Scot All the so-called clean agents containing halocarbons are only 'clean' when in storage. If they are discharged in a fire there is a very high probability that corrosive by products will be formed.
Para 13.2 of BS 5306 Part 0: 2011 makes the point well: "Halocarbon agents can decompose when coming into contact with high temperatures. Of particular concern would be hazards where hot surfaces might be present such as furnaces, ovens, etc. When and where decomposition products occur, they are corrosive. The main decomposition product is hydrogen fluoride (HF) and prompt venting of the space after discharge can reduce the likelihood of corrosive action on materials." My own experience of FM 200 (which appears to be the agent which generates most HF) suggests that following discharge into confined spaces containing significant quantities of pvc cable, corrosive by-products are invariably formed and that damage to the contents of the space should be anticipated. I have not proposed, specified or recommended any of the halocarbon based agents for more that 10 years and have recommended the replacement of quite a few FM200 systems by inert gases or watermist/sprinklers. I too would hope that these agents will be phased out. Stewart On 17 Apr 2011, at 11:06, å... .... wrote: > Statistics we can use...thanks for those! > > Fire extinguishers can work, but > if the facility is valuable and not occupied 24/7... > > Fluorinated-foam and dry chem will be corrosive on sensitive equipment. > De-ionized Water mist and "clean-agent" are alternatives, although > if the clean-agent contains fluorine, I am betting > what is marketed as "clean" today will be billed more > realistically > after 20 years of history. > > If we have the courage to encourage occupants to use portables, > then how fine a line is it in our minds to allow > an occupant to choose to use a hose line? > > scot deal > excelsior fire > _______________________________________________ > Sprinklerforum mailing list > Sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org > http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum > > For Technical Assistance, send an email to: supp...@firesprinkler.org > > To Unsubscribe, send an email to:sprinklerforum-requ...@firesprinkler.org > (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field) _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list Sprinklerforum@firesprinkler.org http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: supp...@firesprinkler.org To Unsubscribe, send an email to:sprinklerforum-requ...@firesprinkler.org (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
