kaasusammutusta

Kaasusammutusta, also known as gas suppression systems, are a type of active fire protection system that uses gaseous agents to extinguish fires. These systems are typically employed in areas where water-based suppression systems could cause significant damage to sensitive equipment or materials, or where the fire hazard is of a type that gas suppression is particularly effective against.

The principle behind gas suppression is to reduce the concentration of oxygen in the protected space to a level below that required to sustain combustion, or to chemically interfere with the combustion process. The choice of gaseous agent depends on the specific application and the nature of the fire hazard. Common agents include inert gases like nitrogen, argon, and their mixtures (e.g., Inergen), as well as clean agents like HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and FKs (fluoroketones).

Inert gases work by diluting the oxygen in the atmosphere. When released, they displace oxygen and reduce its concentration to a point where the fire cannot continue to burn. Clean agents, on the other hand, often work through a combination of physical and chemical means. They can absorb heat from the fire, and some agents can also interrupt the chemical chain reactions that propagate the fire.

Gas suppression systems are often automated, triggered by smoke or heat detectors. Upon detection of a fire, the system releases the gaseous agent into the protected area. These systems are designed to be rapid and effective, minimizing damage to property and ensuring the safety of occupants. They are frequently found in server rooms, telecommunications facilities, museums, archives, and industrial control rooms. Safety considerations are paramount, and systems are designed to ensure that occupied spaces are either evacuated before discharge or that the concentration of the extinguishing agent remains at a safe level for human exposure.