Understanding Micro Suppression And Total Flooding Suppression Systems

Fire suppression systems are critical for protecting lives, property, and assets in various settings. The two commonly used types of fire suppression systems are micro suppression and total flooding systems, which we will discuss in this article. Our plan is to delve into the details of these two types of systems, their differences, and their applications.

Micro Suppression Systems

Micro suppression systems, also known as spot protection or local application systems, are designed to extinguish fires in localized areas or specific objects. These systems are typically used in settings where fires are likely to occur in specific locations or objects, such as electrical enclosures, computer cabinets, server racks, or kitchen hood systems.

The main principle behind micro suppression systems is to quickly and directly extinguish fires at the source, minimizing damage and preventing fire spread. These systems typically use specialized fire-suppressing agents that are specific to the type of fire being protected against. In most cases, micro-suppression systems use clean-agent gases such as Chemori5112 (FK5-1-12) or Chemori227 (HFC-227ea). For example, a micro suppression system in a computer cabinet may use a clean agent gas or a foam-based agent to extinguish fires caused by electrical or electronic equipment, while a micro suppression system in a kitchen hood may use a wet chemical agent to suppress fires involving cooking oils or grease.

Micro suppression systems are designed to detect fires early and respond rapidly. They are typically equipped with sensors or detectors, such as a heat sensing tube, that can detect heat, smoke, or other signs of a fire. When a fire is detected, the system releases the fire-suppressing agent directly at the source of the fire, effectively extinguishing it. Micro suppression systems are also known for their ability to leave no residue, making them suitable for protecting sensitive equipment or assets.

One of the key advantages of micro suppression systems is their localized nature, which minimizes the amount of fire-suppressing agent used and reduces the risk of collateral damage. These systems are often used in settings where water-based fire suppression methods may not be suitable, such as in areas with sensitive electrical or electronic equipment or where water damage could cause further harm. Micro suppression systems are also known for their fast response time, as they can quickly detect and suppress fires at their early stages, potentially preventing extensive damage or loss. In addition, micro suppression systems tend to be less costly than their counterparts, faring well for overall investments. 

Total Flooding Systems

Total flooding systems, on the other hand, are designed to flood an entire enclosed space with a fire-suppressing agent to extinguish fires. These systems are typically used in larger areas or spaces where traditional water-based fire suppression methods may not be effective, such as data centers, control rooms, archives, or other critical facilities.

The main principle behind total flooding systems is to rapidly flood the entire protected space with a fire-suppressing agent, effectively disrupting the combustion process, which leads to fire suppression. These systems are typically activated automatically when a fire is detected, and the fire-suppressing agent is released into the protected space.

Total flooding systems use different types of fire-suppressing agents, depending on the specific fire risks and the nature of the protected area. Common types of fire-suppressing agents used in total flooding systems include clean agent gases (such as Chemori5112 or Chemori227), inert gases (such as nitrogen or argon), carbon dioxide (CO2), and others.

One of the main advantages of total flooding systems is their ability to quickly suppress fires in large enclosed spaces. These systems can rapidly flood the entire area with a fire-suppressing agent, effectively suppressing fires regardless of their location within the protected space. Total flooding systems are also also known for their ability to leave no residue or residue that is safe for human exposure, making them suitable for protecting sensitive equipment or assets.

Differences between Micro Suppression and Total Flooding Systems

While both micro suppression and total flooding systems are used for fire suppression, there are key differences between these two types of systems.

Scale and Coverage Area: Micro suppression systems are typically designed for localized protection, targeting specific objects or areas where fires are likely to occur. These systems have a limited coverage area and are ideal for small spaces or objects, such as electrical enclosures or kitchen hoods. On the other hand, total flooding systems are designed for larger areas or spaces, covering entire rooms, facilities, or buildings. These systems are suitable for protecting larger areas with higher fire risks, such as data centers or control rooms.

Fire-Suppressing Agent: Micro suppression systems use specialized fire-suppressing agents that are specific to the type of fire being protected against. These agents may include clean agent gases or wet chemical agents. Total flooding systems, on the other hand, use a variety of fire-suppressing agents, such as clean agent gases, inert gases, carbon dioxide (CO2), or others, depending on the specific fire risks and the nature of the protected area.

Activation and Release: Micro suppression systems are typically activated by sensors or detectors that detect heat, smoke, or other signs of a fire, and the fire-suppressing agent is released directly at the source of the fire. Total flooding systems, on the other hand, are typically activated automatically when a fire is detected, and the fire-suppressing agent is released into the entire protected space, flooding the area to suppress the fire.

Residue and Cleanup: Micro suppression systems are known for their localized nature, which minimizes the amount of fire-suppressing agent used and reduces the risk of collateral damage. These systems typically leave little to no residue, and cleanup may involve simply removing the extinguished materials or wiping down the affected area. Total flooding systems, on the other hand, may leave residue from the fire-suppressing agent in the protected area, which may require cleanup and restoration after the fire has been suppressed.

Suitability for Specific Applications: Micro suppression systems are ideal for protecting small spaces or objects where water-based fire suppression methods may not be suitable, such as areas with sensitive electrical or electronic equipment or where water damage could cause further harm. These systems are commonly used in settings such as computer cabinets, electrical enclosures, or kitchen hoods. On the other hand, total flooding systems are suitable for protecting larger areas or spaces where traditional water-based fire suppression methods may not be effective, such as data centers, control rooms, or archives.

Price: In general, total flooding systems tend to be more expensive than micro suppression systems due to their larger coverage area and the need to flood an entire enclosed space with fire-suppressing agents. Micro suppression systems are typically more cost-effective for smaller areas or objects, as they use localized protection and require smaller amounts of fire-suppressing agents. The cost of micro suppression systems can range from a few hundred dollars for small, basic systems to several thousand dollars for more complex installations with specialized agents or detection methods.

Conclusion

To conclude, micro suppression and total flooding systems are two types of fire suppression systems that serve different purposes and are used in different applications. Micro suppression systems are designed for localized protection, targeting specific objects or areas, and are suitable for small spaces or objects. Total flooding systems, on the other hand, are designed for larger areas or spaces and flood the entire protected area with a fire-suppressing agent to extinguish fires. FireSci™ provides system solutions for both applications and can help you determine what is best for your specific need. Feel free to contact us anytime for more information.