Please keep this user manual for future use. It will expire upon
publication of a revised issue. The latest version is available with your
distributor, dealer or at AF-X Systems BV.
User Manual AF-X Fireblocker Carbon Based Fire Extinguishers version 2.2
11
5.3
Detection systems and peripheral equipment
The fire extinguishing system’s Statement of Requirements determines which detection system and/or peripheral
equipment will be chosen. For European extinguishing systems, AF-X Systems uses equipment such as (optical)
alarms, temperature-sensitive equipment or aspiration systems for detection. In addition, systems and switches
might be used enabling manual intervention in the FECP-controlled process.
The AF-X Systems price list includes most of such products enabling the system designer to use standardized and
compatible products.
Please be aware that local rules and regulations, or a certifying authority, may require specific equipment. For
proper installation of the systems, the manufacturers’ installation requirements are leading.
5.4
AF-X Fireblocker Carbon Series extinguishing generators
For the correct design of an AF-X Fireblocker system, the following steps must be taken:
1.
Calculation of the required quantity and type of extinguishing generators.
2.
Projection of the generators’ correct position in the (to be) protected space.
3.
Determination of the extinguishing generators’ correct discharge direction.
5.5
AF-X Fireblocker Carbon Series aerosol behaviour
For a correct design of an AF-X Fireblocker extinguishing system with the Carbon Series, one should consider several
properties and behavioural aspects of the AF-X Fireblocker aerosol of the Carbon Series in the protected space.
The aerosol formed by the AF-X Fireblocker leaves the generator at some speed. You will observe a spreading,
homogeneous cloud. The temperature of this cloud, consisting of extremely small microscopic particles, is usually
higher than its surroundings. Therefore, the aerosol cloud will initially seem to be slowly rising.
The particles are so small that gravity hardly affects them, and they can therefore disperse in the air rapidly and in
a balanced fashion. This also means that the currents and whirls present in the area (either caused by fire, or just
by the active equipment) make the tiny aerosol particles actively move through the protected space. The AF-X
Fireblocker aerosol of the Carbon Series has been designed to make use of these currents and movements so that
the convection currents, caused by the seat of the fire, draw the particles into that seat. Even when the fire is just
in its early stages of development.
5.6
Calculation of quantity and type
The calculation of the necessary quantity and type of extinguishing generators is simple and in principle all you need
is the net volume (in m
3
) of the space you want to protect. The net volume is usually specified on the Program of
Demand of the project, or at Technical Drawings of the construction. Should you lack this information, you will find
more information in the “Manual Volume Calculation” that is available on request. If the net volume of the to be
protected space is provided to the system designer by a third party, it is strongly advised to check this number
based on factual information.
When you have the available net volume of the to be protected space at hand you can use the “AF-X Fireblocker
Density Calculation Sheet” to determine the amount of extinguishant you need, and which types of extinguishing
generators will best suit your purpose. This Calculation Sheet is available upon request with AF-X Systems at all
times.
For each generator type, the volume the generator protects is stated by fire class. In line with most European and
American guidelines, one should add an (extra) safety margin of 30% in the calculation (this margin is included in
the numbers in the Calculation Sheet).
5.7
Projection of the generators within the area
There is a number of guidelines that help you determine the best positions for the generators in your design. These
guidelines are based on standards, but each area is different. It is important to adhere to the standards as much as
possible. Needless to say, the distribution of generators in the area needs to be in accordance with local rules and
regulations as well as the system’s Statement of Requirements.
5.8
Guidelines for the correct positioning and distribution in the area
1.
Generators need to be positioned and distributed in such a way that the discharged aerosol can be dispersed
in the protected area’s free space as quickly and homogenously as possible.
