August 19 2013August 19, 2013

Considerations When Specifying Clean Agent SystemsClean Agent Systems

Oklahoma City Chapter

August 19, 2013

How Does Fire Suppression Affect the Consultant?pp• Responsibility and accountability as the Engineer of Record has increased

exponentially.• Most MEP firms have utilized existing personnel with differing qualifications to provide

b i ifi ti i tbasic specification requirements.• A growing minority of firms have hired FPE’s, sprinkler design technicians, and many

have utilized the interest of existing employees in “cross-training” into fire protection as their “go-to” people in the development of sprinkler specifications and establishing basic design criteriabasic design criteria.

• Firm web sites now indicate that their responsibilities and services include fire protection and suppression.

• Most firms have relied upon third-party specification services (ie: MASTERSPEC) to provide their basic fire protection specification formatsprovide their basic fire protection specification formats.

• It still remains a challenge-and an opportunity-to provide current, qualified, and applicable design criteria-tailored to a specific project.

• Specifications must be properly sectioned, current, and project/hazard-specific !Despite the historical reliance upon the ‘performance specification’ there are• Despite the historical reliance upon the ‘performance specification’, there are many things that a consulting engineer must do to mitigate the exposure of the project design team and provide a quality set of construction documents. In many cases these items would also provide more qualified “apples-to-apples” bids and mitigate post-award RFI’s, RFQ’s, and the hated change orders.

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b ds a d t gate post a a d s, Q s, a d t e ated c a ge o de s• What does YOUR clean agent specification look like?

August 19, 2013

A Historical Perspective…• The primary concern throughout most of history has been to extinguish fire, with little concern

over the mess that water or other extinguishing agents made.• Near the close of the 19th century man began to realize the advantage of “clean” agents which

could be used to extinguish a fire but caused little or no damage themselves.could be used to extinguish a fire but caused little or no damage themselves.• From the late 1800’s to the 1920’s carbon tetrachloride was commonly employed in small thin-

walled glass containers to fight small fires –in the event of a fire these “fire grenades” were simply thrown at the fire.

• Late 20’s - methyl bromide was found to be more effective than carbon tetrachloride. It was ywidely employed as a fire suppressant agent by the British in the late 1930’s in aircraft protection and by the German military during World War II for aircraft and marine applications.

• Late 30’s - Suppression systems employing bromochloromethane were also developed and employed by the German Luftwaffe. This chemical was evaluated in the United States during the l t 1930’ t th l t 1940’ d t ll l d b th US Ai Flate 1930’s to the late 1940’s and was eventually employed by the US Air Force.

• Although effective as fire suppression agents, the toxicities of these chemicals prompted the US Army to initiate research in 1947 to develop an extinguishing agent which retained the high fire suppression effectiveness of these agents and was less toxic. US Army sponsored research at Purdue University evaluated over 60 possible agents, most of which were halogenatedPurdue University evaluated over 60 possible agents, most of which were halogenated hydrocarbons.

• These evaluations ultimately led to the widespread use of Halon 1301 in total flooding applications.

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August 19, 2013

A Historical Perspective continuedA Historical Perspective…continued• The non-conducting nature of Halon 1301 enabled it to protect electrical

and electronic equipment, of low toxicity, non-abrasive, non-corrosive andand electronic equipment, of low toxicity, non abrasive, non corrosive and ideal for areas such as libraries and museums where the secondary damage caused by water was a huge concern.

• Due to these unique properties, Halon 1301 served as a near ideal fire suppression agent for more than 30 years.

• One drawback was that of human tenability.

• Due to its implication in the destruction of stratospheric ozone, the Montreal P t l f 1987 id tifi d H l 1301 b f thProtocol of 1987 identified Halon 1301 as among a number of other halogenated agents requiring limitations of use and production.

An amendment to the original Protocol resulted in the halting of production

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• An amendment to the original Protocol resulted in the halting of production of Halon1301 January 1, 1994.

August 19, 2013

A Historical Perspective continuedA Historical Perspective…continued• The ideal Halon replacement would have the following properties:

Clean (no residues)( ) High fire extinguishment efficiency Low chemical reactivity Long term storage stability Noncorrosive to metals High material compatibility (metals, plastics) Electrically non-conducting Low toxicity Low toxicity Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) Zero global warming potential (GWP) Reasonable manufacturing costg

• To date no replacement agent has been found which satisfies all of the above requirements Replacements have been found that match many of the above criteria This presentation will discuss those alternatives within

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the above criteria. This presentation will discuss those alternatives within the frame of reference of the fire suppression specification.

August 19, 2013

Primary Questions That Must be Answered WhenPrimary Questions That Must be Answered When Clean Agent Systems are Contemplated

• What is the hazard being protected?What is the hazard being protected?• For what specific use(s) is the space planned?• Is there a fire sprinkler system in the space and if not is p y p

one planned or required? What type of sprinkler system?How critical is the occupancy and protected hazard to• How critical is the occupancy and protected hazard to the owner’s business?

• Does the owner have a suppression preference?pp p• What are the requirements – if any – of the owner’s

insurer? AHJ?

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• Budget/costs…

August 19, 2013

Primary Questions That Must be Answered to Assist Clean Agent y gSelection, Project-specific Specification, System Design, and Installation

• Volume of enclosure(s) to be protected? 3-D protection!H d b i t t d?• Hazard being protected?

• How many rooms/areas to be protected and where are they located in the building?

• Hardware (bottles, associated hardware, detection, controls) locations? Make sure the architect has allowed enough room!

• How many entrances/exits? • What kind of detection & control systems are desired or required?

(Ensure your electrical counterparts are involved!)• Type of construction in the protected area(s)? Example: are the walls yp p ( ) p

full height? Ceiling type and construction?• Enclosure atmospherics (temp, altitude)• Under floor spaces?

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Under floor spaces?• What kind of specification do you have available? (needs to be project &

system specific!)

August 19, 2013

Common Elements of Clean Agent Systems• Usually not compliance-driven. Normally not required by

building or fire codes.

Common Elements of Clean Agent Systems

g• Focused on asset/process protection – sprinklers

protect the building, clean agents protect the contents!• Non-corrosive, non-conductive, safe for humans and the

environment, no residue, no clean-up. • Custom engineered for the applicationCustom engineered for the application• Business protection is primary objective. Down time not

an option.• Insurance or loss prevention can influence choices.• Knowledgeable service providers required!

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• The operative NFPA standard is NFPA 2001.

August 19, 2013

Data Processing

Clean Agent Vertical MarketsData Processing

• Computer Rooms and Under-floor Areas• Data Vaults and Tape Storage• Cabinets (i e “Storage Tek”)• Cabinets (i.e. Storage Tek )

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August 19, 2013

Clean Agent Vertical MarketsCLEAN AGENT MARKETSHospital & Medical Centers

• CT Scan Rooms

C ea ge t e t ca a ets

CT Scan Rooms • MRI Rooms

• Mobile MRI and CT Scan Trailers• Datacenters• Datacenters

• File storage areas

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August 19, 2013

Cl A t V ti l M k tTelecommunications

Clean Agent Vertical Markets

• Switch rooms and under-floor areas• UPS power supplies (batteries and generators)

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August 19, 2013

Cl A t V ti l M k t

Power PlantsCLEAN AGENT MARKETSClean Agent Vertical Markets

Power Plants•• Control Rooms and I/O (“Rack”) Rooms Control Rooms and I/O (“Rack”) Rooms

•• Cable Spread VaultsCable Spread Vaults•• Power TurbinesPower Turbines•• Power TurbinesPower Turbines

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August 19, 2013

Cl A t V ti l M k t•• Air Traffic Control TowersAir Traffic Control Towers

CLEAN AGENT MARKETSClean Agent Vertical Markets

•• 99--11--1 call 1 call centerscenters

•• Banks, Record StorageBanks, Record Storage

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August 19, 2013

Cl A t V ti l M k tCLEAN AGENT MARKETSClean Agent Vertical Markets

Marine / Off-Shore Applications

CO2 Issues with these applicationsCO2 Issues with these applications• CO2 Issues with these applications.

• EPA Intervention is imminent

• CO2 Issues with these applications.

• EPA Intervention is imminent

•Portability

•Water supplies limited

•Portability

•Water supplies limited

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pppp

August 19, 2013

Cl A t V ti l M k t

Museums, Libraries, ArchivesCLEAN AGENT MARKETSClean Agent Vertical Markets

, ,Harvard University: 15 Million BooksHarvard University: 15 Million Books

New York Public Library: 20 Million BooksNew York Public Library: 20 Million Books

Stanford University: 8 Million BooksStanford University: 8 Million Books

Abraham Lincoln Library

The Alamo

Abraham Lincoln Library

The Alamo

Yale University

National WWII Museum

Yale University

National WWII Museum

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August 19, 2013

Available Chemical Agents•Novec 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid flouroketone (FK)•Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid flouroketone (FK)

•HFC 227ea (FM-200) hydroflourocarbon (HFC)

•HFC 125 (FE-25) hydroflourocarbon (HFC)

Inert Gas Alternatives•INERGEN ( Argon-Nitrogen-CO2 mix)INERGEN ( Argon Nitrogen CO2 mix)

•NITROGEN/ARGON/ARGONITE (IG-55)

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August 19, 2013

What type of fire is expected based upon the hazard yp p pbeing protected?

s• Class ‘A’

– Ordinary Combustibles– Plastics Paper Wood

• Class ‘C’– Live Electrical Equipment

C t S it h– Plastics, Paper, Wood• Class ‘B’

– Flammable Liquids

• Computers, Switchgear• Class ‘D’

– Burning Metals– Polar Solvents– Alcohol, Acetone – Hydrocarbon Fuels

– Reactive Metals generate O2 when burning

• Sodium, Magnesium, • Gas, Oil

gUranium

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August 19, 2013

Methods of Fire Suppression

• Halon 130180% interruption of the chain reaction (O2 depletion)20% cooling20% cooling

• Halocarbon alternatives (ie: Novec/Sapphire)( pp )20% interruption of the fire chemical chain reaction80% cooling (heat extraction)

• Inert gases (ie: Inergen)Reduces oxygen from 21% to slightly below 15%

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yg g y

August 19, 2013

Halocarbon Systems• Stored as a liquid. Discharged as a

gas.

• Typical installation = Two tanks (one for above floor & one for the sub-floor).

• Tanks usually close or located within the protected area.

• Very large applications can have several tanks.

• Piping: Schedule 40.

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• Nozzles both 360 and 180º spray patterns.

August 19, 2013

Halocarbon Systems• Concentrations from 4.2% to 7% for class A hazards.

FM-200 = 7%; Novec 1230 = 4.2%; Halon = 5%

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; ;

• Tanks are charged with Nitrogen to 360 psi.

• 10 seconds to discharge. Selector valves not yet available.

• Room must be well sealed• Room must be well sealed.

• Can breakdown upon high heat forming hydroflouric acid (HF) (Novec = 900F)(HF). (Novec = 900F)

• Some jurisdictions used to require a purge system to h t HF Thi / H l it

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exhaust HF gases. This was more common w/ Halon as it generated HF quickly.

August 19, 2013

HFC 227ea (FM-200)HFC 227ea (FM-200)

• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)• First replacement for Halon that had no Ozone

Depletion Potential (ODP). • Still the most recognized name in alternative agents.

M d b G t L k Ch i l C FM200• Made by Great Lakes Chemical Corp as FM200• Equipment Suppliers : Pyro-Chem (Ansul), Kidde,

Fenwal, Chemetron, Siemens, Fenwal, Fike, , , ,• NOT made by or marketed by FM Global!

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August 19, 2013

FE 125 EcaroFE-125 Ecaro

• Made by DuPonty

• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)

• First attempt for approval failed to pass toxicity (Cardiac Sensitization) tests – 1992

• Second attempt passed under new liberalized testing parameters (PBPK Modeling) 2000

• Fike Inc. is the only Supplier

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August 19, 2013

NOVEC 1230 FluidNOVEC 1230 Fluid• First ODP (ozone depletion potential = 0) and GWP (global warming

potential = 1) alternative

• Fluoroketone, not HFC

• Fluid made by 3M Corporation

• Used heavily in Europe• Used heavily in Europe

• Equipment Suppliers: Ansul, Kidde-Fenwal, Chemetron, Minimax, Fi tFiretrace

• Long-term replacement for all types of systems

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August 19, 2013

Environmental Properties

Properties Novec 1230(Sapphire)

Halon 1301 HFC-227ea(FM200)

HFC-125(Ecaro)

Ozone DepletionPotential (ODP)

0.0 12 0.0 0

Global Warming Potential (GWP)**

1 6900 3500 3400

* A unitless measurement based on GWP of CO2 (=1)

Atmospheric Lifetime (years)

0.014 65 33 29.0

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(y )

August 19, 2013

A t C t ti NOAEL* S f t M i

Safety Margins

Agent Concentration NOAEL* Safety Margin

Novec 1230(S hi )

4% - 6% 10% 67% -150%(Sapphire)

Halon 1301 5% 5% NIL

HFC 227ea 7 5% 8 7% 9% 3% 20%HFC-227ea(FM200)

7.5%-8.7% 9% 3% - 20%

HFC-125(E )

8%-11.5% 7.5% 0%(Ecaro)

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* No Observable Adverse Effect Level

August 19, 2013

I t G S tInert Gas Systems(Inergen Example)

• Stored as a gas• 34.2% concentration for

Class A hazardsClass A hazards• Possibly multiple tanks

requiredM if ld @ 2100 i• Manifold pressure @ 2100 psi, then pressure reducer, System pressure @ 1200 psi, Nozzle pressure @ 325 psipressure @ 325 psi

• Room pressure venting required.

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August 19, 2013

• 60 Seconds to discharge

INERT GAS SYSTEMSg

• Can be piped long distances up to 400 ft

• Similar density to the atmosphere therefore the systems minimize leakage and maximize holdsystems minimize leakage and maximize hold times.

• Big plus: “Selector Valve” Systems. Same manifolds can serve multiple areas. Benefits i l d l li d l l t

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include less cylinders, less space, less cost.

August 19, 2013

What is INERGEN?Inergen Chemical Composition

CompositionCompositionNitrogen ................. 52%Nitrogen ................. 52%

CompositionComposition

Argon ..................... 40%Argon ..................... 40%Carbon Dioxide ....... 8%Carbon Dioxide ....... 8%Carbon Dioxide ....... 8%Carbon Dioxide ....... 8%

NN22 AACOCO22

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22 ArAr 22

August 19, 2013

21%21%

Method of Suppression

15% O15% O22 LEVELLEVEL

21%21%

REQUIRED FORREQUIRED FORCOMBUSTION (FIRE)COMBUSTION (FIRE)13.4%13.4%

COCO22 LEVELLEVELINCREASED TOINCREASED TO

2.7%2.7%ACCELERATEACCELERATERESPIRATIONRESPIRATION

< 1%< 1%COCO22OO2 2 COCO22OO2 2

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NORMAL ATMOSPHERENORMAL ATMOSPHERE INERGEN ATMOSPHEREINERGEN ATMOSPHERE

August 19, 2013

Typical System Layout

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August 19, 2013

Inert Gas or Halocarbon?

• Inexpensive to refill• Safe for occupants

H t i t ll t

• Costly to refill• Can decompose upon very

high heat, otherwise safe for t• Have to install a pressure vent

• Typically cost more to install• More tanks, more room

occupants.• Environmental concerns

depending on the agent. • Less expensive to install

required• Environmentally friendly• More effective in ‘leaky’ rooms

Less expensive to install• Less Space• Bottles and controls to be

located close to the hazard yarea

• Room has to be sealed

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August 19, 2013

Clean Agent TestingClean Agent Testing

•Designed to be total flood based on room/enclosure volume.

•Area has to be sealed. Sealing method is dependent upon agent utilized.

•Discharge test restricted for all HFC compounds for environmental g preasons and discharge tests are cost-prohibitive.

•Room integrity determined primarily by “Door Fan Test”.

•“Room Integrity Test” will determine what has to be sealed based on• Room Integrity Test will determine what has to be sealed based on the agent being used.

•Testing requires maintaining 85% of initial design concentration for 10mins.

•Guideline: NFPA 2001 - Standard For Clean Agents 2001. Also describes door fan test.

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August 19 2013August 19, 2013

Thank You!Thank You!Questions?

Oklahoma City Chapter