Halon 1301, halon 2402, halon 1211: replacing halon gas
Like many things in life there are no
absolutes, the choice of a replacement for your halon based
system will depend upon many factors. Most of these have been
outlined on this site but the final decision can only be taken
after consulting all the interested parties.
This site provides an overview of the available options only. We
have available full technical and chemical specifications for
the alternatives listed together with information on where to go
for industry opinion.
As a customer
focused organisation we will supply what our
customers request - this could be a halon refill at
this moment in time (January 2001). We would not,
however install a new halon based system.
We have installed many different types of
extinguishing systems and the demise of halon has
opened up the choice of available solutions. Some of
our customers have removed halon extinguishing
systems and not replaced them with any gaseous based
agents but opted for the very quickest detection of
a fire condition by the use of aspirating (VESDA®
& HSSD® type products) fire detection
equipment. Others have taken the closest alternative
gaseous agent and others an inerting agent. Water
based systems are now increasing in popularity as
organisations start to understand their operation.
A question
often asked of our sales staff is " what is the
safest" or "best product", the
purpose of the question is obviously to extract from
us a simple answer that will give the customer peace
of mind that a particular system will provide the
same protection as their old halon system, be as
safe or safer than the old system and of course last
but not least, will the system have any impact on
the environment. We have to be honest in our reply
and say that all extinguishants have their draw
backs - even water based systems. If they are
harmless to the environment - they may need
significant clean up, if they are fast effective
chemicals they may contribute to global warming, if
they are naturally occurring substances already
contained within the atmosphere, their extended
discharge times may allow the fire to produce
greater quantities of harmful substances which could
injure personnel and cause greater property damage.
The only answer is to evaluate the risk and select
the best available product to reduce that risk to an
acceptable level - a compromise, but what's new?
Frequently
Asked Questions about Halon 1301
- What is
Halon 1301?
- Are there other halons?
- What is the Montreal Protocol?
- What is the Kyoto Protocol?
- What are CFCs?
- Why replace Halon?
- When does it need replacing?
- What happens to the Halon?
- Who will be exempt?
- Is there a "Drop In" replacement?
- What is the nearest alternative?
- Should I look at other alternatives?
- What will it cost to replace?
Water mist installation
What is Halon 1301
Chemically - BTM (bromotrifluoromethane) 1301: An
excellent fire extinguishing agent (gas) currently
installed in thousands of locations throughout the
world protecting sensitive electronic equipment,
typically found in computer rooms,
telecommunications centres, data processing
environments, aviation and may other places.
Are there other Halons
Yes and some are used in Fire Protection. Where
could you find others? - As refrigerant gases.
What is the Montreal Protocol
An agreement reached by signatory nations in
Montreal Canada on the 16 September 1987 (amended
twice since signing). As part of the United Nations
Environmental Program, a goal has been set to
initially control and further eliminate global
emissions of ozone depleting chemical compounds.
Problem chemicals were defined into a list and a
time set for their removal from production together
with the agreement to ban certain products that
could also introduce Ozone Depleting chemicals into
the atmosphere. See www.worldbank.org/montrealprotocol.
The timescale set for the cessation of production of
these chemicals was effectively the end of 1993 in
the developed world and 2010 in developing
countries.
What is the Kyoto Protocol
Following in the footsteps of the Montreal Protocol
the Kyoto Protocol was agreed on the 10 December
1997 and committed the parties to specific
reductions in the release of Global Warming Gases.
The most significant for the fire protection
industry being Carbon Dioxide and hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs).
What are CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon)
They are ozone depleting substances used in fire
extinguishant systems, refrigeration and air
conditioning equipment including chlorofluorocarbons
and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, collectively referred
to as CFCs. This group of chemicals has been
demonstrated to be harmful to the environment,
specifically the stratospheric ozone layer.
Why does Halon need replacing
As a CFC based gas, Halon 1301 and 1211 are ozone
depleting agents. Their release to atmosphere during
manufacture, decanting to application cylinders and
use or misuse in service has contributed to the
depletion of the ozone layer. They also have a long
atmospheric life.
When does it need replacing
The new EC Regulation 2037/2000 came into force on 1
October 2000 and states:-
New halons cannot be used for refilling existing
systems.
Recovered, recycled or reclaimed halon 1301 / 1211
can only be used in existing systems until 31st
December 2002. After this date no refilling can take
place.
Mandatory decommissioning of fire extinguishing
systems with halons must be completed before 31st
December 2003.
What will happen to the removed Halon 1301
The regulations will make it compulsory to safely
dispose of any Halon recovered. This will include
banking for organisations who are exempt and have
"Critical Uses" which will continue.
Who will be exempt
Owners and users of halon with "Critical
Uses" may be able to claim exemption if broadly
speaking the application is within the aircraft
industry, military / armed forces, petrochemical
industry and some marine applications. Use that can
claim to be connected with national security.
Is there a "Drop In" replacement
No, not directly but there are alternatives and one
in particular is very similar in its installation
and operation. It may also be possible to reuse some
or all of your existing mechanical pipework
installation.
What is the nearest alternative
The nearest alternative replacement extinguishing
agent is FM200®
Should I look at other alternatives
Yes, you should evaluate all the available
alternatives including whether you need a
replacement at all.
What will it cost to replace
This will depend upon many factors - primarily the
size of the installation but other factors will have
a significant effect on the cost of replacement.
Some of these you will already have the answer to -
Can the installation take place in normal working
hours, is the existing space occupied by the Halon
equipment sufficient accommodate the new equipment,
Finally - Does the supplier offer a cost effective
service that produces value for money over the life
of the system. Don't be taken in by cheaper quotes
that have hidden cost of ownership clauses - yes
even today there are companies still selling in this
manner.
For a very approximate guide to the costs - please
fill in our price request form.
Alternatives to
halon 1301, halon 2402, halon 1211
- FM200
HFC-227ea
- HFC-23
- Inert gases
- Carbon Dioxide
- Water based systems
- AFFF
- PFC 410
- NAF SIII
- FE-36
- FE-25
- FE 241
- Foam
- Dry powder
FM200 HFC-227ea (CF3CHFCF3, FM200®) *
FM200® Approved by all the leading standard and
certification authorities is a clean, safe, zero
ozone-depleting and proven extinguishing gas. When
designed and installed correctly it can meet the
replacement criteria for existing halon 1301
systems.
A clean agent
FM200® will extinguish fires at low concentration
levels without residue which would be damaging to
the equipment it protects.
Works quickly
Correctly designed detection and suppression systems
that are controlled by sensitive intelligent
detection systems will recognise and suppress a fire
well before significant damage results. FM200®
systems are designed to discharge the agent and
achieve the minimum design concentration within 10
seconds. This quick discharge can prevent serious
loss occurring.
A very effective fire extinguishant
FM200® systems are highly suitable for Computer
& telecommunication areas Power generation Gas
turbines Oil industry installations Marine
installations
Safe for use in normally occupied areas
People are able to breathe FM200® at extinguishing
concentrations without fear of a health
complications or risks.
Very low environmental impact
With an ODP of zero (because chlorine and bromine
are not present) the next concern is Global warming.
FM200® has near zero emissions to contribute to
global warming. The gas itself can be recycled and
associated hardware reused making their overall
impact to the environment - low.
Harmless for sensitive equipment
Leaving no residue after discharge means no clearing
up. Causing only a gentle reduction in temperature
with the protected space.
Occupies similar space to Halon 1301
Storage space required for cylinders is similar to
Halon
Available to open system suppliers
Although the manufacturer of the gas itself has
closely controlled the approved component
manufacturers, the agent is freely available within
the industry to those who have demonstrated a
commitment in terms of training and support service.
FM200® Is manufactured by Great Lakes Chemical
Corp., in the United States of America. They have a
limited number of approved suppliers. These
suppliers are the only sources available to the fire
protection industry installation and system
companies
Great Lakes Chemical Corp. list the following
organisations
Chemetron Fire systems
Cerberus and Cerberus Pyrotronics
Kidde Fire Systems and Kidde International and of
course Fenwall are also owned by the same
organisation
Fike Protection Systems
Hygood (now owned by Macron Safety Systems (UK)
Limited ( A Tyco company)
* Registered Trade Mark of Great Lakes Chemical
Corporation
HFC-23™
HFC-23 is produced the DuPont chemical company. It
is a gaseous extinguishant agent that is clean,
safe, zero ozone-depleting, which leaves behind no
residue to damage sensitive electronic equipment. It
works at temperatures as low as -40ºC, and is also
very suitable for applications which have high
compartments.
Typical applications would be:-
High ceiling areas within industrial or storage
accommodation
Oil production platforms
Gas turbine enclosures
Low temperature applications
Gas / Oil processing equipment
Inert Gases
Extinguishing agents using Nitrogen, Argon and
Carbon Dioxide.
Health concern in relation to use of these types of
agents is based upon the effect of having a reduced
oxygen content within the protected space and that
effect upon any occupants.
There is an increasing acceptance that inert gases
can be used in extinguishing concentrations without
excessive risk to humans. However, this does not
apply to carbon dioxide which is both toxic and a
asphyxiant. Carbon Dioxide systems must be locked
off whenever people are present in the protected
room.
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
An extremely effective extinguishing gas that has
been used for many years. It is best suited to more
specialist applications such as:
Electrical switchgear enclosures
Low and High Voltage Transformer rooms
Marine applications
Industrial process applications include:
Paint spray cubicles
Flammable liquid storage areas
Process machinery
Generators and turbine protection
CO2 is not generally considered to be an alternative
to Halon 1301 and is not suited to normally occupied
spaces. Although it is immediately recognised as a
greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, the
supply used in fire protection systems is generally
a by product of another process and very little
reaches the atmosphere.
Water based systems
Water based systems fall into two categories:
Conventional sprinklers which are outside the scope
of this site and new generation Fine Water Mist
systems. The difference between the two in very
general terms is the droplet size.
Sprinklers produce droplet sizes of around 1 mm
compared to water mist systems at 0.1 - 0.01 mm as
the pressure rises. There are many different systems
available to deliver the water mist to the risk area
or equipment and their use on electrical equipment
is not necessarily inappropriate.
Other Extinguishants you may have heard about.
AFFF
Aqueous Film Forming Foam is used extensively in
portable fire extinguishers but is not a suitable
halon replacement.
PFC410
FC3110 Perfluorocarbon Manufactured By 3M Company.
Very similar to halon in concentration and discharge
terms. Zero ODP, long atmospheric life and high GWP.
NAF SIII
A HCFC Blend Manufactured by North American Fire
Guardian. An Extinguishing gas available as a
transition substance - between Halon and the
alternatives. No systems currently being installed.
It had low ODP (compared to halon 1301) but needed
higher concentration to extinguish fires.
FE-36™
HFC-236fa Hexafluoropropane. Manufactured by DuPont
as a Halon 1211 replacement in portable fire
extinguishers. Portable extinguishers requiring a
streaming extinguishant gas.
FE-25™
HFC-125 Manufactured by DuPont.
FE-241™
HCFC-124 Manufactured by DuPont.
Foam
High expansion foam has been suggested as an
alternative to Halon however the take up has been
very low. It is a very effective means of fire
extinguishing but requires some clean up.
Powder
Dry power systems are very suitable for flammable
liquid / chemical storage areas but are not
considered as halon replacements.
If you would like a budget price for the
installation of a halon substitute, please complete
the price request form.
halon 1301,
halon 2402, halon 1211: decommissioning Halon systems
The following
points should be addressed in the Risk Assessments
and Method Statement provided by any contractor
engaged to decommission an existing halon system.
Depending upon the number of days the works are
expected to take - CDM (Constructions Design
Management) Regulations may need to be employed. You
will need to appoint a Principle Contractor, a
Planning Supervisor and don't forget to file an F10
with the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) at you
local office.
Risks Associated with Decommissioning and therefore
Assessments must be carried out.
Risks associated with pressurised cylinders
Risks associated with manual handling of heavy
objects
Risks associated with halon exposure
The method statement should cover the following
topics (Procedures detailed in the method statement
must be cross checked with that detailed by the
manufacturer's Owner's, Service, Operation, and
Maintenance manuals).
Correct security of cylinders before work commences
Disconnection of Actuation Devices
Disconnection of pipework / manifolds and the making
safe by use of Protective Caps (Anti-Recoil Devices)
Protecting, securing and packing cylinders for
transport
Adequate receiving facilities for transported
cylinders
Security of cylinders in installed location:
Before any works are carried out, ensure that all
cylinders are securely attached to a solid surface
such as a wall or the floor with the factory
supplied retaining brackets.
Disconnect Actuation Circuits / Devices:
Isolate as appropriate to the system actuation
device and then disconnect. This will vary with the
manufacturer of the equipment. The method statement
should detail these actions in depth.
Disconnect Discharge Piping:
The pipework may be connected directly or multiple
cylinders may have manifold arrangements. Take great
care not to impose strain on the valve itself - this
could lead to a leak of halon.
Fit transport Plugs:
These should prevent recoil in the event that the
valve operates after pipework is disconnected. Most
cylinders are charged to 25 bar (360 psi) if the
valve operated without the protection cap the
cylinder could become a projectile and could easily
injure or kill somebody.
Protecting, securing and packing cylinders for
transport:
The cylinders should be adequately protected for
transport and secured during transit. The contractor
may need to be registered to carry this equipment as
Waste.
Finally:
Make sure that if there is a detection system
associated with the old halon system - It works.
Notify the responsible person that the facility is
no longer protected with an extinguishant. This
should include the removal of any signage, manual
release points and status units.
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
- Save in outlook