Ansul AP Nozzle, Single Item - 443339

The Ansul AP Nozzle (443339) is a high-performance, precision-engineered discharge component designed exclusively for the Ansul PIRANHA Dual Agent fire suppression system. In the high-stakes environment of a modern commercial kitchen, where high-efficiency appliances and vegetable oils create extreme Class K fire risks, the appliance/plenum nozzle is the primary delivery mechanism. Replacing the legacy 423480, the 443339 is the precision tip of a hybrid fire suppression system that bridges the gap between traditional wet chemical knockdown and rapid water-mist cooling.

For fire protection stakeholders, the AP nozzle represents the ultimate in thermal management. Unlike standard R-102 nozzles that rely solely on a chemical reaction, the 443339 is calibrated to manage a two-phase discharge sequence. It is specifically listed for the protection of exhaust plenums and high-hazard appliances, providing a uniform spray pattern that ensures total coverage. Choosing the genuine OEM 443339 is a requirement for maintaining the listed system integrity of the PIRANHA network.

Phase 1: PRX Liquid Knockdown

Upon actuation, the 443339 nozzle first discharges PRX liquid fire suppressant. This high-pH alkaline solution initiates saponification, reacting with hot fats to create a thick foam blanket. The AP nozzle's orifice is engineered to atomize the PRX into a specific droplet size that maximizes surface area coverage without causing dangerous splashing.

Phase 2: Rapid Water Cooling

Immediately following the chemical discharge, the nozzle transitions to rapid water cooling. While the chemical blanket holds the fire at bay, the water spray absorbs massive amounts of thermal energy. PIRANHA systems cool cooking oils up to 15 times faster than single-agent systems, bringing temperatures below the auto-ignition point in seconds.

Plenum Vapor Suppression

In the area behind the filters, grease vapors can be highly volatile. The AP nozzle provides broad-spectrum plenum vapor suppression that fills the volume, ensuring fire that has migrated into the exhaust system is neutralized before reaching the ductwork.

Engineered for Hybrid Pressures

The 443339 is manufactured from chrome-plated brass to withstand the unique pressure curves of a dual-agent discharge. PIRANHA systems operate at different hydraulic profiles than standard wet-chemical systems; using a look-alike nozzle is a major code violation.

Metal Blow-Off Cap Integrity

Each nozzle is shipped with a factory-spec metal blow-off cap. In a kitchen, nozzles are subject to constant grease loading. Without the cap, grease would solidify inside the orifice. The 443339's cap is designed to pop at a specific internal pressure, ensuring an unobstructed flow.

OEM Accuracy for UL 300 Listings

The Ansul PIRANHA is a tested and approved safety envelope. The 443339 nozzle is the exact component used during fire tests. Utilizing this OEM part protects the owner from insurance-related liability and fire marshal red-tags.

• Exhaust Hood Plenums: Protecting the critical vapor collection zone behind the grease filters.
• High-Efficiency Deep-Fat Fryers: Providing the targeted cooling necessary for large-volume vegetable oil vats.
• Industrial Charbroilers and Griddles: Ensuring rapid flame knockdown on high-BTU cooking surfaces.
• Institutional Kitchens (Hospitals/Stadiums): Maintaining a safe environment in facilities where high-output appliances and business continuity are essential.
• Retrofit Modernization: Replacing older nozzles during 12-year system overhauls to ensure the system meets current performance standards.

Semi-Annual Visual Audit

Verify that the metal blow-off cap is present and moves freely. If the cap is missing, grease can enter the nozzle, requiring a full cleaning of the discharge branch.

Nozzle Aiming Chart Verification

The 443339 must be aimed according to the nozzle aiming chart found in the technical manual. Even a 5-degree deviation can result in a dry spot on the cooking surface.

Internal O-Ring Inspection

If the nozzle is removed for cleaning, perform an internal o-ring inspection to check for heat damage. A leaking nozzle can lead to a drop in system pressure during discharge.

Pneumatic Integrity Calibration

Technicians must verify the path for the water-cooling phase is clear. This pneumatic integrity check ensures each nozzle tip is unobstructed and ready for the two-phase sequence.

Can I use the 443339 in an Ansul R-102 system?

No. The 443339 is a PIRANHA-only nozzle. The flow rates and atomization patterns are specifically tuned for the PRX agent and water sequence. Using this nozzle in an R-102 system can lead to improper saponification and is a code violation.

Why did Ansul change the part number from 423480?

The 443339 represents a manufacturing refinement in the chrome-plating and internal machining of the nozzle body, providing better corrosion resistance and a more uniform spray pattern than the legacy model.

Does this nozzle include the swivel adapter?

The 443339 is the nozzle tip and blow-off cap only. Swivel adapters and strainers are typically sold separately or as part of a larger installation kit.