It seems that the options with respect to fire prevention systems are
limited by the existing local fire regulations and cost. Below is a list
of some of the systems commonly used by NMR labs:
1) Conventional Sprinklers: In this case, the recommendation is to avoid
sprinkler heads on top of magnets and consoles as well as raising the
UPSs from the floor.
2) Pre-action sprinkler systems (also known as "dry" sprinklers). These
systems are also used in computer rooms. The sprinkler lines are
pressurized with air, and in the event of a fire, the sprinkler head is
activated as usual by heat, the air pressure in the pipes is released,
and a valve opens to allow water to flow to the sprinkler head as in a
normal system.
When using this systems, it is recommended to locate the smoke
detectors in the return air ducts so that the system does not activate
with a quench. Genuine smoke will get into the return air ducts but the
helium from a quench will dissipate before it gets to the detector. A
recommended vendor was Wayman Fire Systems.
3) One no-water alternative is the so called FM 200 systems. This is a
gas-based fire systems using "Halon" and apparently has potential health
and safety hazard issues. In addition, the cost of th FM 200 is in the
$40-50K.
4) Non-magnetic Halon or CO2 extinguishers.
5) An interesting option, used by some in Europe, is to build fire proof
buildings made out of concrete and/or bricks and non-flamable materials
like wood.
I hope this information help everyone involve in designing or planing
NMR facilities.
Best regards,
Carlos
--
Dr Carlos A. Amezcua
NMR Facility Manager
Department of Biochemistry
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75390-9038
Tel: (214) 648-8964
Received on Thu Nov 06 2003 - 16:11:40 MST