Tyco Fire & Security announced today a
groundbreaking advancement in fire protection technology with the
introduction of its ANSUL® SAPPHIRE(TM) Fire Suppression System. This
revolutionary technology utilizes a new sustainable* chemical agent
that fights fires without causing any damage to electronics, works of
art, irreplaceable artifacts and other critical assets. This system
provides the ideal solution for hospitals, museums, libraries,
telecommunications centers and other facilities seeking to protect
critical assets that could be damaged by ordinary fire suppression
systems.
The SAPPHIRE Suppression System uses 3M® NOVEC(TM) 1230 Fire
Protection Fluid. It looks exactly like water, but does not cause the
type of damage associated with water when putting out a fire. It can be
used to protect rare exhibits, electronic equipment and other delicate
items without causing any harm. In fact, items can even be immersed in
the agent. The fire protection fluid will quickly evaporate,
safeguarding these items -- and leaving them unaffected.
The SAPPHIRE Suppression System chemically interferes with the fire
combustion process, therefore bringing it to a halt. It also works
faster than a water sprinkler system, which is designed to work when it
detects an actual flame. SAPPHIRE Suppression Systems detect fire at
invisible levels, identifying particles of combustion before they turn
into damaging flames.
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Other benefits of the SAPPHIRE System include an atmospheric lifetime
of only five days, versus 33 years for the closest chemical
alternative, as well as zero ozone depletion. In addition, the SAPPHIRE
Suppression System offers the greatest safety margin over other
non-sustainable halocarbon alternatives.