Class C Cargo Compartment ULD Suppression Agent Penetration Test Second IMLBTCMAudience> Harry Webster, FAA Fire Safety Br. September 9, 2014

Purpose To determine the infiltration rate of Halon 1301 into a standard LD3 ULD. “Quick Look”, more rigorous tests to follow

Background Halon 1301 has been shown to be effective in suppressing the electrolyte fire associated with lithium-ion cells in thermal runaway. Halon 1301 has been shown to be an effective explosion suppressant. The effectiveness of the agent is predicated on the agent concentration and proximity to the fire.

Why this is an issue Lithium-ion battery fires originating in ULD’s may not be exposed to the full concentration of Halon 1301. Potential for the explosive build up of unburned electrolyte gases.

Test Setup Measure Halon concentration Volumes Inside the environmental chamber Inside the closed LD3 20” above the floor Volumes Chamber volume: 284 cubic feet LD3 volume: 160 cubic feet

Test Setup

Results Test 1 Test 2 Initial chamber concentration: 12.33% Time to 5% concentration in LD3: 7:11 minutes Test 2 Initial chamber concentration: 8.93% Time to 5% concentration in LD3: 11:04 minutes

Additional Tests Tests will be conducted to measure the ability of Class C cargo compartment fire suppression agent to penetrate into standard AKE cargo containers.

Additional Tests Aluminum AKE containers with flexible door coverings have been ordered. These types of containers are typical of what is used in many Class C cargo compartments. FE25 (HFC-125) will be used as a surrogate gas for Halon 1301. Gas concentrations will be measured in the compartment outside of the containers and within the containers

Additional Tests Variables include Container loading Simulated battery fire Pressure pulse Temperature

Questions? Contact Information Harry Webster FAA William J Hughes Technical Center Atlantic City, NJ 609-485-4183 Harry.Webster@faa.gov