Fire SystemsTM CO2 Low Pressure

Fire SystemsTM

experience

Hazard-Engineered Protection

You can measure our experience by the diversityof applications, the technical sophistication, andsystem performance represented by a range ofcommercial and industrial special hazard applications.CO2 is used in the extinguishment of fires involvingflammable liquids, electrical hazards, enginesutilizing gasoline and other fuels, ordinary com-bustibles such as paper and wood, and hazardoussolids, as well as in the extinguishment andprevention (inerting) of fires in applications thatinclude cement plants, coal pulverizers, coal storagesilos and bunkers, and coal handling, grindingand storage systems.

Systems can be specifically engineered to fit theunique fire protection requirements of theseapplications:

• Coal handling, grinding, and storage systems• Data processing centers• Food processing • Flammable materials storage • Manufacturing/industrial processes• Shipboard machinery spaces and cargo holds• Automotive industry • Power generation• Printing plants• Rolling mills and metal processing • Telecommunications• Cement plants• Offshore platforms

Large Scale and Multiple Hazard Protection

An automatic, fixed-installation low pressurecarbon dioxide fire protection system consists of asingle insulated refrigerated pressure vessel withperformance engineered controls to protectmultiple hazards or afford frequent discharges forhigh risk hazards.

While it seems that everything in our world is changing, Chemetron Fire Systems remains

constant in our commitment to provide the highest standard of fire protection safety, service and value.

As the nation’s oldest Low Pressure CO2 systems manufacturer, Chemetron has led the way in estab-lishing industry standards.

Today we understand the challenge you face in this just-in-time business environment. If a fire occurs, acompany simply cannot afford a major interruption to its operations and financial future. Your ability to prevent or recover from a business disruption is criticaland will depend on selecting the best fire protection system and agent.

With our worldwide reach, Chemetron Fire Systems is your single source solution for standard or custom designed multiple hazard fire protection . . .

that protect our resources for future generations.

Would your business survive a fire?

Would your business survive a fire?

Maximum Protection, Minimal Disruption

When it comes to protecting criticalenvironments, even the smallest fire canresult in devastating damage. Earlywarning and fast response are essential.Chemetron low pressure systems deliverunprecedented levels of safety...stability...sensitivity...and early warning reliability.

No Net Environmental Impact

The carbon dioxide used in fire protectionis typically a by-product of other industrialprocesses, and as such, does not negativelyimpact global warming.

Low Pressure CO2 is.....

n Effective. Low pressure CO2 is effectiveon a wide range of flammable andcombustible materials in both surfaceand deep-seated fires, which adds up togreater uniformity and predictability.

n Fast. Carbon dioxide is a colorless andodorless three-dimensional clean agent.Within seconds, it penetrates the entirehazard area to smother combustion.

n Efficient. Low pressure CO2 chokes off combustion quickly. The dry ice “snow”in the discharge allows “local application”protection of non-enclosed hazards.

n Non-damaging. CO2 is normally harmless to equipment, materials andproperty. It does not cause spoilage,requires no clean up and leaves no residue,thus minimizing downtime after a fire.

n Non-conductive. CO2 is electrically non-conductive and three-dimensional.

n Economical. When a hazard requiresmultiple discharges or when CO2 require-ments exceed 4000 lbs. (1818 kg) of agent[2000 lbs. (909 kg) for main dischargeand 2000 lbs. (909 kg) for reserve], theoverall system cost is less than a highpressure CO2 system.

n Compact. Storage units are compact andoften installed outdoors to conserve floorspace. Capacities range from 1-1/4 tons(1.13 MT) to 60 tons (54.5 MT) or more.

n Recognized by the top independentlisting and approval agencies.

A Chemetron Low Pressure CO2 systemis a versatile, cost-effective suppressionsystem designed with an extra measureof reliability.

Multiple Hazard Versatility

Multiple hazards may be protected froma common supply of low pressure CO2 byusing pneumatically operated directional(selector) valves. CO2 pressure is used toopen valves as well as operate switchesand accessories. This is essentially aneconomy measure designed to reducestorage unit size. It is to be used onlywhen there is assurance that only onehazard could require a discharge at anyone time.

Similar controls are provided for eachhazard area. The directional valves arepilot-controlled and operated by line CO2pressure. The directional valves can beactuated by solenoid valve or by manuallyoperating the pilot control valve.

A Low Pressure CO2 system consists of:

n Storage, valve & discharge componentsComponents consist of a storage unit,

valve assemblies, piping, and dischargenozzles. All equipment meets exactingspecification and quality standards.

n Control panels, detection and alarmsThe control panel is used to monitor the

detection and accessories, as well ascontrol the audible and visual alarms anddischarge functions.

n CO2 storage units A quantity of CO2 sufficient to extinguish

the type of fire anticipated is stored. Thegas is released into the piping distributionnetwork upon system actuation. Liquidcarbon dioxide in the storage unit is main-tained by refrigeration at approximately 300PSI (20.68 Bar) pressure at 0˚F (-18˚C).The refrigeration system employs the non-ozone depleting refrigerant R-404A.

n VaporizersFor hazards where liquid carbon dioxide

is inappropriate, vaporizers are utilizedto provide a continuous and predictablesupply of vaporous CO2.

n Hose reelsLow pressure CO2 hose reels with hand

lines can be connected to the storage unitfor additional protection. With a capacityfor a high discharge rate and up to a 30foot (9 meter) range from the nozzle,

C O N T I N U O U S P R O T E C T I O N

hose lines can provide greater manualfire protection compared to other typesof portable protection.

Hose reels also offer auxiliary fireprotection with a high rate discharge anda protection range of up to 150 feet(45.7 meters) from multiple locations.

Methods of Actuation – Fixed Protection

Three independent types of actuationare integrated into each system:

- automatic actuation- manual electric station- direct manual release

An optional feature is a pneumatic discharge delay and CO2 siren for use insystems with no source of electric power orwhere an uninterrupted source of electricpower is not assured. In the event of theloss of power, the pneumatic dischargedelay would prevent an immediate CO2discharge into a normally occupied spaceand allow personnel time to evacuate.

Continuous Operation & Monitoring

A reserve supply is easily obtained byincreasing the storage unit size. Nocomplicated manifolding and valving arerequired. Low pressure storage units havea liquid level gauge and pressure gauge,which provide continuous indication oflevel and pressure conditions withoutinterrupting fire protection.

System Modernization and Retrofit

With thousands of Chemetron systems inservice protecting key facilities, moderniza-tion of these systems is vital. For details onour programs, contact Chemetron today.

System Safety

Carbon dioxide systems are designed inaccordance with NFPA (National FireProtection Association) standards, whichrequire a minimum carbon dioxide concentration of 34%. These designconcentrations will not support humanlife. Visual and audible warnings must beprovided to alert occupants to vacate thearea prior to discharge.

As CO2 will tend to migrate to low lyingareas near the protected hazard after adischarge, careful consideration of meansto prevent accidental exposure of person-nel to hazardous atmospheres in adjoin-ing spaces must be designed into everysystem. An optional wintergreen odor-izer can provide an olfactory warning ofthe presence of carbon dioxide.

A CO2 system discharge will also causeturbulence and noise, and the dischargestream may have considerable force.

Warning signs must be provided toadvise personnel what to do when thefire extinguishing system is actuated, aswell as provide instructions on how toactivate the system manually.

Precautions to be taken to protectfacility personnel are covered in NFPAStandard No. 12, the Chemetron publication “Carbon Dioxide SafetyManual” and OSHA’s Lockout & Tag-outStandard, 29CFR Part 1.910,146.

The Chemetron Difference

Thousands of companies have the confidence to protect their businesseswith Chemetron Low Pressure CO2integrated systems. With our single sourceresponsibility for suppression, controland support, Chemetron continues toinvest in product improvement to meetchanging requirements with:

• Fire hazard evaluations• Systems engineering and design

capability • Continuous quality improvement

programs • Proprietary design engineering,

flow calc and computer software • Education and safety training • Product and technical assistance • Installation and testing support service• ISO 9002 certification and Six Sigma

program • Worldwide sales and distribution

network • A commitment to environmental

safety

R E L I A B L E

versatility

Our experience hasbeen built on a history

of ideas, service and quality of environmentallycompatible fire protection technologies.Chemetron Low Pressure CO2 systems workaround the clock . . . and around the globe.

CO2 Physical and Chemical Properties

CO2 is an odorless, colorless, inert gas thatextinguishes fire primarily by diluting the oxygenthat supports combustion. Some cooling isalso accomplished. It is used as an extinguishantapplied by either the total flood or local appli-cation method. In total flooding, the enclosureof the hazard protected is flooded to a properconcentration.

In local applications, CO2 is directly applied inthe proper amount at the needed rate to coverthe protected hazard. The small "dry ice"particles, created in the discharge, facilitate itsprojection into the fire and coverage of thehazard protected.

Because CO2 is 1.5 times heavier than air, itwill tend to settle in low-lying areas in theprotected hazard as well as flow into adjacentareas outside of the protected space.

In the design concentrations required toextinguish fire, CO2 will not support human life.

Advantages of LPCO2 vs. HPCO2

Advantages of LPCO2 vs. HPCO2

Low pressure CO2 and high pressure CO2 have

equal extinguishing capabilities; however low pressure

CO2 storage units have some clear advantages:

• Multiple shot capability - without any switch-over to a

reserve system required.

• Reserve supply is easily obtained by increasing the

storage unit size. No complicated manifolds or valving

is required.

• Hazards may be added to an existing system at any time.

• LPCO2 units do not require hydrostatic testing as do

HPCO2 cylinders.

• LPCO2 offers continuous monitoring of the liquid level

of CO2.

• LPCO2 storage requires less floor space and weighs up to

50% less.

• LPCO2 storage units are commonly located outside.

• LPCO2 storage units are easily filled in-place from a

CO2 transport truck, available worldwide, and

remain in service during filling. HPCO2 cylinders

must be disconnected and transported to a

filling plant.

• LPCO2 is 32% more efficient for local

application discharges than HPCO2.

More Experience. MoreApplications Worldwide.

1940’sWorld War II accelerated development of CO2 applications.Massive discharges of carbon dioxide to control large fireswas demonstrated with a Cardox crash-fire-rescue truckfor the American Armed Forces during World War II.Research expanded to facilitate development of systems thatcould control large industrial fires with a clean, available,inexpensive fire extinguishant. CO2 installations in powerplants, metal rolling mills, printing plants and industryexpanded the practicality of the fire suppression capability.

1950’sGaseous agent systems took a leap forwardwhen, under Cardox, the first proven methodof predicting two phase gas flow in pipingsystems was developed.

1970High presure CO2 systemdesign upgraded.

1939Cardox developed and patented bulk low pressure carbon dioxide storage for use in fireextinguishing systems. The first fire protection CO2 applicationswere for the power plant industry.

1939Cardox developed and patented bulk low pressure carbon dioxide storage for use in fireextinguishing systems. The first fire protection CO2 applicationswere for the power plant industry.

1958Cardox merged with Chemetron Corp. Chemetron is anacronym for Chemical-Metals-Electronics).

1952High pressure CO2 system design introducedthat eliminated weights and levers.

1927Herbert E. Bell forms Safety Mining Company.

1927Herbert E. Bell forms Safety Mining Company. 1938

Name changed to Cardox (acronym for carbon dioxide).

TodaySince the development of CO2 as a new concept in fire suppression,Chemetron Fire Systems has been the leader in CO2 system technology.

1938Name changed to Cardox (acronym for carbon dioxide).

1940’sWorld War II accelerated development of CO2 applications.Massive discharges of carbon dioxide to control large fireswas demonstrated with a Cardox crash-fire-rescue truckfor the American Armed Forces during World War II.Research expanded to facilitate development of systems thatcould control large industrial fires with a clean, available,inexpensive fire extinguishant. CO2 installations in powerplants, metal rolling mills, printing plants and industryexpanded the practicality of the fire suppression capability.

1950’sGaseous agent systems took a leap forwardwhen, under Cardox, the first proven methodof predicting two phase gas flow in pipingsystems was developed.

1952High pressure CO2 system design introducedthat eliminated weights and levers.

1958Cardox merged with Chemetron Corp. Chemetron is anacronym for Chemical-Metals-Electronics).

1970High presure CO2 systemdesign upgraded.

1975The Fire Systems operation separated fromthe CO2 industrial gas sector andChemetron Fire Systems was formed.

1994CO2 storage tank refrigeration systemswere redesigned to utilize the non-ozonedepleting refigerant R-404A.

TodaySince the development of CO2 as a new concept in fire suppression,Chemetron Fire Systems has been the leader in CO2 system technology.

1994CO2 storage tank refrigeration systemswere redesigned to utilize the non-ozonedepleting refigerant R-404A.

1975The Fire Systems operation separated fromthe CO2 industrial gas sector andChemetron Fire Systems was formed.

Fire SystemsTM

4801 Southwick Drive, 3rd FloorMatteson, IL 60443-2254Phone: 708-748-1503Fax: 708-748-2847Web: chemetron.comE-mail: info@chemetron.com

Chemetron. Your Single Source Solution.

A World of Protection

CO2

n Power GenerationBase Load PlantsCo-generation & Combined Cycle PlantsPower Peaking UnitsUpgrading Existing Plants: with

Coal ConversionsCoal Storage/Handling/Pulverizing

n Cement Plant/Blast Furnace Indirect Coal Firing Systems

n Metals Production and ProcessingElectric FurnacesContinuous CastersRolling Mills (Steel & Aluminum)Coating Lines

n PrintingNewspaper ProductionPeriodical PrintingPackaging

Worldwide Applications

FM-200®

n Telecommunication Facilities

n Computer Operations

n Control Rooms

n Shipboard (Marine) Systems

n Rare Book Libraries

n Universities and Museums

n Art Galleries

n Record & Storage Facilities

n Petrochemical Installations

n Pharmaceutical & Medical Facilities

n Electronics & Data ProcessingEquipment

WATER MISTn Gas Turbines

n Machinery Spaces

10M10/99 © 1999. The seller makes no warranties, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, except as expresslystated in seller’s sales contract or sales acknowledgment form.

n AutomotiveAssembly: Paint Application,

Mixing & StorageParts: Machining

Heat Treatingn Electronics Operations

Computer AreasAutomated Information

Storage Systemsn Electronics/Computer Production

Wet BenchesWave Soldering Machines

n Food Processing

n Research FacilitiesTest FacilitiesAnechoic Chambers

n Shipboard (Marine) Systems

n Automated Storage and Retrieval Facilities

d i s t r i b u t e d b y :

W O R L D W I D E P R O T E C T I O N