Argotec®

with carbon dioxideSafe for certain.

GAS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

INERT GAS

APPLICATIONReliable extinguishing Fighting fires quickly andeffectively is the strong pointof Argotec® extinguishing sys-tems with carbon dioxide. Theextinguishing effect of carbondioxide is due to the fast dis-placement of oxygen from thesource of the fire – the fire issmothered suddenly.The high heat binding capac-ity of the carbon dioxide causes the withdrawal ofenergy from the source of the fire, which enhances theextinguishing effect.

Possible only with carbon dioxideArgotec® extinguishing sys-tems with carbon dioxide areespecially well-suited for highrisk areas, where in case of afire it is necessary

to keep the protectedobjects available and functioning,

to minimize operationalinterruptions after a fire,

to prevent reactions be-tween the burnt materialand the extinguishant,

to prevent damage fromthe extinguishant itselfand

to ensure effective extin-guishing for objects inareas with difficult access(3-D extinguishing effect).

Argotec® extinguishing sys-tems with carbon dioxide, dueto their special extinguishantproperties, feature advantagesover other inert gas extin-guishing systems: Even free-standing objects in a room canbe protected. The liquefiedcarbon dioxide forms a thickaerosol cloud in the floodingzone. Special local applicationnozzles put the extinguishantprecisely at the object to beprotected.

VERSATILE

Due to its outstanding prop-erties, the Argotec® extin-guishing system with carbondioxide is the ideal fire protec-tion solution for many areasof application.

Typical areas of applicationfor the Argotec® extinguishingsystem with carbon dioxideare:

switching and control systems

turbines

transformers and substations

warehouses for hazardous materials

machine tools and specialmetal processing systems

paint and varnish manufac-turing and processing areas

painting and powder-coating booths (ESTA)

hydraulic systems

false floors and cable shafts

silos and dust filters

printing machines

engine test benches andship engine compartments

computer and telecom-munication systems andfacilities

medical facilities

control rooms

data archives

art objects

Optimized and individually customizedThe required quantity of ex-tinguishant depends on thevolume and surface of theprotection zone, the quality(e.g. gas impermeability) andthe type of assets to be pro-tected. The size of the pipenetwork and the location ofthe extinguishing nozzles arebased on the risk area, whilethe extinguishing nozzlesthemselves are evenly distrib-uted throughout the entireflooding zone. For the protec-tion of special facilities, thenozzles are installed directlywithin the object, such as inelectric switching cabinets,false floors for cables ormachine tools.

If several flooding zones areconnected to a common ex-tinguishant supply, the gas isreleased for each zone via selector valves.

With more or less pressureThe carbon dioxide is suppliedin high-pressure cylinders orlow-pressure vessels. The opti-mum supply method dependson the quantity of extinguish-ant required and the partic-ular circumstances.

GAS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

INERT GAS

STORAGEALWAYS STAND-BY

Supply of extinguishant inhigh-pressure steel cylindersThe high-pressure steel cylin-ders are consolidated into onecylinder bank at the installa-tion location in special frameswith independent suspension.

Arranged in one or more rows,surprisingly large supplies ofextinguishant can be stored ina very small space. The specialframes can easily be adaptedfor extended protection zonesor quick replacement of indi-vidual cylinders.

Each cylinder suspension is also a weighing unit, whichautomatically indicates mini-mum leakage of extinguishant.

Pneumatic door release unit

Pneumatic horn

Electric horn

Room protection nozzle

Fire detection element

Disable deviceCylinder bank

Release and time delay device

Selector valve

Changeover valve

Pneumatic release device

Fire detection and control panel

Safety valve

Flooding zone 1 (room protection – computer room)

Flooding zone 2 (room protection – data archive)

GAS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

INERT GAS

Electric stop push button

Electric manual push button release

Door release unit

Pneumatic horn

Electric horn

Room protection nozzle

Local application nozzle

Fire detection element

Flooding zone 1 (room protection – warehouse)

Flooding zone 2 (local application – printing machine)

Low-pressure vessel with weighing unit

Cooling unit with control device

Safety valve with changeover valve

Valve of pneumatic pilot pipe

Pneumatic control device

Fire detection and control panel

Main shut-off valve

Safety valve

Selector or pilot control valve

Supply of extinguishant in low-pressure vesselsIf large quantities of extin-guishant are needed for the overall safety concept, a low-pressure vessel is rec-ommended – especially on grounds of economy.

The liquefied carbon dioxide isstored in this vessel at a tem-perate of approx. –20 °C andat an operating pressure ofapprox. 20 bar. A cooling unitprovides for a constant lowtemperature. The operatingcosts are minimized by anoptimum insulation design.

The supply vessel is mountedon a calibratable electronicweighing unit, which con-stantly displays the actualweight and therefore anypotential loss of extinguishantdue to leaks.

BENEFITSNumerous advantages

Suitable both for the pro-tection of rooms and offree-standing objects.

Carbon dioxide is a naturalcomponent of the ambientair and is therefore readilyavailable.

Extinguishes without resi-due and without affectingthe protected objects.

Chemical reactions as aresult of extinguishing arepractically impossible.

The extinguishant is elec-trically nonconductive andis therefore suitable also forprotecting electric systemcomponents.

The homogeneous distri-bution of extinguishant and the fast concentrationbuildup provide for opti-mum effectiveness.

After a fire, there is noextinguishant residue andtherefore no cleanupexpense.

The extinguishing effect is ensured even at lowambient temperatures.

Documented reliable extin-guishing provides maximumprotection of assets.

The system technology forthe components has beentried and tested for decades.

The modular, multi-zonesystem can easily be adaptedfor nearly any renovation orexpansion measures.

Argotec® systems with carbon dioxide allow par-ticularly space-saving extin-guishant storage, especiallywith low-pressure vessels.

After a fire, the extinguish-ing system is soon ready foroperation again, at a lowcost.

Approvals by certified testauthorities and the com-pliance of the design withnational standards ensureacceptance by insurancecompanies and buildingauthorities.

If installed, insurance com-panies grant rebates on fireand fire business interrup-tion insurance.

Minimax is fully certified:including the components, systems, pro-duction and quality management system,in addition to the company itself as theinstaller of fire protection systems.

NATURALLY FREE OF RESIDUE

Danger detectedThe control and monitoring ofthe Argotec® extinguishingsystems with carbon dioxide is achieved by the Minimax firedetection system. Fire detectorsmonitor the protected zone. Ifthe system detects smoke, anexcessive rise in temperature orflames, the fire detection con-trol panel initiates the extin-guishing process.

Safe is betterThe extinguishing processwith carbon dioxide reducesthe oxygen in the air in theprotected zone significantlybelow the natural level of 21 Vol.-%. Carbon dioxide inconcentrations that can extin-guish fires can be harmful tolife, and therefore specialsafety measures are installed.The extinguishing process will not start until after a prewarning time, so that there is sufficient time to leave theroom. All warning compo-nents are provided twofoldand are connected to diffe-rent power sources.

Minimax inert gas extinguishing systemsare designed, produced and installed incompliance with national and internationalguidelines and standards – a guarantee forquality and your safety.

GAS EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

INERT GAS