Wet and Dry Chemical

Suppression System
 WILLIAM HICKS
MSc, CFEI, CFPS, IAAI-CFI, MIFireE, EFO, CFOD, F-IAFI
Associate Professor
Eastern Kentucky University
William.Hicks@eku.edu
 Objectives
 Describe the characteristics of fixed wet
and dry chemical extinguishing
systems.
 Discuss the hazards fixed wet and dry
chemical extinguishing systems most
likely protect.
 Describe how fixed wet and dry
chemical agents control and extinguish
fire.
 Objectives
 Describe a pre-engineered system.
 List the major components that make up
fixed wet and dry chemical
extinguishing systems.
 Describe the types of fixed wet and dry
chemical extinguishing systems.
 Objectives
 Discuss the various acceptance and
periodic inspection, testing, and
maintenance requirements for fixed wet
and dry chemical extinguishing
systems.
 Objectives
 Estimate the quantity of dry chemical
needed for a total flooding system
 Describe the differences between dry
chemical and wet chemical systems
 Discuss wet chemical protection of
cooking equipment
 List the operating sequence and
extinguishment mechanism of wet
chemical extinguishing systems
 Introduction
 Fixed wet and dry chemical
extinguishing systems are an
alternative to water.
– Many similarities between systems
• Components
• Design and operational characteristics
• Pre-engineering possible
• Gas used to expel agent
• Can be manual or automatic
• Finite availability of extinguishing agent
 Introduction
 Fixed wet and dry chemical
extinguishing systems are an
alternative to water (cont’d).
– Design professionals must consider:
• Environment
• Equipment
• Type of system
• Amount of agent needed to control fire
 Introduction
 Fixed wet chemical
extinguishing
systems
– Protect commercial
kitchen appliances
and associated
ductwork, exhaust
hoods, filters, and
plenum chambers
© A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning
 Introduction
 Fixed wet chemical extinguishing systems
(cont’d)
– Water-based solutions mixed with potassium
acetate, carbonate, or citrate and other
additives
• Soapy foam blanket smothers/cools fuel.
• Manufacturers develop agents specific to their
appliances then seek approval.
– Agents are usually harmless to humans but
can corrode/stain equipment.
– Agents are effective against Class K fires.
 Introduction
 Fixed dry chemical
extinguishing
systems
– Protect equipment
and processes
against flammable
and combustible
liquid fires
• No longer used with © A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

commercial cooking
appliances
 Introduction
 Fixed dry chemical extinguishing
systems (cont’d)
– Agents are small solid particles that use
pressurized gas as medium.
• Delivered by fire extinguisher or hose
• Knock down flames and smother fire area
• When system activates, mixture flows out of
containers through nozzles.
– Agents are effective on surface fires where
other agents would run off.
 Introduction
 Fixed dry chemical extinguishing
systems (cont’d)
– Three categories of agents:
• Sodium carbonate based (Class B and C fires)
• Potassium based (Class B and C fires)
• Multipurpose (Class A, B, and C fires)
– Agents are generally nontoxic but:
• May create cloud that limits visibility and
causes respiratory problems
• May leave corrosive residue
 Introduction
 Smothers
 Rapid Discharge Limits Radiation
 Interfere With The Chain Reaction
– Sodium And Potassium Attach
Themselves To The H And OH- Radicals
– Scavenging of free radicals
 Introduction
 Fixed wet and dry chemical system
operation
– Activation can be automatic or manual.
– Once control panel receives activation
signal, electronic or mechanical release
initiates a sequence:
• Discharging of agent
• Control of associated utilities such as
electricity
• Alarm (may tie in to building’s system)
 Dry Chemical Systems
 Sodium Bicarbonate
– Used For Class B, C Fires
– Effective On Solid Surface Fires
– Forms A Soap Like Surface On
Grease/cooking Oil Fires
– Treated With Silicon To Enhance
Compatibility With Protein Based Foams
 Dry Chemical Systems
 Potassium Based
– More Effective Than Sodium Against Class
B And C, Except Cooking Grease
– Purple K-potas. Bicarb
– Super K-potas. Chloride
– Monnex-urea Based Potas. Bicarb
 Dry Chemical Systems
 Multi- Purpose Agents
– Monomonium Phosphate-class A, B,c
• Forms A Molten Residue To Smother
– Not Effective For Fat Fryers Or Electrical
Equipment Due To Residue (Temps
Greater Than 250oF or R.H. >50%)
 Introduction
 Fixed wet and dry chemical system
operation (cont’d)
– Sequence varies with system design.
• Container holds agent and expelling gas:
released by opening a valve and discharged
through nozzle.
• Gas in separate container: Valve opens and
lets gas flow into container with agent.
• Gas cartridge: Seal puncture allows gas to flow
into container with agent.
Standards for Wet and Dry Chemical
Systems
 Basis of all systems is amount of agent
needed to protect hazard.
– Pre-engineering
– Full engineering
– Once amount determined, design is
completed.
• Size and number of containers
• Piping
• Nozzles
• Other components
Standards for Wet and Dry Chemical
Systems
 No specific design parameters
– Each manufacturer’s agent and
components are different.
– Standards cover:
• General design considerations
• Info about hazard agents
• Requirements for system
activation/supervision
• Requirements for testing, inspection,
maintenance
Standards for Wet and Dry Chemical
Systems
 NFPA 17A, Standard for Wet Chemical
Extinguishing Systems
 NFPA 17, Standard for Dry Chemical
Extinguishing Systems
 NFPA 96, Standard for Ventilation
Control and Fire Protection of
Commercial Cooking Operations
 International Mechanical Code
Standards for Wet and Dry Chemical
Systems
 UL 300, Standard for Fire Testing of Fire
Extinguishing Systems for Protection of
Commercial Cooking Equipment
 UL 1254, Standard for Pre-Engineered
Dry Chemical Extinguishing System
Units
System Component Requirements
 Agent storage containers and gas
cartridges
– Storage containers are made of metal.
– Containers must handle high pressure and
be sized to accommodate needed amount
of agent.
• 1.5 to 6 gallons
System Component Requirements
 Agent storage containers and gas
cartridges (cont’d)
– Manufacturers may separate wet chemical
agent and expelling gas.
• Gas can be stored in a cartridge.
• Agent may be shipped separately.
– Agents must be kept at correct
temperature and humidity and protected
from damage.
System Component Requirements
 Agent storage containers and gas
cartridges (cont’d)
– Dry chemical containers can be bigger
than wet chemical containers.
– Smaller pre-engineered installations to
protect kitchens have smaller containers.
– All containers must meet DOT storage and
shipping guidelines.
 System Component Requirements
 Piping and fittings
– Distribute wet or dry agent to nozzles
– Usually made with metal approved for specific
agent and system
– Installed fittings include elbows, tees,
couplings.
– Arrangement and size of pipe depend on
hazard and agent.
• Standardized in wet chemical pre-engineered
systems
• Dry chemical systems may require full engineering.
 System Component Requirements
 Nozzles
– Means of distributing agent on hazard
– Different types for wet and dry systems
– Selection and arrangement based on
application, hazard, and amount of agent
needed
– Specific requirements:
• Noncombustible
• Brass, stainless steel, or corrosion-resistant
materials
• Blow-off caps and strainers
 System Component Requirements
 Activation devices
– Automatic and manual systems are
independent of each other.
– Automatic activation occurs through sensing
device located in hazard area (e.g., fusible
link).
– Manual activation devices are placed near
protected area or path of egress.
– Activation systems must operate associated
safety equipment and shut down hazard
utilities.
System Component Requirements
 System alarms and indicators
– When wet or dry system activates, it must
initiate alarm signal (alarm, supervisory,
trouble).
• If building has fire alarm system, extinguishing
system ties in.
• If not, audible or visual indicator is mandated.
– Supervisory alarms for electrical or
pneumatically controlled system are
required.
 Types of Fixed Wet and Dry
Extinguishing Systems
 Local application systems
– Protect a specific area, piece of
equipment, process, or operation
• Can use wet or dry agents
• Discharge directly onto hazard
– Must protect entire hazard and hazard
must be isolated
• Examples: A cooking appliance, a vehicle fuel
island
 Types of Fixed Wet and Dry
Extinguishing Systems
 Total flooding systems
– Protect enclosed hazards and areas within
a structure
• Example: A paint spray booth or liquid storage
area
• Dry chemical agent smothers, cools, and
disrupts chain reaction.
– Amount of agent needed varies based on
total volume and manufacturing specs.
– Suppression agents may require sealing.
 System Operation
1. Detector Senses Fire Condition
2. Signals Control Panel
3. If Interpreted As Fire…
4. Alarm Sounds
5. Equipment Shut Down, Supply And
Return Air Shut-Off
 System Operation
6. Activation Could Be Automatic Or
Manual
7. Could Be Remote Push Button
8. Signal Sent To Actuator On Expellant
Tank
9. Valve Opens
10. Expellant Piped Into Dry Agent Tank
 System Operation

11. Expellant Enters Tank And Mixes

(Fluidization)
12. Pressure Build As Volume In Tank
Increases
13. Pressure Bursts Rupture Disk
14. Fluid Mixture Flows Through Piping
Under Pressure
15. Nozzle Applies Dry Chemical
 Types of Fixed Wet and Dry
Extinguishing Systems
 Other wet and dry chemical application
methods
– Many different methods
– Hand hose lines can stand alone,
supplement extinguishers, or supplement
dry chemical systems.
• May be installed if dry chemical system is
inadequate
• Must have its own dry chemical supply
• Hose lines must be accessible and able to
reach hazard.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Visual inspections
– Confirm that equipment is located and
installed correctly
– The inspection:
• Verifies correct nozzle type and location
• Verifies piping material, size, and length
• Verifies correct agent type and amount
• Determines if auxiliary equipment is in correct
location, is correct type, and is free of damage
and operable
 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Discharge test
– Ensures correct amount of
agent discharged from
nozzles and equipment
functions
– Balloons, containers, and
bags are attached to
nozzles to capture agent
when it is discharged. © A. Maurice Jones, Jr./Jones & Bartlett Learning

– Also confirms piping is not

clogged
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Acceptance test
– Confirms proper operation by manual or
automatic release
– Safety processes that occur:
• Fuel and electrical shut-off
• Supply air shut-down
• Alarm activation
• Exhaust fan shut-down and damper closing
– Record event by placing tag on equipment.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance
 Inspection
– Occurs at least monthly, possibly more
frequently
• No obstruction to manual release or equipment
• No coating or deposits on nozzles or
equipment
• Protective blow-off caps/covers in place, no
damage
• Nozzles in correct location
• Auxiliary systems in place and ready
• No visible corrosion
• Pressure gauge normal
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Inspection (cont’d)
– Same checks are done as during monthly
inspections, plus:
• Checking dry chemical systems that use gas
cartridges for pressure and weight
• Ensuring that dry chemical agents flow freely
and are not lumped or caked
– Dry chemical agents in stored-pressure
containers must be checked every 6 years.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Testing
– Ensures system is operating as designed
and identifies problems
– Inspection results determine necessary
testing level.
– When inspection reveals a problem,
address immediately.
• Corrosion, leaks, damage, equipment repair
may require more extensive
testing/maintenance.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Testing (cont’d)
– Manual and automatic system activation
determines if fuel and electricity shut
down.
• Expelled gas determines performance level.
– Insurance/government authorities may
require full discharge.
• Weigh captured product.
– Clean and dry internal piping to avoid
blockage/corrosion.
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 Maintenance
– Follows manufacturer’s guidelines
– In addition to monthly/semi-annual testing:
• Replacement of fusible alloy-type fixed
temperature-sensing elements; not fusible
replaced as necessary
• System piping and nozzles internally examined
• Response to corrosion, leakage, or damage
• Full discharge every 6 years
• Hydrostatic testing of containers every 12
years
Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance

 For visual inspection, component test,

or required maintenance, equipment
must be tagged.
– Records should also be kept.
 Dry Chemical Systems
NFPA 17 On Caking
Originally
Caked-Dry Chemical Is Caked If It Does Not
Crumble When Dropped From A Height Of 4
Inches.
Now
Caking-evidence Of Lumps Present In The
Chemical
 Dry Chemical Systems

 Dry Chemical Agent Analysis

 Dry chemical: a powder consisting of
small particles suspended in a gaseous
medium; can distribute to a hazard
 Sodium Bicarbonate-based Dry
Chemicals
 Potassium-based Dry Chemicals
 Multipurpose Dry Chemicals
 Dry Chemical Systems (con’t.)
 Advantages of Dry Chemical Agents
 Disadvantages of Dry Chemical
 Personnel Hazards with Dry Chemical
 Testing of Dry Chemical Systems
 Dry Chemical Extinguishing Mechanism
 Dry Chemical System Components

 Dry Chemical Containers

 Dry chemical skid: a pre-assembled assembly
that includes pre-piped dry chemical storage
and pressurization facilities
 Expellant Gas Cylinders for Dry Chemical
Systems
 Dry Chemical System Piping and Nozzles
 Detection Systems for Dry Chemical Systems
Applications for Dry Chemical Systems
 Dry Chemical Systems for LNG Hazards
 Vaporized LNG:
– Fires in an enclosed volume
– Total flooding carbon dioxide is
recommended as the best solution
– Pressure and pool fires
– Dry chemical is the best solution
 Applications for Dry Chemical Systems

 Liquid LNG:
– Spill fires
– Dry chemical or a combination of dry
chemical, followed by the application of
high expansion foam, is recommended as
the best solution
– Pressurized and pool fires
– Dry chemical or a combination of dry
chemical, followed by the application of
high expansion foam, is recommended as
the best solution
Total Flooding Dry Chemical Systems
 Unclosable Openings in Total Flooding
Dry Chemical Applications
 Total Flooding Quantity Calculation
 Nozzle Spacing and Location for Total
Flooding Systems
 Total Flood V. Local Application
 NFPA 17 states that if the area is
predominantly enclosed, with the sum of the
uncloseable openings not exceeding 15% of
the surface area of all the walls, then a total
flooding system may be employed, subject to
the provisions below.

54
 Total Flood V. Local Application
 If the area of uncloseable opening is less than
1%, then no additional dry chemical
suppressant is required.
 Between 1 and 5%, extra dry chemical
suppressant is required, and if the area of
uncloseable openings exceeds 5%, then a
screening system, or approved local
application system is required.

55
Total Flooding Dry Chemical Systems
Determining Dry Chemical Total Flooding
Quantity
Determining Dry Chemical Total Flooding
Quantity
Determining Dry Chemical Total Flooding
Quantity
Determining the Number and Spacing of Nozzles
for a Total Flooding Dry Chemical System
Determining the Number and Spacing of Nozzles
for a Total Flooding Dry Chemical System
Local Application Dry Chemical Systems

 NFPA 17 requires that a hazard

protected by a local application system
– Be isolated from other hazards
– Be protected individually without affecting
or being affected by other hazards
 NFPA 17 does not provide design
criteria for local application dry
chemical extinguishing systems
 Based upon manufacturers data
Hand Hose Line Dry Chemical Systems

 Manually actuated hand hose line systems

are permitted only as a supplement for
automatic fixed extinguishing systems
 The agent supply capable of supporting
discharge of dry chemical from a hand
hose line must consider a supply capable
of supporting a minimum duration of 30
seconds for each hand hose line operated
from a fixed source
Pre-Engineered Dry-Chemical Systems
 Pre-engineered systems: packaged
units in which supply quantity, nozzle
selection, pipe size, and detector
selection are predetermined for a range
of volumes, areas, or applications, and
listed as a unit
 May be designed for local application,
total flooding, or hand hose line
systems
Questions?