Date: 26.09.

2024
Fire Protection: Unit 4 (V Sem)

Carbon Di-oxide and Application Systems

Applicable standards
NFPA -12 (2018) : Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
IS-15528 (2004) : Gaseous fire extinguishing systems — carbon dioxide total
flooding and local application ( sub-floor and in-cabinet ), high and low pressure (
refrigerated) systems
Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishing systems have been in use continuously
since the early 1900s. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) first
published its design standard on carbon dioxide extinguishing systems in 1929.
Since this time, carbon dioxide extinguishing systems have gained wide acceptance
around the world, and have successfully protected fire hazards in a large variety of
configurations and locales, including in land-based industrial environments, and
on ships and mobile drilling platforms at sea. Carbon dioxide is electrically non-
conductive and, when used at concentrations recommended in design standards,
extinguishes fires relatively quickly leaving no residue.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) has many of the positive attributes of a clean fire
extinguishing agent for fire extinguishing applications. Because of this, CO2 has
been and is being used for fire protection in a number of hazard situations. One
drawback to using carbon dioxide, however, is that its mechanism of fire
suppression is through oxygen dilution, and not, as is the case for halon, through
chemical disruption of the catalytic combustion chain. As such, the range of
concentrations needed to extinguish various fuel fires is between 34 and 72% v/v,
with resulting oxygen concentrations being between 15.7 and 8.1%. Exposures to
carbon dioxide concentra- tions of 2530% v/v will quickly (within seconds) lead to
unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. Because resulting oxygen
concentrations in atmospheres with 25-30% v/v CO2 are above levels required to
sustain life (in the absence of COz), it is the presence of CO2 that imparts the
mechanism of lethality (Le., severe CNS depression effects resulting in death).
Properties of CO2:
Colorless, Odorless, Electrically non-conducting inert gas. 1.15 times heavier than
air. Ratio of expansion of liquid CO2 to gas is very high. Carbon dioxide will not
burn or support combustion and will not sustain life. When confined within a
suitable pressure vessel and depending on temperature and pressure conditions,
carbon dioxide can exist in any of three stages of matter; solid, liquid and gas
Principle of Extinguishments.
• By reducing concentration of Oxygen below 16% by volume.
• By producing cooling effect on CO2 is stored in cylinder at sub zero
temperatures.
CO2 will not extinguish fires when the following materials are actively involved in
the combustion process: -
• Chemicals containing their own supply of oxygen
• Reactive metals
• Metal hydrides

CO2 extinguishing system most ideal for protecting:

• Paint and varnish manufacturing and processing areas.

• Powder coating and Painting boots.
• Transformers and substations.
• Rolling mills and Turbines.
• False Floors and cable shafts.
Engine test benches and SHIP Engine Room / compartments.
• Printing machines

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System

Why CO2 is used?
Carbon dioxide is the fire extinguising medium used in CO2 flooding system. It
is an effective fire suppression agent applicable to a wide range of fire hazards.
It has a high rate of expansion which allows it to work fast. When applied to a
fire, CO2 provides a heavy blanket of gas that reduces the oxygen level to a point
where combustion cannot occur. Since carbon dioxide is a gas, there is no clean
up associated with a system discharge. CO2, a compound of carbon and oxygen,
is a colorless gas which cause coughing to occur when inhaled. At higher
concentrations it is acutely toxic. Low and high pressure CO2 is used for the fire
protection of machinery spaces, pump rooms, cargo holds, paint stores and
galley exhaust ventilation ducts on board ships.
There are several advantages for the CO2 as a fire fighting medium. They are:
• Density is 1.5 times higher than air. So CO2 settles down and displaces
air.
• It can be easily liquefied and bottled.
• 20% – 30% CO2 concentration extinguishes fire by smothering
• Non-corrosive
• Non- conductor of electricity
• No residues left after application
• No deterioration with age
Similarly there are some disadvantages also, such as:
 • CO2 is highly asphyxiating. 9% concentration causes unconsciousness
within minutes
• Very little cooling effect. So there is danger of re-ignition.
• When discharged, solid CO2 particles present and generate sufficient
static electricity to produce spark.

Types of CO2 System

1. High Pressure
High pressure CO2 system is a specialized fire extinguishing system
designed to maintain the carbon dioxide supply at 21º C and 850 PSI
in strength alloy steel cylinders. The cylinders contain the CO2 required
to protect the largest single hazard. On large hazards where several
cylinders are required, a manifold is used to connect each cylinder by
means of flexible hoses and check valves. Cylinder valves control the
CO2 flow to the hazard through properly sized pipe, terminating in
nozzles that apply the CO2. Flow rate is controlled by nozzle orifices as
 well as pipe sizes. The cylinder master valves are electronically operated
and the slave valves are pressure actuated. The master valves can be
automatically and/or manually operated

2. Low Pressure – Storage Pressure 300 PSI which is to be maintained at

-18ºC.

Local Application

1. Rate by Area method

2. Rate by Volume method.
Total Flooding:
1. For Surface Fires.
2. For Deep Sealed Fires.
Use :
• Paint Shop Booths & Paint Storage & Mixing Rooms.
• Can be used on Class A, Class B & Class C (E)Hazards.
• Turbo Generators
• Color Printing machines .
• Battery Rooms.
• Flammable Liquid Storage.
• Record Data Storages

Data Required or considerations for installing CO2 system:

• Hazard is Enclosed or Open .

• Materials involved in the protected area.
• Dimensions of Hazard .Length x Width x Height .
• Height should give details of Main void +False ceiling + False flooring .
• Surrounding area that could affect protected hazard.
• Any opening or outlets.
• Other electrical appliances like A/C or Fuel devices etc.
• Discharge to be Automatic or Manual or Both.
• Location of CO2 Cylinders and Control panels .
• Site location . Main Bank & Standby Bank is required

Normally Occupied Enclosure or Space : An enclosure or space where one or

more persons are present under normal circumstances.
Normally Unoccupied Enclosure or Space : An enclosure or space not normally
occupied but one that could be entered occasionally by one or more persons for
brief periods.
Occupiable Enclosure or Space : An enclosure or space that has dimensions and
physical characteristics such that it could be entered by a person.
Lockout : A manually operated valve in the discharge pipe between the nozzles
and the supply, which can be locked in the closed position to prevent flow of
carbon dioxide to the protected area.

Carbon Dioxide Requirements for Surface Fires.: The quantity of carbon

dioxide for surface-type fires shall be based on average conditions assuming
fairly prompt extinguishment. Although a reasonable allowance for normal
leakage is included in the basic volume factors, corrections shall be made for the
type of material involved and any other special conditions.

A. Flammable Materials

• Consideration shall be given to the determination of the design

concentration of carbon dioxide required for the type of flammable material
involved in the hazard.
• The design concentration shall be determined by adding a factor (20
percent) to the minimum effective concentration.
• In no case shall a concentration less than 34 percent be used.
• Theoretical carbon dioxide concentration shall be obtained from some
recognized source or determined by test.
• If maximum residual oxygen values are available, the theoretical carbon
dioxide concentration shall be calculated by using the following formula:
Minimum design concentration of carbon dioxide for extinguishment

Volume Factor (Gas expansion)

• Ratio of the volume of CO2 gas in its gaseous state to the volume of
liquid CO2 that occupies the same space under standard conditions.
 • Used to determine the basic quantity of carbon dioxide to protect an
enclosure containing a material requiring a design concentration of 34
percent.
• In figuring the net cubic capacity to be protected, due allowance shall be
permitted to be made for permanent non removable, impermeable
structures materially reducing the volume.
• In two or more interconnected volumes where free flow of carbon dioxide
can take place, the carbon dioxide quantity shall be the sum of the
quantities calculated for each volume, using its respective volume factor

Flooding Factor (Concentration Requirement)

• The flooding factor indicates how densely the CO2 must be concentrated
in a given space to achieve effective fire suppression. It helps determine
the appropriate amount of CO2 needed for different enclosure sizes.
• The flooding factor is typically expressed as a weight or volume of CO2
per cubic cubic meter of protected space.

Influencing Flooding Factor:

1. Type of Fire: Different classes of fires (A, B, C, etc.) require different

concentrations of CO2 for effective suppression.
2. Enclosure Size: Larger enclosures may require a higher flooding factor
to ensure the CO2 disperses adequately and maintains effective
concentrations throughout the space.
3. Ventilation: Enclosures with significant airflow or ventilation may
require more CO2 to counteract dilution by fresh air.

4.
Material Conversion Factor : For materials requiring a design concentration over
34 percent, the basic quantity of carbon dioxide calculated from the volume
factor given in above Table shall be increased by multi plying this quantity by
the appropriate conversion factor given in following Figure;

Fig.Material Conversion Factor

Special Conditions: Additional quantities of carbon dioxide shall be provided to

compensate for any special condition that could adversely affect the
extinguishing efficiency.

a) Openings that cannot be closed: Any openings that cannot be closed at the time
of extinguishment shall be compensated for by the addition of a quantity of
carbon dioxide equal to the anticipated loss at the design concentration during
a 1-minute period. This amount of carbon dioxide shall be applied through the
regular distribution system.
b) Ventilating Systems: For ventilating systems that cannot be shut down,
additional carbon dioxide shall be added to the space through the regular
distribution system in an amount computed by dividing the volume moved
during the liquid discharge period by the flooding factor. This additional amount
of carbon dioxide shall be multiplied by the material conversion factor when the
design concentration is greater than 34 percent.
c) Enclosed Rotating Electrical Equipment: For enclosed rotating electrical
equipment, a minimum concentration of 30 percent shall be maintained for the
deceleration period, but not less than 20 minutes.
d) Pressure Relief Venting: For very tight enclosures, the necessary area of free
venting shall be calculated from the following equation
How people warned and protected from CO2 systems?

CO2 fire suppression systems are necessary for numerous areas and are
harmful to human life. Fortunately, there are now many life safety devices and
procedures that can and should be implemented to keep people safe when CO2
suppression systems are in use.If you have a total flood CO2 system protecting
an occupiable enclosure, then you are required to have pneumatic time delays,
sirens, supervised lock-out valves, and safety maintenance switches. Following
are brief descriptions of each:

• Pneumatic time delays: The delay is initiated when the CO2 suppression
system is activated and delays the release of the CO2 for approximately 30
to 60 seconds to allow personnel in the area to evacuate.

• Pneumatic siren: the siren is activated as soon as CO2 system has been
activated and sounds a loud warning to those in the area to alert them to
the activated CO2 system. The siren will continue through the time delay
and the discharge of the CO2 until it is completely discharged. Once all of
the CO2 is discharged, then the siren will switch off.
• Pneumatic Odorizer: There is a small ampule with a liquid, once the CO2
discharges, the pressure from the CO2 will break the glass, the liquid
mixes with the C02 to give that wintergreen smell. (Wintergreen).

•
Odorizer Assembly :The odorizer assembly injects a scent of wintergreen
into the carbon dioxide during a discharge. Upon discharge, the carbon
dioxide pressure ruptures a burst disc to release the scent of wintergreen.
This scent warns personnel in the vicinity of the area protected by the fire
suppression system that carbon dioxide gas is present.Install the odorizer
assembly downstream of any system valve (typically the lock-out valve) or
other ancillary equipment (pressure switches, trips, etc.) Odorizers may
not be appropriate with applications such as food processing, wet benches
and aluminum rolling mills due to potential risk of contamination and/or
presence of humans.
Verify the odorizer assembly :
Every six months, verify that the odorizer assembly if not discharged.
Verify the odorizer assembly as follows:
1. Remove the odorizer assembly.
2.Check to make sure the burst disc is intact.
3. If the burst disc has ruptured, replace the odorizer.
4.Weigh the odorizer assembly and compare the value to the weight
marked on the assembly. If the weight loss is greater than 20 grams,
replace with a new unit.
5.Reattach the odorizer assembly.
• Warning Signs: Warning signs need to be posted wherever someone
could be exposed to C02. Depending on the application, there are several
different warning signs that maybe needed.
 •

• Supervised lock-out valve: this lock-out valve can be used whenever

maintenance is being performed on the system to prevent accidental CO2
discharge. To activate the lock-out valve, personnel or technicians simply
turn a lever that blocks the line between the CO2 cylinder and the
discharge nozzle. These valves do not prevent the CO2 from discharging,
but they do prevent it from dumping out of the pipe into the surrounding
area.
• Safety maintenance switches: these switches allow personnel or
technicians to electrically disable the system during maintenance to help
prevent accidental discharge.
• Training :If these life-safety devices are properly implemented, there is
little reason those working in or near areas protected by a CO2 system
should experience harm. But more than just implementing these devices,
personnel should also be properly trained. All personnel should be trained
in the dangers and how the Co2 system functions and where the potential
of low-lying areas that Co2 could migrate too.To ensure that your
personnel remains safe, the following steps for training should be taken.
Inform everyone working around the CO2 system that it is there and to
recognize the effects of CO2 exposure:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Suffocation
Train them on your system's life-safety devices so that they understand what the
sirens, signs, and wintergreen smells mean.
Develop SOP which include what each person is to do in the event of a system
discharge.
Train the designated personnel member(s) on how to operate the system,
including using the supervised lockout valve.

Safety For local application CO2

For local application CO2 fire suppression systems, such as those used on
conveyor belts, not as many safety devices are required. However, because the
amount of CO2 released into the area could still be harmful and even fatal, the
use of supervised lock-out valves and a pneumatic wintergreen odorizer are
ideal, along with proper warning signage:
• Pneumatic wintergreen odorizer: because CO2 is odorless, the odorizer
is added to the CO2 tank and injects a wintergreen scent into the CO2
agent as it either leaks or is discharged from the system. If the personnel
working around the system are properly trained, they should know that
if they smell wintergreen, it is a sign of CO2 in the air and that they
should evacuate immediately.
• Warning signage: The proper warning signs be placed in visible areas in
and around all spaces protected by a CO2 suppression system. These
signs include a one-lunged man's image and have information warning
about the risk of injury and death potentially caused by CO2. It warns
individuals not to enter a protected space when the system is activated.
Components of a CO₂ Extinguishing System:
1. CO₂ Storage
• High-Pressure Cylinders: CO₂ is stored in steel cylinders at room
temperature under high pressure (typically around 850 psi at 70°F).
• Low-Pressure Tanks: CO₂ is stored as a liquid in insulated, refrigerated tanks
at around 300 psi and -18°F. These are used for larger applications.
2. Control Panel : The central brain of the system, this panel monitors inputs
from various sensors and triggers the release of CO₂ either manually or
automatically.
o Fire detectors (e.g., heat detectors, smoke detectors) send signals to the
control panel.
o Release controls activate the system based on signals from the detectors or
a manual release station.
3. Discharge Nozzles: Nozzles are strategically placed throughout the protected
area to ensure uniform distribution of CO₂. Different nozzles are designed for
either total flooding or local application.
o High-Velocity Nozzles: Used for local applications where a concentrated
discharge is needed.
o Low-Velocity Nozzles: Used in total flooding systems to disperse the CO₂ over
a large area.
4. Pipe Network : Carries the CO₂ from the storage tanks or cylinders to the
discharge nozzles. It must be designed to handle the high pressure of CO₂ and
ensure the correct amount is delivered to the designated locations. Typically
made from steel or other durable metals that can withstand high pressures and
the extreme cold of CO₂.
5. Release Mechanism
• Manual Release: Usually a pull station or push button that can be operated
by personnel in case of a fire. Some systems have mechanical levers that
directly open the CO₂ valves.
• Automatic Release: Triggered by fire detection systems (e.g., heat or smoke
detectors), which send a signal to the control panel to release CO₂
automatically.
6. Pilot Cylinders and Actuators
• Pilot Cylinders: Small cylinders of CO₂ used to actuate the main storage
cylinders or tanks. These are often the first step in the release sequence.

• Solenoid valve: Operates by using an electrical signal to open or close the

flow of CO2, ensuring rapid response in fire situations while maintaining
safety when the system is not active.
Components:
Solenoid Coil: An electromagnet that, when energized, creates a magnetic field.
Valve Body: Contains the internal components that control gas flow.
Piston or Diaphragm: A moving part that opens or closes the valve
Remote Control: The solenoid valve can often be controlled remotely, allowing for
quick activation in an emergency.
Operation
o Normal State: In the default position, the solenoid valve is closed, preventing
CO2 from flowing through the system.
o Activation Signal: When a fire detection system triggers an alarm, it sends an
electrical signal to the solenoid valve.
o Energizing the Coil: The electrical signal energizes the solenoid coil, creating
a magnetic field.
o Opening the Valve: The magnetic field pulls the piston or diaphragm, opening
the valve. This allows CO2 gas to flow from the storage cylinder into the
designated area.
o Discharge of CO2: Once the valve is open, the CO2 is released quickly to
suppress the fire.
o Deactivation: After the system has operated, the solenoid coil is de-energized,
causing the valve to return to its closed position, stopping the flow of CO2.

Pressure Switches : These switches monitor the pressure in the CO₂ system to
ensure proper functioning. If the pressure drops below a certain level, the switch
signals the control panel to alert operators or take corrective action.
7 . Alarm and Warning Devices
• Audible Alarms: Sounds an alert when the system is about to discharge. This
warns personnel to evacuate the area since CO₂ can be dangerous in
confined spaces.
• Visual Indicators: Strobes or flashing lights indicate the system’s activation
in noisy environments.
• Time Delay Device: Provides a brief delay before the CO₂ is discharged to
give personnel time to evacuate the area.
8. Ventilation Shutoff System : In some cases, the system is connected to the
ventilation controls to automatically shut off HVAC systems during a discharge,
preventing CO₂ from escaping the protected space or fresh oxygen from entering.
9. Lockout Valves: Allow isolation of certain parts of the system for
maintenance without disabling the entire system. These are essential for safely
servicing sections of the CO₂ system.
10. Discharge Indicators: Installed on the pipe network to confirm visually that
CO₂ has been discharged from a specific nozzle or section of the system

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System in Marine System Spaces.

Cargo Space. A space for the carriage or storage of items or products that are
transported by the vessel.
Electrical Equipment Space. A space containing electrical propulsion, power
generating, or power distribution equipment.
Machinery Space. A space that contains mechanical equipment for handling,
pumping, or transferring flammable or combustible liquids as a fuel.
Vehicle Space. A space that is designed for the carriage of automobiles or other
self-propelled vehicles.

Safety Precautions After CO2 Release in machine room:

After CO2 flooding system is operated efficiently, engine room fire will extinguish
by smothering action. But before engine room entry is made or space ventilated,
it is recommended to obtain expert advice from shore. Nearest coast guard can
be contacted for getting assistance for the same.
1. The first question is, how to make sure that CO2 is actually released after the
operation of CO2 flooding system. When Co2 is released there will be a loud noise
of gas escaping to the protected space. CO2 bottles can be felt cold after
releasing. Visual inspection of the operation of, pressure operated cylinder valves
also can be carried out.
2. CO2 has very little cooling effect. So there is a danger of re-ignition of fire
when engine room is ventilated immediately. Keep the boundary cooling running
to reduce the temperature of the engine room.
3. Ventilation of engine room should not be started until it has been definitely
established that the fire has been extinguished completely, which will take
several hours.
4. Engine room to be sufficiently ventilated before entering.
5. Entry to be carried out by trained personnel wearing breathing apparatus.
6. Even after fire has been extinguished completely, never bring bare
flame such as candle light or lighted cigarette into the burnt room, other wise
fire may break out again due to explosion of combustible gases, if any.
7. In order to allow persons to get away quickly and safely in case of fire,
entrances and exits shall be always kept clear.
8. Back up team or support team to be ready in case any difficulties happens in
side.
9. An attendant should be instructed to remain at the entrance of the engine
room.
10. An agreed and tested system of communication to be established between
attendant and team inside engine room.
11. In case any emergency occur to the team inside engine room, the attendant
is not supposed to enter inside before the help has arrived.
12. In the event of ventilation system fails, the personnel in the space should
leave immediately.

*********

Dr A R Sontake
Professor, NFSC, Nagpur.