CO2 Low Pressure

Would your business survive a fire?

While it seems that everything in our world ischanging, Chemetron Fire Systems remainsconstant in our commitment to provide the high-est standard of fire protection safety, service andvalue. As the nation’s oldest Low Pressure CO2systems manufacturer, Chemetron has led theway in establishing industry standards.

Today we understand the challenge you facein this just-in-time business environment. Ifa fire occurs, a company simply cannot afforda major interruption to its operations andfinancial future. Your ability to prevent orrecover from a business disruption is criticaland will depend on selecting the best fireprotection system and agent.

With our worldwide reach, Chemetron FireSystems is your single source solution for stan-dard or custom designed multiple hazard fireprotection . . . that protect our resources forfuture generations.

More Experience.More Applications Worldwide.

Hazard-Engineered Protection

You can measure our experience by the diversityof applications, the technical sophistication, and sys-tem performance represented by a range of commer-cial and industrial special hazard applications. CO2is used in the extinguishment of fires involving flam-mable liquids, electrical hazards, engines utilizinggasoline and other fuels, ordinary combustibles suchas paper and wood, and hazardous solids, as well asin the extinguishment and prevention (inerting) offires in applications that include cement plants, coalpulverizers, coal storage silos and bunkers, and coalhandling, grinding and storage systems.

Systems can be specifically engineered to fit theunique fire protection requirements of these appli-cations:

• 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 HazardProtection

An automatic, fixed-installation low pressurecarbon dioxide fire protection system consistsof a single insulated refrigerated pressurevessel with performance engineered controls toprotect multiple hazards or afford frequentdischarges for high risk hazards.

Maximum Protection, MinimalDisruption

When it comes to protecting critical environ-ments, even the smallest fire can result in dev-astating damage. Early warning and fast re-sponse are essential. Chemetron low pressuresystems del iver unprecedented levels ofsafety...stability ...sensitivity...and early warn-ing reliability.

Continous Protection

No Net Environmental Impact

The carbon dioxide used in fire protection istypically a by-product of other industrial pro-cesses, and as such, does not negatively impactglobal warming.

Low Pressure CO2 is.....

■ Effective. Low pressure CO2 is effective on awide range of flammable and combustible mate-rials in both surface and deep-seated fires, whichadds up to greater uniformity and predictability.

■ Fast. Carbon dioxide is a colorless and odor-less three-dimensional clean agent. Within sec-onds, it penetrates the entire hazard area tosmother combustion.

■ Efficient. Low pressure CO2 chokes offcombustion quickly. The dry ice “snow” in thedischarge allows “local application” protectionof non-enclosed hazards.

■ Non-damaging. CO2 is normally harmlessto equipment, materials and property. It doesnot cause spoilage, requires no clean up andleaves no residue, thus minimizing downtimeafter a fire.

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

■ Economical. When a hazard requires mul-tiple discharges or when CO2 requirements ex-ceed 4000 lbs. (1818 kg) of agent [2000 lbs.(909 kg) for main discharge and 2000 lbs. (909kg) for reserve], the overall system cost is lessthan a high pressure CO2 system.

■ Compact. Storage units are compact and of-ten installed outdoors to conserve floor space.Capacities range from 1-1/4 tons (1.13 MT) to60 tons (54.5 MT) or more.

■ Recognized by the top independent listingand approval agencies.

Ve r s a t i l e

A Chemetron Low Pressure CO2 system isa versatile, cost-effective suppression systemdesigned with an extra measure of reliability.

Multiple Hazard Versatility

Multiple hazards may be protected from acommon supply of low pressure CO2 by usingpneumatically operated directional (selector)valves. CO2 pressure is used to open valves aswell as operate switches and accessories. Thisis essentially an economy measure designed toreduce storage unit size. It is to be used onlywhen there is assurance that only one hazardcould require a discharge at any one time.

Similar controls are provided for each hazardarea. The directional valves are pilot-controlledand operated by line CO2 pressure. The direc-tional valves can be actuated by solenoid valveor by manually operating the pilot control valve.

A Low Pressure CO2 system consists of:

■ Storage, valve & discharge components Components consist of a storage unit, valveassemblies, piping, and discharge nozzles. Allequipment meets exacting specification andquality standards.

■ Control panels, detection and alarms The control panel is used to monitor the detec-tion and accessories, as well as control the au-dible and visual alarms and discharge functions.

■ CO2 storage units A quantity of CO2 sufficient to extinguish thetype of fire anticipated is stored. The gas is re-leased into the piping distribution network uponsystem actuation. Liquid carbon dioxide in thestorage unit is maintained by refrigeration atapproximately 300 PSI (20.68 Bar) pressure at0˚F (-18˚C). The refrigeration system employsthe non-ozone depleting refrigerant R-404A.

■ Vaporizers For hazards where liquid carbon dioxide isinappropriate, vaporizers are utilized to providea continuous and predictable supply of vapor-ous CO2.

■ Hose reels Low pressure CO2 hose reels with hand linescan be connected to the storage unit for addi-tional protection. With a capacity for a highdischarge rate and up to a 30 foot (9 meter)range from the nozzle, hose lines can providegreater manual fire protection compared to othertypes of portable protection.

Hose reels also offer auxiliary fire protectionwith a high rate discharge and a protectionrange of up to 150 feet (45.7 meters) from mul-tiple locations.

Methods of Actuation – FixedProtection

Three independent types of actuation are in-tegrated into each system:

- automatic actuation

- manual electric station

- direct manual release

An optional feature is a pneumatic dischargedelay and CO2 siren for use in systems with nosource of electric power or where an uninter-rupted source of electric power is not assured.In the event of the loss of power, the pneumaticdischarge delay would prevent an immediateCO2 discharge into a normally occupied spaceand allow personnel time to evacuate.

Re l i ab l e

Continuous Operation &Monitoring

A reserve supply is easily obtained by increas-ing the storage unit size. No complicated mani-folding and valving are required. Low pressurestorage units have a liquid level gauge and pres-sure gauge, which provide continuous indica-tion of level and pressure conditions withoutinterrupting fire protection.

System Modernization and Retrofit

With thousands of Chemetron systems in ser-vice protecting key facilities, modernization ofthese systems is vital. For details on our pro-grams, contact Chemetron today.

System Safety

Carbon dioxide systems are designed in accor-dance with NFPA (National Fire Protection As-sociation) standards, which require a minimumcarbon dioxide concentration of 34%. Thesedesign concentrations will not support humanlife. Visual and audible warnings must be pro-vided to alert occupants to vacate the area priorto discharge.

As CO2 will tend to migrate to low lying ar-eas near the protected hazard after a discharge.Careful consideration of means to prevent ac-cidental exposure of personnel to hazardous at-mospheres in adjoining spaces must be designedinto every system. An optional wintergreenodorizer can provide an olfactory warning ofthe presence of carbon dioxide.

A CO2 system discharge will also cause tur-bulence and noise, and the discharge stream mayhave considerable force.

Warning signs must be provided to advise per-sonnel what to do when the fire extinguishingsystem is actuated, as well as provide instruc-tions on how to activate the system manually.

Precautions to be taken to protect facility per-sonnel are covered in NFPA Standard No. 12,the Chemetron publication “Carbon DioxideSafety Manual” and OSHA’s Lockout & Tag-out Standard, 29CFR Part 1.910,146.

The Chemetron Difference

Thousands of companies have the confidenceto protect their businesses with Chemetron LowPressure CO2 integrated systems. With oursingle source responsibility for suppression,control and support, Chemetron continues toinvest in product improvement to meet chang-ing requirements with:

• Fire hazard evaluations

• Systems engineering and design capability

• Continuous quality improvement programs

• Proprietary design engineering, flow calc andcomputer software

• Education and safety training

• Product and technical assistance

• Installation and testing support service

• ISO 9002 certified and Six Sigma program

• Worldwide sales and distribution network

• A commitment to environmental safety

Our experience has been built on a history ofideas, service and quality of environmentallycompat ib le f i re protect ion technologies.Chemetron Low Pressure CO2 systems workaround the clock . . . and around the globe.

CO2 Physical and ChemicalProperties

CO2 is an odorless, colorless, inert gas thatextinguishes fire primarily by diluting the oxy-gen that supports combustion. Some cooling isalso accomplished. It is used as an extinguis-

hant applied by either the total flood or localapplication method. In total flooding, the en-closure of the hazard protected is flooded to aproper concentration.

In local applications, CO2 is directly appliedin the proper amount at the needed rate to coverthe protected hazard. The small "dry ice" par-ticles, created in the discharge, facilitate its pro-jection into the fire and coverage of the hazardprotected.

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

In the design concentrations required to ex-tinguish fire, CO2 will not support human life.

Advantages of LPCO2 vs. HPCO2

Low pressure CO2 and high pressure CO2have equal extinguishing capabilities; howeverlow pressure CO2 storage units have some clearadvantages:

• Multiple shot capability - without any switch-over to a reserve system required.

• Reserve supply is easily obtained by increas-ing the storage unit size. No complicated mani-folds or valving is required.

• Hazards may be added to an existing system atany time.

• LPCO2 units do not require hydrostatic testingas do HPCO2 cylinders.

• LPCO2 offers continuous monitoring of the liq-uid level of CO2.

• LPCO2 storage requires less floor space andweighs up to 50% less.

• LPCO2 storage units are commonly locatedoutside.

• LPCO2 storage units are easily filled in-placefrom a CO2 transport truck, which are avail-able worldwide, and remain in-service duringfilling. HPCO2 cylinders must be disconnectedand transported to a filling plant.

• LPCO2 is 32% more efficient for local application discharges than HPCO2.

Advan t age s

1927

Herbert E. Bell forms Safety Mining Company.

1938

Name changed to Cardox (acronym for carbondioxide).

1939

Cardox developed and patented bulk low pres-sure carbon dioxide storage for use in fire ex-tinguishing systems. The first fire protectionCO2 applications were for the power plant in-dustry.

1940’s

World War II accelerated development of CO2applications. Massive discharges of carbon di-oxide to control large fires was demonstratedwith a Cardox crash-fire-rescue truck for theAmerican Armed Forces during World War II.

Research expanded to facilitate development ofsystems that could control large industrial fireswith a clean, available, inexpensive fire extin-guishant. CO2 installations in power plants,metal rolling mills, printing plants and indus-try expanded the practicality of the fire suppres-sion capability.

1950’s

Gaseous agent systems took a leap forwardwhen, under Cardox, the first proven methodof predicting two phase gas flow in piping sys-tems was developed.

1952

High pressure CO2 system design introducedthat eliminated weights and levers.

1958

Cardox merged wi th Chemetron Corp.Chemetron is an acronym for Chemical-Metals-Electronics).

T ime l i ne

1970

High presure CO2 system design upgraded.

1975

The Fire Systems operation separated from theCO2 industrial gas sector and Chemetron FireSystems was formed.

1994

CO2 storage tank refrigeration systems wereredesigned to utilize the non-ozone depletingrefigerant R-404A.

Today

Since the development of CO2 as a new con-cept in fire suppression, Chemetron Fire Sys-tems has been the leader in CO2 system tech-nology.

CO2 Physical and Chemical PropertiesCO2 is an odorless, colorless, inert gas that

extinguishes fire primarily by diluting the oxy-gen that supports combustion. Some cooling isalso accomplished. It is used as an active freeextinguishant and applied by either the totalflood or local application method. In flooding,the enclosure of the hazard protected is floodedto a proper concentration.

In local applications, CO2 is directly appliedin the proper amount at the needed rate to coverthe protected hazard. The small "dry ice" par-

ticles, created in the discharge, facilitate its pro-jection into the fire and coverage of the hazardprotected.

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

In the design concentrations required to ex-tinguish fire, CO2 will not support human life.

Experience

CO2

• Power Generation• Base Load Plants• CO generation & combined cycle

Plants• Power Peaking Units• Upgrading Existing• Plants: w/

Coal ConversionsCoal Storage/Handling/ Pulverizing

• Cement Plant/Blast Furnace Indirect CoalFiring Systems

• Metals Production and Processing

• Electric Furnaces• Continuous Casters• Polling Mills (Steel & Aluminum)• Coating Lines

• Printing• Newspaper Production• Periodical Printing• Packaging

• Automotive• Assembly: Painting-Mixing & Storage• Parts: Machining

Heat Treating

• Electronics Operations• Computer Areas• Automated Information Storage Systems

• Electronics Production• Computer Production:

West BenchesWave Soldering Machines

• Food Processing

• Research FacilitiesTest FacilitiesAnechoic Chambers

• Shipboard (Marine) Systems

W o r l d w i d e A p p l i c a t i o n s

FM-200®

• Telecommunication Facilities

• Computer Operations

• Control Rooms

• Shipboard (Marine) Systems

• Rare Book Libraries

• University And Museum

• Art Galleries

• Record & Storage Facilities

• Petrochemical Installations

• Pharmaceutical & Medical Facilities

• Electronics & Data Processing Equipment

The seller makes no warranties, express or im-plied including, but not limited to, the impliedwarranties of merchantability and fitness for aparticular purpose, except as expressly statedin seller’s sales contract or sales acknowledg-ment form.

Headquarters4801 Southwick DriveThird FloorMatteson, Illinois 60443Phone: (708) 748-1503Fax: (708) 748-2847

© 1998. The seller makes no warranties, expressed or implied,including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchant-ability and fitness for a particular purpose, except as expresslystated in seller ’s sales contract or sales acknowledgment form.

W o r l d w i d e A p p l i c a t i o n s