Extinguishing Systems
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We Have the Solution to Your Needs
A high-performance extinguishing system acts quickly and effectively to control and extinguish the spread of fire. Several solutions are available to you. That's why we come to determine the system that best suits your needs.
Automatic sprinklers
Sprinklers are the main components of a fire protection system. While there's a wide variety of sprinklers available, the choice depends on the risk factors present in the environment. If you're at the stage of designing a fire protection system, we will advise you on the type of system that best meets your needs.
How an Automatic Sprinkler System Works
Sprinklers are a heat-sensitive extinguishing device that automatically activates to quickly extinguish a fire. They are attached to a hydraulically calibrated piping network supplied by an automatic water supply system.
The sprinkler system detects a fire, controls it, and triggers an alarm to alert the authorities.
The Types of Sprinklers
We present you the characteristics of the types of sprinklers available on the market to help you understand the reasons that lead us to recommend the installation of one of them.
Water-Based Systems
This is the most widely used sprinkler system, recognized globally for its effectiveness in the fire protection industry. It is reliable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
When activated by heat, the sprinkler heads release the water contained in the piping network. Always ready to operate, the response time of the fire protection system is extremely fast.
Technical Considerations
- According to the NFPA standard, water-based sprinklers will only be installed in an environment where the ambient temperature is always above 4°C to prevent the water in the piping from freezing.
- Only sprinklers activated by abnormally high ambient heat will be triggered, limiting water damage.
Environmental Considerations
- While highly effective, sprinklers use less water than a fire hose.
- The lifespan of water-based sprinkler systems is longer than that of other types of systems.
Air-Based Systems
We favor air-based sprinklers in places where the risk of freezing is too high, such as underground parking lots, refrigerated spaces, or unheated buildings. In this system, the piping contains compressed air or nitrogen. When intense heat is detected, the sprinkler head activates, opening the alarm valve. In the first few seconds, air escapes through the sprinkler until water arrives to extinguish the fire.
Technical Considerations
- The air-based fire protection system is more expensive than water-based sprinklers.
- The system requires the installation of a compressor.
- It is also more complex to install and offers less flexibility in design.
- The air system requires more maintenance, and the risks of corrosion need to be monitored.
Environmental Considerations
- Shorter lifespan than water-based systems.
Pre-Action Systems
The pre-action sprinkler system functions similarly to air-based sprinklers. However, it requires the installation of a detection system that senses excessive heat and/or smoke. Based on their programming, pre-action sprinklers are activated in the presence of a detection alert or in the presence of both factors, namely the activation of the sprinkler and the detection of heat or smoke. The dual condition helps reduce damage caused by accidental activation of the fire protection system.
Pre-action sprinklers are used in large areas at risk of freezing that would be poorly protected by traditional systems. They can also be installed in places where the activation of a sprinkler could cause considerable damage.
Technical Considerations
- The pre-action system may take longer to reach its optimal flow capacity. The resulting fire spread could trigger a larger number of sprinklers.
Deluge Systems
In the presence of a high risk of fire spread, we recommend the installation of a deluge-type sprinkler system. Similar to pre-action sprinklers, this system requires the installation of a heat and/or smoke detector. In the event of a fire, the valve opens automatically. Water then pours into the entire piping network and flows through all sprinkler heads, creating a veritable deluge over the entire area.
Technical Considerations
- This type of sprinkler requires the installation of a detection system that activates the fire protection system.
Foam Systems
Some businesses face special risks that require the design and installation of a fire protection system tailored to their specific needs.
The foam system is preferred in high-risk areas where a large quantity of flammable products is present. Foam sprinklers release a foam that covers the flammable materials, preventing the fire from reigniting when the flammability threshold (flashpoint) of a flammable product is reached.
Technical Considerations
- A foam system can prevent explosions, protecting the lives of occupants and firefighters.
- The foam can cause corrosion in the piping.
Environmental Considerations
- The foam must be collected in containers and sent to a specialized firm for environmental recovery.
- The maintenance cost is higher than that of a conventional system.
- This is a last resort solution as legislative review is underway to limit the production of foam and the use of foam sprinklers.
Backflow Prevention Devices
The Safety Code of the Régie du bâtiment du Québec stipulates that connections to a potable water network must be equipped with a backflow prevention device (BPD) to protect potable water and prevent contamination risks.
There are several types of BPDs: single check valve, double check valve, or reduced pressure zone. Depending on the risk assessment and the classification of fire protection systems, we install the BPD that suits your installations.
All BPDs are installed and inspected in accordance with CSA B64.10 - Selection and installation of backflow prevention devices and CSA B64.10.1 - Field testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
Fire Pumps
During our visit, we assess the need to install a fire pump. This is used when the municipal water supply is insufficient or non-existent. Thus, in certain situations, the fire pump becomes the sole source of water, which is drawn from a retention reservoir, to extinguish an emerging fire.
Hydraulic calculations for the design of sprinkler systems have completely changed water supply concepts. It is also through these calculations that our design team evaluates the need to install a fire pump and its required capacity to ensure the protection of property and individuals.
Extinguishing Agents for Special Risks
The presence of highly flammable liquids, solids, or gases requires the installation of additional special fire protection systems designed specifically to meet the client's particular needs. There are different types of extinguishing agents for special risks. According to your specifications, we will install the product that suits your requirements.
Aerosol
As the very latest innovation in the field, fire suppression by aerosol is a cutting-edge technology in fire protection. Aerosol extinguishing is a proven method to effectively and rapidly extinguish flames. Although it is a clean, non-toxic, and safe agent for both humans and the environment, its use is not recommended in a normally occupied room.
Technical Considerations
- Activation occurs using fixed electric, thermal, or manual units.
- The discharge capacity is determined based on risk assessment and proportionally results in reduced visibility.
- The aerosol extinguishing technology is effective even at very low temperatures (-40°C to 54°C) and in a non-sealed environment.
- The transport of the aerosol agent is permitted, making it an ideal solution for installations located in remote or isolated areas.
- The duration of the aerosol is limited.
Environmental Considerations
- Green and responsible solution, with no destructive effect on the ozone layer or impact on global warming.
Clean Agent Novec 1230
Fire protection fluid without water, the clean agent Novec 1230 is released in the form of gas. The most environmentally friendly solution on the market can therefore be installed in premises occupied by your employees without danger.
Technical Considerations
- The effectiveness of the Novec 1230 solution requires a sealed environment. Our certified technicians assess the airtightness of the room using the latest technology. Retrotec.
- The extinguishing agent takes up little space compared to inert gases since it is stored in liquid state cylinders. These cylinders must be located inside or on the periphery of the room.
- The Novec 1230 fire protection fluid can pose risks of combustion by-products emanation.
- Equipment maintenance is inexpensive, and the turnaround time for their restoration after a fire is relatively quick.
Environmental Considerations
- Novec 1230 is the most environmentally friendly chemical gas on the market. Its use does not cause any harmful effects on the ozone layer or contribute to global warming.
- The data shows no collateral damage in response to a discharge.
Despite popular belief, it has been proven that the discharge of a Novec 1230 system generates considerable positive and negative pressure spikes that can damage the architectural envelope of the protected risk. Our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to determine if Novec 1230 fire protection is suitable for your installations and if a depressurization hatch is required.
CO2
Extinguishing with carbon dioxide (CO2) is extremely effective against fires but dangerous for humans. Available in high or low pressure, it can be used for local and controlled application or total flooding in areas unoccupied by employees. It's the ideal solution for countering industrial risks and protecting electrical equipment.
Technical Considerations
- CO2 smothers the fire by reducing the oxygen level that feeds the flame.
- Stringent safety measures must be implemented to mitigate the risks of suffocation and CO2 exposure.
- CO2 extinguishment requires a lot of storage space, and its maintenance costs are high.
- The discharge results in reduced visibility. Similarly, the downtime for service restoration is long and costly.
Environmental Considerations
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) extinguishment is a more harmful solution for the environment.
Fire hoses
Fire hoses are strategically positioned inside the building near the areas most likely to catch fire, isolated and hard-to-reach areas, or public spaces. The number and type of hoses are determined by our team during the risk assessment.
