Fire Protection Systems Design for Industry
Modern industry presents many difficult fire suppression challenges. Expensive equipment may be damaged by traditional water-based fire suppression, combustible liquids may be difficult to extinguish, or it may be necessary for personnel to remain in place regardless of a fire.
Many different special forms of fire suppression system are available to meet the particular requirements of an industrial facility. Some of these systems are:
- Clean Agent: Novec1230, Inergen, CO2
- Foam
- Dry Chemical
- Watermist & Hybrid Watermist
Selection of the most appropriate type of fire suppression system requires analysis of the fire hazard present in a facility, the types of fuel present, the availability of firefighting capability, the possibility of damage to contents created by the fire suppression agent, and other factors.
Once a system has been selected, a design and specification must be produced in accordance with the relevant design standards. An installer must be selected, by competitive bidding, negotiation, or by sole-source. The installer’s work should be reviewed for compliance with the design drawings and specifications, and tests performed to confirm the performance of the fire suppression system.
Gage-Babcock & Associates Ltd. (GBA) is experienced in all aspects of this process. We can take a project from initial hazard analysis through to completion of fire suppression system testing.
Our experience includes projects in the following industry sectors:
- Mining
- Energy
- Chemicals and Petrochemicals
- Transportation
- Distribution
GBA’s knowledge of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the National Fire Code (NFC), the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) standards, and related codes and standards allows for comprehensive analyses and evaluation of special hazard situations, resulting in well planned and designed fire protection systems.
