Apr-2015

Rev. 11

High Pressure Carbon Dioxide

Fire Extinguishing Systems

Design Guideline

Note: This guideline has been prepared with the best information available at the time of publication.
Changes in standards mentioned or technical changes may apply without further notice.

BKR Guideline for CO2 HP Systems [Link]

 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

Revision

Rev. 1-8 Not recorded

Rev. 9 13.11.2012 § 3.1.4 (page 9): added Table 2 - BS 5306-4
§ 4.4 (page 30): Correction of CO2 storage quantity calculation acc. to VdS 2093
Rev. 10 09.04.2015 § 3.1.5 (page 10): additional note
§ 3.4.2 (page 25): correction of pipe size estimation table
Various editorial changes
Rev. 11 25.04.2015 Change to 'High Pressure' CO2 Systems Guide

BKR Page 2 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

1. General Information

1.1 Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide is a colorless,

odorless, electrically non-conductive
inert gas that is a suitable medium
for extinguishing fires.
Liquid carbon dioxide forms solid dry
ice (“snow”) when released directly
into the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide gas is 1.5 times
heavier than air.
Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by
reducing the concentration of oxygen
to the point where combustion stops.

1.2 Properties

 Density
– solid: 1562 kg/m³
– liquid: 1032 kg/m³ at -20°C,
19.7 bar
– gas*: 1,98 kg/m³ at 0°C,
1.013 bar
1.87 kg/m³ at 15°C, 1.013 bar
* approx. 1.5 times heavier than air
 Specific vapour volume
– 0.505 m³/kg at 0°C, 1.013 bar
– 0.547 m³/kg at 21°C, 1.013 bar

1.3 Use and Limitations

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems are effective on class A, B and C fires.

Carbon dioxide will not extinguish fires where the

following materials are actively involved in the
combustion process:
 Chemicals containing their own oxygen supply, C
such as cellulose nitrate
A B
 Reactive metals such as sodium, potassium,
magnesium, titanium, and zirconium
 Metal hydrides.

BKR Page 3 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

2. Personnel Safety

The discharge of carbon dioxide

in fire-extinguishing concentration
creates serious hazards to
personnel, such as suffocation
and reduced visibility during and
after the discharge period.
Consideration shall be given to
the possibility of carbon dioxide
drifting and settling into adjacent
places outside of the protected
space. Consideration shall also
be given to where the carbon
dioxide can migrate or collect in
the event of a discharge from a
safety relief device of a storage
container.
In any use of carbon dioxide, consideration shall be given to the possibility that personnel could be trapped in
or enter into an atmosphere made hazardous by a carbon dioxide discharge. Suitable safeguards shall be
provided to ensure prompt evacuation, to prevent entry into such atmospheres, and to provide means for
prompt rescue of any trapped personnel. Personnel training shall be provided.

Restrictions for Normally Occupied Enclosures as per NFPA 12

4.1.1 New total flooding carbon dioxide systems shall not be installed in normally occupied enclosures except
as permitted in [Link], [Link], [Link], [Link], or [Link].
[Link] Predischarge Alarm and Time Delay
A pneumatic predischarge alarm and pneumatic time delay and visible predischarge alarm shall be provided
for the following enclosures:
(1) Normally occupied and occupiable enclosures protected by total flooding systems except as outlined in
[Link].3
(2) Local application systems protecting hazards where the discharge exposes personnel to concentrations
of carbon dioxide in excess of 7.5 percent by volume of agent in air for longer than 5 minutes.
For further details see NFPA 12, § 4.3 - Personnel Safety.

Safety precautions as per ISO 6183

5.2.1 Normally occupied and normally unoccupied areas
1. A non-electrical time delay device and an electrical and pneumatic pre-discharge alarm
2. Automatic/manual switch, with associated status indication
3. Lock-off device, supervised to indicate a system fault if the valve is more than one eighth closed
4. Emergency lighting and adequate direction signs for exit routes
5. Designated exit doors that are outward swinging, self-closing and able to be opened from the inside,
even when locked from the outside
6. Appropriate warning and instruction signs
7. Means for prompt natural or forced-draft ventilation of such areas after any discharge of carbon
dioxide

See also BS 5306-4, § 15 - Safety Precautions, and VdS 2093 / BGR 134.

BKR Page 4 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3. System Design acc. to NFPA 12 and BS 5306-4

The design of a CO2 extinguishing system shall be done by trained and experienced persons only.

Typical design standards being used for CO2 systems are

 NFPA 12
 BS 5306-4
 VdS 2093.

This design section covers the NFPA 12 and BS 5306-4 standards.

The system design is generally divided into:

 Total Flooding:  Surface Fires

 Deep Seated Fires

 Local Application:  Rate-by-Area

 Rate-by-Volume

Hazard Analyses

To design a CO2 extinguishing system, a hazard analyses has to be carried out to determine the following
information as a minimum:

 Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

 Design standard
 Type of protection:
o Total Flooding
 Hazard material (confirm CO2 to be a sufficient agent; consider worst case)
 Surface fires
 Deep seated fires
 Hazard volume (length/width/height)
 Hazard boundaries fire proof? (necessary for total flooding)
 Unclosable openings (size/location)
 Ventilation information (shut down provided / air volume circulated)
 Minimum / maximum hazard temperature.
o Local Applications
 Type of hazard / hazard dimensions
 Rate-by-Area
o Dimensions
o Coated or liquid surface
o Nozzle installation height
 Rate-by-Volume
o Dimensions
o Existing walls
o Nozzle installation height
o Special details (e.g. printing press)

BKR Page 5 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1 Total Flooding  Surface Fires

 Minimum Design Concentration = 34 %

 Design concentration shall be achieved within 1 minute.

Basic steps to determine the CO2 quantity for surface fires:

basic quantity (volume factor) Q1 (3.1.2)

+ specific material (material conversion factor) Q2 (3.1.4)
+ loss through unclosable openings Q3 (3.1.5)
+ loss through forced ventilation Q4 (3.1.6)
+ high / low temperature allowance Q5 (3.1.7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
= total quantity of CO2 required Qtotal

3.1.1 Hazard Volume

Determine the gross volume. Due allowance may be made for permanent non-removable impermeable
structures materially reducing the volume.

3.1.2 Volume Factor

As the average, small space has proportionately more boundary area per enclosed volume than a larger
space greater proportionate leakages are anticipated and accounted for by the graded volume factors.
Example: Dimension Volume Area Ratio V/A
2 x 2.5 x 3 15 m³ 37 m² 1 : 2.47
10 x 5.0 x 3 150 m³ 190 m² 1 : 1.27
30 x 20.0 x 4 2400 m³ 1600 m² 1 : 0.67

Volume Factors
Hazard Volume Volume Factor Resulting CO2
(m³) (kg CO2/m³) Concentration*
≤4 1,15 46%
> 4 ≤ 14 1,07 44%
> 14 ≤ 45 1,01 42%
> 45 ≤ 126 0,90 39%
> 126 ≤ 1400 0,80 35%
> 1400 0,77 34%
*without leakage

Q1 = volume [m³] x volume factor [kg/m³]

BKR Page 6 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1.3 Minimum Design Concentration.

Minimum design concentrations acc. to NFPA 12

For materials not given in this table, the

minimum theoretical carbon dioxide
concentration shall be obtained from some
recognized source or determined by test.

BKR Page 7 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1.4 Material Conversion Factor.

The material conversion factor must be used for all materials requiring >34% design concentration.

NFPA 12, Figure 5.3.4

BKR Page 8 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

BS 5306-4, Table 2

Material Minimum design Material

concentration (%) conversion factor
Acetylene 66 2.5
Acetone 31 1.0
Benzol, benzene 37 1.1
Butane 34 1.0
Buta-1,3-diene 41 1.3
Carbon disulphide 72 3.0
Carbon monoxide 64 2.4
Coal gas or natural gas 37 1.1
Cyclopropane 37 1.1
Diethyl ether 46 1.5
Dowtherm 46 1.5
Ethane 40 1.2
Ethanol 43 1.3
Ethylene 49 1.6
Ethylene dichloride 25 1.0
Ethylene oxide 53 1.75
Hexane 35 1.1
Hydrogen 75 3.3
Isobutene 36 1.1
Kerosene 34 1.0
Methane 30 1.0
Methanol 40 1.2
Pentane 35 1.1
Petroleum spirit 34 1.0
Propane 36 1.1
Propene 36 1.1
Quenching, lubricating oils 34 1.0

Q2 = Q1 x material conversion factor

BKR Page 9 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1.5 Unclosable Openings

CO2 loss shall be compensated for by an additional quantity equal to the anticipated loss during
a 1-minute period.

NFPA 12, FigureE.1(b): Calculated CO2 loss rate based on an assumed 70°F
(21°C) temperature within the enclosure and 70°F (21°C) ambient outside.

1)
CO2 loss = leakage rate x leakage area x liquid discharge time (1 minute)

1)
see note 1 below

Q3 = Q2 + CO2 loss through opening

Notes:
1. If there are openings in the walls only, the area of the wall openings can be divided by 2
for calculations because it is presumed that fresh air can enter through one-half of the openings
and that protective gas will exit through the other half (NFPA 12 § A.5.5.2).
2. If the quantity of carbon dioxide required for compensation exceeds the basic quantities
required for flooding without leakage, the system shall be permitted to be designed for local
application.

BKR Page 10 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1.5 Unclosable Openings (continued)

CO2 loss shall be compensated for by an additional quantity equal to the anticipated loss during
a 1-minute period.
BS 5306-4, Figure 1: Calculated CO2 loss rate based on an assumed 70°F (21°C)
temperature within the enclosure and 70°F (21°C) ambient outside.

1)
CO2 loss = leakage rate x leakage area x liquid discharge time (1 minute)

Q3 = Q2 + CO2 loss through opening

1)
see note 1 on previous page

BKR Page 11 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.1.6 Ventilation

Where forced-air ventilating systems are involved, they preferably shall be shut down or closed, or
both, before or simultaneously with the start of the carbon dioxide discharge, or additional
compensating gas shall be provided.
For ventilating systems that cannot be shut down, additional carbon dioxide shall be added to
the space through the regular distribution system in an amount computed by multiplying the volume
moved during the liquid discharge period by the flooding factor. This shall be multiplied by the
material conversion factor when the design concentration is greater than 34 percent.

CO2 ventilation loss = ventilation volume x volume factor x mat. conv. factor x liquid discharge time
[m³/minute] [kg/m³] [minutes]
(during liquid discharge)

Q4 = Q3 + CO2 ventilation loss

3.1.7 High / Low Temperature Allowance

Conversion: °F = 1,8 x °C + 32
°C = 0,556 x (°F - 32)

If hazard temperature > 200°F (93°C): increase calculated CO2 quantity by 1% for each five degree
above 200°F.
CO2 high temp. = Q4 x 0.01 x (Thazard [°F] - 200) / 5
Example CO2 high temp.: Hazard temperature = 120°C
Q4 = 150 kg CO2

1. convert °C into °F: 120°C = 1,8 x 120°C + 32 = 248°F

2. calculate … CO2 high temp. = 150 kg x 0,01 x (248°F - 200°F) / 5 = 150 kg x 0,096 = 14,4 kg

If hazard temperature < 0°F (-18°C): increase calculated CO2 quantity by 1% for each one degree
below 0°F.
CO2 low temp. = Q4 x 0.01 x Thazard [°F]

Example CO2 low temp.: Hazard temperature = -25°C

Q4 = 150 kg CO2

1. convert °C into °F: -25°C = 1,8 x -25°C + 32 = -13°F

2. calculate … CO2 low temp. = 150 kg x 0,01 x 13 = 150 kg x 0,13 = 19,5 kg

Q5 = Q4 + CO2 high/low temp.

BKR Page 12 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

3.2 Total Flooding  Deep Seated Fires

3.2.1 Flooding Factors

Design Concentration Flooding Factor Specific Hazard

(%) lb. CO2 per [Link]. kg CO2 per m³

50 0,100 1,60 Dry electric wiring insulation hazards

in general.
Space: <= 2000 ft³
<= 56 m³

50 0,083 1,33 Dry electric wiring insulation hazards

in general.
Space: > 2000 ft³
> 56 m³

65 0,125 2,00 Record (bulk paper) storage, ducts

and covered trenches

75 0,166 2,66 Fur store vaults, dust collectors.

3.2.2 Discharge Rates

 30% concentration (0.674 kg/m³; 0.042 lbs./ft³) within 2 minutes

 Design concentration within maximum 7 minutes.

Note: Use 4 minutes total discharge time for pipe size estimation and hydraulic flow calculation.

3.2.3 Retention Time (Hold Time)

Concentration shall be maintained for at least 20 minutes.

3.2.4 Special Considerations

The above flooding factors are based on reasonably airtight enclosures.

Ventilation fans should be switched off and dampers closed.

If for any reason leakages have to be considered, refer to the appropriate sections in the design
standards.

BKR Page 13 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

4.2 Enclosure Surface of the Calculation Zone

The entire enclosure surface of the calculation zone (A) shall be inserted in the formula as per the following
specification.
For total flooding systems the enclosure surface of the calculation zone is the sum of the surfaces of all walls,
ceilings and floor forming the boundaries of the enclosure, including any opening surfaces. This applies
analogously to the protection of enclosed equipment.
For equipment protection (object protection) of only partly or non-enclosed equipment the non-closeable
openings of the calculation zone shall be supplemented – for determining the enclosure surface – by imaginary
boundary surfaces to fulfil the conditions.
The imaginary boundary surfaces shall be chosen such that only simple geometries ensue, such as cuboids,
cylinders, spherical segments. The number of imaginary boundary surfaces shall be as small as possible.
The calculation zone comprising both effective and imaginary boundary surfaces shall at least comprise the
entire zone to be protected by the CO2 system.
The floor area shall really exist in all cases. If the calculation does not include the closed floor, the authority
shall be consulted.
For the calculation of the CO2 design quantity for container-like equipment, e.g. quench oil tanks or spark
erosion machines, etc., the empty container shall be taken as calculation zone.

4.3 Temperature Adjustments

If a room temperature in the flooding zone of less than -20°C is to be expected, the design quantity shall be
increased by 2% of the calculated design quantity per °C below -20°C.
If the temperature is expected to drop excessively due to a high design quantity of CO 2 in the flooding zone
(e.g. with concentration factor KB=2,25), the increased design quantity required for reaching the extinguishing
gas concentration shall be taken into account in the calculation.

4.4 CO2 Storage Quantity

Storage Quantity = Design Quantity (acc. 4.1.) + Supplement Quantity

System Type Supplement CO2 Quantity

Total Flooding Systems

CO2 HP Systems ≤ 19 container
To balance filling and tapping  QStorage = 1.1 x QDesign
tolerances as well as residual gas in
the distribution pipe work, add 10% /
5% to the design quantity CO2 HP Systems > 19 container
 QStorage = 1.05 x QDesign

Local Application Systems Add 30% to the design quantity,

because only the liquid portion of the CO2 HP Systems ≤ 19 container
CO2 discharge is effective for local
application.
 QStorage = 1.4 x QDesign
To balance filling and tapping CO2 HP Systems > 19 container
tolerances as well as residual gas in
the distribution pipe work, add 10% /  QStorage = 1.35 x QDesign
5% to the design quantity.

BKR Page 30 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

4.5 Discharge Time

Condition Application Discharge Time

0,75 x VR > 0,2 x AR Total Flooding 60 seconds (CO2 high pressure)

0,75 x VR < 0,2 x AR Local Application The system shall discharge at least the design quantity during the
liquid phase within 25 to 30 seconds.
The discharge time comprising gas and liquid phase shall not
exceed 40 seconds.
The gas phase shall be determined based on the most
unfavorable conditions (highest pipework temperature). In the
case of pipework sections leading out of doors the heating caused
by sunlight shall be taken into consideration.

Design Example
Hazard: electric switch room, L=15 m, W=6 m, H=4 m
Unclosable opening = 0.5 m²

V = 15 m x 6 m x 4 m = 360 m³
A = 2 x 15 m x 6 m + (15 m + 6 m + 15 m + 6 m) x 4 m = 348 m²

ceiling + floor walls

AR = A + 30 x A0 = 348 m² + 30 x 0.5 m² = 363 m²

Design quantity: QDesign  1,2 x (0,75 kg/m³ x 360 m³  0,2 kg/m² x 363 m²)  412 kg
Storage quantity: Design quantity QDesign = 412 kg CO2
412 kg / 45 kg/container  10 container  to add 10% of the calculated design quantity
QStorage = 1.1 x 412 kg = 454 kg CO2

5. Pipe Size Estimation

For estimation purpose you may use the following table to determine pipe sizes.
Accurate hydraulic pipe size calculations are to be performed using the CO2 hydraulic flow calculation software.

Maximum flow rate Maximum flow rate

Pipe Size Pipe Size
kg/s kg/minute kg/s kg/minute
½" (DN 15) 1,1 68 1 ½" (DN 40) 9,1 545
¾" (DN 20) 2,3 136 2" (DN 50) 15,2 909
1" (DN 25) 3,8 227 2 ½" (DN65) 22,7 1363
1 ¼" (DN 32) 6,8 409 3" (DN 80) 37,9 2272

Reference: TSP CO2 Design Manual 14A-02, Issue 04 (2008/05)

BKR Page 31 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

6. Discharge Nozzles (Total Flooding)

There is no exact science when it comes to placing discharge nozzles in a hazard.

Some of the rules that should be followed for total flooding systems are:
 Position the nozzles uniformly on the ceiling of the enclosure
 320 ft² (30 m²) coverage per nozzle
 20 ft. (6 m) maximum spacing between nozzles
 Not more than 10 ft. (3 m) from a wall or major obstruction
 16 ft. (5 m) max. room height per nozzle
 Try not to locate the nozzle near an unclosable opening – unless using for screening
 Make certain nothing interferes with the discharge pattern of the nozzle
 Make certain the nozzle is not located so that it causes unduly splash of flammable liquids or creates dust
clouds that might extend the fire, create an explosion, or otherwise adversely affect the contents of the
enclosure.

Furthermore all details given in the applicable design manuals shall be considered.

7. Pressure Venting

The designer of a fire suppression system should be aware that the discharge of any gaseous extinguishing
agent into an enclosure will raise the pressure within that enclosure, which could affect the structural integrity of
the enclosure.
The protected enclosure will require an overpressure relief device.

The following calculation is based on …

Fire Industry Association (FIA) UK: FIA Guidance on Pressure Venting Issue 2 March 2012

To estimate the free venting area, use the following formula:

A Total venting area (m²)

(total vent area is defined as the sum of the free vent area and the
M S
A
natural leakage area)

P  SH
M Mass flow of extinguishant (kg/s)
S Specific vapour volume of extinguishant (m³/kg)
1)
P max. allowable pressure increase (Pa)
SH specific volume of the homogeneous air/extinguishant mixture (m³/kg)
1)
If there is no information available, we recommend using a maximum
of 250 Pa allowable pressure increase for the hazard.

BKR Page 32 of 33
 Apr-2015
Rev. 11

Guideline For High Pressure Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems

Mass flow of extinguishant (kg/s):

CO2 System
Qagent Stored agent quantity (kg)
Qagent
M td Discharge time (s)
td

Specific vapour volume (m³/kg):

Extinguishant S CO2 = 0.505 m³/kg @ 0°C

= 0.533 m³/kg @ 15°C
= 0.546 m³/kg @ 21°C
Air S Air = 0.77382 + 0.002833 x T T Temperature (°C)

Specific volume of the homogeneous air/extinguishant mixture (m³/kg)

C  S  100  C 
SH     SAir C Design concentration (%)
100  100 

Example: 6 CO2 containers 67 litre / 45 kg to be discharged.

Maximum overpressure allowed = 200 Pa
Design concentration = 45%
Design temperature = 15°C
Discharge time = 60 s

(Calculation done with "Pressure Vent Area Calculation BKR [Link]")

BKR Page 33 of 33