WO2016195635A1

WO2016195635A1 - Method for delivering and extinguishing composition to a fire

Info

Publication number: WO2016195635A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/033292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Richard Niemann
Original assignee: Sevo Systems, Inc.
Priority date: 2015-05-29
Filing date: 2015-05-29
Publication date: 2016-12-08

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for delivering a liquid fire suppression composition to a fire where the liquid fire suppression composition is stored in a first container and a pressurized inert gas is stored in a second container and prior to the desired delivery of the liquid fire suppression composition to the fire the two storage containers are coupled together to communicate the pressurized inert gas to the first storage container to increase the head pressure applied to the liquid fire suppression composition and emitting the liquid fire suppression composition through a discharge network to the fire upon achieving the desired pressure within the first container.

Description

METHOD FOR DELIVERING AN EXTINGUISHING COMPOSITION TO A FIRE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of methods for delivering fire extinguishing compositions to a protected area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Since the early 20^th century, various compositions have been employed as fire extinguishants. Over time use of various compositions, such as halogenated hydrocarbons, has been restricted or even prohibited due to toxicological and environmental reasons in the United States and internationally. Other fire extinguishants, such as hydrofluorocarbons, have been proposed and implemented, but due to their chemical nature they require high pressurization to maintain a liquid state at or near room temperature. Such pressurization limits or eliminates the use of certain geometric shapes for, or sizes of, storage containers. Hence, conventional fire suppression systems are restricted to use of small sized cylinders having a volume of not greater than 1,300 lbs. Further, such pressurization restricts or eliminates the availability of transportation because transportation of pressurized containers whether by air, land or sea is highly regulated and in some cases impossible.

[0003] Further, conventional fire suppression systems designed to protect large hazard areas require a series of a plurality of storage containers in order to hold the requisite amount of extinguishant required to be emitted to a fire in the large hazard area. To house a series of a plurality of storage containers requires a considerable amount of floor space.

[0004] Generally, it is desirable to place the series of the plurality of storage containers for conventional fire suppression systems in a location exterior to the hazard area to be protected. However, due to fire protection code requirements regulating the flow of extinguishant to a fire conventional fire suppression systems often must be placed within a large hazard area in order to meet such code requirements. Simply put, conventional fire suppression systems utilizing pressurized cylindrical storage containers cannot push extinguishant far enough to be located outside of large hazard areas.

[0005] Conventional fire suppression systems also utilize a valve to contain liquid fire suppression compositions in a storage container. In such systems, when it is desired to emit the liquid fire suppression composition from the storage container to the fire the liquid fire suppression composition must also pass through the valve, which causes the liquid to partially vaporize into a gas and reduce the efficiency of the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention relates to a method for delivering a liquid fire suppression composition to a fire and includes the steps of storing the fire suppression agent in a first storage container, storing a pressurized inert gas in a second storage container, prior to the desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire, coupling the two storage containers to communicate the pressurized inert gas to the first storage container to pressurize the first storage container, and emitting the liquid fire suppression composition from the first storage container, through a discharge network to the fire.

[0007] In one embodiment, the liquid fire suppression composition is selected from a group consisting of perfluorinated ketone compounds containing no hydrogen atoms a total of 4 to 8 carbon atoms bonded to carbon atoms in its carbon backbone and having a boiling range of about 0 to 150 degree Celsius and combinations thereof to a fire. By way of example and not of limitation, the following perflourinated ketone compounds are useful in accordance with the present invention: CF₃CF₂C(0)CF(CF₃)2, (CF₃)₂CFC(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF3(CF₂)₂C(0)CF(CF3)2, CF3(CF₂)3C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(0)CF₃,

CF₃CF₂C(0)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and mixtures thereof.

[0008] In another embodiment, the liquid fire suppression agent is selected from the group consisting of (CF₃ H), (CF₃ CF₂ H), (CF₃ ( Ί ! F), (eCF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CHFCF₃), (CF₃ CF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ Of I ·■ CF₃), (CF₃ CHFCF₂ H), (HCF₂CF₂ CF₂ H), and (CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ F).

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention a rupture disc assembly having a rupture disc is associated with the first storage container for storing the fire suppression agent therein and for controlling the emission of the fire suppression agent therefrom. In this embodiment, prior to the desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire, the two storage containers are coupled together to communicate the pressurized inert gas to the first storage container and thus provide a head pressure at least great enough to cause the rupture disc to forcibly rupture. The ruptured disc permits improved emission of the liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container to the fire. Stated another way, the rupture disc assembly promotes a more efficient transmission of the liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container to the fire by reducing the vaporization that occurs during transmission.

[00010] Various objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention.

[00011] The drawings constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00012] FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a fire extinguishing composition delivery system according to the present invention.

[00013] FIGURE 2 is a cross section view of one embodiment of a rupture disc assembly according to the present invention.

[00014] FIGURE 2A is an isometric view of one embodiment of a rupture disc assembly according to the present invention.

[00015] FIGURE 2B is an isometric view of one embodiment of a rupture disc assembly according to the present invention.

[00016] FIGURE 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a rupture disc according to the present invention.

[00017] FIGURE 4 is a front and side view of one embodiment of a rupture disc having rupture guides according to the present invention.

[00018] FIGURE 5 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a valve assembly according to the present invention. [00019] FIGURE 6 is a timeline displaying the different states of the system according to the present invention.

[00020] FIGURE 7 is a timeline of an alternative embodiment of the present invention displaying different states of the system according to the alternative embodiment.

[00021] FIGURE 8 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a fire extinguishing composition delivery system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00022] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

[00023] Throughout this application, (CF₃ H), (CF3 CF₂ H), (CF₃ CH₂ F),

(HCF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CHFCF3), (CF₃ CF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CH₂ CF₃), (CF₃ CHFCF? H), (HCF2CF2 CF₂ H), and (CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ F) are referred to as "HFC Agents."

[00024] Throughout this application, perfluorinated ketone compounds containing no hydrogen atoms a total of 4 to 8 carbon atoms bonded to carbon atoms in its carbon backbone and having a boiling range of about 0 degree Celsius to 150 degree Celsius and combinations thereof are referred to in this application as "PFK Agents." In one embodiment the PFK Agents may comprise CF₃CF₂C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, (CF₃)₂CFC(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF3(CF₂)₂C(0)CF(CF3)2, CF3(CF₂)3C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(0)CF₃,

[00025] The present invention is a method for delivering an extinguishing composition to a fire. As depicted in FIGURE 1, the method includes the steps of: storing a fire extinguishing composition 16 in a first storage container 10; storing pressurized inert gas 24 in a second storage container 20; prior to the desired delivery of the fire extinguishing composition 16 to the fire, coupling the first storage container 10 and the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10; and emitting the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 to the fire.

[00026] In operation, the method employs a fire extinguishing composition delivery system 1 that is adapted for delivering the fire extinguishing composition 16 to a fire. Referring to FIGURE 1 , the fire extinguishing composition delivery system 1 comprises the first storage container 10 adapted for storing therein and expelling therefrom the fire extinguishing composition 16, the second storage container 20 adapted for storing pressurized inert gas 24 therein, a control means 22 adapted for coupling the first storage container 10 and the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10, and a discharge network 30 adapted for communicating the expelled fire extinguishing composition from the first storage container 10 through the discharge network 30 to a fire.

[00027] The first storage container 10 includes a discharge device 12 adapted for sealing the contents of the first storage container 10 therein and further adapted for communicating the contents of the first storage container 10 to the discharge network 30. [00028] Referring to FIGURE 2, one embodiment of the discharge device 12 comprises a rupture disc assembly 40 that includes a rupture disc 42 designed to fail (i.e., rupture) at a prescribed pressure and communicate the fire extinguishing composition 16 stored in the first storage container 10 to the discharge network 30. In operation, when it is desired to communicate the fire extinguishing composition 16 to the fire a force is applied to the rupture disc 42 at least great enough to cause the disc to fail (i.e., rupture) and permit communication of the fire extinguishing composition 16 therethrough. In an embodiment of the present invention including the rupture disc assembly 40, the method step of coupling the two containers occurs before rupture disc 42 failure (i.e., rupture).

[00029] Referring to FIGURE 2A, the rupture disc assembly 40 is shown in a state prior to the method step of coupling the two storage containers together. Referring to FIGURE 2B, the rupture disc assembly 40 is shown in a state after the method step of coupling the two storage containers. In the illustrated embodiment, the necessary force is applied by the fire extinguishing composition 16 when the first storage container 10 is coupled with the second storage container 20 and the pressurized inert gas 24 is communicated to the first storage container 10 resulting in a head pressure added to the first storage container 10 at least great enough to cause the disc to fail (i.e., rupture).

[00030] Referring to FIGURE 3 and FIGURE 4, another embodiment the rupture disc 42 includes a plurality of rupture guides 44. The rupture guides 44 are designed to control the location of the failure (i.e., rupture) of the rupture disc 42. The rupture guides 44 may comprise variations in wall thickness of the rupture disc 42, including, but not limited to, scored edges, channels, grooves, bends, depressions, folds, indentations or other weaker, or weakened, portions of the rupture disc 42 located at the desired point, or points, of failure. It is anticipated that the rupture guides 44 may comprise a variety of forms other than those stated herein but each such form will be a means for controlling the location of failure on the rupture disc 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the rupture disc assembly 40 includes a backing plate 46 concentrically aligned with the rupture disc 42. The backing plate 46 is adapted for strengthening the hermetic seal provided by the rupture disc 42 at the high pressures associated with failure of the rupture disc. The illustrated backing plate 46 is also adapted for controlling the location of failure on the rupture disc 42.

[00031] Referring to FIGURE 5, another embodiment of the discharge device 12 comprises a valve assembly 50. The illustrated valve assembly 50 includes a release valve 52 actuated by a control device 54. Valve assemblies 50 adapted for controlling the discharge of pressurized fluids from storage tanks are well known in the art and a person having ordinary skill in the art would know how to select and implement a suitable valve assembly 50 to control the discharge of the pressurized fluid from the present invention. In operation, when it is desirable to emit the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 through the valve assembly 50 and to a fire the control device 54 opens the release valve 52. In an embodiment of the present invention including the valve assembly 50, the method step of coupling the two containers may take place before, at the same time or after the release valve 52 is opened.

[00032] The fire extinguishing composition 16 is selected from the group consisting of HFC Agents and PFK Agents. An example of a PFK Agent useful in the present invention is FK-5-1-12. "Fire suppression agent" as used in the claims of this application refers to the fire extinguishing composition 16. [00033] It is preferred to deliver the fire extinguishing composition 16 to the fire in a liquid state rather than a gaseous state. To achieve the delivery of the HFC Agents to the fire in a liquid state, the HFC Agents are stored under pressure in the first storage container 10. Typically, the HFC Agents are in a liquid state when pressurized to at least 166 pounds per square inch at room temperature.

[00034] The PFK Agents, on the other hand, are in a liquid state at room temperature and do not need to be stored under pressure in the first storage container 10, though they can be stored under pressure if desired.

[00035] When HFC Agents are used in an embodiment including the rupture disc assembly 40 then the method step of coupling the first storage container 10 with the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10 serves as: (i) a vapor piston to rupture the rupture disc 42 by applying enough force to the fire extinguishing composition 16 and in turn the rupture disc 42 causing it to fail (i.e., rupture); (ii) a vapor piston to boost the emission of the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 through the discharge network and to the fire; or (iii) both a vapor piston to rupture and to boost emission.

[00036] When PFK Agents are used in an embodiment including the rupture disc assembly 40 then the method step of coupling the first storage container 10 with the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10 serves as: (i) a charge to increase the pressurization of the fire extinguishing composition 16 (ii) a vapor piston to rupture the rupture disc 42 by applying enough force to the fire extinguishing composition 16 and in turn the rupture disc 42 causing it to fail (i.e., rupture); (iii) a vapor piston to boost the emission of the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 through the discharge network and to the fire; or (iv) combinations thereof.

[00037] When HFC Agents are used in an embodiment including the valve assembly 50 then the method step of coupling the first storage container 10 with the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10 serves as a vapor piston to boost the emission of the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 through the discharge network 30 and to the fire.

[00038] When PFK Agents are used in an embodiment including the valve assembly

50 then the method step of coupling the first storage container 10 with the second storage container 20 to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10 serves as (i) a vapor piston to boost the emission of the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 through the discharge network and to the fire; (ii) a charge to increase the pressurization of the fire extinguishing composition 16 to the desired pressure; or (iii) both a vapor piston and a charge.

[00039] In the illustrated embodiment, the first storage container 10 is partially filled with the fire extinguishing composition 16 in a liquid state and partially filled with inert gas 18. In another embodiment the first storage container 10 may be completely filled with the fire extinguishing composition 16. The inert gas 24 may be Argon, Nitrogen or Carbon Dioxide.

[00040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge network 30 generally comprises piping 32 that extends away from the first storage container 10 and to wards a fire protected space. In one embodiment the discharge network terminates in a plurality of nozzles 34 adapted for dispensing the fire suppression agent 16 to the fire within the fire protected space. In another embodiment the discharge network 30 may comprise a total flooding system to which the first storage container 10 is connected. In yet another embodiment the discharge network 30 may comprise a partial flooding system to which the first storage container 10 is connected.

[00041] In operation, the present invention has two states, a first state where the fire suppression system 1 is static (i.e., the period of time before a fire is detected) and a second state where the fire suppression system 1 is dynamic (i.e., the period of time after a fire is detected). The timeline depicted in FIGURE 6 shows both the static state 110 and the dynamic state 120. Further, the dynamic state 120 is further categorized into time periods, namely the charging time period 122, the arrival time period 124 and the discharge time period 126.

[00042] The charging time period 122 comprises the period of time between the method step of coupling the first storage container 10 with the second storage container 20 and that point in time when either the pressure equalizes between the two containers or the first and second container 20 are decoupled, whichever occurs first. In other words, the charging time period 122 comprises the time period when the pressurized inert gas 24 pressurizes the fire extinguishing composition 16. In one embodiment, the termination of the charging time period 122 coincides with the same point in time as the discharge device 12 begins to communicate the pressurized fire extinguishing composition 16 to the discharge network 30 (the "Emission Point") (i.e., the point in time when the rupture disc 42 fails or the release valve 52 opens). As illustrated in FIGURE 7, in another embodiment of the present invention the charging time period 122 may terminate either before or after the Emission Point. In one embodiment of the present invention, the charging time period 122 is less than 60 seconds in length.

[00043] The arrival time period 124 comprises the period of time between the

Emission Point and the point of time the fire extinguishing composition 16 first reaches the end of the discharge network 30 (i.e., the period of time the fire extinguishing composition travels through the discharge network 30). One embodiment of the end of the discharge network 30 comprises the nozzle 34. In one embodiment of the present invention the arrival time period 124 is less than 10 seconds in length. In another embodiment of the present invention, the charging time period 122 overlaps the arrival time period 124.

[00044] The discharge time period 126 comprises the period of time commencing with the end of the arrival time period 124 and the point in time when all of the fire extinguishing composition 16 stored in the first storage container 10 has been emitted to the fire. In one embodiment of the present invention, the discharge time period 126 is less than 10 seconds. In another embodiment of the present invention, the discharge time period 126 can be extended up to a total of 30 seconds.

[00045] During the method step of storing the fire extinguishing composition 16 in the first storage container 10 the inert gas 24 may partially mix with the fire extinguishing composition 16, but such mixture will consist essentially of the fire extinguishing composition 16. Similarly, during the method step of coupling the two storage containers together to communicate the pressurized inert gas 24 to the first storage container 10 the pressurized inert gas 24 may partially mix with the fire extinguishing composition 16, but such mixture will consist essentially of the fire extinguishing composition 16. During the charge time period 122 the present invention minimizes the mixing and absorption of the inert gas 24 and pressurized inert gas 24 into the liquid fire extinguishing composition 16. In one embodiment of the present invention wherein the discharge device 12 comprises the rupture disc assembly 40In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the first storage container 60 is adapted for use in the present invention in a plurality of orientations. Referring to FIGURE 8, the first storage container 60 includes a top end 62 a bottom side 64, a sidewall 66 extending between the top end 62 and the bottom side 64, and a dip tube 68 extending inwardly from the top end 62 towards a point proximate to the bottom side 64. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure from within the first storage container 60 forces the fire extinguishing composition 16 through the dip tube 68 and out of the first storage container 60. In another embodiment the dip tube 68 extends from any point associated with the top end 62 or the sidewall 66 inwardly towards a point proximate to the bottom side 64.

[00046] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, PFK Agents are used as the fire extinguishing composition 16 and provide the ability to use a plurality of sizes and shapes of the first storage container 80. The PFK Agents maintain a liquid form at room temperature even without being placed under pressure, unlike HFC Agents which must be pressurized to achieve liquid state. Consequently, the use of PFK Agents allows for the fire extinguishing composition 16 to be stored in an unpressurized manner and yet maintain the liquid state. Further, since PFK Agents do not have to be stored under pressure storage of such PFK Agents is not limited to the use of cylindrical storage containers is no longer mandated as it is with pressurized fluids because of the strength and safety regulations associated with storing fluids under pressure. [00047] In this alternative embodiment, the first storage container 80 may have a rectangular base to make the most efficient use of floor space. The first storage container 80 may also comprise a variety of geometries tailored to the space it will be installed within. Further, the first storage container may have significantly increased storage capacity. The storage capacity may be increased beyond 500 liters, the previous volume limit imposed by the pressure, strength and safety regulations for fluids stored under pressure and it is anticipated that the present invention may have the first storage container 80 that can contain a volume of at least 480 liters and potentially as high as 15,000 liters. In this embodiment of the present invention, large hazard areas may be protected without the need for a series of cylindrical storage containers.

[00048] Importantly, this embodiment significantly reduces the turbulence, and therefore the mixing of inert gas 24 and fire extinguishing composition 16 ("Mixing of Inert Gas"), induced by the fire protection system as the fire extinguishing composition 16 is emitted from the first storage tank 80 to the fire because the fire extinguishing composition 16 does not have to be combined in series. The Mixing of Inert Gas is even further reduced in an embodiment in which the rupture disc assembly 40 is used in connection with the larger first storage container 80.

[00049] As stated supra, it is preferred to emit the fire extinguishing composition 16 from the first storage container 10 and through the discharge network 30 in a liquid state. A liquid state is preferred because a liquid can be pushed longer distances than a gas can be pushed, resulting in a fire protection system having a longer reach. During the method step of emitting the pressurized liquid fire extinguishing composition 16 to a fire, turbulence in the flow induces mixing of the inert gas 18 with the liquid fire extinguishing composition 16. In one embodiment of the present invention the fire extinguishing composition 16 is communicated to the fire with reduced Mixing of Inert Gas, because the fluid does not have to travel through a conventional valve assembly and only through the rupture disc assembly 40. In another embodiment, the fire extinguishing composition 16 is communicated to the fire with reduced Mixing of Inert Gas when the larger first storage container 80 is employed rather than a conventional series of a plurality of cylindrical storage containers.

[00050] Further, the larger first storage container 80 also reduces Mixing of Inert

Gas during the static state 110 of the system 1 because there is more unfilled space in the container 80, which in turn increases the reach of the fire protection system 1.

[00051] In implementing the present invention first storage containers 10 may be shipped to their destination empty and may then be filled with fire extinguishing composition 16. However, first storage containers 10 may also be shipped to their destination completely filled, or partially filled, with fire extinguishing composition 16 when PFK Agents are used. The first storage containers 10 may be installed into the fire extinguishing composition delivery system 1 in an uncharged, partially charged or fully charged state with the inert gas 24.

[00052] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. A method for delivering an extinguishing composition consisting essentially of a liquid fire suppression agent selected from a group consisting of fluorinated ketone compounds containing no hydrogen atoms a total of 4 to 8 carbon atoms bonded to carbon atoms in its carbon backbone and having a boiling range of about 0 to 150 degree Celsius and combinations thereof to a fire with an expellant consisting essentially of a separate pressurized inert gas, which comprises the steps of:

storing the fire suppression agent in a first storage container;

storing said pressurized inert gas in a second storage container;

prior to desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire, coupling the first storage container to the second storage container to communicate the pressurized inert gas into the first storage container and thereby pressurize the liquid fire suppression agent within the first storage container;

emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container to the fire.

2. The method of claim 1, in which said coupling comprises coupling the first storage container to the second storage container between about 1 and 60 seconds before said emitting.

3. The method of claim 1, in which said emitting comprises emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent to the fire between about 0 and 10 seconds after said emitting begins.

4. The method of claim 1, in which said emitting comprises communicating all of said liquid fire suppression agent to the fire between about 3 and 10 seconds after said emitting begins.

5. The method of claim 1, in which said emitting comprises continuously communicating said liquid fire suppression agent to the fire for 30 seconds after said emitting begins.

6. The method of claim 1, in which said storing of the fire suppression agent comprises storing in the first container a composition consisting essentially of the fire suppression agent.

7. The method of claim 4, in which said storing of the fire suppression agent comprises storing in the first container a composition consisting of the fire suppression agent.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said pressurized inert gas is selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

9. The method of claim 1, in which said emitting comprises discharging the pressurized fire suppression agent from a total flooding system connected with the first storage container.

10. The method of claim 1, in which said emitting comprises emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container, through piping, through a delivery nozzle, and to the fire.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said storing in said first storage container comprises storing in a non-cylindrical first storage container.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the fire suppression agent is six carbon fluorinated ketone.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the fire suppression agent is delivered without first equilibrating the fire suppression agent and pressurized gas.

14. The method of claim 1, which further comprises the step of:

activating a discharge control device associated with said first storage container to permit emission of the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container to the fire.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein said discharge control device is a valve.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein said discharge control device is a rupture disc assembly having a rupture disc.

17. The method of claim 16, in which said coupling comprises pressurizing the liquid fire suppression agent within the first storage container to a head pressure at least great enough to forcibly rupture said rupture disc.

18. The method of claim 17, in which said forcible rupture begins at a plurality of rupture guides associated with said rupture disc.

19. The method of claim 1, in which said storing the fire suppression agent in the first storage container comprises storing more than 1,300 pounds of the fire suppression agent.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein said first storage container has an interior volume of 17.31 cubic feet.

21. A method for delivering an extinguishing composition consisting essentially of a liquid fire suppression agent to a fire with a separate pressurized inert gas, which comprises the steps of:

storing the fire suppression agent in a first storage container, wherein said fire suppression agent is contained within said first storage container by a rupture disc assembly associated with said first storage container and said rupture disc assembly having a rupture disc; storing said pressurized inert gas in a second storage container;

prior to desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire, coupling the first storage container to the second storage container to communicate the pressurized inert gas into the first storage container and thereby apply a head pressure to the liquid fire suppression agent within the first storage container great enough to forcibly rupture said rupture disc;

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said extinguishing composition is selected from a group consisting of CF₃CF₂C(0)CF(CF₃)2, (CF₃)₂CFC(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF3(CF₂)₂C(0)CF(CF3)2, CF3(CF₂)3C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, CF₃(CF₂)₅C(0)CF₃, CF₃CF₂C(0)CF₂CF₂CF₃, CF₃C(0)CF(CF₃)₂, perfluorocyclohexanone, and combinations thereof.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein said extinguishing composition is selected from a group consisting of (CF₃ H), (CF₃ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CH₂ F), (eCF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CHFCF₃), (CF₃ CF₂ CF₂ H), (CF₃ CH₂ CF₃), (CF₃ CHFCF₂ H), (HCF₂CF₂ CF₂ H), and (CF₃ CF₂ CH₂ F) and combinations thereof.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein said extinguishing composition is selected from a group consisting of perfluorinated ketone compounds containing no hydrogen atoms a total of 4 to 8 carbon atoms bonded to carbon atoms in its carbon backbone and having a boiling range of about 0 degree Celsius to 150 degree Celsius and combinations thereof.

25. The method of claim 21, in which said coupling comprises coupling the first storage container to the second storage container between about 1 and 60 seconds before said emitting.

26. The method of claim 21, in which said emitting comprises emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent to the fire between about 0 and 10 seconds after said emitting begins.

27. The method of claim 21, in which said emitting comprises communicating all of said liquid fire suppression agent to the fire between about 3 and 10 seconds after said emitting begins.

28. The method of claim 21, in which said emitting comprises continuously communicating said liquid fire suppression agent to the fire for 30 seconds after said emitting begins.

29. The method of claim 21, in which said storing of the fire suppression agent comprises storing in the first container a composition consisting essentially of the fire suppression agent.

30. The method of claim 27, in which said storing of the fire suppression agent comprises storing in the first container a composition consisting of the fire suppression agent.

31. The method of claim 21, wherein said pressurized inert gas is selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.

32. The method of claim 21, in which said emitting comprises discharging the pressurized fire suppression agent from a total flooding system connected with the first storage container.

33. The method of claim 21, in which said emitting comprises emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container, through the rupture disc assembly, through piping, through a delivery nozzle, and to the fire.

34. The method of claim 21, wherein said storing in said first storage container comprises storing in a non-cylindrical first storage container.

35. The method of claim 21, wherein the fire suppression agent is delivered without first equilibrating the fire suppression agent and pressurized gas.

36. The method of claim 21 , in which prior to the desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire said storing of the fire suppression agent in said first storage container is stored at a temperature between -60 and 0 degrees Celsius and a pressure between 0 and 870 pounds per square inch.

37. The method of claim 21, in which prior to the desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire said storing of the fire suppression agent in said first storage container is stored at a temperature between 100 and 140 degrees Celsius and a pressure between 0 and 870 pounds per square inch.

38. The method of claim 21, in which said coupling comprises pressurizing the liquid fire suppression agent to a pressure less than 500 pounds per square inch.

39. A method for delivering an extinguishing composition consisting essentially of a liquid fire suppression agent selected from a group consisting of fluorinated ketone compounds containing no hydrogen atoms a total of 4 to 8 carbon atoms bonded to carbon atoms in its carbon backbone and having a boiling range of about 0 to 150 degree Celsius and combinations thereof to a fire with a separate pressurized inert gas, which comprises the steps of:

storing the fire suppression agent in a first storage container, wherein said fire suppression agent is contained within said first storage container by a rupture disc associated with a rupture disc assembly;

storing said pressurized inert gas in a second storage container;

prior to desired delivery of the fire suppression agent to the fire, coupling the first storage container to the second storage container to communicate the pressurized inert gas into the first storage container and thereby pressurize the liquid fire suppression agent within the first storage container to a pressure at least great enough to forcibly rupture said rupture disc;

emitting the pressurized liquid fire suppression agent from the first storage container, through the rupture disc assembly, through piping, through a delivery nozzle and to the fire.