Synthetic Gas Fire Suppression

Synthetic (Clean Chemical Agent) Gas Fire Suppression

These generally extinguish the fire by reaction with the combustion process and by cooling the atmosphere within the protected space or enclosure.

Synthetic or clean agent suppression systems are widely used as replacements for Halon 1301 that was phased out under the Montreal Protocol as an agent that depleted stratospheric ozone layer.

There are numerous chemical agents available in the marketplace with varying compositions and trade names, two of the most popular include HFC227ea and Novec 1230.

HFC227ea (heptafluoropropane) which is marketed under the trade name FM200 or FE227 extinguishes primarily by physical means with the molecules absorbing heat and a greatly reduced element of chemical suppression reaction in the flame.

HFC227ea is stored as a liquid and discharged as a colourless and virtually odourless gas leaving no residue and it is electrically non-conductive. It is approximately 6 times as dense as air and is safe for use in normally occupied areas at prescribed design concentrations.

Because HFC227ea is stored as a liquid and effective at very low design concentrations, it requires fewer storage cylinders and therefore cylinder storage space.

NOVEC 1230 is a highly efficient clean agent gas that is accepted as an effective substitute for Halon1301. It is therefore suitable for the protection of risks in which Halon was previously utilised. As with HFC227ea, it works by absorbing heat from a fire.

It has zero ozone depletion potential and a very low atmospheric lifetime estimated at between 3 to 5 days.

HFC227ea & NOVEC 1230 Applications
Data Centres Telecommunication Switch rooms Vaults	Server Rooms Electronic Control Rooms

Furthermore, NOVEC 1230 is suitable for combating Class A and Class B Fires which means it can also be used for areas such as:

Engine test cell areas

Flammable liquid processing

Synthetic (Clean Chemical Agent) Gas Suppression

Advantages	Disadvantages
Easily transportable Minimal number of cylinders/storage space required Quick discharge time < 10 seconds No residue to clean up after discharge Electrically non-conductive	Room integrity testing is critical to ensure concentration levels for a minimum period Limited distance between agent storage and risk in comparison to inert gas

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