What is the use of antifreeze in a fire suppression system?

Antifreeze is an additive that lowers the freezing point of water or a water-based liquid. It is an important component in fire suppression system. In a sub-zero environment, water within the fire suppression system would freeze. This means water is unable to flow, thereby making the entire system useless in the event of a fire. Also, the expansive force of freezing water can cause pipes to burst and put tremendous stress on other components of the fire suppression system. The addition of antifreeze in the water prevents the aforementioned problems and make the suppression system reliable.

Most antifreeze also has an anti-boil effect. That is, they increase boiling temperature of the water-based liquid. In the event of a fire, water would not boil easily from the rising temperature, making it more effective at putting out the fire.

There are some very strict requirements when it comes to the chemical composition of the fire suppression antifreeze. An example is that it must be non-toxic. In a typical setup, there is fire suppression plumbing all around the building, running around living and working areas filled with people. A burst or leak would expose the people to the antifreeze. This is why the non-toxic property is essential.  Other requirements are common-sense like being non-flammable.

Common causes of fire suppression system failure

Fire suppression systems are there to save lives and properties. However, these systems can fail which can result in tragic loss of life or enormous property damage. In this piece, we will discuss the three common causes of why fire suppression systems can fail.

The first cause of failure is poor maintenance. A fire suppression system requires plumbing to deliver the suppressant to the fire source. The plumbing for the suppression system can suffer from common plumbing problems like leaks. Given how we are dealing with water here, corrosion can happen which can weaken plumbing joints. Regular inspections and immediate repairs are a must.

The second cause of failure is extreme cold. In countries with the winter season, the number of fire rises in winter months. This is hardly surprising. People use heaters more, thereby increasing the risk of something that can go wrong and start a fire. However, this is only half of the problem. The other half is the extreme cold which can cause the water inside the suppression system to freeze. In the event of a fire, water can't flow through the plumbing. To prevent water and other types of suppressant from turning into ice, a fire suppression antifreeze can be used.

Lastly, there are the faulty components. An entire suppression system can fail due to a single sensor. If the sensor can't detect signs of fire, the suppression system won't be able to do anything.

Temperature instruments for inspections

Regular and thorough inspections keep operations running smoothly. It improves efficiency and maximizes the productivity of any industrial enterprise. Inspections are also necessary for promoting workplace safety. In order to accomplish all these intents, inspections must be done right.

Tools are used to aid in inspection make tasks easier, safer and precise. Temperature instruments are used for inspection applications that involve engines and other machines that generate heat.

There are many kinds of temperature instruments. The two most-commonly used temperature instruments for industrial inspection applications are the infrared camera and infrared thermometer. These two instruments are very similar in how they take measurements.

As you can surmise from their names, both instruments use infrared radiation to take readings. They also operate very similarly. You hold the instruments like you would hold a handgun and aim it at the object or surface you want to take readings from. Pull the trigger and you get your readings.

The difference is the way they provide readings. An infrared thermometer provides measurement readings of a single point on a display screen. An infrared camera generates a thermal image. Between the two instruments, the infrared camera provides an extensive thermal reading of all surfaces and objects captured in the image. Instead of taking multiple readings with an infrared thermometer, you can take a single snap with the camera and you will have all the information you need.

However, the advantages of an infrared camera come at an expensive price. This too is important to consider.