Fire extinguishing with aerosols
Aerosol fire extinguishing uses a combination of microparticles and gaseous matter to flood the protected area. Upon release, a chain reaction produces solid particles and gaseous matter to suppress the fire.
Aerosol fire extinguishing systems work by a chemical reaction that also generates heat. As a result, the temperature of the containers can reach 4000°F upon discharge. This can be a disadvantage, as the high temperature can lead to the fire reigniting. Some aerosol fire extinguishing systems are equipped with cooling blocks which reduce the temperature and prevent the fire from reigniting.
Aerosol fire extinguishing systems can be equipped with manual or automatic detection and activation. These are available for total flooding applications.
Aerosol fire extinguishing systems do not usually damage equipment. However, aerosol particles can leave residue on sensitive components. To avoid this, it is recommended to install aerosol fire extinguishing systems away from any sensitive electronics. On the other hand, chemical cleaning agents do not leave residue after discharge.
