There are a number of traditional fire extinguishing agents,
such as water, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, and foa that are
good alternative to halons for many applications.
n addition, recent research has led to the commercialization of
new agents and technologies. These fall into four basic
categories: halocarbon compounds, inert gas mixtures; water-mist
or fogging systems; and powdered aerosol.
The growing list of alternatives to halon, in conjunctiopn with
advanced detection and fire resistant materials, provides
protection from a broad spectrum of potential hazards. For more
information on halon replacement agents, see the March 1996
report (revision 12) of the EPA Questions and Answer on Halons
and their Substitutes, or contact GIELLE.
Gielle HFC-23™
Fire Suppression System
Gielle HFC-23™ is a
specialist suppression agent with characteristics not unlike
those of Halon 1301. Browse our Web Library for more
information on this interesting agent - it may be the one
you have been looking for.
Gielle HFC-23™ is the extinguishing agent for specialist
applications ranging from offshore oil platforms and
industrial storage areas to locomotives and anechoic
chambers.
Gielle HFC-23™ is Trifluoroethane - a high-pressure clean
agent which contains no Bromine or Chlorine, hence its ODP
of zero. Fires are quickly and efficiently suppressed with
Gielle HFC-23™ by the process of physiochemical thermal
transfer, the presence of the Gielle HFC-23™ molecule at
the flame front absorbing heat from a fire as a sponge
absorbs liquid.
Gielle HFC-23™ is safe to personnel - no exposure
restrictions have been set for its use in occupied areas up
to the NOAEL of 30%. Gielle HFC-23™ is kind to the
environment - it does not deplete stratospheric ozone.
Since the phase-out of Halon 1301, a gap has existed in
certain applications for which Halon was ideally suited.
These applications involved areas greater in height than
three metres, those where high concentrations were required
in occupied areas and those where agent cylinder storage
areas could be subject to extremely low temperatures - the
"High, High, Low aspect of Gielle HFC-23™ satisfies
the requirements for these specialist applications;
High nozzle
height applications
The high pressure nature of
Gielle HFC-23™ gives it an advantage in UL approval height
testing. Gielle HFC-23™ nozzles have been tested to a
height of 7.6 metres, which is greater than any currently
listed clean agent system and close to the maximum for Halon
1301 of 9 metres.
High concentration inerting applications: With a NOAEL of
30%, Gielle HFC-23™ will allow for high concentration
application without human exposure restrictions. The most
common of these is inerting applications where, depending on
the fuel to be inerted, Gielle HFC-23™ maybe the only
answer without human exposure limitations.
Low temperature applications: Gielle HFC-23™ is suitable
for use at a minimum storage temperature of -40 degrees C
whilst other agents have limitations in the region of zero
degrees C. Halon 1301 offered -4O degrees C storage and
Gielle HFC-23™ is the only clean agent capable of
providing this low temperature feature.
Gielle offers a complete range of services to support HFC-23™
clean agent systems including system design, installation,
maintenance and 24 hour service
The Argon system utilises a
pure and natural product - the Argon gas present in the air
which, after being used to put out a fire, returns to its
original place in the natural cycle of the atmosphere. Argon
is an inert gas with excellent visibility during its
expulsion. It has a specific weight that guarantees its
concentration for several minutes. Argon does not damage
even the most delicate materials, it is clean, efficient,
has no impact on the environment (GWP null) and does not
impoverish the ozone (ODP = zero). Argon is dielectric,
clean, it neither pollutes nor damages and it ensures an
efficacious protection for goods and persons protected
(absence of hydroflouric and hydrochloric acids); moreover,
it is possible to refill the cylinders anywhere in the
territory.
We at Gielle produce systems that basically consist of a
battery of cylindrical, vertical bottles under high pressure
and having a large capacity complete with: valve, gauge,
electric or pneumatic lever, pressure switch, flexible fire
hose and discharge collector.
The group of bottles that are environmentally safe is
composed of bottles with a capacity of 80 lt. or 140 lt.
Pressurised at 200 bar. The use of 140 lt. bottles makes the
system more compact and economical.
The Argon system allows for the use of pipes from existing
Halon and CO2 systems, in this way allowing for a saving in
the installation cost of conversion. The high pressure makes
it possible to place the cylinders at a great distance. The
use of selecting valves guarantees flexibility and
convenience in protection.
OTHER TRADE NAMES -
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane, AND HFC-227ea
SECTION I - PRODUCT INFORMATION
WHMIS HAZARD CLASS AND
DIVISION
A.
CAS REGISTRY NO.
431-89-0
DATE PREPARED
2/96
FORMULA
C3HF7
SUPERSEDES
4/95
CHEMICAL FAMILY
Halogenated alkane
SYNONYMS
None
PRODUCT USE
Fire extinguishing, fire
suppression, explosion suppression and inerting
agent
This product is being commercially manufactured under a TSCA
Section 5 Consent Order. The Significant New Use Rule (SNUR)
for this chemical can be located in 40 CFR Part 721.8125.
For use as an ODC alternative, consult 40 CFR Part 82.170
for approved SNAP uses or contact Gielle.
SECTION II - HAZARDOUS COMPONENTS
(Specify Chemical Identity: Common Names)
COMPONENT
OSHA PEL
ACGIH TLV
Other Limits
%
------
-------
------
Recommended
Optional
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-
Heptafluoropropane
Not estbl.
Not estbl.
Not estbl.
>99
SECTION III - PHYSICAL/CHEMICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Boiling Point
-16.4° (3°)
Specific Gravity (water=1)
1.46
Vapor Pressure (mm Hg)
58.8 psia at 70° (21°)
Melting Point
-131° (-204°)
Vapor Density (AIR=1)
6.04
Evaporation Rate (Butyl
Acetate=1)
Not Available
Solubility in Water
260 mg/L
Appearance and Odor
Colorless gas, odorless
SECTION IV - FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD
DATA
Flash Point (Method Used)
Non flammable gas
Flammable Limits
LEL
Not Applicable
UEL
Not Applicable
Extinguishing Media
All conventional media are suitable.
Special Fire Fighting Procedures
Keep cylinders cool with a water spray applied from a safe
distance. Use a self-contained breathing apparatus if
containers rupture or release under fire conditions. Do not
allow reentry into areas where this material has been
released without first ventilating to remove products of
combustion/decomposition.
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazards
Although containers of our product are provided with
pressure and temperature relief devices, containers can
rupture if exposed to localized heat. Thermal decomposition
will generate toxic and corrosive gases. See Section V for
details.
SECTION V - REACTIVITY DATA
Stability
Stable X Unstable
Conditions to Avoid: None known
Incompatibility (Materials to Avoid)
Powdered metals (ex. Al, Mg, or Zn) and strong alkalis,
oxidizers or reducing agents are not compatible with this
and most other halogenated organic compounds.
Hazardous Decomposition or Byproducts
Decomposition by elevated temperatures (fire conditions,
glowing metal surfaces) may generate hazardous decomposition
products common to other CFCs, HCFCs or HBFCs. These can
include hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
and others.
Hazardous Polymerization
May
Occur
Will
Not Occur
-
x
Conditions to Avoid: None
SECTION VI - HEALTH HAZARD DATA
Route(s) of Entry:
Inhalation? Yes
Skin? No
Ingestion? No
Health Hazards (Acute and Chronic):
The human health hazards of this product are expected to be
similar to other liquefied gases including N2, CO2, CFCs,
HCFCs, and HBFCs. Therefore, direct eye or skin contact with
the liquid or cold gas can cause chilling or possibly
frostbite of exposed tissues. Inhalation of high
concentrations can be harmful or fatal due to oxygen
deprivation and/or heart irregularities (arrhythmias).
Misuse of the product by deliberately inhaling high
concentrations of this gas could cause death without
warning. Persons with preexisting cardiac or central nervous
system disorders may be more susceptible to effects of an
over exposure.
Animal studies have found the rat 4 hour LC50 to be
>788,696 ppm (~80%), the highest level tested. A
cardiac sensitization study in dogs found the No Observable
Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL)to be 9.0%. The Lowest
Observable Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for this study was
reported to be 10.5%. A 90 day inhalation study did not find
any exposure related effects at 105,000 ppm (10.5%
vol./vol.), the highest level tested. Inhalation studies
looking for developmental effects on pregnant rabbits and
rats or their offspring did not show any exposure related
effects at the highest concentration tested (105,000 ppm).
Carcinogenicity:
NTP? No
IARC Monographs? No
OSHA Regulated? No
Signs and Symptoms of Exposure:
Symptoms similar to oxygen deprivation (headache, nausea,
dizziness or loss of consciousness) may result from over
exposure by inhalation. Heart irregularities such as
irregular pulse or heart palpitations may indicate cardiac
sensitivity. Cold, white or discolored skin or in severe
cases blistering, can be a sign of frostbite caused by cold
liquids or gases.
Medical Conditions Generally
Aggravated by Exposure:
Persons with preexisting cardiac, respiratory, or central
nervous system disorders may be more susceptible to effects
of an over exposure. The use of epinephrine or similar
compounds can increase susceptibility to heart
irregularities caused by excessive exposure to these types
of compounds.
Emergency and First Aid Procedures:
Inhalation: Remove person to
fresh air; if not breathing, give artificial respiration. If
breathing is difficult, give oxygen. Get medical attention.
Skin: Flush with water; if
frostbite occurs, get medical attention
Eyes: Flush with water. Get
medical attention.
SECTION VII - PRECAUTIONS FOR SAFE
HANDLING AND USE
Steps to be Taken in Case Material is
Released or Spilled
Evacuate the area and ventilate. Do not enter areas where
high concentrations may exist (especially confined or poorly
ventilated areas) without appropriate protective equipment
including a self-contained breathing apparatus.
Waste Disposal Method
Non-contaminated product is reclaimable. Contact Gielle for
information. Otherwise, dispose of waste in an approved
chemical incinerator equipped with a scrubber as allowed by
current Local, State/Province, Federal/Canadian laws and
regulations.
Precautions to be Taken in Handling
and Storing
Use the same type of precautions as would be used in
handling any cryogenic gas. Protect container from damage.
Handle in well-ventilated areas. When this material is used
as a firefighting agent in fixed or portable extinguishing
systems, follow the manufacturer's instructions for
operation, inspection, maintenance and repair of the system.
Other Precautions
DOT: Proper Shipping Name: Heptafluoropropane
Hazard Class\Division: 2.2
Packing Group: Not applicable
Identification Number: UN3296
Label: Non flammable gas
SECTION VIII - CONTROL MEASURES
Respiratory Protection
Wear a NIOSH/MSHA approved self-contained breathing
apparatus in emergency situations.
Ventilation
Local Exhaust - Use to minimize exposure to gas.
Mechanical - Use for general area control.
Special - None
Other - None
Protective Gloves - Use lined
neoprene gloves if handling liquid.
Eye Protection - Chemical
splash goggles when handling liquid
Other Protective Equipment -
None
Work Hygienic Practices -
Ensure piping is empty before doing maintenance work.
CO2 systems have been a
standard for many decades and are still preferred today for
many applications. There are many fields in which the use of
CO2 is preferable to other agents. For example: in cisterns,
in industrial plants where fuels are poured, pump and motor
rooms. Systems of local application are also common in the
marine sector, above all in motor rooms. Total flux and low
pressure systems are prevalent in the steel industry, in
large printing-works, and in other applications where a
large quantity of extinguishing agent is necessary.
Industrial systems using
powder are commonly installed to protect painting/varnishing
rooms, pumps and other industrial equipment. The majority of
this type of system use chemical powders, ABC or generic
powders.
Industrial powder systems are often combined with different
kinds of fire and heat detectors, optical flame detectors or
smoke detectors.
Gielle Srl - Administrative Headsquares Via R. Ferri 32 Z.I. - 70022 Altamura (Ba) Italy
Tel +39 0803118998 - Fax + 39 0803101309
E-mail: info@gielle.it
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