In a gas extinguishing system, a hush or a low noise nozzle refers to different types of discharge nozzles used to distribute the extinguishing agent, typically an inert gas such as Argonite (IG-55) or Inergen (IG-541), into the protected area.
A standard discharge nozzle, is designed to create a discharge of the gas. It generates a strong jet or stream of gas, which helps propel the extinguishing agent more forcefully, reaching distant areas within the protected space. Standard nozzles are often used in larger areas or situations where the gas needs to cover a significant distance quickly.
On the other hand, a quiet nozzle (Hush Nozzle), also known as a low-velocity nozzle, produces a gentler discharge of the gas. It is designed to minimise the disturbance within the protected area, reducing the potential for damage to sensitive equipment or delicate surroundings. Quiet nozzles are typically used in scenarios where the protected environment is filled with valuable assets, such as computer rooms, server room or data centres where the forceful flow of gas could cause unintended consequences.
The choice between a standard or quiet nozzle depends on the specific requirements of the protected space, considering factors such as the size, contents, and sensitivity of the area to be protected.
What are the benefit's of using hush / low noise nozzles?
Using a hush or quiet discharge nozzle on a gas extinguishing system within a data centre offers several benefits.
Here are a few:
1. Minimised Equipment Damage: Data centres often house sensitive and expensive equipment, such as servers, storage devices, and networking gear. A quiet discharge nozzle helps minimize the force and turbulence generated during the gas release, reducing the risk of equipment damage from excessive vibration or pressure.
2. Reduced Business Disruption: In the event of a fire or potential fire incident, a quiet nozzle ensures a more controlled discharge of the extinguishing gas. This can help prevent disruptions to ongoing operations, as the gentle release reduces the chances of accidental equipment shutdown or disruption to critical systems.
3. Enhanced Safety for Personnel: A quiet discharge nozzle helps create a safer environment for data centre staff who may be present during an emergency situation. The reduced force and turbulence minimize the risk of injury caused by sudden pressure changes or the forceful expulsion of gas.
4. Preservation of Data and Information: By minimizing the potential for equipment damage and operational disruptions, a quiet nozzle contributes to the preservation of valuable data and information stored within the data centre. This helps prevent potential data loss or downtime, which can have significant financial and operational implications.
It's worth noting that the specific choice between a hush or quiet nozzle should consider the unique characteristics and requirements of the data centre environment, including the layout, equipment sensitivity, and fire extinguishing system design. Consulting with fire protection specialists such as SolarFire Systems who have years of experience in data centre fire protection and can provide tailored guidance for the best approach in a specific data centre scenario is highly reccomended.
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