agents and are eco-friendly. But the question is, what are the pros and cons of a water mist and firefighting system?
The benefits of a water mist and firefighting system over a traditional one include lower initial costs and higher efficiency. The water mist system requires fewer pipe diameters and lower flow rates than traditional systems, which use pipes up to 200 mm in diameter. Unlike traditional fire protection systems, mist systems require less clean-up and damage. And they are much less disruptive. However, water mist systems may not be suitable for all types of buildings.
CO2
The use of a CO2 and firefighting system is an important safety precaution. Because CO2 can be fatal to humans in concentrations as low as 7.5%, fire suppression systems utilizing this agent must meet stringent safety guidelines. CO2 fire suppression systems must also ensure safety for first responders and workers near the system during firefighting operations. In the United States, federal regulations do not allow fire prevention systems that contain less than 19.5% oxygen.
Facilities utilizing CO2 as a fire suppressant must comply with National Fire Protection Association standards for the system. These standards include full discharge tests, evacuation plans, and air testing to ensure normal CO2 levels. NFPA 12 outlines the specific CO2 levels that must be met in fire suppression systems. Typically, an industrial CO2 system will use banks of high-pressure CO2 cylinders to discharge a high-pressure stream of CO2.
Chemical foam
The U.S. military has started replacing AFFF with foam, and lobbying has continued nationally and internationally. The Fire Fighting Foam Coalition, a group of industry representatives, has a counterpart in the U.S., and its primary engagement points are the Department of Defense, FluoroCouncil, and Navsea. Together, they hope to eventually phase out PFOA and PFOS from fire-fighting systems.
PFAS is a persistent organic compound found in some firefighting foams. While its effects are still unknown, the presence of this chemical in firefighting foam has raised concerns for health and environmental health. Because of these concerns, the American government is looking for ways to minimize human exposure to PFAS-based chemicals. In California, PFAS will be banned from firefighting foams and food packaging in 2028. New Mexico and Minnesota are close to enacting similar legislation.
A firefighting foam’s use in the military is extensive. Nearly seventy percent of the market is devoted to the military. Until the mid-1990s, 3M Company was the sole supplier of AFFF to the military. But by then, several other companies joined forces with 3M. In addition to the military, the AFFF market is growing every year. The average AFFF consumption is around six to twelve percent annually.
Dry powder
In the event of a fire, a Dry Powder or ABC dry chemical can be used. Dry powder is non-pressurized and is a highly effective fire suppression agent. Its discharge is fast and provides double volumetric and surface suppression. This type of firefighting system is easy to use and install. It consists of a dry powder and a gas generator with an electrical activator. This chemical is discharged through a nozzle or flange that has a special membrane. Using a dry powder fire fighting system is ideal for a variety of environments, including enclosed buildings and open spaces.
Conclusion
Many new chemical tankers now use a dry powder extinguishing system. These systems contain several thousand kilograms of dry powder and are strategically located on the deck. They are typically accessible by two hoses, each up to 25 m in length. The dry powder can extinguish the fire by inhibiting the burning process. This system is not legally required for ordinary passenger cars, but it is a good idea to have one.