Industrial Safety Supplies

A kitchen fire suppression system (also known as a hood system or wet chemical system) is an automated system designed to protect commercial kitchens from oil and grease fires. The system uses thermal sensors to detect a fire and releases a spray of a special chemical solution directly over the fire area, extinguishing the flames and cooling the surfaces. It may also include a water cooling system to prevent reignition.

System Operation

Fire Detection: When the temperature reaches a predetermined point (typically around 183°C), a thermal sensor chip (fuse) melts and activates a control valve.

Extinguishing Agent Release: A wet chemical solution, stored in a special tank, is released through spray nozzles to cover the danger zone.

Flame Extinguishing and Surface Cooling: The chemical solution reacts with the burning oil to quickly extinguish the flames and is also sprayed into the smoke stream to prevent the flames from spreading. A valve then opens to spray water, cooling the hot surfaces and preventing the oil from reigniting.

System Components

Extinguishing Agent Tank: Stores the special chemical solution.

Pipes and hoses: Deliver the liquid from the tank to the spray nozzles.

Spray nozzles: Spray the chemical liquid and water mist over cooking appliances.

Control unit: The heart of the system, receiving sensor signals and controlling the release of the extinguishing agent.

Heat sensors: Thermal fuses that melt at a specific temperature to automatically activate the system.

System advantages:

Rapid response: Detects and extinguishes fires very quickly, often within 3 to 5 seconds.

Safe and effective: Designed for oil and grease fires, which are among the most difficult types of fires to extinguish, and uses relatively safe chemicals.

Comprehensive safety: Protects property and lives from kitchen fire hazards.

Versatile options: Available in different models to suit large and small commercial kitchens, with the possibility of connecting to central control systems.

Dual operation: Can be activated automatically or manually upon fire detection.

Note: This system must be installed by professionals, and personnel must be trained in its use and how to handle any potential emergencies.

A foam fire suppression system uses foam to extinguish fires. The foam forms an insulating layer that separates oxygen from the ignition source. The system works by smothering the fire, cooling the burning materials, and preventing the release of flammable fuel vapors. It is particularly effective on fires involving flammable liquids and is used in factories, fuel depots, and chemical storage facilities.

How it Works

A foam layer is formed from a mixture of water and special chemical concentrates.

This layer covers the surface of the burning fuel, isolating the flames from oxygen and preventing further combustion.

The foam also cools the burning materials and their surfaces.

Foam prevents the release of flammable fuel vapors, thus limiting the spread of the fire.

Main Components

Foam Tank: For storing the foam concentrate.

Foam Pump: For pumping the foam.

Pipe and Sprinkler System: For distributing the foam in the area to be protected.

Sensor: For detecting the fire and automatically activating the system.

Mixer/Proportioner: For mixing foam concentrate with water in the required proportions.

Uses and Benefits

Effectiveness: Highly effective in extinguishing flammable liquid fires, such as fuel fires.

Cooling: Cools burning materials and helps prevent reignition.

Insulation: Isolates the flame from the fuel, stopping the combustion process.

Suitable for Sensitive Equipment: Can be used in areas containing water-sensitive electrical or electronic equipment, as the foam reduces damage.

Safe: Safe for use in populated areas and does not cause harmful air pollution.

Versatile: Suitable for both large and small spaces.

Fire Suppression Systems in Electrical Rooms:

Fire suppression systems in electrical rooms rely on the use of clean, residue-free, and electrically conductive extinguishing agents, such as inert gases and clean chemicals. Common fire suppression systems include gas systems such as FM200, which cools the fire and removes oxygen, or CO2 (carbon dioxide) systems, which displace oxygen to prevent flame spread without damaging equipment. Mixed gas systems, such as IG-541, which uses a mixture of nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, are also available.

Components of a Fire Suppression System in Electrical Rooms

Suppressor Unit: Cylinders containing the extinguishing gas.

Pipe Network: Steel pipes for distributing the gas throughout the room or cabinet.

Suppressor Head: Releases the extinguishing agent upon detecting a fire.

Control System: Includes smoke and heat detectors, a control panel, alarms, and discharge indicators.

Sensing Tube: Acts as a heat-sensitive detector and explodes when a specific temperature is reached to release the extinguishing agent.

System Operation Methods

Direct Type: Responds by the explosion of the sensor tube when it reaches 140°C, releasing the extinguishing agent directly onto the source of the fire.

Indirect type: The sensor tube opens an orifice, activating the fire suppression system valve and releasing the extinguishing agent through the discharge pipes.

System Selection Criteria

Size and Type: The size and design of the system are determined based on the area of ​​the room or cabinet to be protected.

Compliance: It is preferable to select a system that complies with international code requirements, such as NFPA.

Additional Recommendations

Ventilation: Provide adequate ventilation to minimize heat buildup.

Insulation: Ensure good electrical insulation to prevent short circuits.

Regular Maintenance: Conduct regular maintenance of electrical equipment and systems to detect any potential faults.

Non-Combustible Materials: Use non-combustible materials in the construction of electrical rooms.

Transformer room fire suppression systems depend on the transformer type. Total immersion systems with carbon dioxide (CO2) or clean gas systems such as FM-200 or Novec 1230 are used for immersion transformers.