CHOOSE YOUR VENT
When it comes to gas fire suppression systems, choosing the right pressure relief vent is essential for ensuring safety and system performance. The main decision you'll need to make is whether your system uses an inert gas or a chemical gas. Each type of gas has unique properties that affect how the pressure needs to be managed within the protected area.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Vent
- Type of Gas: Inert gas systems displace a large volume of air and cause significant pressure build-up, making pressure vents mandatory in most cases. Chemical gas suppression systems, on the other hand, use gases like FM-200 or Novec 1230, cause less overall volume change, but discharge rapidly and need vents that can respond quickly to rapid pressure changes.
- Pressure Management: Inert gases usually require vents designed to manage a gradual pressure build-up, while chemical gas systems demand vents capable of handling a fast spike in pressure.
- Building Requirements: The size of the protected area, the construction materials, and fire suppression regulations will all play a role in selecting the correct vent solution.
Inert Gas Vent Solutions
Inert gases, such as nitrogen or argon, are non-reactive and work by displacing oxygen in the room. Since these gases expand a lot, pressure venting is necessary to prevent structural damage. The SHX-UN has a unique design (pat applied) and offers users the industry’s best solution for blast protection and gas suppression pressure relief for all inert gases.
Chemical Gas Vent Solutions
Chemical gases like FM-200 and Novec 1230 are fast-acting, suppressing fires by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire. The release is rapid, and the pressure relief vent needs to be equipped to manage these quick changes in pressure. The DUX is the world's first two-way, double action pressure relief vent and perfect for use with chemical and halocarbon gases.
