The FM200 fire extinguishing system is a registered trademark of Dupont and also known as HFC-227ea [heptafluoropropane]. It is a clean halocarbon agent, which is waterless, non-explosive, non-flammable, odorless, and a clear liquefied gas, pressurized and used as a ‘fire extinguishing agent,’ classified for Class A, B, and C fires, providing a total flooding solution. It was introduced in 1993, replacing halon, which was banned due to its impact on ozone depletion and its contribution to severe climate change under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Where can FM200 be used?
The automatic FM200 extinguishing system is used in several areas, primarily for automatic fire protection in the following areas :
- Data Centers
- Server Rooms
- Telecom Rooms
- UPS Rooms
- Switch Rooms
- Fuel Pump Rooms
- Libraries
- Museums
- Medical Facilities
- Industrial Applications
- Paint Booths
What does “Agent propre” (Clean Agent) mean?
A clean agent is described by NFPA 2001 as a volatile or gaseous extinguishing agent that is electrically non-conductive and leaves no residue upon evaporation.
Clean Agent FM200 vs. Water-Based System?
If we examine the types of areas these systems protect, the primary reason for using a clean agent suppression system is that during any discharge, whether accidental or intentional, there is limited risk of damage to the equipment and protected space. It is electrically non-conductive and leaves no residue, water, or corrosive materials.
The clean agent can be removed and cleaned from the space through simple ventilation.
In contrast, with a water-based system, water damage would typically be incurred, and it is much slower to react, resulting in increased business downtime, damage to equipment/materials/assets, and higher repair costs after a fire.
What are the different nomenclatures used for FM200 gas?
The most common name is obviously FM200, but there are others, such as:
- FM-200
- HFC-227a
- 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane
- Heptafluoropropane
How does it work?
FM200 is designed to be maintained in the form of compressed liquefied gas in the bottle/cylinder. Once discharged into the piping and nozzles, it will change state to vapor due to its low boiling point, where it will absorb heat from the space.
As a fire requires three things to startโfuel, oxygen, and heatโeliminating the heat prevents it from igniting.
According to NFPA 2001, once a fire has been detected and FM200 has been released, it must discharge completely into the space, with a maximum allowed discharge time of 10 seconds, including extinguishing the fire [30 seconds for any inert gas]. Part of the design calculation involves determining the required height/depth at which the gas must be suspended, for example, at 2.2 meters above the finished floor, to fully protect the combustible space. The gas must maintain this height for at least 15 minutes.
Components of the FM200 Fire Suppression System.
The HFC227ea fire suppression system consists of two parts: a “mechanical” part and an “electrical” part.
Although the system seems quite simple, there are quite a few components that will be necessary to ensure that it works and functions correctly.
The mechanical components include the pipe, fittings, cylinder bracket, agent cylinder, HFC227ea agent, cylinder bracket, nozzle, discharge valve head, liquid level indicator, pneumatic actuator, pressure gauge, manifold, check valve, and signaling.
The electrical components include the fire extinguishing control panel, detector, manual release station, abort switch, electric actuator, low-pressure switch, discharge pressure switch, audible and visual notification devices, main reserve switch, auto-manual switch, and other fire safety control interfaces.
FM-200 Advantages & Disadvantages
– Advantages:
- Fast Action,
- Minimal Facility Downtime,
- Smaller Quantity of Agent Required Compared to Inert Gases, Meaning Less Storage Space Required,
- Easy to Install,
- Easy to Commission,
- Clean โ Leaves No Residue on Sensitive Equipment such as Servers and Electronic Devices,
- Designed to Be Safe and Non-Toxic.
Disadvantages :
- Expensive compared to a water-based system,
- Designed for a complete flooding of the space to be protected, thus requiring a complete replacement of the bottles,
- The network and components through which the gas is discharged must withstand high pressure, requiring special structures and facilities.
- Health and safety considerations for installation,
- Not entirely environmentally friendly and contributes partially to climate change, much like HFC.
Clean Agent Standards:
The most common standard for fire suppression using a clean agent gas is NFPA 2001 โ Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing.
The standard covers design, installation, testing, inspection, approval, operation, and maintenance requirements for systems.
Is FM200 banned?
No, FM200 is not banned. There is sometimes confusion with Halon, which, in early 1992, was ordered that no new Halon manufacturing would be allowed from 1994 onward under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. This was due to its environmental impact on the ozone layer. FM200 has become one of the leading global substitutes for Halon in fire suppression gases and clean agents.
Is FM200 dangerous?
FM200 poses no toxic danger according to the assessment method of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA). However, it should be noted that the vapors are heavier than air and can cause suffocation by reducing oxygen levels. Improper use or intentional inhalation abuse can lead to death without warning symptoms, due to cardiac effects.
What are the other fire suppression gases?
While FM-200 is the most common, it is not the only option when it comes to using a clean agent for fire suppression. Other available gases include:
- Novec 1230 [Halocarbon]
- Inergen [Inert Gas]
- Nitrogen [Inert Gas]
- Argonite [Inert Gas]
