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John Allen of Tailored Fire Products gives details of the Redetec fire detection and extinguishing system for IT server racks.
The protection of computer equipment in data centres is an established application. However, many processing systems are now deployed outside of a dedicated IT room in areas where a total flood fire suppression system may not be an option. This results from a major shift in data and computer processing system design.
Rapid advances in computer hardware development have led to the increasing density of computing equipment. This is accompanied by rising heat loads within densely packed server cabinets, plus a growing reliance on electronic data systems and the widespread adoption of distributed data server locations.
An increasing number of key data processes, which were once located together within a dedicated computer room, are being progressively spread throughout the organisation’s offices and buildings. At the same time the dependence of the organisation on its electronic management systems rises. Users and insurers are thus looking to improve the protection of critical assets through discrete in-rack enclosure protection.
In-rack protection
In-rack solutions are of course not new, with many tailored fire solutions already installed and delivering excellent close- quarter fire protection. Indeed BS6266: 2000 specifically mentions the benefits to be gained by putting detection into the critical risk area, perhaps with an eye to the inevitable requirement.
Redetec
Redetec is possibly the first purpose designed solution to embrace existing fire design and performance standards, as well as holding close the particular needs of the IT user and manufacturing industries.
It is a complete, easy to install and simple to operate, fire detection and fire extinguishing system for rack enclosures and equipment cabinets in IT and critical systems applications.
With its fire detection, control and suppression requirements all contained within a compact 2U x 19-inch chassis, Redetec does not require engineering design and is perfectly suited to provide complete fire protection for enclosures and smaller room spaces.
The system offers choices of smoke detection and fire suppressant agent for spaces up to 4.0m3 from each Redetec unit.
As a modular system, Redetec can be extended for multi-bay cabinets and process systems, with additional fire detection and suppression systems.
Redetec+ is an option which includes an IP address, webpage and SNMP/Telnet remote alarm/management for rack condition monitoring and physical security.
The manufacturer of the Redetec system, Tailored Fire Products, has carried out extensive testing of the system under various fire conditions and rack applications, resulting in a knowledge base enabling them to meet many of the rack and cabinet applications demanded.
Specifically, Tailored Fire Products points out that Redetec has several key benefits such as the following:
– Increased response: Redetec provides the focussed fire detection and protection solution needed for rack and cabinet systems.
– Discriminatory: Redetec reacts to an incident within each protected cabinet, providing specific fire control and presenting status information to IT/building management systems.
– Environmentally responsible: Redetec uses relatively little extinguishant gas within a smaller area.
– Less costly: by applying a more accurate Redetec fire solution, less gas is required or used for short and long term financial gain.
– Not disruptive: Redetec does not require system design, extensive installation time or cost.
– Active all the time: Redetec need not be isolated during working hours and is left in a continuously operational condition.
– Transportable: Redetec moves with the cabinet for regular re-use, without refurbishment/refit cost.
Operation
Redetec has a 110/230V ac power supply, with a power output rated to 8A which can be used to power the rack air conditioning/fan tray. In the event of a rack fire alarm, this fan tray power is automatically shut down by Redetec prior to fire suppressant release into the rack enclosure.
Internally mounted fire detectors monitor within the rack space and when a fire is detected, the Redetec controller starts the adjustable suppressant release timer and concurrently shuts down the fan tray supply. After the pre-determined time period, a signal is sent to an actuator which then releases the fire suppressant into the enclosure via a specially designed release nozzle.
Redetec is designed to meet the requirements of EN54 parts 2 and 4, including complete fault monitoring for all major internal functions and monitored inputs/outputs. Redetec uses certified detection, control and release components including fire suppressant bottles, valves and actuators.
Redetec has been independently tested to meet the requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing and is CE marked. LPCB accreditation is actively being sought and in addition, Tailored Fire Products will submit Redetec to a series of fire performance and third party performance testing throughout 2005.
Detection types
Redetec can be supplied with either of two types of fire detection; point type detectors are used in applications where air flow is low to moderate. An ionisation detector and an optical detector are mounted within the Redetec chassis and will operate either in coincidence or singularly, providing the fire signal to the control elements. When a detector is sent into an alarm condition a fire signal becomes available and, should the second detector alarm, a suppressant release sequence is initiated, as described earlier.
In high airflow applications, such as the larger blade centre server racks, point smoke detectors are replaced by high sensitivity aspirating smoke detectors; such detectors are already widely used in computer room detection. An aspirating smoke detector is fitted within each Redetec chassis, with the sampling pipe work designed to monitor several points within the enclosure for maximum detection coverage.
The greater sensitivity offered by an aspirating smoke detector is used to provide pre-alarm and alarm signals to Redetec, which in turn manage the fire control functions described in the previous paragraph.
Fire suppression options
As different applications frequently require a tailored fire solution, Redetec offers a number of fire suppressant options.
FM200
Redetec has adapted the room protection properties of FM200 into Redetec mounted extinguishant bottles, each capable of protecting 1.5m3 rack enclosure space. Up to two FM200 bottles can be mounted within each Redetec, giving 3.0m3 volume protection. Additional extinguishant protection can be mounted in further enclosures, controlled and initiated via Redetec.
Novec 1230
Redetec uses Novec 1230, an advanced, clean chemical agent for fire extinguishing. Novec 1230 combines low toxicity with high fire extinguishing efficiency. Novec has zero Ozone Depletion Potential together with a global warming potential of one on the IPCC scale. It has an atmospheric lifetime of only five days. This means that Novec has less environmental impact than other chemical extinguishing agents available.
Pyrogen
Pyrogen is an excellent fire suppressant, which is particularly useful in the protection of electrical switchgear and other heavy duty applications. It is an aerosol fire extinguishing system which effectively and quickly kills fires. Redetec can control an extensive number of Pyrogen canisters, with two mounted internally. Each bottle offers protection for up to 2.0m3 volumes.
Inert gases
Inert gases kill fires by reducing the level of oxygen in the atmosphere below the concentration in which a fire is able to sustain itself. Redetec is able to initiate a range of remotely mounted inert gases to achieve this design concentration. Optional gas types include Pyroshield and Argonite, but others are also supported. Tailored Fire Products expects to offer Redetec with inert gases included within the chassis by 2005.
Maintenance
The manufacturers recommend service intervals twice each year.
Conclusions
Redetec is considered to be a complete solution for delivering fire detection and fire suppression within critical equipment rack enclosures and cabinets. Its use is complementary to room flood systems and where, for technical or commercial reasons, room flooding is not a viable consideration it is thought to offer the only solution presently available.
Because it is designed to be suitable for confined control spaces, Redetec removes the need for flood system design and the inevitable disruption caused by mechanical and electrical systems installation in these areas.
Operation and maintenance is made simple, with installation and commissioning measured in minutes.
The system offers a range of detection and suppression options, with additional control options for IP connectivity and security/condition monitoring, SNMP & Telnet integration.
As a fire protection solution, Redetec fits neatly into the growing market for small space protection with a sophisticated feature set and large system connectivity.