2010 3M-Chemetron Presentation

Clean Extinguishing Agents
A Primer of Halon Replacements in a Highly

Regulated Industry
Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Agenda
• Background and History – origin of Clean Agent

development
• Technical issues, systems details
• Design considerations
• Examples of fire testing
• Industry/NFPA Standards affecting clean agents
• Key issues
• Wrap-up

Agenda

development
• Key issues
• Wrap-up

The Montreal Protocol
• Ratified in 1987
• In 2007, celebrated its 20th Anniversary
• Led to ban on CFCs and halons

Reverse Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
• Although a small mass-based contributor, Halons

approximately 15 per cent of the ozone depletion
problem
• Ozone depletion tied to skin cancer, vision problems
• Depletion was very rapid

Global Ozone Depletion
• Decreasing ozone
linked mainly to CFCs
• Variable from year to
year
• Ozone depletion a
cooling influence on
climate.
• Recovery in 21st
century
IPCC TEAP Special Report, 2005

Halons and Montreal Protocol
1985 – Vienna Convention (Conference of Plenipotentiaries)
1987 – Montreal Protocol on Substances That
Deplete Ozone Layer
1988 –Halon 1301 Discharge Testing
– Elimination of Discharge Testing (NFPA 12A)
1989 – Halon Technical Options Committee
1991 – NFPA Technical Committee on clean agents organized
1992 – Halon production in non-Article 5 countries ceased
1993 – Initial SNAP Approvals
1994 – 1st Ed NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems
1990s – 1st and 2nd generation alternatives introduced
1996 – Australia – first decommissioning, followed by EU
2000 – ISO-14520, Gaseous Media Fire Extinguishing Systems

US EPA SNAP Program
• Significant New Alternatives Policy

• Created as part of the Clean Air Act to review and
qualify replacements developed as alternatives for
ozone depleting substances – ODSs
• Officially regulated ODS replacement use
• Morphed into climate change issues
• SNAP program continues to this day

Evolution of the halon markets…
Not in
Recycled Kind
Solutions
halon automatic sprinklers,

water-mist,CO2,
dry chemical, etc...
prevention,
no fire protection
Inert PFCs
Gas
HFCs

Halon Alternative Solutions to Date
Choosing a halon alternative proving difficult:
A sustainable ‘drop-in’ has been not been found

– approaching 2 decades of research
– numerous working groups
– sustainable technology difficult to achieve
Need proper balance of three key considerations

– extinguishing performance
– acceptable toxicity profile
– sustainable environmental profile

Montreal Protocol’s effect on Fire Protection
• Direct- Eliminated Halon Production

• Indirect – Reduced Halon Use
• Introduction of New Technologies
– HCFCs, PFCs, HFC, IG, FK total flooding gases
– Water Mist (Sprinkler and gas alternatives)
– Aerosol/Gas Generators
• EPA in Fire Protection Business
– Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
– Took place of OSHA – Safety issues
– Regulating ANY halon replacement technology
• Environmental concerns increasing as significant
decision driver
Agenda

development
• Key issues
• Wrap-up

Halons Clean Agents
• Halons characterized by numerical scheme,

notating number of C, F, Cl, Br atoms in molecule
– Halon 1301 most common total flooding agent
– Halon 1211 most common streaming agent
• Halon systems
– General lack of system threshold understanding
– Extremely liberal system design practices
– Not well established, regulated or enforced design
standards

Example ASHRAE Nomenclature
C
F
O
CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2
1,1,1,2,2,4,5,5,5-nonafluoro-4-trifluoromethyl-pentan-3-one
C6 Fluoroketone
3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid
FK-5-1-12mmy2
Clean Agents
included in
2008 NFPA
2001 (5th ed.)

Halons Clean Agents
• HFC-227ea (CF3CHFCF3)
– Brand names: FM-200®, FE-227TM, etc…
– Most common and mature halon alternative
– Systems
• More agent required compared to Halon 1301
• Reduced piping / design flexibility, primarily through agency
testing requirements
• N2 more soluble in HFC-227ea; creates complex 2 phase,
2 component flow
• Wide variety of agent delivery options

Halons Clean Agents
• HFC-125 (CF3CF2H)
– Brand name: FE-25TM Ecarro (Fike)
– Available for normally occupied spaces – through new
interpretation of NOAEL / LOAEL data (PBPK model)
– Advantages – cost
– Systems
• Similar agent quantity as halon 1301 (although greater
concentrations required)
• Single system manufacturer
• Flow performance reduced due to software limitations

Halons Clean Agents
• FK-5-1-12 (CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2)
– Brand name: 3M™ NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection
Fluid
– Introduced in 2002
– Environmental advantages
– Systems
• Liquid at room temperature; creates some unique system
features
• Storage and delivery systems similar to halon and other
fluorine based halon alternatives
• More required

Halons Clean Agents
• IG-541 / IG-55 / IG-01 / IG-100

– Brand names: Inergen® / Argonite® / ProInert®
– Inert gases and mixes of Argon, Nitrogen, CO2
– Systems
• Stored as high pressure gas; smaller containers; much
larger footprint
• High pressure hardware, piping, discharge
• Requires engineered venting

NFPA 2001
Design considerations

NFPA 2001
• Toxicity
– Agent
– Thermal decomposition
• Design concentration determination
– Class A, B and C
• Room integrity/pressurization
• Listings and Approvals

NFPA 2001
Halocarbon Toxicity
• NOAEL limit – 5 minutes
• Above NOAEL – PBPK
– Physiologically-based
pharmacokenetic model
– Models blood uptake
• In no case, above LOAEL in
occupied spaces
• Cardiac sensitization the
comparative measure
3.3.17 Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL). The

lowest concentration at which an adverse physiological or toxicological
effect has been observed.
3.3.21 No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL). The
highest concentration at which no adverse toxicological or
physiological effect has been observed.

NFPA 2001
Inert Gas Toxicity
• NEL exposure limit 42% – 5
minutes
• Above NEL to LEL 42% - 52% –
3 minutes
• In no case, above LEL unless
– Space normally unoccupied
– Limit exposure to maximum 30
seconds
• In no case above 62% (< 8%
O2)
– Space unoccupiable
NEL = No Effect Level – 43% concentration (>12% O2 level)

LEL = Lowest Effect Level – 52% concentration (>10% O2 level)

NFPA 2001
• Agent Toxicity – thermal decomposition

– Halocarbon Agents only – similar to Halons
– Production of halogen acids
• HF, HCl, HBr, HI
• COF2, COCl2, COBr2, COI2
• Thermal Decomposition minimized by…
– quick detection
– fast extinguishment
– keeping fire small

NFPA 2001
System Types

NFPA 2001
• Engineered vs pre-engineered
– Pre-Engineered
• Balanced system, usually with single supply cylinder, where
1, 2 or 4 nozzles are installed equidistant and at the same
elevation from the supply
• Limited conditions – piping, specific nozzles, etc.
– Engineered
• Balanced or unbalanced system
• Variable features

NFPA 2001
Examples of unbalanced engineered systems

Two-Phase flow testing limits*
• Minimum % of agent in pipe before 1st • Critical dimension between tees (10 pipe
tee diameters)
• Maximum % of agent in pipe (to 70%
or more) • Critical dimension in pipe section before 1st tee
(10 pipe diameters)
• Maximum bull tee split 70/30
• Minimum bull tee split 50/50 • Swing joint before 1st tee (to test correction
factors of split tested)
• Maximum side tee split 90/10
• Minimum side tee split 65/35 • Minimum discharge time (5 seconds)
• Maximum orifice to pipe area ratio • Maximum discharge time (10 seconds)
(choked flow conditions)
• Maximum vapor time imbalance – nozzle liquid
• Minimum fill density (ie: 40 lbs/ft3, 0.64 run out time between nozzles (max 2.0 sec)
kg/l)
• Maximum fill density (ie: 75 lbs/ft3, 1.20 • Maximum arrival time (max 1.0 sec)
kg/l) • Minimum nozzle pressure (ie: FK-5-1-12
• Minimum flow rate in pipe section minimum 73 psig (5 bar)
between tees (based on pipe sizes
used)
* Halocarbon Agents only – Inert gases follow ideal gas law

NFPA 2001
Room Integrity

NFPA 2001 – Annex C
The Lower Leakage Fraction
Equal Upper &

Only Upper Leaks Only Lower Leaks Lower Leaks

The Descending Interface Model
∆P = ( ρ mix − ρ air ) g (H i − H np )
.
c=0
V i (t )
ρ = ρ air
c = ci
H0 H i (t )
ρ = ρ mix
H np (t )
.
Pout Pin
V o (t )
∆P = ( ρ mix − ρ air ) gH np

Experimental Enclosure
Positive Pressure
Vent (14” x 36”)
1’
5’-8”
Dwyer
Magnehelic®
Indicating 16’
Pressure
Transducers
Retrotec DM-2
Pressure
Transducers
6’-3”
5’-8”
”
’-1
1’ 15
15’-1”

Interface Descent
Descending dimensionless interface as a function of the dimensionless time
1
FK-5-1-12
0.9 HFC-227ea
HFC-125
0.8
IG-01
Halon 1301
0.7
IG-541
IG-541 (1.41)
0.6
FK-5-1-12 (13.66)
H/H0
0.5
HFC-227ea (7.26)
0.4
HFC-125 (5.06)
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
(t-t 0)/ τ

Experimental Results
Ambient Enclosure Pressure versus Time
1000
800
IG-541
600
Enclosure Ambient Pressure (Pa)
400
200
-200 HFC-125
-400
HFC-227ea
-600 HFC-227ea (20 Open 1" Dia. Holes)
FK-5-1-12 (16 Open 1" Dia. Holes)
-800 FK-5-1-12 IG-541 (84 Open 1" Dia. Holes)
HFC-125 (16 Open 1" Dia. Holes)
-1000
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Time (s)

Effect of humidity - halocarbon
Low Humidity High Humidity
Relative Humidity = 26.5% (Aeq = 116 cm2) Relative Humidity = 87.0% (Aeq = 116 cm2)

Listings and Approvals

NFPA 2001
Listings and Approvals
• Underwriters Laboratories
– Underwriters Laboratories Canada
– UL 2127/2166
• Factory Mutual – FM-5600
• Examples of other listings and approvals…
– LPCB/BRE, United Kingdom
– VdS, Germany
– CNPP, France
– TFRI, China
– KFI, Korea

Standards, Approvals and Listings for clean agents
U.S EPA SNAP approved as alternative to halon in occupied spaces
NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Protection Systems
ISO 14520 Standard on Gaseous Media Fire Extinguishing Systems
UL Listed FM Approved IMO Recognized
VdS Approved LPCB Approved DNV Approved
Lloyds Approved Bureau Veritas

CNPP Approved
Approved

Agenda

development
• Key issues
• Wrap-up

NFPA 2001
Classes of fire The Fire Tetrahedron
3.3.3 Class A Fire. A fire in ordinary combustible
materials, such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, and many
plastics.
3.3.4 Class B Fire. A fire in flammable liquids,

combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-
based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and
flammable gases.
3.3.5 Class C Fire. A fire that involves energized

electrical equipment.

NFPA 2001 – Annex A
Calculation of
Agent Quantity

Table 1 – ISO data
Cup Burner Heptane Class A
Agent Extinguishing Extinguishing
Concentration Concentration
Halon 1301 3 5
Class A higher
CO2 20 >34
HFC-227ea 6.7 6.1/5.8/5.25
HFC-125 9.3 6.7/8.6
HFC-23 12.6 12.5
IG 541 31.7 30.7
IG 01 39.2 32.2 Class A lower
IG 100 33.6 31.0

IG 55 36.5 31.0
FK 5-1-12 4.5 4.1
Notes: (1) All values except as Less

notedmargin
from ISOfor safety
15420
(2) 5.8 and 5.25 values are UL/FM listing values in U.S.
Design Concentration Comparison
Class A Extinguishing
NFPA 2001
Exting. ISO Exting. NFPA Design ISO Design
Concentration Concentration Concentration Concentration
HFC-227ea 5.25 6.1 6.25 7.9
HFC-125 6.7 8.6 8 11.2
IG 541 28.2 30.7 34.2 40
FK 5-1-12 3.5 4.1 4.2 5.3

UL 2127/2166 Class A test arrangement
203mm x 406mm x 9.53mm

(8" x 16" xa")
Plastic Sheet
610 mm (24") 381mm (15")
Channel Iron Frame

254mm (10") 254mm (10") Covered With Steel
Sheet on Top and Two Sides
32mm Aluminum
305mm (12")
(1¼") Angle Frame
3.2mm (1/8") Allthread Rod
851 mm (33.5")
533mm (21")
Fuel Support
Ignitor Pan
305mm (12")
951mm Polycarbonate
(37.5") Baffles
12mm
(½")
76mm
(3")
Load Drip Tray
89mm
(3.5")
Cell 127mm Cinder
Load Cell
(5") Block
12mm (½")

PMMA – UL Photographs
At Ignition At Activation
ISO Plastic Sheet Fire Scenario Schematic

3M Cupburner Apparatus

Standard Cupburner Apparatus

Standard UL/FM/ISO Test Enclosures

Large room total flooding animation

Shortcut to Novec_1230_ Large Room Animation.avi.lnk
Performance Tests – UL 2127/2166
Fixed Systems - Flooding Agent
Agent Novec 1230 fluid
Agent Min. Ext. Conc.

Concentration
Fire UL 1B Pan
Scenario 100 m3 room
Fuel heptane
Preburn 30 sec
Company 2010 Chemetron

Shortcut to LRUL2166T150_LargeRoomC#1CE.mpg.lnk Distributor Training
Sub-floor total flooding animation

Shortcut to New_under_floor Animation.avi.lnk
Performance Tests
Fixed Systems - Flooding Agent
Fire UL/FM Sub-Floor

Scenario Nozzle Distribution
Verification Test
Fuel heptane
Preburn 30 sec
Company 2010 Chemetron

Shortcut to Old Underfloor nozzle discharge.avi.lnk Distributor Training
Performance Tests
Fixed System example – Total Flooding
Vigo Spain
Fire Transformer Vault

Scenario Application
Fuel Transformer
Fluid
Preburn ~3:00-4:00 minutes

Shortcut to prueba 2.avi.lnk Shortcut to prueba 3.avi.lnk
NFPA 2001 Activities/issues
• Safety factor
– Some recommend Class A extinguishing concentration no
lower than the heptane cup burner value
– 30 % safety factor vs existing 20%
• Room integrity
– Room structural integrity validation – by PE or FP contractor
– NFPA 2001 sub-committee activity
– Room leakage
• U of Maryland test work published in 2006
• 2006-7 testing at OEM site, continuing
• Cupburner standardization
• Class C energized fire scenario – FPRF project 60% safety
factor may be required
• Regulatory/emissions reduction

Safety Factor – Class A fuels recap
• US/NFPA 2001= 120 %

• ISO =130%
• Halon 1301= 160 %
• CO2= > 200 %
• Relationship with reliability
– System design uncertainties
– Unbalanced systems
– Temperature differences

Regulatory/Climate Change

Environmental regulations’ effect on clean agent fire protection
Environmental concerns increasing as

significant decision driver Why?

What’s in the marketplace…
April 6,
2006

ERROR: stackunderflow
OFFENDING COMMAND: ~
STACK:

2010 3M-Chemetron Presentation

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

2010 3M-Chemetron Presentation

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Clean Extinguishing Agents

A Primer of Halon Replacements in a Highly

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Background and History – origin of Clean Agent

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Background and History – origin of Clean Agent

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Although a small mass-based contributor, Halons

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

IPCC TEAP Special Report, 2005

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Significant New Alternatives Policy

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

halon automatic sprinklers,

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Choosing a halon alternative proving difficult:

A sustainable ‘drop-in’ has been not been found

Need proper balance of three key considerations

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Direct- Eliminated Halon Production

• Background and History – origin of Clean Agent

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Halons characterized by numerical scheme,

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• IG-541 / IG-55 / IG-01 / IG-100

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

3.3.17 Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL). The

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

NEL = No Effect Level – 43% concentration (>12% O2 level)

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Agent Toxicity – thermal decomposition

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Examples of unbalanced engineered systems

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Equal Upper &

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

U.S EPA SNAP approved as alternative to halon in occupied spaces

NFPA 2001 Standard on Clean Agent Fire Protection Systems

ISO 14520 Standard on Gaseous Media Fire Extinguishing Systems

UL Listed FM Approved IMO Recognized

VdS Approved LPCB Approved DNV Approved

Lloyds Approved Bureau Veritas

Company 2010 Chemetron Distributor Training

• Background and History – origin of Clean Agent