Fires can reduce a commercial building to cinders in a matter of minutes. This is why it is essential to take all kinds of precautions to protect your commercial property, and the employees working there.
New technologies, fire control, and suppression systems are being developed and released in the market to provide optimum protection to commercial premises. While it is true that the pace of innovation can be slow when compared to other industrial sectors, it is undoubtedly moving forward in the right direction.
Gone are the days when water sprinklers and fire extinguishers are the only way to prevent fire breakouts. Modern-day infrastructure is continuously evolving, and the demand for sustainable fire protection is increasing daily. These growing complexities have made it necessary to develop more eco-friendly and comprehensive fire suppressant systems.
Thankfully, such developments are being continuously made to bridge the gap between demand and supply of innovative fire control technologies. Many fire protection services in Brisbane are now offering these new measures to control and suppress fire outbreaks in commercial properties.
What Are The New Technologies Offered in Fire Protection Services?
Due to the demand for more sustainable fire suppression methods, exciting new developments are taking place in the market. While the core beliefs of fire protection remain the same – to suppress and control it – the new technologies emerging in the industry are more sustainable, safe, and efficient.
Here we will explore in detail some of the most recent fire control and suppressant technologies in the market that is slowly transforming the industry.
Water Mist Suppression Systems
An upgraded version of the traditional water sprinkler systems, the water mist suppression system releases microdroplets of water to control the fire. This system is usually installed in closed arenas to suppress Class C gas fires. It can also be used to protect high-voltage transformers filled with oil.
Although traditional water sprinkler systems are considered an essential asset for residential and commercial structures, many argue that it uses too much water. Thus, it is not considered a very sustainable fire protection system.
Moreover, it cannot be used in spaces that store fragile electrical equipment or perishable items that can get damaged in contact with water. These concerns with a focus on developing more sustainable solutions lead to the development of water mist suppression systems.
Several fire protection services offer this new technology to control fire outbreaks.
Sustainable Foam Deluge Systems
Another eco-friendly fire control technology is the foam suppression system. The foam is released to coat the fire and act as a sealant. It cuts off the oxygen supply, thus controlling flames effectively.
Foam suppression systems functions on the exact mechanism as wet sprinklers. The foam is discharged through nozzles and blankets the fire to cool it down and reduce its combustion ability.
Additionally, the water in the foam also prevents fire reignition through inflammable vapours and successfully suppresses fire hazards. The water and foaming agent are stored separately and mixed just before they are discharged through the nozzles.
At the very end moment, just before the sprinkler is activated, the foaming agent is mixed with the water and released. When the foaming agent comes in contact with the water, it expands and covers large areas to control the fire.
Foam suppression systems are mainly used in warehouses, aircraft hangers, mining sites, processing units, marine applications, facilities built for testing jet engines, and storage facilities for flammable liquids.
Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System
As the name suggests, this technology uses a dry chemical powder to suppress or douse a fire. The chemical is stored in a large tank under high pressure. When the system is triggered – manually or automatically – the tank valve opens to release the chemical powder into the room through nozzles.
Mono-ammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate are the primary dry chemicals used in this innovative fire suppression system. While sodium bicarbonate is effective on all Class B and some Class C fires, mono-ammonium phosphate controls all kinds of flames, including Class A, B, and C.
This fire suppression technology is primarily used in large industrial premises like auto paint booths, chemical storage facilities, mixing rooms, dip tanks, and petrochemical storage facilities.
Dry chemical fire suppressant systems are beneficial for spaces where water or foam cannot be used to control the flames. Since the chemical is released in a powder form, it is commonly used to douse out electrical equipment fires or fires on flammable liquids.
Wrapping Up
Fires is unpredictable and can get out of control in a matter of moments. Moreover, according to the WHS regulations, all commercial facilities must have proper fire suppression equipment installed on their premises.Fire protection services offer a range of suppression systems for all commercial spaces and offices. Entrusting them will help you comply with the rules and regulations and ensure you get the best fire safety plan possible.