Data center and server system is an invaluable asset of the business, where data is stored, operate the application, support the business activities important. A fire not only damage the hardware but also disrupt operations, cause serious losses on financial as well as corporate reputation.
Statistics from NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) show:
- More than 70% of fire in the data center comes from the power system and the network device.
- Duration downtime average due to fire can last from several hours to several days, with the cost up to hundreds of thousands of DOLLARS per hour.
Therefore, the deployment of a system, fire protection professional as FM 200 Fire Suppression System, not only the technical requirements but also the solutions protect businesses from the risks unpredictable.
In this article Lac Viet Computing will detailed information about system automatic fire-extinguishing system FM200 system for data center business.
1. FM 200 Fire Suppression System is what?
FM 200 Fire Suppression System is a fire-protection system, air cleaner (clean agent), using gas-Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) to extinguish fires a fast, efficient way.
Others with the fire fighting system with water or foam, FM-200 is specially designed for sensitive environments with water as data center, server room. Gas FM 200 does not harm electronic equipment, leaving no residue after firefighting, especially safe for humans in case of using the right dose.
Main components of FM 200 (Heptafluoropropane): FM 200 is the trade name of HFC-227ea, a compound hydrofluorocarbon is widely used in fire extinguishing systems gas clean. This is a high non-conductive, non-corrosive, leaves no residue after activation.
Safety:
- Safety equipment: FM 200 does not damage the sensitive equipment such as servers, hard drives, telecommunications equipment.
- Safe for humans: At a concentration of recommendations (7%-9%), FM-200 does not cause asphyxia or harmful. However, designers need good ventilation to ensure air is evenly dispersed non-backlog long-term.
- Environment-friendly: FM 200 compliance with the standards for environmental protection as EPA SNAP, with minimal impact to the ozone layer.
- Duration extinguish the fire: According to the study, FM 200 can extinguish the fire within 10 seconds, minimizing damage guarantee the operation of the system is restored quickly.
2. Principle of operation of FM 200 Fire Suppression System
Fire suppression system for server room gas FM 200 works based on the mechanism of chemical and physical, is designed to detect, react to extinguish the fire as quickly as possible. Below are the detailed steps describe the principle of operation of the system:
2.1 fire detection automatically
System FM 200 is often integrated with the sensor fire detection as:
- Smoke sensor: detects the increase in the density of smoke particles in the air.
- Temperature sensor: Detect the temperature rise abruptly in the machine room.
- Sensor UV rays or infrared: detects the fire immediately when the outbreak.
When sensor to recognize signs of fire, the signal will be sent to the central controller, activate the fire extinguishing system.
2.2 activate the fire extinguishing system
FM 200 Fire Suppression System can be activated in two modes:
- Auto: the System activated immediately after receiving the signal from the sensor, ensuring rapid response to minimize the damage.
- Manually: user can activate the system through emergency push button in case of fire detection by the naked eye.
When activated, the control valve of the tank FM 200 will open, spraying gas into the protected area through the pipes and nozzles (nozzle).
2.3. Distribution gas FM 200
- Gas FM 200 is sprayed through the nozzles are arranged evenly in space need protection. The nozzles are designed to ensure air is distributed evenly, covering the entire space in the shortest time.
- Air pressure from the tank is carefully controlled to ensure high speed, spray, gas sprayer in accordance with the size, structure the room.
2.4 absorb heat and reduce the temperature
Physical mechanisms:
- When the gas FM 200 is sprayed into the space, it absorbs the heat from the fire reduces the temperature drops below the level necessary to maintain combustion.
- Help control, reduce the temperature in the room, preventing the fire spread damage more for the device.
2.5. Prevents combustion reactions by chemical mechanisms
Chemical mechanisms:
- FM 200 a direct impact on the free radicals (radicals) such as hydrogen (H) and hydroxyl (OH), which is the motivating factor reaction fire.
- When the gas FM 200 in contact with fire, it breaks the chain of chemical reactions of combustion, prevent fires continue to unfold.
- This makes fire is completely extinguished within 10 seconds or less, depending on the space size, the amount of gas used.
2.6. Radiator air and restoring the environment
After the fire is extinguished:
- FM 200 quickly switch to a gaseous state, leaving no residue on the surface of the device or in the space helps to reduce time, cost and cleaning after the incident.
- The ventilation system will be activated to ensure the excess gas is removed completely, return the work environment safe for employees.
3. Advantages of the system FM 200 Fire Suppression System
3.1. Duration extinguished quickly
FM 200 is designed to extinguish the fire within 10 seconds after activation. This is one of the fire extinguishing system of today's fastest particularly important for the environment requires high accuracy as the data center.
Benefits from time extinguished quickly:
- Reduce property damage: The control of fire right from the early stages to help protect the sensitive equipment such as servers, hard drives, telecommunications equipment.
- Prevent fire spread: Speed rapid fire help prevent the risk of fire spreading to other areas and minimize overall risk.
- Reduced downtime: fast processing Time business help restore normal operation in the shortest time, limit damage due to the interruption.
3.2 do Not cause harm to the device
FM 200 gas is clean, non-conductive, so that absolute safety when used in the environment, electronic devices, technology sensitivity.
Leaves no residue:
- Once activated, FM 200 completely transformed into a gas, leaving no residue or any waste on the surface device.
- Eliminates the cost and time of cleaning up after the fire.
Ensure operation of equipment:
- Devices such as servers, hard drives, or network system can continue to operate even after the fire system is activated, and minimize downtime.
- FM-200 does not affect data integrity or physical structure of the device.
3.3. Environmentally friendly
FM 200 Fire Suppression System comply with ISO 14520 (international standard on fire protection system air cleaner), which is the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) listed in the list of SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) confirms the safety, environmental friendly.
Minimal impact to the ozone layer: FM 200 can index ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) equal to 0, i.e., does not harm the ozone layer. This is outstanding advantages compared to other systems, firefighting tradition as Halon, which has been banned from use because of the negative impact on the environment.
The use of FM 200 helps enterprises not only to comply with environmental regulations, but also affirms our commitment to protect the planet, especially important for businesses that have the goal ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
3.4. Safe for humans
FM 200 is certified by safety organizations reputation as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), FM Approvals, confirms the high level of safety when used in environments with people.
- Does not cause asphyxia or toxic: In the concentration of the standard (7%-9%), FM 200 completely safe for humans. This gas does not reduce the amount of oxygen in the air, help employees have enough time to evacuate or handle emergency situations. According to research by NFPA and other safety organizations international, FM 200 is rated as one of the high fire safety today.
- Does not cause irritation or injury to health: FM 200 does not contain the harmful substances such as chlorine or bromine, do not cause skin irritation or respiratory exposure. This ensures absolute safety in case there are people working in the area when the system is activated.
4. The application of FM 200 Fire Suppression System
FM 200 Fire Suppression System is widely used in many areas thanks to its ability to rapid fire, safety equipment, man. Below is the specific application:
4.1. Data center (Data Center)
In the data center, which contains your servers, network equipment, high value, so the protection from fire is a top priority. FM 200 is the optimal solution thanks to:
- Do not damage the electronic equipment sensitive.
- The ability to extinguish quickly within a few seconds, minimizing the risk of service interruption.
Fire can destroy both hardware and important data. FM 200 not only protect the physical device but also ensures the integrity of data, helping businesses avoid the damage irreparable.
4.2. Server room for small and medium
FM 200 Fire Suppression System is designed to operate efficiently even in the small server room or the space has an area restricted with require simple installation. The amount of gas used just enough, optimize the cost of the initial investment.
Small businesses, or just can deploy FM 200 as an initial solution, easy to expand when the scale of operations increases.
4.3. Other industries
Medical equipment and laboratory:
- FM 200 is the ideal choice to protect the medical device as sensitive as MRI machines, X-ray machines or instruments scientific analysis in the laboratory.
- Does not leave residues or chemicals, ensuring a safe environment for the next experiment.
Storage area document and heritage:
- Protect paper documents, vital records, or artifacts in the museum without causing damage as the method of firefighting tradition.
- FM 200 does not damage the material easily affected by water or chemicals.
5. Cost and maintenance system, FM 200
The investment into the system, FM 200 Fire Suppression System not only is an initial cost, but also including operating costs, long-term maintenance. Here are the factors to consider.
5.1. Cost of initial installation
The factors that affect the cost of installation:
- Area protected space:large Rooms required amount of gas FM 200 larger pipeline system more complex, since it increases the cost.
- Design of machine room:The room is built according to the standard anti-fire will minimize the volume of gas needed.
- Backend system:includes the temperature sensor, smoke sensor, the control system automatically.
Average price:Price of the installation of a system, FM 200 ranges from 500 – 1,000 USD/m2, depending on the level of protection requirements or system design.
5.2. Operating costs – maintenance
Periodic inspection: the System should be checked at least every 6 months to ensure the ability to ready for operation. The ingredients need to check include: gas cylinders, control valves, pipeline gas, the sensor.
Replacement components:
- Gas FM 200: although the gas FM 200 has a long lifespan but need to check the pressure regularly, refill the gas if necessary.
- Sensor control system: The sensors, smoke sensors, heat may need replacement after 5 to 10 years to maintain accurate performance.
Maintenance cost average Cost periodic maintenance ranges from 5-10% of the cost of initial installation each year.
5.3. Compare the cost of FM 200 with other systems
FM 200 vs. CO2:
- Cost: FM 200 are installation cost, higher CO2 but more secure way for people not to cause damage to the device.
- Maintenance: Systems FM 200 requires less maintenance than not need to strictly control the pressure of gas as CO2.
FM 200 vs. Sprinkler (sprinkler):
- Cost of installation: FM 200 higher than the Sprinkler system.
- Effective: FM 200 unsurpassed when protection of sensitive equipment, while Sprinkler can cause damage to electronic equipment.
FM 200 vs. Novec 1230:
- Cost: Novec 1230 usually has installation costs equal to or slightly higher FM 200, but require a lot less gas for the same space.
- Environment-friendly: Both meet environmental standards, but Novec 1230 have low environmental impact than FM 200.
6. Requires standard design installation of FM 200 Fire Suppression System
System FM 200 Fire Suppression System should be design, installation and compliance with strict technical requirements to ensure effective fire safety for equipment and people, and meet the international standards in the country.
6.1. Ensure effective fire
Effective fire suppression system FM200 depends on the exact calculation of the volume of gas required, design the space accordingly.
Calculate the volume of FM 200 according to the room area:
Quality FM200 gas is determined based on area and volume of space needed protection. According to the NFPA standard 2001, the concentration of gas in the room need to reach the level from 7% to 9% to extinguish the fire effectively.
Calculation formula: V air = volume X Concentration required X safety factor
- The volume of the room = Length X width X height
- Safety factor is added to ensure the amount of air enough in the case of small leaks or wrong number of design
Distribute air evenly: The nozzles (nozzles) must be positioned at strategic locations to ensure gas FM 200 covered the entire space in the shortest time. Pay special attention to the points that the heat load is high, such as the area near the server or the device heat source.
Pressure control in the room: When the system activates, the gas FM 200 is sprayed into the space with high pressure. The design of the escape system pressure (pressure relief vents) is necessary to avoid damaging the texture of a closed room.
6.2. Warning system activated automatically
System FM 200 Fire Suppression System should fully integrated with the sensing device alerts to ensure quick response when an incident occurs on fire.
- System sensor fire detection: temperature sensor; sensor, smoke sensor, UV or infrared
- Warning system: When the fire signs, the system will activate the siren, warning light to alert staff to evacuate the danger area.
- Trigger mechanism automatic: the System automatically spray gas FM 200 when detect signs of fire through the sensor, make sure quick response, accurate. Integration options enable to the operator can actively handle in case of need.
- Trigger time: According to recommendations, the system need to complete the activation, gas injection within 10 seconds after receiving a signal from the sensor.
6.3. International standards and local
The design of the installation system, FM200 must comply with strict international standards and in water on the fire to ensure safety.
NFPA standard 2001 (National Fire Protection Association) is the international standard, most popular for the fire extinguishing system air cleaner.
NFPA 2001 detailed rules on:
- The concentration of gas FM 200 required to extinguish the fire.
- Duration trigger, the gas distribution.
- Requirements design system, including piping, control valves, nozzles gas.
ISO 14520: International standards of fire extinguishing system, air cleaner, with the same requirements as NFPA 2001, but more detailed impact assessment environment, safe for human.
Standard fire prevention in Vietnam: According to the prescribed FIRE in Vietnam, system, FM 200 must be designed for installation by licensed units, at the same time comply with the requirements as:
- Use fireproof material for pipes, equipment related.
- Perform test system before putting into use, ensure the system operates properly designed.
- Is test certified by an agency management fire protection.
Inspection and maintenance:
- The system must be calibrated periodically to ensure the ability to operate in any emergency situation.
- Maintenance planning according to the international standards and domestic to ensure the system is always in a state of readiness.
System FM 200 Fire Suppression System not only is a solution fire advanced but also the investment required to protect the data center, host system, technology assets of the business risk of fire and explosion. With outstanding features such as time stamping off fast and safety for equipment and human-friendly environment, FM-200 has become a top choice for businesses today. The choice of deployment system, FM 200 not only help businesses ensure safety but also to enhance the professionalism, credibility in the eyes of clients and partners.
