LEVELS OF VOLUMETRIC PROTECTION

1.Total Flooding
2.Internal protection at the identifiable possible sources of fire
3.Streaming/local protection of items of particular concern (e.g. of great value, risk etc.)

® Fire Extinguishing Aerosol Generator systems can be designed for total flooding, internal and for streaming/local protection. This feature provides the unique Synergy Factor that can be offered by the systems.

In all cases calculations are made of the quantity of extinguishing material needed per cubic metre (m³) of volume to be protected and accordingly the appropriate type of generator is chosen.

Formula for material required

Total flooding: Example

This is the method of flooding a volume totally with an extinguishing agent so that extinguishment of fire is achieved.

The basic consideration when using ® generators in total flood installations is the dynamics of aerosol distribution. This requires that the positioning of the generators is such that the aerosol will distribute evenly and effectively throughout the volume under protection.

Furthermore, particular attention is given to the lay-out of objects (e.g. furniture, filing cabinets etc.) within the volume. The significance of this lies in ensuring the following:

A. The fast and effective distribution of the aerosol.

B. The free and unimpeded flow of the aerosol from the
generators.

Significantly, the ® generators, where necessary, (e.g when installed in normally occupied areas) can easily be connected to any conventional detection, activation and/or alarm system to enable warning and evacuation of personnel from the affected areas.

Internal protection: Example

® products have in their range small generators that can now cost effectively and easily protect such small volumes that were in the past difficult and expensive to protect.

This is the flooding internally of small objects e.g. TVs, PCs, electrical cabinets and/or panels, car engine compartments etc. where fire can start.

Streaming/local protection: Example

This method of protection involves the discharge of the fire extinguishing aerosol directly onto or in the close vicinity of fire.

Therefore, the ® generators can be installed in such a way in relation to any object so as to allow the discharged aerosol to reach it and extinguish the fire.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS/ADVICE
Design requirements	Minimum clearance distances
Only manufacturer trained personnel are approved to carry out designs for the installation of ® generators to ensure that: the correct method for the calculation of the extinguishing material is used. the positioning of the generators is according to manufacturer specifications.	It is important to observe the manufacturer stated minimum distances between the outlet of the installed generator and other objects. This is a crucial factor because: the outlets should not be blocked in any way so that the aerosol egresses freely. of the aerosol temperatures at the outlet of certain generators.
Evacuation of personnel	Residue
Before discharge of any total flooding agent all personnel must be evacuated. Similarly with ® systems, although not dangerous to people, unnecessary exposure to the aerosol should be avoided. On activation ® aerosol decreases significantly visibility in the volume under protection.	The discharged aerosol particles are not corrosive. However, being anhydrous they will tend over a period of time to attract moisture/humidity present in the surrounding atmosphere. It is therefore strongly advised that the residues are cleaned up as soon as possible after discharge of the aerosol.