An introduction to Opsys fire prevention

Fire Section Fire Prevention Introduction

Opsys is an easy to install and maintain hypoxic ventilation system.
This system reduces the amount of oxygen in the air in a room to such a level as to make the room fire proof, yet still enable people to occupy the area, with no noticeable effect.

Opsys guarantees protection from fire hazards. Using industry-leading technology, Opsys optimises the amount of oxygen in a room to create a precise atmosphere that is always safe for people, yet one in which fires simply cannot start.

Ordinary air contains approximately 21% oxygen, while air in an Opsys protected environment typically contains an oxygen percentage of 15%. At this level, most commonly encountered materials will not ignite, making it impossible for fires to start – even if a deliberate attempt is made to do so.

Opsys also supplies special versions of the equipment to control the risk of fire where high flammability materials are found. By subtly altering the composition of air, Opsys ensures a 100% secure operating / storage environment.

As well as creating a fire-proof atmosphere, an Opsys system also filters out dirt, dust, pollen, hydrocarbons, odours and even bacteria to provide an environment of the highest quality.

At the same time, Opsys is perfectly safe for humans. In fact, the reduced oxygen levels are equivalent to being at an altitude of around 2,500m - a perfectly healthy environment in which millions of people live and work.

The level of oxygen in an Opsys environment is also similar to that in the cabin of an aircraft – so if you can take a normal commercial flight, you will be perfectly at home in an Opsys atmosphere.

Our unique technology guarantees both safety for human beings and total fire protection for the protected space. Through our commitment to continuous development and total customer satisfaction, it is our vision to become the industry standard for fire protection and the first choice for those seeking a safe, healthy environment.

Hypoxic Air Ventilation

A revolutionary but simple concept, Opsys’ Hypoxic Air Ventilation exploits the fact that ordinary air with reduced oxygen content will not allow any normal material to burn.

In Prevention Mode, this system guarantees complete fire prevention in a breathable air environment. The available oxygen in such a situation is equivalent to being at 2,500m or travelling on a commercial airliner – entirely safe.

Opsys’ bespoke Hypoxic Air Ventilation systems provide 100% coverage – in cabinets, in ceiling voids – everywhere. Our systems are available at all times with no recharge or down time periods and are insensitive to temperature – working at +50 or -50C, unlike water systems.

The Opsys system can also be used in Suppression Mode as a safer alternative to conventional inert gas systems – but with automatic recharging via on-site generators, and with absolutely no risk to people or equipment under a hypothetical false release.

Opsys Air Atmosphere

At altitude, air has exactly the same proportions of oxygen and nitrogen as at sea level, but it is at lower pressure and so is less dense. There is less of everything in any given volume. This air is often said to be 'thinner'.

The air in an Opsys air environment is not thinner – it is at normal pressure and so has the same density as ordinary sea level air. However, it has a changed proportion of oxygen and nitrogen molecules so that the number of available oxygen molecules is the same as the number available in an equivalent volume of altitude air.

To a person, it feels exactly like altitude air, but without any unpleasant pressure effects. But to a fire, the changing of the oxygen/nitrogen proportion brings about a dramatic change in behaviour.