NAF SIII is a
clean agent to replace Halon in total flooding systems.
NAF SIII is the only "Drop-In" agent safe for
occupied spaces.
NAF SIII has been recognised as an for the use in
"occupied area" by the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) in The Significant New Alternative Policy
(SNAP).
NAF SIII has been included in NFPA 2001 Standard.
NAF SIII is the most effective of the Proposed substitutes
for Halon 1301 for "occupied areas".
Total Flooding
Agent Highlights
NAF SIII is the result of many years of Research and
development; it is a unique Blend of different Halocarbons,
with a Detoxifying additive called NAF XX, which
considerably reduces decomposition by-products.
With an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0.04, a Global
Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.1 and an Atmospheric Life Time
(ALT) of 7 years, NAF SIII is overall the environmentally
safest replacement for Halon 1301.
NAF SIII contains no Bromine, the most damaging substance to
the Ozone Layer.
NAF SIII is effective on A, B and C type of Fires.
NAF SIII is available in unlimited quantities.
NAF SIII is also certified or listed by many international
bodies: ask for an updated list of references.
General
Information: Identification
NAF SIII has
been identified as "HCFC Blend A" in the standard
NFPA 2001 and in the EPA "SNAP" list.
USE
NAF SIII has been developed as a total flooding agent
replacement for Halon 1301. It is effective on Class A, B
and C type fires, as defined by NFPA.
Although each potential Hazard presents a unique problem to
the system designer, the installation of a NAF SIII system
would be advantageous in one or more of the following
circumstances:
When an inert, electrically non-conducting media is
essential or desirable.
When clean-up of another media would present a problem.
When weight and/or space versus extinguishing potential is a
factor.
When there is difficulty in ensuring the safety of the
personnel.
Where such a system would be more economical to install than
a system using another agent, but would be as efficient.
Where the physical properties of another media would
represent problems in terms of product distribution.
Its high extinguishing capability and low order of toxicity,
together with its low environmental impact, make the use of
this product particularly advantageous for the following
hazardous situation: computer and equipment rooms, oil
switch-gear, control rooms, chemical and physical
laboratories, military vehicles, aircraft engines, and cargo
and passengers compartments, microwave relay station areas,
flammable liquid storage or process areas, telephone
equipment areas, transformers and conventional or nuclear
plants, radioactive "caves" and hot cells, archive
storage.
Underwriters Laboratories of Canada listed NAF SIII as a
Clean Agent for extinguishing system under the Component
Recognition Program. Engineered and Pre-engineered system
containing NAF SIII are Underwriters Laboratories of Canada
listed. UL and FM listing using other equipment are in
progress in the US.
Technical
Information: Physical Properties
Property
NAF SIII
HALON 1301
Molecular Weight
92,90
148,95
Boiling Point @ 1 ATM. °C
-38,30
-57,80
Critical Temperature °C
125
67
Critical Pressure (bar)
66,50
39,6
Critical Density /Kg./m3)
580
745
Vapour Pressure @ 20 °C (bar)
8,14
14,5
Liquid Density @ 25 °C (g/ml)
1,20
1,57
Specific Heat of Liquid @ 25
°C J/(kg°C)
1.250
910
Heat of Vaporisation @ Boiling
Point. (KJ/Kg)
227
120,90
Viscosity of Liquid 25 °C (centipoise)
0,21
0,16
Extinguishing Equivalent
Weight (n-heptane)
1.09
1
Solubility in Water 25 °C (%
weight)
0,08
0,03
Physical State
Liquid/vapore
Liquid/vapore
Freezing °C
<-107
-168
Extinguishing
Capabilities
Underwriters'
Laboratories of Canada states that:
"NAF SIII was found to comply with the requirements of
Underwriter's Laboratories of Canada for this class of
equipment, as included under ULC Subject C1058". "
These system units are capable of being installed in
accordance with the applicable sections of the Standard of
the National Fire Protection Association for Clean Agent
extinguishing System, NFPA 2001".
Minimum And
Design Extinguishing Concentration (N-Heptane)
G / m3 @ 20 °C
% in volume
NAF SIII
300 - 360
7.2 - 8.6
HALON 1301
276 - 331
4.2 - 5
A recent study by Factory Mutual Research Corporation
reports that there are three main factors influencing the
discharge times of Halon 1301 and alternatives system.
These three factors are:
Vapour Pressure
Gas Density
Heat of Vaporisation
Discharge times are reduced as vapour pressure and gas
density decrease as the heat of vaporisation increases. NAF
SIII has lower vapour pressure and gas density than Halon
1301 and a much higher heat of vaporisation. These factors
are all favourable for NAF SIII.
Toxicity
NAF SIII itself
ontroduces no risk, although as with Halon 1301 the
decomposition by-products could pose a risk. Indipendent
testing by British Columbia Research Corp. Has concluded
that the detoxifying additive NAF XX component, when exposed
to high temperature flames, reduces acid toxic fumes. The
detoxifying agent in NAF SIII scavenges the more toxic
halogenated compounds from the atmospgere ("Testing of
Extinguishing Capabilities, Toxicity and Determination of
Physical Properties of NAF SIII", September 16th,
1991).
Decomposition
By-Products
NAF
SIII with XX
NAF
SIII without XX
HCL
ppm
1.6
5.4
Mg/m3
2,5
8.2
F2
ppm
2.6
13.4
Mg/m3
4,1
21,1
CI2
ppm
0.2
0.8
Mg/m3
0,5
2,2
COX2
ppm
<0.02
0.15
As
COCL2
mg/m3
<0.09
0.6
The
undercomposed toxicity of chemicals is given by its Acute
Toxicity Concentration (LC50); the LC50 represents the
concentration lethal to 50% of a population of rats in
laboratory testing.
Acute Toxicity
NAF
SIII
HALON
1301
LC50 15 min. (ppm)
700,000
830,000
The LC50 for 15 minutes exposure for NAF SIII is 700.000 ppm
(or 70%). Such concentration is far higher than the
concentration that would be encountered in a real fire
situation. Personnel may be exposed to NAF SIII vapours in
low concentrations for short periods of times without risk
to their health or safety. As with Halon 1301, exposure ti
high concentrations for prolonged periods may produce
dizziness, impaired co-ordination and disturbances in
cardiac rhythm.
Safe
Concentrations Of Naf SIII
Concentration
by volume in air
Maximum
time for exposure
Normally
Occupied Areas
10%
10
minutes
The US EPA and the NFPA requested an independent laboratory
to conduct tests on cardiac sensitisation. Such tests - that
have followed the published methodology of reinhardt - have
established that until the concentration of NAF SIII reaches
10%, certain effects of cardiac sensitisation cannot be
verified. Consequently it has been established that the
NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) and the LOAEL
(Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level) are greater than the
10% concentration of NAF SIII. ("Bio-Research
Laboratories Project Number 90658B").
Cardiac
Sensitisation
NAF SIII
HALON 1301
NOAEL
(No Observed Adverse
Effect Level)
10%
5%
LOAEL
(Lowest Observed
Adverse Effect Level)
>
10%
7.5%
Unlike Halon 1301, NAF SIII contains no Bromine. It is
Bromine that makes Halons more damaging to the ozone.
HCFCs, components of NAF SIII, as similar compound to
Hydrocarbons - such as methane or ethane - where chlorine
and fluorine atoms have partially been substituted by
Hydrogen. The presence of Hydrogen allows HCFC to rapidly
degrade in the low atmosphere due to natural processes.
NAF SIII has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0.04; this
potential has been independently confirmed by British
Columbia Research Corp. And by New Mexico Engineering
Research Institute.
The Green House Effect is becoming a key factor to evaluate
the viability of Halon 1301 alternatives. NAF SIII has a
Global Warming Potential of 0.1, as confirmed by British
Columbia Research Corp.
Strictly correlate to the Global Warming Potential is the
Atmospheric Life Time (ALT). NAF SIII' s ALT is 7 years, the
lowest of any of the replacement agents.
Enviromental
Impact
NAF
SIII
HALON
1301
ODP
0.04
16
GWP
0.1
0.8
ALT
7
>110
Applicatins and
Costs
NAF SIII,
available in unlimited quantities, presents itself as the
only "Drop-In" replacement for Halon 1301; to use
NAF SIII IN EXISTING TOTAL FLOODING SYSTEM AND PLANNED
PROJECT FOR Halon 1301, it is not necessary to undertake
major changes to the system.
Requiring only 9% more weight compared to Halon 1301 (360
grams per cubic meter @ 20°C against 331 grams of Halon
1301), the NAF SIII necessary to project a certain volume
can be discharged in 10 seconds, the period required by the
standard /NFPA) without the necessity of redesigning the
nozzles, at modest cost, will be necessary. In addition
physical properties are close to Halon 1301 meaning easy
system design.
The costs of substitution of Halon 1301 with NAF SIII are,
therefore, minimal, due to the characteristics of
"Drop-In" capability.
This characteristic is also relevant for new installations,
since the reduced quantity of NAF SIII compared to the other
alternatives that are currently available results in a cost
effective installation.
A computer software program, which is now under final
approval by ULC, is already available, which enables users
to design a fully engineered system or to assess the
suitability of a retrofitting of NAF SIII, into any existing
Halon 1301 installation.
The installation of an inert gas system often would require
at least 10 times the number of cylinders that are required
for a Halon 1301 installation or the "Drop-In" NAF
SIII system.
Evaluation Of
Halon 1301 Alternatives
CO2
The effectiveness of CO2 is by its action of suffocation of
the flame by the reduction of oxygen. In order to obtain
extinction of oil fires, CO2 must reach a concentration of
34%. Note: a concentration of 9% is sufficient to induce
unconsciounsness and a concentration of 20% is lethal.
The CO2 is a very dense product. In order to obtain
acceptable performance in terms of extinction, a quantity of
at least 5 times that of the Halon 1301 (and the NAF SIII)
is necessary. In consequence the installations of co2
RESULTS IN A HIGHER COST; IN THE CASE OF SUBSTITUTION OF A
Halon system with CO2 it will be vecessary ti replace the
entire system.
The extreme low temperature of CO2, on discharde can cause
thermal shock such that it is harmuful to delicate
electronic components in the protected area.
Enormous risk to human life are posed when this product is
used in "occupied areas", thus a CO2 system has to
be operated manually in order to allow evacuation, this
delay allowing further propagation of the fire.
POWDERS
Powders can create respiratory problems, they are irritants,
corrosive and damaging to delicate electronic apparatus in
the protected area. On discharge the visibility is reduced,
causing problems with emergency evacuation procedures.
HFC
Latest studies have shown that HFCS, due to the stability of
their molecules, can affest the environment with their very
long Lifetime in the Atmosphere. HFCS are also thought to
contribute to the deterioration of the ozone layer.
They are included in the "President Clinton Climate
Change Action Plan" (CCAP).Under this plan, EPA is
directed to limit uses of greenhouse gases. In addition HFCS
ARE INCLUDED IN "The Climate Change Program" of
United Kingdom.
While some HFCS with a very low boiling point prsent
application difficulties (high pressure Cylinders), other
HFCS have a boiling point that is too high to ensure optimum
distribution in the protected area.
The quantities of HFC necessary to obtain extinction impede
their use as a "drop-in" Halon 1301 alternative.
This results in an increase in the cost of new
installationsand precludes the "retrofit" of the
existing Halon 1301 system at acceptable costs.
EPA expressed concern about decomposition by-product of HFC
as they "potentially decompose into greater amounts of
hydrogen fluoride (HF)than do HCFCS, depending on the number
of fluorine in the molecule". The high level of
hydrogen fluoride can lead to a highly corrosive atmosphere
being produced.
FOAMS
Most of the foams, seen from an environmental point of view,
are not biodegradable; moreover they could be toxic to flora
and marine fauns.
This type of product causes great damage to every kind of
apparatus, making the eventual clean-up costly.
INERT GASES
Inert Gases cannot replace Halon 1301 in existing
installations; the same consideratins relative to the
installations of CO2 are valid.
The US EPA and the NFPA have advised certain limitations in
the utilisation of mixes of inert gas in human "accupied
areas" the design concentration used must ensure a
residual oxygen concentration used of at least 10%, while
the level of CO2 will have to be at least 5%; if the
concentration of oxygen goes below 10%, personnel will have
to evacuate the area within 30 seconds.
In additon, all Inert Gases put on the market require a long
discharge time compared to the 10 second for Halocarbons
agent, it means an exponential increase of damages and
combustion products.
Naf PIII
Streaming Agent Highlights
NAF PIII is a
"Drop-In" substitute of Halon 1211.
NAF PIII is a unique Blend of different Halocarbons, with a
detoxifying additive called NAF XX which considerably
reduces decomposition by-products.
NAF PIII is a clean agent to replace Halon 1211 in portable
and streaming applications.
With an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of 0.017, a Global
Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.068 and an Atmospheric Lietime
of only 3.3 years, NAF PIII is an environmentally safe
replacement for Halon 1211.
NAF PIII is effective on A, B and C types.
NAF PIII is available in unlimited quantities.
General
Information: use
NAF PIII
extinguishing has been developed as a replacement for Halon
1211. It is effective on Class A, B and C types fire, as
defined by NFPA. Althought each potential hazard presents a
unique problem, the use of NAF PIII would be advantageous in
one of the following circumstances:
When an inert, electrically non-conducting media is
essential or desiderable.
When clean-up of another media would present a problem.
When weight and/or space versus extinguishing potential is a
factor.
It high extinguishing capability and low order of toxicity,
together with its low environmental impact, renders the use
of this product particularly advantageous for the following
hazardous situations: Computer and equipment rooms, control
rooms, chemical and scientific laboratories, military
vehicles, aircraft engines, cargo and passengers
compartments, flammable liquid storage or process areas, art
treasures, museums, galleries, etc.
Technical
Information: Physical Properties
NAF
PIII
HALON
1211
Molecular
Weight
140.02
165.4
Boiling
Point @ 1 ATM. °C
from
-1 to -2
-3.9
Critical
Temperature °C
177
154
Critical
Pressure
45.6
bar.
43
bar
Critical
Density (Kg./m3)
0.5
0.71
Liquid
Density @ 25 °C (g/ml)
1.36
1.8
Freezinf
Point (°C)
-100
-161
Viscosity
of Liquid 25 °C (centipoise)
0.36
0.33
Extinguishing
Capabilities
Fire extinguishing designed
for Halon 1211 are suitable for NAF PIII; it is possible to
archieve the same fire ratings as Halon 1211 with minor
adjustment to the nozzle orifice.
Toxicity
NAF PIII itself
introduces no risk, although as with Halon 1211, the
decomposition bu-products could pose a risk.
The detoxifying additive NAF XX component, when exposed ti
high temperature flames, reduces acid toxic fumes.
The detoxifying agent in NAF PIII scavenges the more toxic
halogenated compounds from the atmosphere, rendering them
inert.
The LC50 FOR 15 MINUTES EXPOSURE FOR NAF PIII is 214.000 ppm.
Acute Toxicity
NAF
PIII
HALON
1211
LC50
15 min. (ppm)
214,000
324,000
Environmental
Impact
NAF PIII
contains no Bromine. It is Bromine that makes Halons more
damaing to the ozone.
NAF PIII has an Ozone Depletion Potential of 0.017.
The "Green House Effect" is becoming a key factor
in evaluating the viability of Halon 1211 alternatives. NAF
PIII has a global Warming Potential of 0.068.
NAF PIII has an Atmospheric Lifetime of only 3.3 years.
NAF PIII also identified as "HCFC Blend C" has
been recognised as an "acceptable" replacement for
Halon 1211 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
in the Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP)
NAF
PIII
HALON
1211
ODP
0.017
4
GWP
0.068
unknown
ALT (years)
3.3
>
25
Applications
and Costs
NAF PIII,
available in unlimited quantities, is a "drop-in"
replacement for Halon 1211; the use of NAF PIII in existing
Halon 1211 fire extinguishing requires only minor nozzle
orifice changes.
The costs of substitution of Halon 1211 with NAF PIII are,
therefore, minimal, due to the characteristics of it's
"drop-in" capability.
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
News & events
send us an email
send us a fax 
call us 
