Hanging-type heptafluoropropane gas fire suppression system Overview

1.1 System Overview

The suspended-type heptafluoropropane gas fire suppression system consists of a fire-extinguishing agent storage cylinder, Temperature-sensitive release assembly It consists of a signal feedback device, a suspension bracket, and other components. It requires no installation of fire‑extinguishing agent delivery piping and eliminates the need for a dedicated cylinder storage room. The unit can be mounted either suspended or wall‑mounted. In the event of a fire, it discharges the extinguishing agent directly into the protected area, with no pipeline losses, resulting in faster extinguishing and higher efficiency. The system offers both automatic and manual activation modes. 

1.2 Application Areas

Hanging-type fluoropropane gas fire suppression systems are primarily suitable for the following types of fires: solid-surface fires, liquid fires, gas fires where the gas supply can be shut off prior to extinguishing, and electrical fires. 

Typical application areas: Primarily suited for fire protection in critical facilities such as computer rooms, data processing centers, telecommunications facilities, process control centers, high‑value medical equipment, precision industrial equipment, museums and art galleries, libraries, archives, vaults for valuable items, emergency power systems, flammable liquid storage areas, and cleanrooms. It can also be used in production environments with fire hazards, including paint‑spraying lines, electrical aging rooms, rolling mills, printing presses, melting tanks, drying equipment, coal‑powder silos in cement production processes, as well as ship engine rooms and cargo holds. Particularly well‑suited for confined spaces. The suspended heptafluoropropane gas fire‑extinguishing system can be installed independently to protect small‑area zones, or multiple units can be networked to safeguard larger spaces.

1.3 Fire extinguishing agent

This device uses heptafluoropropane ( HFC-227 ea ) as a fire suppressant. Heptafluoropropane primarily relies on chemical suppression, with supplementary physical extinguishing effects; it is colorless, odorless, clean, non-conductive, and does not contaminate the protected object. It causes no damage to property or precision equipment and has no adverse impact on the atmospheric ozone layer ( ODP The value is zero, meeting environmental protection requirements; in most protected areas, the extinguishing concentration is below the threshold for non‑toxic effects on humans. NOAEL Its concentration is safe for humans, making it an excellent clean‑gas fire suppressant.

1.4 Safety Warning

1. When heptafluoropropane is discharged, it generates a condensing vapor mist that extinguishes fires by interrupting the combustion chain, achieving rapid fire suppression. If used in occupied areas, conspicuous warning signs must be installed; the recommended wording for such signs is as follows: Warning sign within the protected zone: “Warning! Upon hearing the on-site alarm, personnel must evacuate immediately.”
2. In addition to the aforementioned warnings, other safety measures shall comply with the relevant current national regulations. 

2. Fire Extinguishing System Diagram

Product composition: 1 , pressure gauge 2 , Release Component 3 , Signal Feedback Device 4 , Fire-extinguishing agent container 5 , Extinguishing agent 6 , hanger

3 , Startup Method

This device is temperature‑activated: when the temperature in the protected area reaches the activation threshold of the fire‑extinguishing system, the heat‑sensitive glass bulb within the extinguishing unit ruptures, triggering the heat‑sensing release assembly to open and allowing the extinguishing agent to be discharged into the protected space for fire suppression.

4 , Main Technical Parameters

5 , installation, commissioning

5.1 Installation Preparation

Prior to installation, carefully read the relevant instruction manuals and familiarize yourself with the project design plan. Ensure that the layout of this fire suppression system conforms to the design drawings, and that all components are complete and meet the design specifications.

5.2 Installation

1 ) According to the locations indicated on the fire suppression design drawings, secure the mounting brackets to the wall or ceiling using expansion bolts. Ensure that the wall and ceiling are strong enough to support the weight of the equipment.

2 ) Install the pressure gauge onto the container valve port and tighten it with a wrench. Using a wrench, unscrew the nut behind the pressure gauge counterclockwise until the gauge registers; if the pointer is in the green zone, this indicates normal operation. Then, use the wrench to tighten the nut clockwise.

3 ) Connect the assembly, equipped with the pressure gauge and pressure transmitter, to the suspension bracket using bolts.

4 ) Inspect all installation and connection points to ensure secure fastening, proper sealing at pipe joints, and correct wiring. At this stage, the entire suspended heptafluoropropane fire suppression system has been fully installed. 

Hanging-type Heptafluoropropane Gas Fire Suppression System | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What types of facilities are suitable for suspended-type heptafluoropropane fire suppression systems?

A1: Suitable for enclosed spaces such as computer rooms, distribution rooms, energy storage cabinets, archives, and small high- and low-voltage switchgear; effective for extinguishing electrical fires. Not suitable for areas with sustained open flames, highly corrosive environments, or flammable and explosive dust.

Q2: Does a suspended-type heptafluoropropane system require a separate cylinder room?

A2: No, it is not required. The unit is directly suspended beneath the ceiling of the protected area, with no separate cylinder room; its compact footprint makes it ideal for spaces with limited room.

Q3: How long is the shelf life of heptafluoropropane extinguishing agent? How often must the cylinders be inspected?

A3: The agent itself is not easily decomposed and can be used for 5 years under normal operating conditions; cylinders are subjected to hydrostatic testing every 3 years in accordance with regulations, and may continue to be used if they pass the inspection upon expiration.

Q4: When a fire suppression discharge occurs, can personnel remain inside the protected area?

A4: No. Upon receiving a fire alarm signal, the system initiates a delayed discharge (typically 0–30 seconds), during which personnel must evacuate. After the extinguishing agent is discharged, the oxygen level inside the compartment drops, and personnel are strictly prohibited from remaining.

Q5: How many activation methods are available for suspended-type heptafluoropropane systems?

A5: Typically, it is equipped with three types of starting mechanisms: electromagnetic automatic start, manual on-site start, and mechanical emergency manual start, all of which comply with fire safety regulations.

Q6: Will openings in the protected area (such as gaps around doors and windows) affect the fire suppression effectiveness?

A6: Yes. During fire suppression, the doors and windows of the protected area, as well as ventilation ducts, must close automatically; if openings are too large, the extinguishing agent can easily escape, making it impossible to maintain the design extinguishing concentration and increasing the risk of fire‑extinguishing failure.

Q7: Will the equipment be damaged after the discharge of heptafluoropropane?

A7: Heptafluoropropane is a clean agent with no residue; after discharge, it does not corrode electrical equipment, and the equipment can be put back into service once ventilation has been completed following fire suppression.

Q8: Are there any load-bearing requirements for equipment lifting?

A8: Yes. The floor slab at the lifting location and the load‑bearing capacity of the lifting points must exceed the total weight of the equipment; structural load‑bearing capacity must be verified prior to installation, and installation must be performed by qualified personnel.

Q9: Can the heptafluoropropane agent be disassembled, reassembled, and refilled independently?

A9: No. Refilling, maintenance, and dismantling must be performed by an organization holding the requisite fire‑safety qualifications. Unauthorized disassembly or reassembly will render the system inoperable and constitute a violation of fire‑safety regulations.

Q10: What routine inspections are required for a suspended-type heptafluoropropane fire suppression system?

A10: Routinely check that the pressure gauge is within the green normal range, inspect the cylinder for rust and the piping for deformation, and verify the status of the alarm control panel; arrange for a qualified maintenance provider to perform annual inspections.