Kidde Argonite® Fire Protection Systems are clean agent, automatic fire extinguishing systems that use Argonite (IG-55) and consist of four basic components and their associated accessories:
• Argonite Cylinders and Components,
• Completer Kits,
• Control Panels,
• Detection and Alarm Devices.
Argonite is an inert gas mixture, in equal parts, of Nitrogen and Argon. Both substances are naturally occurring and present in the atmosphere. Argonite is safe for use in occupied spaces and poses no threat to the environment.
- Argonite Components consist of the agent cylinders, cylinder racking and the agent discharge nozzles.
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The Completer Kits provide all the basic components necessary to operate the Argonite cylinders.
The kits consist of hoses, connection fittings, pressure gauges, actuation devices required to operate the cylinder valve and warning signs to be displayed in the area(s) protected by an Argonite fire extinguishing system.
- The Control Panels vary in features and complexity but in all cases are used to monitor the detection, actuate the alarms, initiate the agent discharge and control auxiliary functions such as shut down of vital equipment and ventilation dampers.
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The Detection and Alarm devices provide fire detection by means of thermal or smoke detectors, audible and visual pre-alarm warnings and annunciation of the Argonite discharge.
Argonite Fire Suppression Agent Description
Argonite is a mixture of 50% pure Nitrogen and 50% pure Argon. Argonite contains only naturally occurring substances, and as such, has no ozone depletion potential and no direct global warming potential.
Argonite extinguishes by means of reducing the oxygen content within a room to the point at which fire can no longer burn, but without compromising the safety of individuals present. There are no toxicological factors associated with the use of Argonite. Argonite will not decompose or produce any by-products when exposed to a flame from a fire condition.
Most Argonite systems are designed to extinguish fires with a minimum agent concentration of 37.9% achieved within one minute. This results in extinguishment of the fire and an oxygen concentration of 13%. Argonite is stored as a gas within the cylinder assembly. It is available at a storage pressure of 2900 PSI (200 bar).
CYLINDER AND VALVE ASSEMBLY
Argonite cylinders are available in three different sizes. The 2900 PSI (200 bar) cylinders are uniquely color coded to allow for quick and easy identification. The cylinders are red with yellow-green at the cylinder shoulder. Because Argonite is stored as a gas, the cylinders have no dip tube and can be mounted in either the vertical or horizontal position.
The cylinder valve, required for all system cylinders, allows for connection of the cylinders into the system.
Valve provides connections for electric, pneumatic and manual release of the cylinder contents, as well as a discharge outlet, connected by a discharge hose, to the distribution piping.
The actuator operates on a 1 to 10 ratio requiring only 300 PSI (21 bar) for the 2900 PSI (200 bar) system to operate the valve. The following are the connections provided on the valve.
Kidde Fire Systems Argonite Fire Suppression Protection System can be released electrically, manually or pneumatically. The following is a description of the various components associated with the systems.
1. Manual/Pneumatic Actuator Connection:
Each cylinder valve must be fitted with either a Pilot or Slave type actuator.
The Pilot actuator provides a manual (pull pin turn handle) actuator and connections from an electrical solenoid and pressure switch assembly.
Pilot actuator also has connections to adjacent slave cylinder actuators to discharge entire groups of cylinders virtually simultaneously. The Slave actuator is purely pneumatic; it receives pressure from the pilot actuator and opens its associated cylinder valve.
2. Solenoid Valve, Pressure Gauge and Supervisory Pressure Switch Connection:
This is a threaded port that serves for the connection of one of the following:
• Solenoid Valve, Pressure Gauge and Supervisory Pressure Switch for pilot actuator connections.
• Pressure Gauge and Supervisory Pressure Switch for slave actuator connections.
3. Discharge Outlet:
The cylinder valve outlet is connected to the distribution piping by a flexible hose with 1/2-inch steel fittings. Additional features of the valve include a Burst Disc, designed to rupture upon excessive internal pressure, and an external Bleeder Valve with indicator that acts as a pressure relief valve.
SOLENOID AND PRESSURE GAUGE ASSEMBLY WITH SUPERVISORY PRESSURE SWITCH
The solenoid/pressure gauge assembly provides an electrical means (24 Vdc) of actuating the system as well as a visual means to determine the pressure within the pilot cylinder.
This unit includes an integral supervisory pressure switch and is supplied with a pilot flex hose #1. The supervisory pressure switch consists of one normally open (N.O.) contact that changes state upon loss of cylinder pressure.
PRESSURE GAUGE ASSEMBLY WITH SUPERVISORY PRESSURE SWITCH, P/N 38-109891-001
This unit is required for the slave cylinders to provide a local visual means to determine the pressure within the slave cylinder.
The pressure gauge assembly includes an integral supervisory pressure switch, consisting of one N.O. contact that changes state upon loss of cylinder pressure.
PILOT FLEX HOSE #1, P/N 38-509818-001
This 1/4-inch ID reinforced rubber flex hose has threaded connections to allow interface between the pilot cylinder solenoid/pressure gauge assembly and pilot manual/ pneumatic actuator. It is supplied with the pilot solenoid assembly.
MANUAL/PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR, P/N 38-509841-001
The manual/pneumatic actuator supplied with the pilot completer kit is required on the pilot cylinder to manually actuate the cylinder valve as well as to supply pressure to actuate any slave cylinders. Interconnection between cylinders is by means of high-pressure flex hoses.
TEE PIECE FOR HOSE CONNECTIONS, P/N 38-509816-001
The tee piece is supplied with each of the completer kits. It provides the interface with the pilot assembly (through a high pressure flex hose) to simultaneously operate the slave cylinder pneumatically.
BLEEDER VALVE FOR ACTUATOR, P/N 38-509840-001
A bleeder valve is included with the Pilot Completer Kit to prevent an accidental accumulation of pressure within the pilot lines, which, if not bled to atmosphere, could cause a false discharge. Connection requires a copper gasket between the bleeder valve and pneumatic actuator.
PILOT FLEX HOSES
This 1/4-inch ID reinforced rubber flex hose has threaded connections to allow interface between components.
DISCHARGE FLEX HOSE, P/N 38-509819-001
This flex hose has 1/2-inch threaded connections to allow interface between the cylinder valves and the discharge manifold (if applicable). Where more than one cylinder is connected to a common manifold, check valves are required at the end of each discharge flex hose.
CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY, P/N 38-509833-001
To prevent accidental discharge of the Argonite into unintended areas, a check valve is required for each discharge hose in all multi-cylinder systems. All Kidde Fire Systems manifolds are constructed of threaded pipe with welded check valve connections and include pre-installed check valves. All customer connections are via threaded pipe.
Note: For single cylinder systems, a 1/2-inch BSP x 1/2-inch FNPT adapter is required to connect the discharge hose (BSP) to the Schedule 160 pipe (NPT).
FLOW RESTRICTOR
The restrictor assembly reduces the initial Argonite pressure from the discharge manifold to between 174 and 870 PSI (12 and 60 bar) before entering the discharge piping. The size of the orifice within the restrictor is determined through calculations based upon the required flow and discharge time.
Larger diameter restrictors, up to 4 in. (102 mm) connection, are available for very large system requirements. An orifice plate is custom drilled to the specific requirements of the project as determined by computerized flow calculations.
Note: Flanged restrictor for large system requirements. Only the orifice plate is provided.
SELECTOR VALVES
Argonite systems are particularly suited to the use of selector valves, where one central storage of agent is used to provide protection to two or more hazard areas.
Selector valves are available in six sizes, and are pneumatically operated. One common pressure regulator and vented elbow are also required to reduce the actuation pressure to each set of selector valves.
NOZZLES
The brass discharge nozzles are available in four basic sizes 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, 1-inch and 1-1/2-inch. Each is fitted with a drilled orifice to assure proper flow rates, agent quality and proper discharge timing as determined by flow calculations. Maximum nozzle spacing for room mounted nozzles should not exceed 18.8 feet (5.7 m) square. Nozzle height should not exceed 16 feet (4.9 m) from a single layer of nozzles.
Argonite Fire Extinguishing System Testing and Commissioning Method
The purpose of this procedure is to define step by step the method for the precommissioning & commissioning of argonite fire suppression system.
Testing and commissioning parameters shall be as per the specific project requirements, specifications and applicable local and international standards.
By implementing below guidelines the firefighting system installation contractor shall ensure that the job execution complies with the project requirements and serves the intended function to satisfactory level.
Pre-commissioning Procedure for Argonite System
Before starting the testing make sure that the Argonite System installation is complete and mechanical completion is approved. Ensure that the number of cylinders & pressure rating are as per approved material submittal and system design.
Ensure that all cylinder valves are sealed off.
Make sure that the fixation brackets are mounted as indicated in the approved shop drawings.
Ensure that all cylinders have been labelled & have been filled in correctly.
Make sure that cylinders are securely fastened to solid & stable structure, cylinders are in correct position & clamping bars are fastened.
Ensure that discharge hoses are fixed on cylinder valve & to check-valve on the manifold and that manifold is securely fastened.
Check the pressure gauge/switch/solenoid valve unit(s) are installed correctly & the pressure indicated on the gauge(s) is in accordance with the project design parameters. (Note: The hose from solenoid valve should be fitted to the actuator port only after ensuring that there is no leak in the hose).
Ensure that the actuators (manual & pneumatic) are fitted correctly to the cylinder valves and the actuators are interconnected by hi-flex hoses. Also make sure that the actuator line is provided with an end cap.
Make sure that hose from solenoid release valve(s) has been fitted to the correct port on the pneumatic actuator.
Ensure that the coil(s) of the solenoid valve(s) has been disconnected.
Check the position of restrictor (s) and direction of flow.
Ensure correct orifice dimension of the restrictor.
Make sure that the room is air tight & the room integrity test is complete in line with the approved procedure.
Commissioning Procedure for Argonite System
Argonite system commissioning shall be carried out by simulation & not by actual discharge as mentioned below:.
Automatic Detection Test
- Check the first stage alarm
- Check the functioning of horn / strobe.
- Check the second stage alarm
- Check delay time of discharge
- Check the power supply at solenoid valve via 24 VDC lamp
- Reset the panel
Manual Release Station Test
- Check manual release
- Repeat steps given in previous section
- Reset the panel
Supervision of Electrical Circuit
- Check the low pressure switch for proper connection
- Check the high pressure switch for proper connection
- Check the solenoid valve for proper connection.
Reference:
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