1. Kidde FM-200® Product Review
Clean Agent Systems

2. Mission Critical / High Value Asset Protection

3. System Design Presentation for Fire System Engineers and Specifiers

4. The Properties and Application of FM-200®

5. 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

6. What Is FM-200®? F H F F C C C F F
ASHRAE Designation = HFC227ea

7. Basic Properties of FM-200®
1,1,1,2,3,3,3 - Heptafluoropropane
CF3CHFCF3
Molecular Weight of 170 [c.f. Halon ]
Boiling point [1 Atm]: oC
Vapour Pressure - 4.5bar at 25oC (66 psi at 77oF)
Liquid Density kg/m3 (89 lbs/ft3)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. How Does FM-200® Work? Physical/chemical Thermal Transfer
Absorbs heat from flame and fuel
Heat capacity of molecules
Endothermic Bond Breaking

13. FM-200® Physical Extinguishing Mechanism
Chemical
80%
Physical
80%
Physical
20%
Chemical
20%
Halon 1301
FM-200®

14. 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

15. Fast & Efficient Performance
Removes heat so fire can’t sustain itself

16. 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]

17. Pressure/Temp Curve for HFC227ea, [super-pressurised to 25 bar]
Max. Fill Ratio

18. 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).

19. 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.

20. Agent Concentration Testing.
Hughes Associates Inc.
Factory Mutual Corporation
Underwriters Laboratory
Loss Prevention Council
United States Coast Guard….and many others

21. Agent concentration Class A Fires [ISO]
Determined by wooden crib, polymer slab and cable tray fire tests.
Extinguishing concentration: 5.8% minimum.
Design Concentration [Minimum] –
7.5%, 30% Safety Factor applied.

22. Agent concentration Class B Fires [ISO]
Determined by cup burner test for each risk material.
Example: Heptane – cup burner: 5.8% minimum. [6.6% large scale cup burner].
Design Concentration [Minimum] –
8.6%, 30% Safety Factor applied.

23. Space Saving Installation
CO2 requires 3 times number of cylinders
Non-liquefied inerting extinguishants can require 10 times number of cylinders
FM-200 requires times more space and weight than Halon 1301

24. Space Saving Installation
Halon 1301 CO 2
Inert Gas

25. Oxygen Dilution Upon Addition of an Extinguishing Agent60
Impaired
Performance Zone
Unimpaired
Performance Zone 50
Inert Agents 40
Concentration - Vol. %
Carbon Dioxide 30 20
FE 13TM
Pass Out
12.3%
NASA Minimum 10
FM -200 ® 9 10
12.3 16 21
Oxygen Concentration. %

26. Agent Decomposition Issues
Hydrogen Flouride [HF] can be produced in small quantities during extinguishing process if temperatures exceed 700oC
HF Concentration depends on:
Fire type and growth profile
Detection and control responses
Discharge time
Agent concentration
Enclosure volume

27. FM-200® Decomposition
HF concentration of the same magnitude as Halon 1301 decomposition products
HF levels well below hazardous levels for people
No threat to sensitive equipment
Rapid discharge and extinguishing minimises the production of decomposition products.

28. Human Safety
FM-200® is so safe, it has been designated as a replacement for CFCs as propellant in medical inhalers.

29. Definition Of Exposure Limit Standards
NFPA 2001, Section : For Halocarbons in Normally Occupied Areas:
Concentrations up to NOAEL allowed with no restrictions on egress time
Concentrations > NOAEL up to the LOAEL allowed if egress possible in “X” minutes
[X = time at which blood level equals LOAEL]
Concentrations >LOAEL not allowed

30. US EPA Recommendations on the use of FM-200®
Not normally occupied. % 12
10.5
LOAEL - Low Observable Adverse Effect Level 11 10
Exposure limited to 5 minutes. 9 8
NOAEL - No Observable Adverse Effect Level
9.0 7 6
No exposure limit, egress can exceed 5 min. 5 4
Minimum Design Concentration, 30% SF
7.5 3 2
Systems must exceed this concentration. 1
Minimum Extinguishing Concentration
5.8

31. Review: Fire Suppression Mechanism
FM 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

32. 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

33. Kidde Fire Protection GX20 System Design

34. System Design: Basic Principles

35. Design Fundamentals
Designer must determine whether agent is suitable for risk material(s).
Total flood application requires that the risk area be of adequate integrity to maintain the desired concentration for at least 10 minutes.
Fan tests are usually required to determine if leakage is within limits
Designer must determine whether expected temperature range is suitable for the equipment and/or flow calculation method

36. Design Basics 1. Determine Mass of Agent Required
2. Evaluate Nozzle Flow Rates & Coverage
3. Design Distribution Piping
4. Specify Cylinder & System Components

37. [1] Mass Of Agent Relevant Factors: Volume of protected space.
Elevation above (or below) sea level.
Temperature range in protected space.
Fuel / Fire Risk.

38. Mass of Agent Volume of Risk
Calculate gross volume of space. Always round-up rather than down.
Do not forget to add the volume of recessed areas such as window frames.
Reduce gross volume if there are impermeable objects or structural elements within the risk.

39. Mass of Agent Height of risk relative to sea level
Atmospheric pressure (and so air density) varies with altitude
Apply correction factor to basic agent quantity if risk is +/- 100m or more above sea level (software has field for elevation data entry).
Note: Risk areas significantly above sea level will require less agent, while those below sea level will require more!

40. Mass of Agent Temperature effects
Use minimum anticipated temperature unless otherwise stipulated by authority responsible.
The target is a specified minimum % agent to air. When the air is cold it is more dense, therefore reducing the temperature will increase the mass of air present within a risk. To maintain a minimum concentration the quantity of agent delivered must be increased as the temperature drops.

41. Mass of Agent Temperature effects
Note that concentration could exceed NOAEL or LOAEL at maximum temperature. Always check if unusually high temperatures are expected.
The flow calculation software must only be used for unbalanced or multiple zone systems where the cylinder storage temperature is within the range 16 – 23oC.

42. Mass of Agent Fuel / Fire Risk and Concentration V/V %
Standard Class A Fire (Surface fire, wood or other cellulose material) 7.5% concentration.
Class B (Flammable Liquids) - 8.7% concentration
- Mineral 8.6% conc.
- Hydraulic 7.7% conc Gasoline @ 9.0% conc.

43. Mass of Agent Fuel / Fire Risk and Concentration V/V %
Energised Electrical Equipment 7.5% concentration - EDP Areas, Battery Room, Switchboard Room, Computer Rooms, Data Archives.

44. Mass of Agent Calculation of Flooding Factor Table 3.2, Design Manual
Formulae
Flow calculation software, V 2.21

45. Mass of Agent

46. Mass of Agent

47. [2] Nozzle Selection
Relevant Factors:
Min / Max Flow
Min / Max Height
Coverage, Positioning &
Orientation
Discharge patterns

48. Nozzle Coverage Min / Max Flow
Design for minimum flow of 4kg from a nozzle
Design for maximum flow from a nozzle depending on how fragile the operation within the risk: 70kg for a Computer Room or 100kg for a ‘bomb proof’ Generator Room
Turbulent discharge can dislodge light, unfixed items.

49. Nozzle Coverage Min / Max Height
The minimum height of any void recognised by FM is 300mm. For more shallow voids refer to KFP Manual for reduced coverage [3-9].
The maximum height, floor to ceiling for a single row of nozzles is 3.66 m. Beyond this additional tiers will be required, each up to 3.66 m apart.
For heights below 600mm high the nozzle should be located no more than half the height below the ceiling.

50. Nozzle Coverage Maximum Area Coverage and Position
Length of 13.4 m [44”]
Width of 12.2 m [40”]
360o nozzle to be located close to the centre of the protected area of coverage.
180o nozzle to be located close to the centre of the wall. [Kidde Engineered Design Manual - 3-7]

51. Nozzle Coverage Basis
13.4 m
9.1 m
14.7 m
12.2 m
12.2 m

52. Nozzle Coverage Position, continued.
360o and 180o nozzles must have orifices installed 150 +/- 50 mm from ceiling.
180o nozzles must be oriented with centre of orifice array perpendicular to, and radiating outward from, wall of enclosure at a distance of 300 +/- 50 mm.
All nozzles to be mounted in the vertical plane with flow direction downwards. They must not enter into the hazard at any other angle.

53. Nozzle Coverage Discharge Pattern, theoretical, plan view. 360 degree

54. [3] Distribution Pipe Work
Relevant Factors:
Fully Engineered or Modular Pre-Engineered for simple balanced systems
Tee splits; permitted type and orientation

55. Distribution Piping Pre-Engineered Systems
Pre-tested configurations based on simple 1, 2 and 4 nozzle balanced systems.
Designer selects storage container, nozzles and pipe layout from tables in the Pre-Engineered manual. No flow calculations required.
Flexible, fast design for basic systems. Strict limitations on pipe lengths, reduced fill range.

56. Distribution Piping Engineered Systems
Require hydraulic flow calculations using Kidde Flow Calculation Software. Detailed printed report standard.
Allows for unbalanced apportioning of agent.
Allows for a single system to protect more than one compartment.
NOTE: KFP recommend that floor and ceiling voids are protected unless they are completely sealed from the main risk.

57. Distribution Piping Tee Split Limitations
- Bull Tees % / 50% Ideal Bull Tee Split % / 30% Max. Range Bull Tee Limit - Side Tees % / 70% Upper Side Tee Limit % / 90% Lower Side Tee Limit
[Engineered Manual Section 3.14/Page 3-11]

58. Distribution Piping Tee Orientation And 15 Diameter Rule Tee Splits
- Bull Tees: Horizontal and Vertical acceptable - Side Tees: Horizontal Plane only
15 Diameter Rule [Fig 3.5, 3-12]
- A change of elevation or 2nd tee, following or proceeding a tee must be positioned 15 times the nominal pipe bore of that section away.

59. [4] Cylinders And System Components
Hardware Elements:
Cylinders: -Capacity -Storage location
Actuation
Hardware and Ancillaries
Distribution pipe work and pilot lines

60. Agent Storage Containers
Cylinders - fill range and capacities
Maximum Fill density 1.12 kg/l.
(Reducing fill density improves the flow characteristics of the agent)
Minimum Fill Density 0.48 kg/l.
5, 8, 16, 28, 51, 81, 142 & 243 Litre sizes available.

61. Agent Storage Containers
Cylinder - Storage
As close as possible to protected space, storage temperature 0oC - 54oC. Installation within protected space is permitted.
All cylinders on a common manifold must be of the same size and must contain the same amount of FM-200®.
Retained by straps (1 per cylinder) 3

62. Cylinders are manufactured to DOT 4BW Specification
GX20

63. Actuation Actuation Methods and Components Control Options
Kidde Actuation Hardware

64. Actuation General System Arrangements
Cylinders stored in one location - central bank (with close coupled cylinders)
Cylinders spaced apart and in multiple locations - modular (with not close coupled cylinders)
Cylinders manifold together - common pipe work and nozzles. NOTE: All cylinders discharging into one space must be actuated simultaneously.

65. Actuation Limits for common actuation circuits:
Nitrogen Pilot Operation
Close coupled 15 GX20 Cylinders [97m]
Not closed coupled 15 GX20 Cylinders [97m]

66. Actuation Limits for common actuation circuits: Master/Slave Operation
Close coupled 15 GX20 Cylinders
Not closed coupled 4 GX20 Cylinders [30m]

67. Actuation Actuation Methods Manual local operation
Remote Cable operation
Pressure operated by pilot cylinder
Electric Solenoid operation
Pneumatic operation for automatic actuation via pneumatic heat rate of raise detectors
Slave Actuation via pressure from Master
FM-200 cylinder. 3

68. Actuation
Control Heads :- GCV Valve, N2 Pilot Cylinder, Discharge Delay and Stop Valve [FM] actuation.
Lever Operated
Pressure Operated
Cable Operated
Lever/Pressure Operated
Pneumatic control head c/w lever and cable facility
Solenoid, stackable* or ex-proof.
*Not suitable for N2 Pilot Cylinder 3

69. Lever Operated Control Head

70. Pressure Operated Control Head

71. Lever/ Pressure Operated Control Head

72. Electric Control Head c/w Manual Release

73. Stackable Control Head

74. Pneumatic Control Head c/w Manual Lever & Cable Release

75. Nitrogen Pilot Cylinder And Adapter

76. Standard Break Glass Pull Handle

77. System Hardware & Ancillaries
Cylinder valve and distribution components:
GCV valves in 40, 50 and 65mm sizes.
Outlet hoses to suit above valves.
Elbow checks for manifolded systems: 50 & 65mm.
Manifolds: 2 & 3 port. Manifolds can be constructed from pipe fittings.
Directional and Check valves ( mm NB)
Discharge Nozzles

78. GCV Cylinder Valve, 40 mm, 50 mm, 65 mm.

79. Note: adapter required to connect 40mm hose to elbow check valve
Flexible Outlet Hose
Note: adapter required to connect 40mm hose to elbow check valve

80. Elbow Check Valve, 50 mm, 65 mm.

81. Outlet Adapter [Brass, to suit GCV valve]

82. Cylinder Strap

83. Flexible Actuation Hose
Available in two lengths, 559mm and 762mm.

84. Master Cylinder Adapter Kit

85. 360 Degree Nozzle

86. 180 Degree Nozzle

87. Stop (Direction) Valve

88. Ancillaries Additional Components:
Discharge Pressure Switch, Standard & Explosion Proof
Supervisory Pressure Switch
Manifold Safety Outlet
Pressure Trip
Main to Reserve Transfer Switch, Electric
Warning Labels, Control Point Labels
Modular Container Brackets

89. Discharge Pressure Switch

90. Distribution Pipe Work
Discharge pipe work, fittings and threads
- Commercial [galvanised recommended] steel pipe to ASTM A-53 or ASTM A-106 Schedule 80. Schedule 40 and BS1387 Heavy acceptable up to 50mm
- Fittings must be 300 lb. class (ASTM A-197),
BS1740, BS 3799 or EN 10241
- Threads to conform to ANSI B-20.1 or BS21
- Reducers must be of the concentric type
NOTE: Based on a max. working pressure of 42 bar.

91. Distribution Pipe Work
Pilot pipe work and fittings
GX20 Master Cylinder Actuation- up to 15 non-close coupled GX20 cylinders: Kidde pilot hose and fittings and/or 5/16” O.D. x 0.032” wall tube [8mm] S/S or Cu. No more than 30 m of tube from 1st GX20 cylinder.
GX20 Master Cylinder Actuation - up to 15 close coupled GX20 cylinders: Pilot hose and fittings only.
Flared or Compression fittings for tube connections

92. Distribution Pipe Work
Pilot pipe work and fittings
Nitrogen Pilot Actuation- up to 15 non-close coupled GX20 cylinders: Kidde pilot hose and fittings and/or 5/16”(8mm)O.D. x 0.032” wall tube [S/S only]. Pilot cylinder no more than 30 m from 1st GX20 cylinder.
Nitrogen Pilot Actuation- up to 15 close coupled GX20 cylinders: Pilot hose and/or 1/4” Steel Sch40 Pipe. Pilot up to 97 m from 1st GX20

93. Distribution Pipe Work
Jointing and Finish
Welded or screwed joints are acceptable
If screwed joints are used an appropriate jointing tape or compound must be used
Black pipe must be primed and painted with rust inhibiting product
Pipes should be painted red to show the usage