Clean Agents Fire Extinguishing Systems

FE-13
(HFC-23, R23, Trifluoromethane)

CERTIFICATE
The TV CERT Certification Body of TUV Rheinland Sicherheit und Umweltschutz GmbH hereby certifies in accordance with TUV CERT proc edu r es that
LPG TECNICAS EN EXTINCION DE INCENDIOS, S. A . Mestre Joan Corrales 107 - 109 E-08950 ESPLUGUES DE LLOBREGAT

has established and applies a quality system for

Engineering, de sing, pr oduction and trading of industrial sy s tems for fire protection of assets and people

An audit was performe d , Report No. 6706 3 Proof has been furnished that the requeriments according to DIN ENISO 9001 The certificate in valid until October 1999 Certificate Registration No. 09 100 67063

Colonia, 15.01.1997 Entidad Certificadora TUV CERT de TUV Rheinland Sicherheit und Umweltschutz GmbH

FE-13 Trifluoromethane: a new clean fire extinguishing agent.

Amongst the most innovating techniques for fire fighting we find the methods which allow us to take immediate action, preferably by automatic operation, to fight a fire as soon as it starts and avoid flames spreading. .The spreading of flames abolishes atmosphere oxidizing effect in the environment affected.We are referring to Total Flooding Systems.In this field the media used are: carbon dioxide, inert gases and halogenated hydrocarbons . Among the latter, we distiguish trifluoromethane or FE-13 (chemical formula CHF3) which at present may be used for the protection of persons and property. Specific advantages are: Low toxicity , which makes it acceptable for use while proceeding with the evacuation of persons from the hazard area (contrary to C02). Great efficacy it is able to inhibit most of the combustion in a 14,6% air concentration. No physical effects on most fragile equipment. Minimum environmental impact. Zero - Ozone Depletion Potential - (ODP = 0).

Characteristics
FE-13 is a colorless substance,with an ether-like odour. FE-13 has low toxicity and a zero ODP (ODP = 0). FE-13 contains no chloride nor bromine and is electrically non conductive.Therefore, it can be used in electrical equipment without shortcircuits risk.It doesn't affect metals at normal temperatures (-20 to +50C).

FE-13 Specifications
Max Water Content Max.Quantity Inert Gases (gaseous phase) Max.Variation of Boiling Point HCL or Chloride Content ( tested with plated nitrate) Evaporated Residue,max. Guaranteed Purity,min. Color Odour ppm by weight % by volume 10 1,5 0,5 0 10
-2

C
ppm by weight % %

99,7 colorless ether-like

FE-13 Physical Properties Physical PROPERTIES

Chemical Formula Chemical Name Molecular Weight Fusion Temperature Boiling Point at 1.013 millibar Liquid Density at 25C. Saturated Vapor Density at Boiling Point Vapor Tension at 25C . Critical Temperature Critical Absolute Pressure Critical Volume Critical Density Specific Heat,liquid at 25C . g/mol

UNITS

FE-13
CHF3 Trifluoromethane 70.01 -155.2 -82.1 0.67 4.67 47.29 25.9 48.3 133 0.525 1.549 0.737 1.191 239.6 0.0779 / 0.0012 9.5 0.083 / 0.015 0.10 500 1,04 >99

C C
kg dm-3 kg m-3 bar

C
bar cm3/mol kg dm-3 kJ.kg-1.C-1 kJ.kg-1.C-1 Cp/Cv kJ.kg-1 watt1.C-1 dynn.cm-1 centipoise % by weight ppm

. Specific Heat,vapor at 1.013 millibar / 25C Specific Heats Relation Heat of Vaporization at Boiling Point .C liquid/vapor Thermal Conductivity at 25 Superficial Tension at 25C Viscosity at 25C liquid/vapor at 1.013 millibar Solubility:FE-13 at 1.013 millibar Water in FE-13 at 10C. Relative Non conductive Resistance at 1 atm - mmHg at 25 C. ( N 2 = 1 . 0 ) Guaranteed purity

FE-13 Important Data

Ozone Depletion Potential NOAEL No observed adverse effect level LOAEL - Lowest observed adverse effect level LC 50 Lethal concentration Time Allowed to Evacuate Personnel After Discharge Cup burnerextinguishing concentration Design concentration (% by volume) Required quantity (kg/m3) Cylinder Filling Density kg/l.(min./max.) Duration of Liquid Discharge Applicable Legislation (Law 549/93 of CEE 3093/94 regulation) Certificates,Approvals,Homologations Hazard min.and max.working temperature O2 residual concentration after discharge Hydraulic calculation for pipes and nozzles (Computer programmed) Maintenance . 3 % % PPM seconds 0 50 >50 650000 30 - 60 30% 13% 14,6% 0,559 x 1,2 0,5 - 0,85 10 s. Allowed EPA - NFPA - TESI UL - FM from -56C.to +88C. 17% NFPA D.P.R.5547

Max.concentration allowed in hazard area without personnel preventive evacuation (EPA)

FE-13 P/T Diagram

150

100

50

-20

20
Temperature C

40

60

80

FE-13 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.

LPG FE-13 Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems are designed for special hazards .T he combination of FE-13, a new agent from DuPont, and cylinders and associated Hardware from LPG brings another tool on the problem of fire protection in sensitive facilities.

ozone, and is ruled "Acceptable" by the US EPA. FE-13's low boiling point and its high vapor pressure makes it useful for those applications requiring agent storage below -17 degrees C to a low of -40 degrees C .

Applications
Low Temperature Agent Storage High Concentration Inerting Occupied Areas High Ceilings Valuable electronic equipment

Agent
Clean. Effective. Efficient. Safe Environmentally Acceptable Low Boiling Point.

FE-13 is a high-pressure clean agent manufactured by DuPont. It leaves no residue when discharged in a fire or non-fire situation. FE-13 suppresses fires by the process of physiochemical thermal transfer.The presence of the FE-13 molecule at the flame front absorbs heat from the fire as a sponge absorbs liquid. FE-13 is safe for use in occupied spaces with no exposure restictions up to its NOAEL concentration of 50%. It does not deplete stratospheric

LPG FE-13 systems are suitable for hazards requiring a clean agent.The systems can also be used for those hazards requiring low temperature agent storage , because of FE13's unique combination of high vapor pressure and low boiling point. FE-13 has a high NOAEL . Therefore, it is especially adequate for inerting protection of occupied spaces which require both a high agent concentration and safety por personnel occupying the area. Furthermore, FE13's physical properties make protection of high- ceilinged spaces possible with a minimum number of nozzles .

FE-13's Typical Applications:

Off-shore Oil Platforms Oil Processing Industries Gas Processing Industries . Turbine Enclosures. Refinery Control Areas. Industrial High-Ceiling Spaces. Spaces requiring low temperatures storage;agent storage in cold climate Computer rooms. Equipment rooms in telephone exchanges .

FE-13 systems make use of modular design concepts for flexibility and because they are easy to use and install. Available in several cylinder sizes . Max.nozzle area coverage: 9 m x 9 m. Full range of cylinders from 5 to 60 kg. Agent Storage temperature range -40 degrees C up to 54C. A vailable Nozzles: 360.

Approvals.
FE-13 is listed as "Acceptable" without use restrictions in the lists of US EPA SNAP. Listed and approved by FM.UL listing is pending . LPG FE-13 storage cylinders are built complying with MIE AP.7 and approved by European regulations.

Hardware
Developed Specifically for FE-13. Based on Proven C02 and Halon 1301 Technology. Several cylinder sizes . Complete Range of Associated Hardware Nozzles Specifically Developed for and Tested With FE-13.

Availability
Because of FE-13's high vapor pressure , the agent must be stored at room temperature in high pressure cylinders .LPG has developed a new set of FE-13 hardware based on proven high pressure C02 and high pressure Halon 1301 tecnology used worldwide. This Hardware meets all requirements of storage,release and distribution of FE-13 in the most effective and efficient way at low cost. LPG FE-13 systems do not require superpressurization with Nitrogen as the agent own pressure is sufficient for distribution through piping and dispersion from speciallydeveloped FE-13 discharge nozzles . LPG is already delivering FE-13 Fire Suppression Systems .

Summary of design specifications.

FE-13 extinguishing systems and Hardware shall be manufactured by LPG,C/.Mestre Joan Corrales,107/109 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat (Barcelona).The agent is to be manufactured by DuPont,USA,and filled into cylinders by LPG,S.A.The agent shall be stored into high pressure seamless steel cylinders . Design concentration shall be sufficient for the hazard,per NFPA 2001 and LPG ,but in no case shall exceed the safe level for occupants of the space.Agent storage may be designed as a maximum at 40C. Design, piping and installation shall comply with . FE-13 design specifications of NFPA 2001 and LPG manual requirements.

Design.
Centralized and Modular Fire Suppression Systems . Easy and flexible.

Cylinder volume and quantity of agent:

Volume (l ) Ma x . Agent Quantity (0,85 kg/l.) Min . Agent Quantity (0,5 kg/l.) Max . Protection (m3)

120 l. 100 l. 75 l. 67 l. 40 l. 26 l. 13 l.

102 kg 85 kg 63 kg 56 kg 34 kg 22 kg 11 kg

60 kg 50 kg 38 kg 34 kg 17 kg 13 kg 7 kg

170 142 105 93 56 36 18

Total Flooding Centralized Systems.

These are fire fighting systems arranged to discharge extinguisher into an enclosure to achieve the appropriate design concentration. Total flooding systems provide protection of hazard located in an enclosed space and free of leakages unless specifically considered in the project. These systems may be used for the protection of areas usually occupied by personnel.Discharge warnings shall be provided. Fires which may be extinguished by means of total flooding are divided into three categories: Produced with flamable liquids or gases . Produced with flamable solids. Electrical hazards.

Toxicity
The FE-13's high level of NOAEL gives a great margin of safety to its application in relation to the reduction of volume and /or temperature changes in the hazard without any problems of cardiotoxicity.

Firenet software program developed by LPG for piping and nozzles networks hydraulic calculation.

Safety of Personnel
The volume of the usual use concentration is 14.6%. The normal oxigen content at this concentration is 21% which decreases until 17% is achieved.Therefore , inhalation is posssible as indicated in article 1.5.1.2.2 of NFPA 2001. There is no risk of toxicity at these concentrations . Fire suppression may be initiated prior to evacuating the personnel - in case of accidental discharge . However the same regulation requires evacuation of personnel prior to discharge for safety purposes .

Centralized systems allow high quantities of agent to be stored. More than one hazard may be protected with a use of selector valves . In many cases the project provides a centralized system with a stand-by system,which eliminates unprotected time after discharge ..

CENTRALIZED SYSTEM

Effect of Agent on materials

FE-13 is stable .Common materials such as steel, copper, bronze,aluminum etc.,are unaffected by exposure to FE-13. However, magnesium-alloys are affected by exposure to FE-13.

Ventilation
The enclosure shall always be well ventilated after a fire to expel the extingushing agent and decompostion products formed.

Reduction of oxygen concentration produced by FE-13's amount discharged in the hazard.

As indicated by the diagram below, the variation of oxygen content inside an enclosure where FE-13 has been discharged at a design concentration of 18% to 17.5% does not affect the performance of a normal activity. As an example,we can point out that Carbon Dioxide (C02) used in a normal concentration of 34,9% makes oxygen content change from 21 to 12.5% . Thus, obstucting activities and breathing.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

Inert extinguishing agents are not toxic at tolerated concentrations but could be dangerous when official limits are exceeded. For all gases including FE-13, the volume occupied by objects and combustible elements is not deductable from the protected volume. C02 is one of the best extinguishing agents because its discharge actuates under two parameters,oxygen reduction and cooling.It also integrates condensation particles (water vapor). The new European Regulation, to be adopted, takes this hazard into consideration and accepts installations of extinguishing neutralization systems , foreseeable for the execution of jobs in situ.

When using these substitutes and due to all above mentioned,there should be concerned the balance between health and fire extinguishing requirenments when the fire protection should allow reduction of fire spreading within survival limits which are to be watched and supervised.

From this point of view , it will be necessary to check the percentage of an enclosure occupied,for the same reasons as those mentioned in regard to FM 200. Concentration limits for inerting agents, within Safety Margin indicated in NFPA 2001, are near NOAEL level. Furthermore , as cylinders have a typical and a constant weight, it will be necessary to check the suitability of the charge to the hazard protected and not to exceed permitted limits for small volumes.NOAEL for these gases is similar , 43% and 52% for LOAEL. It is advisable to add an odour to gas in order to warn personnel of discharge or leakage . This should allow to arrange and ensure safety for personnel.

FM 200 is a new clean agent which extinguishes fire thourgh phisically cooling the fire like Halons and then chemically, inhibiting the chain reaction of combustion. FE-13 is an extingishing agent which does not require Concentrations of 8% at 20C are not considered to pose nitrogen presurization and should not be considered as a any risk to personnel. NOAEL of 9% and LOAEL of Residual 10.8%. concentration
of oxygen,%

12 11 10

2 Inergen
34,9 36,5

Asphyxia The death by suffocation

14,6 7,2 9,8

ARGONITE, ARGON, INERGEN are similar fire fighting agents which extinguish fires by fire suppression, like C02. There are lots of studies giving a perfect description of inerting mechanism and fire extinguishing thresholds required. There are monographs which perfectly recall the quality of Nitrogen and Argon as extinguishing agents. On the other hand , there are many definitions of extinguishing thresholds based on the percentage of oxygen, inhibiting combustion of combustible products (C.F."Environmental Inhibitory and Gas Inerting Fire Extinguishing Agents", edition C.N.P.P.) These gases may be dangerous for the body due to partial reduction of oxigen in the lungs,actuating as asphyxiant.

39,0

Argon

The hazard to be protected occupied with equipment requires to increase the effective concentration when the extinguishing agent is discharged, in this way exposing personnel to a dangerous atmosphere as safety margin between required design concentration of 8% and NOAEL of 9% is too small. In order not to create toxic areas as described above, it would not be advisable to protect an enclosure with a fictitious occupied volume of 23% for example,since the concentration could reach 11%, exceeding foreseen threshold of 9%.

21 20

FM-200

19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12,3%

Free breath
NAF S-III

Safely for health

FE- 13

Hypoxia The complicated breath Life theatening

Life threshold (NASA)

10

20

30

40

50

Concentration of the agents in protected volume, %

Pic.1. Residual concentration of oxygen at other extinguishing agents

substitute gas. Fire suppression is achieved mainly in a physical way (endothermic reaction). It's provided with Safety Margin without any risk for life at a very high concentration of <50% .

CONCLUSION
In every case and no matter which extinguishing agent is in use, we recommend the application of safety regulations pertaining to evacuation described within gas protection regulations. To carry out a good protection,it will be necessary to clearly determine the general conditions of the hazard and together with LPG find out the best solution in order to design the most adequate system to be most effective, reliably and easily usable.

Effects of Agent
The results of different studies show the low toxicity of trifluoromethane.

(EPA or NFPA) when it's used in fixed or explosion prevention systems. Use of FE-13's fire fighting fixed systems should include the following:

Decomposition Products.
When FE-13 is exposed to fire,decomposition products are generated especially by HF.The amount produced depends on the fire and time FE-13 is in contact with the fire (discharge time) and concentration applied. Therefore it is recommended that extinguishing concentrations be those required, as well as pipework hydraulic calculation be carried out by means of a reliable computer program in such a way that discharge time shall not exceed 10 seconds .

Anyway,note the following: Toxic gases produced in big quantities during a fire,are much more toxic than small amounts of decomposition products which may be produced through FE-13's discharge. In an installation with this type of agent, detection systems shall be homologated and the installation well designed.Thus, the fire suppression will start at an initial state of the fire, with discharge time not exceeding 10 seconds, and so decomposition products will be reduced to a minimum.

Determine FE-13's percentage in relation to actual fuels,which depending on each case ,shall at least have an alarm device available. Extinguishing concentration shall not ,in any case,be below 14,6% volume. Assure the amount of product be sufficient to reach such concentration. Determine the piping system design (Sch. 40/80 Pipes and 3000 lb.Fittings) as well as number of nozzles required - max.discharge capacity 4.5 - 5.5 kg/s.Calculate discharge time within 10 seconds to achieve required fire suppression concentration as quick as possible by means of computerized hydraulic calculation of pipes and nozzles.. Assure a quality product , and norms for refilling and assembling of cylinders.

FE-13 Ozone Depletion Potential

Fe-13 contains no bromine nor chloride - the two products that deplete ozone - thus, the environmental impact on the ozone layer is zero.

Applications
When valuable materials are to be protected from fire , FE-13's Total Flooding systems are especially suitable. Furthermore, if the protected area is occupied, this is the most suitable agent because of its low toxicity. FE-13 shall comply with specific official standards and regulations 8

Typical distribution of a centralized system.

7 9

11 6

8 9 11

10 11 4 3 2 1 1 11 8 9 14 13 12

Centralized system is basically composed of three different parts: Extinguishing agent container Piping system up to protected hazard. Nozzles No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Description Pilot cylinder Slave cylinder Discharge button Fire detectio n & extintion central Warning Do Not Enter Warning I m mediate evacuation

carried out without any risk. b) Manual release system , mechanical type on pilot cylinder valve which allows a simple actuation to produce discharge. c) Simple supervision and maintenance . d) Extinguishing agent gaseous distribution is much more homogenous. e) Low current consumption. As disadvantages we may mention apart from the price (a little more expensive) the installation of a piping system which must cover all enclosures to be protected.

Storage
The interconnection of several cylinders for the storage of a determined agent quantity is called Centralized System. The extinguishing agent is stored in liquid form at room temperature. Cylinders shall be charged with a filling density of 0,8 kg / l, when modular cylinders will have the filling density up to 0,85 kg/lt. The enclosure temperature where cylinders are stored,shall not exceed 30C nor -40C . Cylinders shall be provided with a syphon tube on the main valve reaching the bottom of the cylinder to allow discharge of FE-13 liquid phase.

Evacuation sirene Fire detector, zone 1 Fire detector, zone 2 Pipework Nozzle Gas flow pressure switch Connecting tube Non return valve

Advantages and disadvantages of centralized systems.

This method should be chosen because its advantages compared with modular systems,except of those enclosures where volume is reduced,or there are certain characteristics which prevent protection by means of this system. a) System always accessible and operating from the ouside of the hazard,so that in case of fire , operation may be 9

Distribution/Pipe System.
Pipes shall be seamless steel Sch.40 up to 3/4" and Sch.80 from 1" onwards .F ittings up to 1 1/2" shall be welded or threaded, from 2" onwards welded. Weldings as well as threads shall comply with ANSI B.16.11.

Pipe system shall be throughly cleaned with nitrogen after assembly and before nozzles are installed to ensure that there are no obstractions. Pipes shall be designed to provide required agent flow . Orifice diameter shall be adequate to provide required rate of agent flow to maintain design pressure at the nozzles .

there is no need for extinguishing agent conductive piping . This characteristic makes them the right solution for computer rooms,telephone exchange rooms and in general anywhere installation works cause serious disturbances to the activity being carried out or make interruption necessary.

Discharge nozzles
The type of nozzle chosen,its number and location shall be suitable to achieve a homogenous distribution anywhere in the enclosure,without leakages.

Another advantage is short discharge intervals ,because there is no pipe system (no loss of charge because of friction). We can mention the following as disadvantages: Difficult maintenance: especially cylinder's weighing Difficult manual actuation in case of current failure Esthetic and space problems Equipment must be stored inside the hazard area, contrary to the criteria of some insurance companies . They prefer to locate equipment outside the protected area. Extinguishing agent homogeneity is not easily achieved. Small balls of different concentrations may be formed. If several cylinders are to be released in a single hazard, current consumption may be high and an additional power source may be required.

Modular system installation

Modular system is a modular cylinder with the possibility of electric, pneumatic and/or manual operation. Cylinders are distributed inside the hazard to be protected inside false floors , false ceilings and/or on walls . Main advantage of modular systems, is the reduction of installation cost and elimation of pipework calculations ,as

10

FIRE PROTECTION FOR INERTING APPLICASTIO N . The Challange:

In zones where flamable liquids or gases are processed or stored, dangerous vapour levels may be reached. Any ignition spark, friction or flame may cause a catastrophic fire . In such cases, a fire fighting system is required which shall combine a clean and fast fire suppression with maximum safety for personnel.

The Solution:
Use FE-13 in Fire Protection systems for high ceiling height applications. Due to the unique charactiristics of the agent and our high-pressure system technology LPG , FE-13

Advantages:
FE-13 is a clean and people-safe agent. It is a halon replacement and meets all provisions of NFPA 2001. Lower design, installation and maintenance costs Clean fire suppression with no residue and no after event clean-up. Complete discharge within 10 seconds . FM Approved, UL Listed -

The Solution:
A LPG FE-13 Fire Suppression System as the clean agent.W hen dangerous gas levels are detected,the LPG FE-13 System discharges and, within seconds,the protected area is inerted against the threat of fire. FE-13 is safe for use in occuppied spaces and there is no agent residue to clean up.

FIRE PROTECTION FOR LOW TEMPERATURE. Applications:

Many facilities, particularly in the oil and gas processing industry, require storage of fire suppression cylinders in environments where the temperature can get as low as 40C. Whereas Halon 1301 could be stored at this low temperature, many halon replacements due to their chemical and physical properties, cannot .

The solution:
A LPG FE-13 Fire Suppression System is the only extinguishing agent approved for the storage of very low tempeatures of -40C without special environmental conditioning . This feature enables system designers to minimize the space requirenments of FE-13 systems by positioning.

FIRE PROTECTION FOR HIGH CEILING HEIGHT APPLICATIONS. The Challenge:

En areas with high ceilings heights such as industrial warehouses pose a difficult design and installation challenge for most clean agent systems.In order to provide the required agent coverage, some systems require installations of several rows of nozzles, which means more cost to the installation and maintenance of the system and complexity of its design.

11

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