Industrial Fire Protection
Industrial facilities face unique fire hazards from flammable liquids, combustible dusts, high-temperature processes, and specialized equipment. Guspora designs and maintains special hazard fire suppression systems tailored to these challenging environments.
Our industrial fire suppression services include dry chemical systems, foam systems, water spray/deluge systems, and specialized suppression for CNC machines, dip tanks, spray booths, and process equipment. We work closely with your insurance carrier and local AHJ to ensure full compliance.
Dry Chemical
ABC and BC agents for flammable liquid and electrical hazards
Foam Systems
AFFF and AR-AFFF for hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires
Water Spray
Deluge and water spray systems for cooling and suppression
CO2 Total Flood
Rapid oxygen displacement for enclosed spaces
Insurance & Code Requirements
Our Industrial Capabilities
- New system design and installation
- Existing system inspection and testing
- Compliance upgrades and retrofits
- Pre-engineered and engineered systems
- FM Global and insurance coordination
- Hot work permit program support
- 24/7 emergency service
- Complete documentation packages
Industries We Serve
We install and service a wide range of industrial fire suppression systems, each designed for specific hazard types.
System Comparison
| System Type | Agent | Best For | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Engineered Dry Chemical | ABC or BC powder | CNC machines, dip tanks, spray booths | Automatic/Manual |
| Engineered Dry Chemical | ABC, BC, Purple-K | Large industrial hazards | Automatic/Manual |
| Low-Expansion Foam | AFFF, AR-AFFF | Flammable liquid storage, loading | Automatic/Manual |
| High-Expansion Foam | Hi-Ex foam concentrate | Warehouses, hangars | Automatic |
| Deluge/Water Spray | Water | Transformers, process cooling | Automatic |
| CO2 Total Flood | Carbon dioxide | Enclosed equipment, vaults | Automatic/Manual |
Dry Chemical Systems
Dry chemical systems deliver a rapid knockdown of flammable liquid and electrical fires. Available as pre-engineered (factory-designed) or engineered (custom-designed) systems.
| Agent Types | ABC, BC, Purple-K, Monnex |
| Applications | CNC machines, spray booths, dip tanks |
| Detection | Heat, UV/IR flame, manual |
| Code | NFPA 17 |
Foam Systems
Foam systems smother flammable liquid fires by forming a blanket that prevents oxygen and vapor release. Essential for fuel storage, loading racks, and chemical facilities.
| Agent Types | AFFF, AR-AFFF, Protein, Fluorine-Free |
| Applications | Tank farms, loading areas, processing |
| Expansion | Low (20:1) to High (1000:1) |
| Code | NFPA 11, NFPA 16 |
Water Spray / Deluge
Water spray systems provide cooling and fire control for transformers, process equipment, and structural protection. Deluge systems discharge water over entire hazard areas simultaneously.
| Agent | Water (sometimes with additives) |
| Applications | Transformers, turbines, conveyors |
| Nozzle Types | Spray, deluge, directional |
| Code | NFPA 15 |
CO2 Total Flooding
Carbon dioxide systems rapidly displace oxygen to extinguish fires in enclosed spaces. Highly effective but requires strict life safety controls due to asphyxiation hazard.
| Agent | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) |
| Applications | Printing, coating, generator rooms |
| Concentration | 34-75% by volume |
| Code | NFPA 12 |
System Selection
Protected Equipment & Hazards
Industrial fire suppression systems protect specific hazards within your facility. Below are common applications we design and service.
CNC Machines
Machining centers using coolants and oils require dedicated suppression to prevent flash fires.
System: Pre-Engineered Dry Chemical
Dip Tanks
Coating, plating, and treatment tanks with flammable or combustible liquids.
System: Dry Chemical or Foam
Spray Booths
Paint and coating application booths with flammable overspray accumulation.
System: Dry Chemical (see Paint Booth page)
Transformers
Oil-filled electrical transformers requiring cooling and fire control.
System: Water Spray / Deluge
Printing Presses
Web and sheet-fed presses using flammable inks and solvents.
System: CO2 or Dry Chemical
Fuel Storage
Above-ground tanks and loading racks for petroleum products.
System: Foam
Additional Applications
- Hydraulic presses
- Quench tanks
- Solvent storage
- Dust collectors
- Conveyor systems
- Turbine enclosures
- Generator rooms
- Flammable liquid dispensing
- Aircraft hangars
- Marine engine rooms
- Laboratory fume hoods
- Coating lines
Hot Work Programs
Inspection Requirements
Inspection Schedule by System Type
| Interval | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Visual inspection: Verify system is in service, no visible damage, pressure gauges in normal range, detection devices unobstructed, manual stations accessible. |
| Semi-Annual | Functional testing: Test detection devices, verify alarm and shutdown functions, check release mechanisms, inspect piping and nozzles for blockage. |
| Annual | Complete system inspection per applicable NFPA standard. Includes all semi-annual requirements plus flow testing, agent quantity verification, and documentation review. |
| 5-Year | Internal examination of dry chemical containers. Foam concentrate testing for quality. CO2 container inspection. |
| 12-Year | Hydrostatic testing for dry chemical and CO2 containers. Foam proportioning equipment calibration. |
Dry Chemical Inspection (NFPA 17)
- Check agent quantity (weigh or measure)
- Verify expellant gas pressure
- Inspect nozzles for blockage
- Test detection devices
- Check piping for damage
- Verify manual release operation
- Test fuel/power shutoffs
- Update inspection records
Foam System Inspection (NFPA 11)
- Test foam concentrate quality
- Check proportioner settings
- Inspect foam chambers/makers
- Flow test discharge devices
- Verify water supply adequacy
- Check valves and piping
- Test detection and alarms
- Review concentrate inventory
Common Deficiencies
Dry Chemical Systems:
- Agent caking or moisture contamination
- Low expellant gas pressure
- Nozzle blockage from paint/debris
- Detection devices covered/obstructed
Foam Systems:
- Concentrate degradation
- Proportioner out of calibration
- Discharge device corrosion
- Insufficient concentrate inventory
Documentation & Compliance
Industrial fire suppression systems require extensive documentation for insurance and code compliance:
- As-built drawings and hydraulic calculations
- Equipment cut sheets and approvals
- Initial acceptance test reports
- Annual inspection reports
- Service and repair records
- Agent recharge documentation
- Foam concentrate test reports
- Training records for operators