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FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS
Dry Chemical
Dry chemical fire suppression systems are used where water based systems are not suitable or where rapid fire suppression is required for hazards involving flammable liquid, gas, energized electrical, and industrial processes.
Dry chemical systems discharge a dry powder agent that smothers the fire and interrupts the chemical chain reaction of combustion.
Fire Defense inspection of a dry chemical fire suppression system protecting an industrial paint booth. 
Fire Defense inspection of fusible link heat detection protecting an industrial exhaust fan and duct assembly as part of a dry chemical fire suppression system. 
Fire Defense inspection of Badger dry chemical fire suppression agent cylinders protecting industrial equipment and hazard areas.
Heat, flame, or spark detection devices provide continuous and automatic system responses. Selection is based on hazard characteristics, response time, and environmental conditions.
Fire Defense installation of a dry chemical fire suppression system protecting a fuel storage shed.
Systems may be designed with interlocks to shut down fuel or material supply, de-energize electrical equipment, or stop process operations.
DRY CHEMICAL APPLICATIONS
Automobile service stations. Buses. Dip and finishing tanks. Engine test areas. Flammable storage. Landfill vehicles. Live electrical equipment. Mass transit vehicles. Mining equipment. Mobile vehicles. Off-road vehicles. Paint mixing rooms. Paint storage. Powder coating. Spray paint booths. Spark erosion machinery. Switchgear rooms. Transformers. Wood finishing operations.
DRY CHEMICAL AGENT TYPES
ABC dry chemical. BC dry chemical. Mono-ammonium phosphate. Purple K. Sodium bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate.
Design + Install
Fire Defense provides design support, hazard review, and installation for Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems used on flammable liquid, gas, electrical, and industrial process hazards.
ITM
Fire Defense performs inspection, testing, and maintenance for Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems to verify agent condition, actuating devices, piping, nozzles, and interlocks.
- Semi-annual and annual inspections depending on application
- Detection system testing (heat, flame, or fusible links)
- Agent quantity and pressure verification
- Expellant cartridge verification
- Agent distribution and discharge path verification
- Manual and automatic actuation function testing
- Interlock and shutdown teseting
- Recharge after discharge or required service
- Documentation and deficiency reporting
Emergency Service
24/7 emergency service is available for Dry Chemical Fire Suppression Systems. Fire Defense supports urgent troubleshooting, recharge, cartridge replacement, and restoration after discharge or critical system impairment.
Codes and Standards
Fire Defense performs Dry Chemical Fire Suppression System services in accordance with NFPA 17, NFPA 33 where spray application hazards are involved, other applicable NFPA standards based on the hazard, applicable building and fire codes, manufacturer requirements, customer specifications, and AHJ requirements.
Note: NFPA makes its codes and standards available online for free. Select View Free Access under Current & Prior Editions and create a free account.
Fire Defense installation of dry chemical fire suppression agent cylinders protecting an industrial spray booth.
Fire Defense installation of a dry chemical fire suppression discharge nozzle protecting an industrial hazard area.
Fire Defense inspection of a dry chemical fire suppression system protecting an industrial oil storage pit.
Fusible links used for thermal detection in a dry chemical fire suppression system.
Questions & Answers
How does dry chemical suppress fire?
Dry chemical agent disrupts the chemical chain reaction of combustion and suppresses fire at the flame level.
Do dry chemical systems leave residue?
Yes. Dry chemical systems leave residue and cleanup is usually required after discharge.
Are dry chemical systems used in sensitive electronic environments?
Usually no. Residue and cleanup concerns often make other suppression methods more suitable for sensitive equipment.
Can dry chemical systems be automatic and manual?
Yes. Many systems include automatic detection and automatic discharge, as well as manual activation.
What kinds of interlocks are common with dry chemical systems?
Depending on the application, systems may shut down fuel supply, de-energize equipment, stop ventilation flow, or interrupt process operations.
How often do dry chemical systems need to be inspected?
Inspection intervals depend on the system design, hazard, agent container type, and applicable standard, but routine inspection and maintenance are essential.
Can dry chemical be used on spray booths or finishing operations?
Yes. Dry chemical is commonly used on manual spray booths, paint mixing areas, and related industrial finishing hazards.