Chubb Fire Qatar's seminar on fire environment-friendly protection systems

This unique fire suppressant system was demonstrated last May at 'Project Qatar 2006', says Robert Botha - General Manager of Chubb Fire Qatar - and the interest since then has been enormous. 'Unlike other fire protection alternatives, the FM200 agent doesn't leave any oily residues, particulates, water or corrosive materials, so it won't cause any damage to sensitive electronic equipment or valuable property such as works of art,' he says.

'And unlike systems using CO2, the special agent within FM200 - an inert hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) - does not smother flames by removing oxygen. Instead, the extinguishant is a physically acting suppression agent that absorbs heat, literally removing energy from fire so that it can't sustain itself. It is so safe that it is even approved for use in pharmaceutical inhalers such as those used by asthma patients. And unlike hydro-chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), FM200 does not deplete atmospheric ozone. The system requires as little as 7% concentration to extinguish a fire and after discharge it can be quickly removed with simple ventilation.'

Robert Botha points out that it is ironic that traditional fire protection systems designed to protect a building can actually destroy priceless treasures or critical electronic systems housed within the structure. 'Often the worst thing that can happen to a building's contents is for the fire protection system to work properly,' he says! 'That's why so many museums and high tech operators use waterless systems, as they won't cause collateral damage.

'FM200 systems are so reliable that they are trusted worldwide to protect national treasures, such as the original draft of America's Declaration of Independence and the Eiffel Tower in Paris. They are found in more than 100,000 installations in 70 countries around the globe, including petrochemical institutions, communications switching rooms, industrial plants and museums.'

The FM200 agent is stored in cylinders as a liquid and pressurised with nitrogen, taking up to seven times less storage space than systems based on CO2 and inert gases. It is a patented product and Chubb Fire Qatar is licensed to sell it in the State of Qatar.