Gas

Automatic Gas Extinguishing

Gas extinguishing systems are designed to protect sensitive environments where water could damage equipment (Data Centers, archives, machine rooms, etc.). They use agents such as CO₂, inert gases (nitrogen, argon), or halocarbons, which are effective against liquid, gas, electrical equipment, and solid material fires.

 

General Principle of Extinction 

Whether protecting a closed room or an open space, extinguishing gases work on two principles: smothering and/or inhibition:

• Smothering: Reduction of oxygen levels. The release of the gaseous extinguishing agent replaces part of the atmosphere around the fire. The oxygen level is reduced by dilution.
• Inhibition: Interruption of the chemical reaction of the fire. Inhibitor gases interrupt the combustion chemical reaction by combining with the free radicals produced by the fire.

 

Types of Applications 

• Ambient protection: The gas is distributed within a closed room to reach a sufficient concentration. Systems operating on the principle of ambient protection release a gaseous extinguishing agent into a closed space to achieve a concentration of the agent sufficient to extinguish the fire.
• Local application: Direct projection on the fire without a physical barrier. Systems that operate on the local application principle directly project the gaseous extinguishing agent onto the fire.

 

Advantages 

The use of gas is particularly useful in archives, high-value storage areas, Data Centers, and other electronic equipment spaces. The only noticeable effect in case of a fire protected by an automatic gas system is a slight temperature rise.

Additionally, real-world tests and analyses show that the use of gas can extinguish the beginning of a fire in as little as 15 seconds.

Finally, this system is very compact and takes up little space, with the extinguishing agent stored in liquid or compressed gas bottles.

 

Compliant with APSAD standards (R7/R13), these systems require dual automatic detection or a secured manual release. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure their continued performance.