
Deluge and Water
Spray Systems
Deluge systems are installations with a discharge pipe array fitted with open sprinkler heads or water spray nozzles with the water to the discharge pipe array being controlled by a quick opening (deluge) valve.
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On operation of the detection system the deluge valve is opened, water is admitted into the discharge pipe array and is discharged through the open sprinklers or water spray nozzles to provide complete coverage of the entire protected area. Deluge systems are designed primarily for the protection of high hazard risks where intensive fires with a rapid rate of propagation are expected and it is desirable to discharge water simultaneously over the entire zone in which the fire may occur.
Water spray systems are utilised for more challenging fires where it is necessary to direct the water onto the hazard or surface being protected using directional nozzles. Water spray systems are most commonly used for exposure protection of bulk storage flammable and combustible liquid tanks to cool the shell, prevent explosion or collapse of the tank and extension of the fire. In addition, water spray systems can be utilised for extinguishment and control of some flammable liquids fires, some combustible liquid fires, class A combustibles, and electrical transformer.
Water Spray Nozzles
Foam
Systems
Foam deluge and foam sprinkler systems are utilised to protect specialist risks involving the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids.
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- Storage tank protection
- Warehouse storage of flammable and combustible liquids
- Aircraft hangars
- Heliports
- Truck loading areas
How does fire fighting foam work? Fire fighting foams suppress fire by forming a blanket across the surface of the liquid fuel and separating it from the air (oxygen) that it needs to burn. In addition to smothering the fire the foam blanket also cools the fuel and suppresses the release of flammable vapours.
Types of Fire Fighting Foam There are several different types of foam to suit a wide range of applications and fuel types. Argus’s engineering and design team would be happy to discuss your needs with you to ensure that the best solution is offered to meet your specific requirements.
Dry
Systems
A dry pipe installation is a sprinkler installation in which the installation pipe work is permanently charged with gas under pressure above the alarm (dry pipe) valve and with water under pressure below the valve.
Preaction
Sprinkler Systems
Argus Fire Protection has considerable experience with the design, on-going service, maintenance, testing and compliance management of specialist fire sprinkler systems such as preaction sprinkler systems. We are able to offer a full range of specialist systems of this type and the backup service to support your installation.
What is a Preaction Sprinkler System?
Before water may be discharged it is necessary that both the detection system and the sprinkler heads on the discharge pipework operate.
Preaction sprinkler systems are categorised by their style of operation (generally either single interlock or double interlock) and their type of detection (generally electric or pneumatic) as described below.
Types of Preaction Sprinkler Systems
The basic types of preaction sprinkler systems and their typical uses are described below.
Single Interlocked
Single interlock preaction systems are typically installed to protect sensitive equipment such as computer server suites which require a higher level of protection against accidental water discharge.
Double Interlocked
Double interlocked preaction sprinkler systems are more complex than single interlocked sprinkler systems and are therefore considered to be less reliable. In addition, because the preaction control valve does not open until both the detection system and a closed head sprinkler on the discharge pipework operate, there is a longer delay before water is discharged onto the fire.
The New Zealand automatic fire sprinkler standard (NZS4541) only permits the use of double interlocked preaction sprinkler systems in freezers and other similar environments where it is undesirable to permit water to enter the discharge pipework until the after the sprinklers have been activated, due to the risk of and damage associated with freezing water in the pipework
Pneumatic Detection
The New Zealand automatic fire sprinkler standard (NZS4541) favours the use of pneumatic detection over other means of detection.
Electric Detection
Gaseous Fire
Suppression Systems
Gaseous fire suppression systems (also referred to as clean agent systems) are utilised to protect high value assets such as computer server rooms, PLC control rooms, storage of irreplaceable artefacts where a high level of fire protection is required and the use of water or other suppressant agents would be damaging to the protected equipment.
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Argus Fire Protection offers a range of gaseous fire suppression agents to meet a variety of challenges. These gaseous agents are described here.