What are aerosol fire suppression systems?
Fire requires the right balance of oxygen, combustible material and heat to start. The primary effect of aerosol fire suppression systems is therefore based on interrupting the chain reaction that occurs during combustion, rather than on displacing oxygen.
Aerosol fire suppression systems produce a highly effective and technologically advanced extinguishing agent with unique characteristics. They combine an environmentally friendly and non-hazardous extinguishing agent with highly effective extinguishing properties and low installation and maintenance costs.
The result is firefighting in the early stages, less damage to facilities, equipment or buildings, significantly shorter production downtimes, and cost efficiency in preventive fire protection.
The aerosol extinguishing agent spreads like gas, but without toxic properties or oxygen displacement, and is suitable for use in permanently occupied rooms. The extinguishing generators are installed directly in the shelter, operate without pressure and have a service life of up to 20 years.
What are the advantages of aerosol fire suppression systems?
- Global Warming Potential = 0
- Ozone Depletion Potential = 0
- No oxygen displacement
- No pressure relief necessary
- Not corrosive
- Not electrically conductive
- No piping, nozzles, pressure measurement systems, etc.
- Easy integration into existing infrastructure
- Very low maintenance effort
- No bottle room necessary
What advantages does AF-X have over other aerosol systems?
- Quality-leading system – Made by Ariane Group
- More effective: lowest amount of extinguishing agent necessary
- Safer: demonstrably non-toxic, less visual impairment
- Cleaner: Less extinguishing agent = fewer residues
- Certified: AF-X is certified according to all standards for aerosol fire suppression systems
How do AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems work?
The extinguishing aerosol is unique. A special solid chemical that produces combustion products when ignited electrically, thermally or manually – micrometre-sized dry particles (mainly potassium carbonates) and a gaseous mixture (mainly carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water vapour). These are mixed into a uniform fire extinguishing aerosol before they exit the generator.
Working principle of AF-X aerosol extinguisher
The aerosol-forming chemical is a thermoplastic mixture consisting of an oxidising agent and a combustible binder, which produces combustion products when activated – micrometre-sized dry suspended particles and a gaseous mixture. These are mixed into a uniform fire extinguishing aerosol before they exit the generator. The hot aerosol propels itself through a solid chemical coolant, which decomposes and absorbs large amounts of heat. The extinguishing agent thus exits the generator greatly cooled.
Unique extinguishing agent
The micrometre-sized suspended particles have gas-like three-dimensional properties that enable them to spread homogeneously even to the most remote areas. Homogeneous distribution is achieved within a few seconds, and the long retention time of the aerosol helps to prevent the fire from reigniting. The reaction temperatures inside the generator are high, so that the potassium carbonates are formed in the gas phase, but change to a solid state as they cool down. Since the solid potassium carbonates are produced by condensation, this is also referred to as condensed aerosol.
Extremely fast pyrotechnic igniter.
Double-walled stainless steel housing with insulation layer.
Thermodynamic cooling ensures controlled temperatures of the extinguishing agent when it exits the generator.
Cooling section for condensation of the extinguishing agent.
Outlet nozzle
How is an AF-X aerosol fire suppression system constructed?
system coupler
To ensure the necessary electrical impulse for triggering the extinguishing generators, these are triggered in quick succession. Our system couplers are used for this purpose.
Optical smoke detectors
Depending on the fire hazard, any form of fire detection can be used.
aerosol extinguishing generator
We select the right combination of extinguishing generators depending on the size of the room and the circumstances. The aim is to achieve a homogeneous distribution of the extinguishing agent in the room as quickly as possible. It often makes sense to install several smaller generators, even if, in theory, one large unit would release enough extinguishing agent.
Optical & Acoustic Signal Transmitters
Visual and audible alarms are installed to signal to people in the protected area that activation is imminent. Combined devices are usually used.
Fire alarm and extinguishing control centre
AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems can be combined with all standard fire suppression control centres. Depending on requirements, activation can be automatic or manual by personnel.
double bottom
Depending on their design and condition, double floors and ceilings can be considered as separate extinguishing areas or together with the main room. The easy integration of aerosol fire suppression systems allows them to be installed directly in the danger zone.
AF-X product family
Quick and easy installation
AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems are quick and easy to install and require minimal servicing. As the aerosol extinguishing generators are not pressurised and the extinguishing agent is stored locally in the generator, there are no costs or expenses for piping, nozzles, pressure measuring systems, etc., and the intensive maintenance that these entail. Thanks to their minimally invasive installation, AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems can be easily retrofitted into existing systems.
FAQs
No, a professionally planned and installed AF-X aerosol fire suppression system poses no danger to humans. No dangerous quantities of toxic substances are released when the system is triggered. However, it should be noted that the extinguishing agent has a high opacity. Employees who are in the extinguishing area must be instructed accordingly.
Definitely not! Every manufacturer of aerosols for fire suppression systems has its own formula. Some are more effective and less toxic than others, as can be seen from the aerosol quantities (in grams) per cubic metre of room volume specified by the manufacturer and the toxicity certificates provided by the manufacturers. The AF-X aerosol extinguishing system requires the lowest amount of extinguishing agent of all systems and, with all components of the extinguishing agent, is many times below the limits approved by health authorities.
Aerosol fire suppression systems are particularly advantageous in industrial applications. Aerosol extinguishing agents cannot be used in escape routes and public areas, as their release causes significant visual impairment, which is unsuitable for orderly evacuation without panic. If fire suppression systems are installed in occupied or normally unoccupied rooms, the release of the extinguishing agent must be delayed in accordance with the evacuation time and announced by an evacuation alarm.
Not directly, but indirectly. Since the AF-X extinguishing agent is not electrically conductive, does not adhere and is not corrosive, it does not cause any direct damage to equipment. However, aerosol extinguishing agents are hygroscopic, which is why it is essential to keep the air humidity low after extinguishing. The extinguishing agent can then be easily removed, e.g. with compressed air, vacuum cleaners or cloths.
The residue after activation depends on how quickly the room is ventilated. Assuming a normal dwell time of 10-15 minutes for the extinguishing agent until the flooded room is ventilated, the residues are minimal and can be removed with very little effort. The AF-X extinguishing agent is certified for an effective dwell time of 90 minutes. This means that after 10-15 minutes, only a few percent of the extinguishing agent has settled in the room.
Aerosol fire suppression systems differ from conventional fire suppression systems in many ways. Depending on the application, different aspects are therefore advantageous.
- AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems are significantly more effective than conventional fire suppression systems. Only 20% of the extinguishing agent quantity required for halon is needed, and less than 10% of the extinguishing agent quantity required for all other known extinguishing gases.
- AF-X extinguishing systems operate without pressure. The extinguishing generators are not pressurised during storage, nor is pressure generated during activation, which would necessitate further measures.
- The extinguishing agent is environmentally friendly. GWP (Global Warming Potential) = 0 ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) = 0
- Aerosol fire suppression systems do not require piping, nozzles or pressure measuring systems and are very low maintenance.
- The AF-X aerosol extinguishing agent has a long service life and therefore offers excellent post-fire safety.
- Aerosol extinguishing systems are infinitely scalable and can be easily adapted to spatial changes.
Further application-specific advantages of AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems can be found on the relevant pages for the areas of application.
As each fire suppression system is individually planned and, if desired, installed by us, we are unable to provide generalised pricing information. We would be pleased to assist you in this regard in a personal consultation and provide an initial estimate as soon as we have the key data for your project.
AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems are very cost-effective due to their low installation and maintenance costs and the extremely small amount of extinguishing agent required. AF-X aerosol fire suppression systems require the lowest concentration of extinguishing agent of all internationally known aerosol fire suppression systems.
Yes, in most cases our fire suppression systems can be retrofitted without any problems. Thanks to our many years of experience with aerosol fire suppression systems, we will work with you to find a suitable solution. With a wide range of different extinguishing generators, trigger options and compatibility with any fire alarm control panel, we can develop a concept for almost any application.
The AF-X fire suppression system is designed by our specialist staff. Thanks to the extremely simple and minimally invasive design of the aerosol extinguishing systems, installation and maintenance can be carried out either by us or by your own staff under our guidance. We are of course available to assist you with our full expertise.
