Advantages and Disadvantages of Pipeline-Type and Cabinet-Type Heptafluoropropane Systems

　　Pipe-networked Heptafluoropropane and cabinet-type Heptafluoropropane are two distinct fire suppression systems using the same gas. Of course, both boast excellent fire-extinguishing performance and enjoy strong market demand—often outpacing manufacturers' supply capabilities. However, their application scenarios do differ somewhat. So today, let’s walk you through how to choose between these two products when purchasing a Heptafluoropropane fire suppression system, along with an overview of each product’s advantages and disadvantages.

　　Comparison of advantages and disadvantages between piped and non-piped (cabinet-type) Heptafluoropropane systems:

　　1. The piped seven-fluoropropane system delivers gas through a network of pipes, with spray nozzles providing even distribution. This ensures uniform discharge throughout the protected area, enhancing fire suppression efficiency and delivering excellent firefighting performance. In contrast, cabinet-type seven-fluoropropane systems typically rely on direct spraying from nozzles mounted inside the cabinet, resulting in less consistent coverage compared to the piped system.

　　2. For the piping network of heptafluoropropane, the remaining amount of extinguishing agent in the pipeline can be disregarded to achieve cost savings.

　　3. The piped HFC-227ea system requires a separate cylinder room and piping network, whereas the cabinet-type HFC-227ea system does not. If protecting only one area, from an economic perspective, the piped system incurs higher costs.

　　4. If there are multiple zones, the piped HFC-227ea system can protect several protected areas using a single system. In the event of a fire in different zones, the system can precisely deliver the extinguishing agent to the affected area. However, for cabinet-type HFC-227ea systems, separate cylinders and extinguishing agents must be installed in each individual protected area, which significantly increases the overall cost of the cabinet-style system.

　　5. In pipeline-type heptafluoropropane systems, the cylinders are located in a cylinder room; due to the long distances involved, higher pressure is required—typically 4.2 MPa. Some systems use 5.6 MPa. In contrast, cabinet-type heptafluoropropane systems have cylinders placed directly within the protected area, so the pressure cannot be too high—usually maintained at 2.5 MPa.

　　The required operating pressure for safety relief devices on storage containers, container valves, and the manifold of combined distribution systems is as follows:

　　1. When the storage container is pressurized to 2.5 MPa, the pressure should be 5.0 ± 0.25 MPa (gauge pressure).

　　2. When the storage container is pressurized to 4.2 MPa and the maximum filling density is 950 kg/m³, the pressure should be 7.0 ± 0.35 MPa (gauge pressure); when the maximum filling density reaches 1120 kg/m³, the pressure should be 8.4 ± 0.42 MPa (gauge pressure).

　　3. When the storage container is pressurized to 5.6 MPa, the pressure should be maintained at 10.0 ± 0.5 MPa (gauge pressure).

　　4. Storage containers with a pressurization pressure of 2.5 MPa shall use welded containers; those with a pressurization pressure of 4.2 MPa may use either welded or seamless containers; and storage containers with a pressurization pressure of 5.6 MPa must use seamless containers.

　　Of course, the environments required by the two systems are quite different. Cabinet-type systems are further divided into single-bottle cabinets and dual-bottle cabinets. In scenarios involving a single area or a small space—where factors like pressure and distance come into play—we recommend opting for cabinet-style heptafluoropropane systems. This choice can effectively reduce costs and enhance fire suppression efficiency. Moreover, in single-scenario applications, cabinet-style heptafluoropropane systems perform particularly well. However, when managing fire protection across multiple scenarios and diverse spaces, pipeline-based systems tend to deliver superior results.