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SECRETARIAT GENERAL DELEGATION A BRUXELLES

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Prevention Specifications

CEA Specifications for fire-fighting systems using a

gaseous extinguishant
Requirements and test methods for check and non-
return devices

CEA 4012: February 2000 (en)

(EFSAC endorsed)

Copyright by CEA – 3 bis, rue de la Chaussée d’Antin – 75009 PARIS

Contents
1 Scope and field of application ........................................................................................................ 3
2 References ........................................................................................................................................ 3
3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................ 3
4 Requirements................................................................................................................................... 4
4.1 Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 4
4.2 General design ............................................................................................................................... 4
4.3 Connection threads......................................................................................................................... 4
4.4 Internal pressure............................................................................................................................. 5
4.5 Strength .......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.6 Flow characteristics ....................................................................................................................... 5
4.7 Leakage .......................................................................................................................................... 5
4.8 Impact............................................................................................................................................. 5
4.9 Function and ambient temperature................................................................................................. 5
4.10 Corrosion...................................................................................................................................... 5
4.11 Stress corrosion............................................................................................................................ 5
4.12 Vibration resistance ..................................................................................................................... 5
4.13 Marking........................................................................................................................................ 6
4.14 Documentation ............................................................................................................................. 6
5 Test methods.................................................................................................................................... 7
5.1 Test conditions ............................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Specimens and order of tests.......................................................................................................... 7
5.3 Compliance .................................................................................................................................... 7
5.4 Internal pressure............................................................................................................................. 7
5.5 Strength test ................................................................................................................................... 8
5.6 Flow characteristics ....................................................................................................................... 8
5.7 Leakage test ................................................................................................................................... 8
5.8 Impact test ...................................................................................................................................... 8
5.9 Function ......................................................................................................................................... 9
5.10 Function at high- and low temperature ........................................................................................ 9
5.11 Corrosion...................................................................................................................................... 9
5.12 Stress corrosion.......................................................................................................................... 10
5.13 Vibration (sinusoidal) ................................................................................................................ 10
5.14 Other tests .................................................................................................................................. 10

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1 Scope and field of application

These CEA Specifications describe requirements and test methods for check valves and non-return
valves of CO2-, Inert Gas- or Halocarbon Gas-Fire Extinguishing Installations.
These CEA Specifications are applicable to check valves installed between container valve and
manifold and non-return valves installed in pilot lines, except those valves which are tested in
combination with non-electrical control devices. Check valves and non-return valves shall allow the
passage in the direction of flow and they shall prevent flow in the reverse direction.
All pressure data in these CEA Specifications are given as gauge pressure, unless otherwise stated.
Note 1 bar = 105 N m-2 = 100 kPa

2 References

These CEA Specifications incorporate by dated or undated references, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the
publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of
any of these publications apply to these CEA Specifications only when incorporated in them by
amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to
applies.
• EN 60068-2-6, 1995, Environmental testing - Part 2: Tests; Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)

3 Definitions

For the purpose of these CEA Specifications the following definitions apply.
CO2-high-pressure installation:
Fire extinguishing installation in which the CO2 is stored at ambient temperature. For example, the
pressure of the CO2 in storage is pabs = 58,6 bar at 21°C.
CO2-low-pressure installation:
Fire extinguishing installation in which the CO2 is stored at low temperature, normally -19°C to
-21°C.
Fill ratio:
The mass of extinguishing medium related to the net capacity of a container expressed as kg/l.
Halocarbon Gas:
Extinguishing agent that contains as primary components one or more organic compounds
containing one or more of the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine.
Halocarbon Gas installation:
Fire extinguishing installation in which the Halocarbon Gas is stored at ambient temperature.
Inert Gas:
Non-liquified gas or mixture of gases which extinguish the fire mainly by reducing the oxygen-
concentration in the protected zone, like Argon, Nitrogen or CO2 or mixtures of these gases.
Inert Gas installation:
Fire extinguishing installation in which the Inert Gas is stored at ambient temperature.
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Working pressure:
Pressure at which the component is used in the system.

4 Requirements

4.1 Compliance
The specimen shall comply with the technical description (drawings, parts lists, description of
functions, operating and installation instructions) when tested as specified in clause 5.3.

4.2 General design

Metal parts of check valves and non-return valves shall be made of corrosion-resistant material such
as stainless steel, copper, copper alloys or corrosion-protected steel (e.g. galvanised steel, cadmium-
plated steel).
All materials need to be resistant to media with which they may come into contact.
Check valves and non-return valves need to be designed so that the function cannot be adversely
affected by ageing or environmental influences.
Non-metallic materials and elastomers need to be stable and not alter their performance over the
working lifetime recommended by the manufacturer.
The free cross-sectional area of the minimum flow way of check valves and non-return valves shall
be specified by the manufacturer.
Check valves and non-return valves shall be specified by the manufacturer for working pressure
according to table 1.

Table 1: Working pressure

Type Working pressure [bar]

CO2-high- CO2-low- Inert Gas Halocarbon Gas
pressure pressure component component
component component

Check valve 140 not applicable see * see *

Non-return valve As specified by the manufacturer

* This value is given as the developed pressure in the container at 50°C with the highest
fill ratio/superpressurisation, where applicable

4.3 Connection threads

Connection threads shall comply with European standards, European national standards or ISO-
standards.

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4.4 Internal pressure
Check valves and non-return valves shall show no sign of deterioration which could impair proper
function, when pressurised to 1,5 times the working pressures listed in table 1 and tested as
specified in clause 5.4.

4.5 Strength
Check valves and non-return valves shall show no sign of deterioration which could impair proper
function, when pressurised to three times the working pressure listed in table 1 and tested as
specified in clause 5.5.

4.6 Flow characteristics

The free cross sectional area of the minimum flow way of check valves and non-return valves shall
be within ± 10% of the value specified by the manufacturer, when verified as described in clause
5.6.
Note: The flow resistance characteristics of check valves and non-return valves shall not impair
the proper function of the system.

4.7 Leakage
Check valves and non-return valves shall be sufficient tight for their purpose, when tested as
described in clause 5.7.

4.8 Impact
Check valves shall not be damaged, when tested as described in clause 5.8.

4.9 Function and ambient temperature

Check valves shall have reached their fully-open position at a differential pressure of 3 bar
maximum.
Non-return valves shall have reached their fully-open position at a differential pressure of not
greater than 10% of the minimum system pressure in the pilot system.
Check valves and non-return valves shall operate at high, normal and low ambient temperature,
when tested as described in clause 5.9 and 5.10.

4.10 Corrosion
Check valves and non-return valves shall operate satisfactorily after being subjected to the
corrosion test as described in clause 5.11.

4.11 Stress corrosion

Any copper-alloy part used in check valves and non-return valves shall not crack, when the valve is
tested as described in clause 5.12.

4.12 Vibration resistance

Check valves and non-return valves shall not be damaged, when tested as described in clause 5.13.

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4.13 Marking
Check valves and non-return valves shall be marked with:
a) Supplier's name or trademark
b) Model designation
c) Working pressure
d) Nominal size
e) Mounting position (where appropriate)
f) Direction of flow
g) Serial or batch number
h) Approval number
The markings shall be non-detachable, non-flammable, permanent, and legible.

4.14 Documentation
4.14.1 The manufacturer shall prepare and maintain documentation which specifies the
installation, operation, routine testing and maintenance of the component and all other aspects
relating to its incorporation within a fire extinguishing system.
4.14.2 The manufacturer shall prepare installation and user documentation, which shall be
submitted to the testing authority together with the specimen(s). This documentation shall comprise
at least the following:
a) a general description of the component, including a list of its features and functions;
b) a technical specification including:
- the information mentioned in clause 4.2;
- sufficient information to permit an assessment of the compatibility with other components of
the system (if applicable e.g. mechanical, electrical or software compatibility);
c) installation instructions including:
- the suitability for use in different environments;
- mounting instructions;
d) operating instructions;
e) maintenance instructions.
4.14.3 The manufacturer shall prepare design documentation, which shall be submitted to the
testing authority together with the specimen(s). This documentation shall include drawings, parts
lists, block diagrams (if applicable), circuit diagrams (if applicable) and a functional description to
such an extent that compliance with these CEA Specifications may be checked and that a general
assessment of the design is possible.

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5 Test methods

5.1 Test conditions

The components shall be assembled for test as specified in the technical description. The tests shall
be carried out at a temperature of (25 ± 10) °C, except when otherwise specified for a particular
test.
The tolerance for all test parameters is ±5%, unless otherwise stated.

5.2 Specimens and order of tests

For the tests five specimens are needed (including one for reference). The order of tests is shown in
table 2.

Table 2: Order of tests

Specimen A and B C D
5.3 Compliance 1 1 1
5.4 Internal Pressure 3
5.5 Strength 8
5.6 Flow characteristics 2
5.7 Leakage 3 3
5.8 Impact1) 2
5.9 Function 2 and 7 4
5.10 Temperature 4
5.11 Corrosion 6
5.12 Stress corrosion 4
5.13 Vibration2) 5
1) For check valves only
2) The need for this test depends on construction

5.3 Compliance
This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.1.
A visual and measurement check shall be made to determine whether the specimen corresponds to
the description in the technical literature (drawings, parts lists, description of functions, operating
and installation instructions), and whether the specimen complies with these CEA Specifications.

5.4 Internal pressure

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.4.

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The check valve or non-return valve shall be connected via the outlet to a suitable hydraulic
pressure supply. Provision for venting shall be available.
Vent the system of air and increase the pressure at (2 ± 1) bar/s up to the test pressure +5/-0 %.
Maintain this pressure for a period of (10 +1/-0) min. At the end of this period release the hydraulic
pressure.

5.5 Strength test

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.5.
Connect the inlet of the specimen to a suitable hydraulic pressure supply and block the outlet. Vent
the system and increase the pressure at (5 ± 1) bar/s up to the test pressure +5/-0 %.
Maintain this pressure for a period of (10 +1/-0) min. At the end of this period release the hydraulic
pressure.

5.6 Flow characteristics

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.6.
Determine the free cross-sectional area of the minimum flow way using suitable means of
measurement.

5.7 Leakage test

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.7.
The test unit consists of a pipe with the same diameter as the nominal diameter of the valve and a
length of (0,5 ± 0,1) m.
The check valve shall be installed with the outlet connected to the test pipe. An air, nitrogen or CO2
supply shall be connected via a container valve. The check valve shall be pressurised to (20 ± 2) bar
and plunged into a water bath. The pressure is maintained for a period of two minutes. Not more
than 1 litre per minute (bubbles of test gas) shall be formed downstream of the check valve.
The non-return valve shall be installed with the outlet connected to the test pipe. An air, nitrogen or
CO2 supply shall be connected via a container valve. The non-return valve shall be pressurised to
(3 ± 0,1) bar and plunged in a water bath. The pressure is maintained for a test period of two
minutes. Then the pressure is increased to the working pressure and maintained for a further two
minutes. No bubbles of test gas shall be formed downstream of the non-return valve throughout the
test.

5.8 Impact test

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.8.
The test unit consist of a pipe with the same diameter as the nominal diameter of the valve and a
length of (0,5 ± 0,1) m.
Check valves which are normally in the open position shall be installed with the outlet connected to
the test pipe. Check valves which are normally in the closed position shall be installed with the inlet
connected to the test pipe. An air, nitrogen or CO2 supply shall be connected via a quick-opening
high pressure valve. The check valve shall be pressurised 10 times with the working pressure
± 5 bar, as specified in table 1.

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5.9 Function
The test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.9.
5.9.1 Mount the check valve or non-return valve in the attitude specified by the manufacturer or if
not given in the attitude where maximum force is required. Connect a force gauge to the centre of
the sealing device. Move the sealing device by increasing the force to the fully open position.
Measure the force to the fully-open position of the valve. From the maximum force measured,
calculate the necessary pressure to open the valve.
5.9.2 For check valves the test unit consists of a manifold with two connections for CO2-containers.
The outlet shall be connected via a ball-valve to a pipe with a length of (0,5 ± 0,1) m and a diameter
of the nominal diameter. A nozzle of at least 5 mm diameter is connected to this pipe. Install check
valves at both inlets of the manifold. Install one Air or Nitrogen container of at least 40 litres at the
pressure developed in the system at 20°C and close the ball-valve at the outlet of the manifold.
Open the container valve and check the function of the check valve at the connection without a
container. After (5 ± 1) min open the valve in the outlet and check the function of both specimens.
5.9.3 Connect the non-return valve to an air or nitrogen supply at the pressure developed in the
system at 20°C. Fit a nozzle downstream of the valve with a cross-section of half the cross-section
±10 % of the non-return valve and allow the gas to flow for (60 ± 5) s through the valve.

5.10 Function at high- and low temperature

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.9.
5.10.1 Low temperature test
Condition the specimen at (-20 ± 3) °C for (2 ± 0,5) h. Repeat the test as described in clause 5.9.2
for check valves and 5.9.3 for non-return valves at the pressure developed in the system at -20°C.
5.10.2 High temperature test
Condition the specimen at (50 ± 3) °C for (2 ± 0,5) h. Repeat the test as described in clause 5.9.2 for
check valves and 5.9.3 for non-return valves at the pressure developed in the system at 50°C.

5.11 Corrosion
This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.10.
A specimen with an open inlet and outlet shall be suspended freely in its normal installation
attitude.
The test set-up comprises a container 5 litres in volume, made of heat-resistant glass and with a
corrosion-resistant cover which is shaped to prevent condensate dripping onto the specimens. (If a
container 10 litres in volume is used, the quantities of chemicals given below shall be doubled.) The
container is heated electrically and the side walls are cooled with water. A thermostat regulates the
heating so as to maintain a temperature of approximately 45 °C inside the container. During testing,
water is passed through a cooling coil wrapped around the container; it should flow fast enough that
its temperature at the discharge point is below 30 °C.
The combination of heating and cooling is designed to ensure that vapours will condense on the
surface of the specimens. The sulphur dioxide atmosphere is generated in the 5-litre container with
a solution of 20 g of sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3 x 5H2O) in 500 cm3 of distilled water, to which
20 cm3 of dilute sulphuric acid is added daily. The dilute sulphuric acid comprises 128 cm3 of one
molar sulphuric acid (H2SO4) dissolved in 1 litre of distilled water. The test specimens shall be
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removed from the container after 8 days; the container shall be cleaned. Then the procedure
described above is repeated for a further period of 8 days.
After a total of 16 days, the specimen is removed from the container and allowed to dry for seven
days at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C at maximum relative humidity of 70 %.

5.12 Stress corrosion

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.11.
The test specimen is degreased and then exposed for ten days to a moist atmosphere of ammonia
and air, in a glass container of 10 to 30 litres in volume. The inlet and outlet of the specimen shall
remain open.
The aqueous ammonia solution has a specific weight of 0.94 kg/dm3. The specimens are positioned
40 mm above the level of the liquid. The container is filled with 10 cm3 of the solution for each litre
of container volume. The atmosphere then comprises approximately 35 % ammonia, 5 % water
vapour and 60 % air. Testing is conducted at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of
(34 ± 2) °C. A capillary tube is provided to equalise internal and external pressures.
After testing, the specimen is cleaned and dried and subjected to careful visual examination.

5.13 Vibration (sinusoidal)

This test relates to the requirements specified in clause 4.12.
The specimen is attached to a vibration table using fixing materials provided by the manufacturer.
The test apparatus and procedure shall be as described in EN 60068-2-6: 1995, Test FC:
- Frequency range: 10 to 150 Hz
- Acceleration amplitude 10 to 50 Hz: 1,0 gn
- Acceleration amplitude 50 to 150 Hz: 3,0 gn
- Sweep rate: 1 octave per 30 minutes
- Number of sweepes: 0,5 per axis
- Number of axes: 3 mutually perpendicular
The specimen shall not operate during the test as a result of the vibrations. No deterioration or
detachment of parts shall occur. The specimen shall be able to function after the vibration test.

5.14 Other tests

Where special designs or new manufacturing methods make it necessary to conduct additional
testing, this is to be carried out after consultation with the manufacturer.

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