DEF
France
Expert in fire detection / fire safety solutions - Tel (+33) 1 60 13 81 81
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Automatic extinguishing
with gas
Also known as AGES, an automatic gas extinguishing system is used to extinguish an outbreak of fire. This extinguishing method is particularly effective for protecting IT equipment, electrical installations and high-value objects, without damaging them.
Protecting without damaging
with automatic gas extinguishing
Control a fire
before it spreads
Gas extinguishing (AGES) is one of the automatic extinguishing solutions for fighting a fire outbreak. Combined with early detection, the aim of gas diffusion is to extinguish a smouldering or open fire. The AGES can use three types of gas which do not act in the same way on the fire.
Inert gases
Inert gases reduce oxygen levels to smother the fire. This solution requires the room to be protected to be watertight. Examples of inert gases: nitrogen, argon and inert gas mixtures.
Inhibitor gases
Inhibitor gases act by chemical reaction, counteracting the mechanisms that produce the flame. This solution requires the premises to be protected to be very well sealed. Cylinders of inhibitor gases take up less space than those of inert gases. Examples of inhibitor gases: heptafluoropropane (HFC 227 ea), trifluoromethane (HFC 23) and perfluorobutane (FC 3-1-10).
CO2 gas
CO2 gas, like inert gases, works by reducing oxygen levels to smother the fire. This solution is perfect for processes where the room or object to be protected cannot be sealed.
Gas is safe for people and the environment
With the exception of CO2, which is reserved for specific applications due to its toxicity, the gases emitted are not dangerous either to humans, provided that the required oxygen concentration in the air is respected, or to the environment.
People in the premises must be evacuated if concentrations are high or inhibiting gases are used (risk of dangerous decomposition products).
You need an automatic gas extinguishing system! Discover DEF solutions
En savoir plusProtect your equipment from fire without damage
The earlier a fire is detected, the faster and more effectively it is automatically extinguished. This solution is taken before the destructive flames occur. It causes little or no damage. The return to activity can then be faster.
The automatic gas extinguishing systems are connected to the building’s fire detection system (FDS). As soon as it receives an alarm from the detectors, it automatically activates the emergency procedure via the Electric Control and Delay Device (DECT): alarm, evacuation of people, compartmentalisation and opening of valves to spray the extinguishing agent.
The gas is sprayed in the area concerned, either from tanks located in the room (modular installation), or from a dedicated room grouping the tanks together via a pipe network (centralised installation).
When should gas extinguishing
be used?
This technology is perfectly suited to clean extinguishing, with no residues or deposits. It is particularly suitable for premises with small numbers of people, areas requiring non-electrically conductive extinguishing agents and rooms containing
high-value equipment or equipment for which water cannot be used. APSAD rule R13 defines the limits for the use of gaseous extinguishing agents.
AGES are mainly found in the following locations:
- Storage rooms containing flammable liquids, paint shops and laboratories
- Electrical and electronic installations such as telecommunications facilities, computer rooms and data centres
- Museums, libraries and archives
- Ships and submarines
.
.
Legal standards and obligations
AGES are subject to various legislative texts at European and national level:
- The Labour Code
- European standard EN 15004
- The “”A2P EAG system”” certification guarantees the compliance of the components with the applicable European directives, the compatibility of the components with each other and the performance of the system.
- The APSAD R13 standard defines French requirements in terms of design, implementation and maintenance of SEAG
.
The steps involved in equipping yourself with a gas extinguishing system
The plan for a gas extinguishing system involves various stages, from the study of the file to the maintenance of the system. A smoke extraction system involves a number of stages, from studying the application to maintaining the installations.
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Feasibility studies and offer
Discover the premises, the issues, the regulations and the problems specific to the company. Proposal of a solution best suited to the situation.
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Installation and verification
Installation and commissioning of the system on the premises. Check that equipment complies with the latest regulations (European standard EN 15004 and APSAD rule R13)
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Maintenance
Two visits a year are compulsory. The inspection must be carried out by a company with APSAD IF13 certification, which also checks whether any changes to the premises (watertightness) or risks (suitability for the gas used) could compromise the compliance or efficiency of the installations.
Every 10 years, the system must be brought back into full compliance with updated regulations.
DEF and Extinctium, your DEF Network experts in gas extinguishing
DEF has been offering turnkey gas extinguishing systems for over 65 years, with comprehensive support that goes beyond installation.
Thanks to our manufacturing plant, Extinctium, we have been providing complete support for your installations for almost 30 years: recharging within a very short time, reconditioning and periodic inspection of all types of valves and tanks.
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Extinctium
France, Europe
Production site for gas extinguishing systems - Tel (+33) 1 34 48 20 37
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