Kidde FM-200® Product Review Clean Agent Systems
Core Elements of module: What is FM-200® The development of FM-200® System and agent acceptance The suppression mechanism Application of the agent Post discharge issues Human Safety
What Is FM-200®? F H F F C C C F F ASHRAE Designation = HFC227ea
Basic Properties of FM-200® 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 - Heptafluoropropane CF3CHFCF3 Molecular Weight of 170 [c.f. Halon 1301 149] Boiling point [1 Atm]: -15.2oC Vapour Pressure - 4.5bar at 25oC (66 psi at 77oF) Liquid Density - 1427kg/m3 (89 lbs/ft3)
The Development of FM-200® Manufactured by Great Lakes Formerly largest Halon producers in the world of 1211 and 1301 Key objective was to find viable Halon replacement
Long-Term Availability Agent of choice for the leading fire suppression system manufacturers No international production controls or limits Supported by a Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, a global corporation committed to improving fire protection worldwide
Design and Component Approvals Full testing and approval programs completed internationally Underwriters Laboratory listed Factory Mutual approved LPCB listed USCG [MARINE] NFPA 2001 accepted BFPSA accepted ISO 14520 FM-200® accepted by EPA
The United States Environment Protection Agency: “HFC227 [FM-200®] is the most effective of the proposed HFC substitutes for Halon 1301” R Federal Register Vol. 58 No 90 Wednesday May 12, 1993
How Does FM-200® Work? Physical/chemical Thermal Transfer Absorbs heat from flame and fuel Heat capacity of molecules Endothermic Bond Breaking
FM-200® Physical Extinguishing Mechanism Chemical 80% Physical 80% Physical 20% Chemical 20% Halon 1301 FM-200®
The Physics of Fire Fire Triangle Fuel, oxygen, heat What is fire? A series of highly exothermic chain- branching free radical reactions Removal of any element of fire triangle results in suppression
Fast & Efficient Performance Removes heat so fire can’t sustain itself
How Is FM-200® Stored? The agent is a gas at ambient pressure and temperature [4.5bar] It is pumped into welded steel cylinders at vapour pressure, ensuring the agent is in liquid phase. The cylinder is then super-pressurised with Nitrogen to operating pressure [25bar]
How Is FM-200® Applied? Basic system consists of cylinder and valve, discharge pipe work and nozzle(s). System is activated by operating a control head fitted to the cylinder valve. This can be achieved my automatic or manual means. Agent is discharged as liquid from the pressurised container(s), agent vaporises at nozzle(s).
How Is FM-200® Applied? Discharge of 95% of agent must be achieved within 10 seconds. Agent penetrates area, the concentration of agent achieved (by volume) is not less than the minimum design concentration for the most volatile material being protected. The concentration is then retained for at least ten minutes.
Space Saving Installation Halon 1301 CO 2 Inert Gas
Human Safety FM-200® is so safe, it has been designated as a replacement for CFCs as propellant in medical inhalers.
Review: Fire Suppression Mechanism FM-200 - Predominantly physical action due to heat absorption capability plus chemical by inhibiting reaction between fuel and oxygen Reaches extinguishing concentration within 10 seconds (as Halon 1301) Highly penetrative gas provides homogeneous dispersion to protect entire area Provides ACTIVE Fire Protection
FM-200® is Provides Viable, Long Term Protection In World-wide Market Approved for use throughout the World System Approvals from FM, UL & LPCB Marine Approvals in place including USCG, DNV and ABS Kidde Equipment provides proven reliability Recognised and Accepted By BFPSA & NFPA 2001
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