7-19
September 2004
Argonite
®
Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
7-17.1 Discharge Test
Per NFPA 2001, a discharge test is not generally recommended. Typically, a puff test
or short duration flow test is used to confirm that all piping and nozzles in the
system are clear of obstructions.
7-18 PRESSURE RELIEF VENTING
Fixed fire extinguishing systems, employing inert gases, extinguish fires by reducing the
level of oxygen to below a level where combustion of the present flammables cannot be
sustained. The required amount of gas discharged into a room or enclosure will result in a
positive pressure that displaces the atmospheric air from the room. Suitable means of
pressure relief venting must be provided in order to avoid structural damage.
The building element rating, the minimum rated construction element, shall govern as the
basis for calculating the required opening.
Overpressure will affect the opening of doors into the room, i.e., if the door
should open inwards, it will be almost impossible to open the door while the
room is still pressurized. Doors that open outwards from the still pressurized
room will create a potential risk for the person who tries to open the door, as the
door plate may open with a tremendous force as soon as the door lock is freed.
No enclosure is 100% tight. A certain amount of leakage to adjacent areas is to be anticipated
during and following an Argonite discharge. Consideration shall be given to concentration,
products of combustion and the relative size of adjacent spaces. Additional consideration
shall be given to exhaust/vent paths when opening or venting the enclosure after a discharge.
If defined, normal leakage can be taken into consideration when calculating/designing the
relief vent opening.
Kidde Fire Systems does not take responsibility for verifying whether weak point(s) in
an enclosure constructionwindows, vent channels (Spiro Tubes sectioned by dampers,
etc.), door frames, door plates at locks, ceilings, etc.are capable of withstanding the
pressure buildup. In addition, Kidde Fire Systems does not have the expertise to supply
or install enclosure/building relief vents.
7-19 PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE VENTING
Closed piping sections shall be equipped with a pressure relief device to relieve the pressure
in the event of heat exposure in excess of the system limitations, i.e., above 120°F (50°C).
Preferably, the relief should be vented to the atmosphere.
Note: For storage rooms having a relatively small volume compared with the volume of
stored gas, consideration shall always be given to the risk of external heat
exposure, the ventilating conditions in the room, etc.
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