Carbon Dioxide Suppression Systems
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless, and chemically inert gas that is both readily available and electrically non-conductive. It primarily extinguishes fire by lowering the oxygen level that supports combustion in a protected area. This fire suppression mechanism makes CO2 suppression systems highly effective, requiring minimal clean-up, but should be used in normally unoccupied hazard locations or otherwise avoided by personnel when discharged. CO2 suppression systems may utilize the gas through a total flooding approach, but carbon dioxide is also the only gaseous agent that may be utilized through local applications. Carbon dioxide may be stored in either high-pressure spun steel cylinders (HPCO2 suppression systems) or low-pressure light wall refrigerated tanks (LPCO2 suppression systems).
NOTE: Both HPCO2 and LPCO2 systems are equally effective at fighting fires. Neither one is better than the other in terms of extinguishment.
HPCO2 Advantages
HPCO2 systems have several advantages over LPCO2 systems.
- Less expensive for smaller systems
- Stored in US-DOT compliant high spun cylinders.
- 100 lb. (45 kg) cylinders standard – also available in 50 lb. (22 kg) or 75 lb. (34 kg) capacity
- Easy to install
- Standard cylinder sizes readily available for faster turnaround
LPCO2 Advantages
LPCO2 systems have several advantages over HPCO2 systems.
- Do not require hydrostatic testing
- Continuous monitoring of the liquid level and tank pressure; the liquid level gauge provides standard alarm outputs or an optional 4-20mA output (HPCO2 cylinders must be removed from service semi-annually to be weighed)
- Require 40% less floor space and less floor loading than HPCO2 systems
- Multi-shot capabilities without any switch over to a reserve
- Hazards may be added to an existing LPCO2 system at anytime
- LPCO2 Storage Units can be refilled while remaining in service; HPCO2 cylinders must be uninstalled, sent out to a refill location, and replaced
- Lower material cost when systems require more than 4000 lbs. (1814 kg) of carbon dioxide [40 or more 100 lb. (45 kg) HPCO2 cylinders]
- For critical installations, dual refrigeration options are available for LPCO2 Storage Units
- LPCO2 systems are 30% more efficient than HPCO2 systems at local application
- LPCO2 systems have lower overall maintenance costs than HPCO2 systems
For more information, refer to the Janus Fire Systems® Fire Extinguishing System datasheets below.
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