Gaseous Fire Suppression Systems (DLP)

Our gaseous fire suppression system puts out a fire by releasing a clean agent (FK-5-1-12) that turns into gas and fills the protected space, instead of using water, foam or powder. Designed for enclosed equipment such as control cabinets, server racks and electrical panels, they detect and suppress a fire automatically within seconds, which limits damage to equipment and reduces downtime.

Other types of gaseous fire suppression systems may use alternative agents, such as inert gases: nitrogen, argon, Inergen, or Argonite; clean agents: HFC-227ea or HFC-23; or carbon dioxide.

A DLP gaseous fire suppression system uses a pressurised, heat-sensitive Fire Detection Tube (FDT) routed through the protected cabinet or enclosure. When a fire occurs, the tube ruptures at its hottest point, and the burst point acts as a nozzle that releases the clean agent directly onto the fire. Because the whole length of the tube acts as a detector, the system has multiple detection points rather than relying on a single sensor.

Our DLP gaseous systems use FK-5-1-12, a UL Recognised Component clean agent. FK-5-1-12 has zero ozone depletion potential, a global warming potential (GWP) of 1 and an atmospheric lifetime of around five days. It has low toxicity at its design concentration of 4-6.5%, does not conduct electricity, and leaves no residue, so it is safe for sensitive electronics.

No. FK-5-1-12 evaporates after discharge and leaves no residue, so there is no clean-up of water, foam or powder. The clean agent is electrically non-conductive, which makes it suitable for live electrical panels, servers and data equipment. After a discharge, the system can be recharged and serviced quickly and at a low cost.

No. Our gaseous fire suppression systems only activate when the Fire Detection Tube is exposed to fire or heat impingement, so they do not discharge because of dust, steam or electrical faults. They also don’t need an external power supply, which means they continue to protect your equipment during a power cut.

DLP systems can be fitted to enclosed spaces and equipment, including:

• electrical and switchgear panels
• server racks in data centres
• UPS and battery cabinets
• PLC and control cabinets
• CNC and injection moulding machines
• fume cupboards
• wind turbine nacelle panels and energy storage systems

They can be retrofitted to existing equipment or installed in new builds, and they do not interfere with routine maintenance of that equipment.

The coverage depends on cylinder size. DLP cylinders range from 1kg of agent, which protects about 1m³, up to 9kg, which protects about 9m³, based on a fully enclosed space. The actual coverage depends on how well sealed the enclosure is and on the hazard inside it. Our engineers size each system to your equipment during the survey.

Yes. An optional pressure switch gives a signal when the system discharges. This signal can trigger alarms, cut the power supply, shut down ventilation, or report to your Fire Alarm Control Panel, BMS or SCADA system. DLP systems can also work alongside existing smoke detection in low-voltage applications.