Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire suppression uses a natural, electrically non-conductive gas to extinguish fire by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire. Unlike clean agents, CO2 is used at concentrations that are lethal to people, so it is reserved for normally unoccupied spaces and machinery risks where its rapid, residue-free action is ideal. Applications range from generators, turbines and printing presses to marine engine rooms. MEP designs, supplies and installs both high- and low-pressure CO2 systems across the UK.
CO2 extinguishes fire in two ways: it displaces oxygen, starving the fire, and it cools the fuel as the gas expands rapidly on discharge. Systems are configured either for total flooding, filling an entire enclosure, or local application, directing CO2 straight at a specific hazard such as a machine. Because the extinguishing concentration is dangerous to people, CO2 systems always incorporate pre-discharge alarms, time delays and lock-off facilities to protect anyone who may be nearby.
CO2 can be stored in individual high-pressure cylinders or, for larger volumes, in a single refrigerated low-pressure vessel, often more economical where big quantities are needed. CO2 systems are also long established in the marine sector for protecting engine rooms and cargo holds. Whatever the configuration, we design to the relevant standards, install the detection, controls and safety interlocks, and make certain that safety signage, alarms and personnel protection are correctly specified.
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By displacing oxygen so the fire cannot sustain itself and by cooling the fuel as the gas expands on discharge.
No. CO2 is used at concentrations that are lethal, so it is only for normally unoccupied spaces and always includes alarms, delays and safety interlocks to protect anyone nearby.
Machinery and industrial risks such as generators, turbines, printing presses and flammable liquid stores, and marine engine rooms and cargo holds.
High-pressure systems store CO2 in individual cylinders; low-pressure systems use a single refrigerated bulk vessel, which is often more economical for large quantities.
Total flooding fills an entire sealed enclosure with CO2, while local application directs it at a specific piece of equipment or hazard that is not in a sealed room.
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