1-1September 2004
Argonite
®
Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
1-1 GENERAL
This technical manual provides the necessary information for the design, installation and
maintenance of a Kidde Fire Systems Argonite
®
Engineered Fire Suppression System. The content
should enable the reader to understand the operation of an Argonite Engineered Fire System for
industrial and offshore applications.
It has been assumed and intended in the preparation of the various sections of this manual that
execution of its provisions is entrusted to people appropriately qualified in the specification,
design, installation, operation and maintenance of Argonite systems and the associated
equipment. In addition, this manual does not eliminate the need for system design by trained
engineers/designers nor the use of competent engineering judgement.
This entire manual must be read and completely understood prior to the designing, installation
or maintenance of a Kidde Fire Systems Argonite Engineered Fire Suppression System.
The manual does not cover detection and control systems, which are to be designed and installed
in accordance with national codes and local requirements.
It is important that the fire protection of a building or plant be considered as a whole. Gaseous
extinguishing systems form only a part, though an important part, of the available facilities. It
should not be assumed that using a gaseous agent system necessarily removes the need to consider
supplementary measures, such as automatic fire detection, the provision of fire extinguishers, other
mobile appliances for first aid or emergency use, or to deal with special hazards.
For many years, gaseous extinguishants have been recognized as an effective medium for
extinguishing ordinary Class A fires, flammable liquid Class B fires, and electrical Class C fires.
However, in the planning of comprehensive hazard protection, it should not be forgotten that
there may be hazards for which these agents are not suitable, or that in certain circumstances
or situations there may be danger in their use requiring special precautions.
Care should always be taken to thoroughly evaluate and correct any factors that could result in
unwanted discharges. It is essential that fire extinguishing equipment be carefully maintained
to ensure instant readiness when required and that the owner be given detailed instruction
regarding the operation of the systems installed in his building/plant.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION