Fire suppression system

Abstract

A system for discharging inert gas for extinguishing or suppressing a fire is disclosed. A fluid discharge control arrangement is positioned in a fluid flow path between a pressurised gas supplyA,B,C and the target fire suppression zone. The fluid discharge control arrangement reduces the pressure in the fluid flow path downstream thereof. This may allow the downstream pipework to be selected to withstand a lower pressure than in a conventional system in which the fluid discharge control device was not provided, thereby reducing costs. The fluid discharge control device may comprise a first valveand first restrictorin the first flow pathand a second valveand a second restrictorprovided in the second flow path. Fluid from the containersA,B,C flows initially through flow pathand restrictor. Subsequently flow pathmay be closed by optional valve, and flow pathis opened by valve. Fluid flow then passes through restrictor. This reduces the peak pressure in the downstream pipework. In another embodiment the discharge of inert gas from the containersA,B andC is staggered to reduce the peak pressure in pipeline. A further embodiment provides a restrictor in the inletA,B,C from each of the containersA,B,C to the manifold, thereby also reducing the peak pressure in the pipeline