Carbon Dioxide        CO₂

For non-occupied spaces, the original "clean" agent, carbon dioxide suppresses fire without leaving behind an agent to damage sensitive equipment. And because there is no agent to clean up, you’re back in business faster. To provide the most economical system arrangement without sacrificing performance, we offer both High and Low pressure systems including the exclusive ANSUL® "Mini-Bulk" tank technology. Carbon dioxide extinguishing agent used in Ansul engineered systems is particularly useful for hazards where an electrical, nonconductive medium is essential or desirable; where clean-up of other agents presents a problem; or where the hazard obstructions require the use of a gaseous agent.

The following are typical hazards protected by carbon dioxide systems:

• Printing presses
• Vaults
• Open pits
• Dip tanks
• Spray booths
• Ovens
• Engine rooms
• Coating machines
• Process equipment
• Hoods and ducts
• Flammable gas or liquid storage areas

Carbon dioxide is a plentiful, non-corrosive gas that does not support combustion nor react with most substances. It has a low toxicity classification by Underwriters Laboratories (Group 5a). It is commonly compressed to the liquid state for storage and transportation in DOT cylinders. Upon 
release, it discharges under its own pressure giving the appearance of steam as its low temperature crystallizes water in the air. For clean agent fire suppression purposes the discharge is designed to raise the carbon dioxide concentration in the hazard. This removes the free oxygen which supports combustion*, and results in fire extinguishment. The resultant lack of free oxygen dictates that total flooding hazards be evacuated immediately, and carbon dioxide from local application be avoided by personnel.

Carbon dioxide is an effective fire extinguishing agent that can be used on many types of fires. It is effective for surface fires, such as flammable liquids and most solid combustible materials. It expands at a ratio of 450 to 1 by volume. Other desirable attributes are its high degree of effectiveness,  its excellent thermal stability, and freedom from deterioration. In addition, carbon dioxide has so many additional commercial uses that refills are available in practically every large city or seaport throughout the world. Criteria for quantity and concentration of carbon dioxide is developed in NFPA-12 for both local and total flooding applications.

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