Fire Protection For Scientific Research

Working alongside a main contractor, Surefire recently completed the design, installation and commissioning of an Inergen Gas Extinguishing System to protect the central Comms Room as part of a new building fit out in Uxbridge. This pioneering pharmaceutical organisation is one of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, developing new ideas and medical innovations to help patients with serious illness.

The fire suppression system installed utilises Inergen IG541, a blend of naturally occurring atmospheric Inert gases to reduce the oxygen level in the room to a level that cannot support combustion, therefore suppressing and extinguishing fire. The quantity of the Inergen is calculated for the size of the room space and the required concentration based on the fire risk present for effective fire extinguishing and prevention of re-ignition with no risk to persons present or damage to communication equipment.

When designing a fire suppression system the enclosure volume is calculated by measuring the room, floor and ceiling voids to ensure that the correct quantity of gas is allowed for. The Inergen agent is stored in pressurised cylinders and deployed via distribution pipework and discharge nozzles. Fire detectors are installed and linked to a dedicated system control panel with cause and effect capabilities to shut down equipment, activate visual and audible alarms and release the Inergen gas in the event of a fire situation.

Room integrity is paramount to ensure that the required concentration is held in the room for a minimum of 10 minutes, so the sealing of all partitioning is required to ensure that gas does not escape when discharged thereby affecting the effectiveness of the system. A pressure relief vent is installed to manage pressure spikes in the room and prevent any structural damage upon activation.