- Author
- Lee, M. E. | Nimitz, J. S. | Tapscott, R. E.
- Title
- Alternative Training Agents. Phase 4. Large-Scale Tests. Final Report. September 1989-November 1990.
- Coporate
- New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque
- Sponsor
- Air Force Engineering and Services Center, Tnydall AFB, FL
- Report
- ESL-TR-90-39; NMERI OC 90/03, February 1992, 73 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Contract
- F08635-85-C-0129
- Keywords
- fire extinguishing agents | fire fighting | training | chemical agents | ozone | halons | halon 1211 | large scale fire tests | JP-4 jet fuel | pool fires | fuel fires | nozzles | halon alternatives
- Identifiers
- alternatives; three-dimensional; HCFC-123; HCFC-142b
- Abstract
- The overall purpose of this effort was to evaluate candidate low, ozone-depleting halon alternatives for use instead of Halon 1211 in firefighter training. This Phase 4 effort used both 150-ft-² JP-4 pool fires and 75-ft² three-dimensional running fuel fires. Two types of 3-D running fuel apparatuses were built; these simulated a suspended jet engine leaking fuel onto a runway. Standard 150-pound Halon 1211 extinguishers were filled with Halon 1211 or neat HCFC-123 or blends of HCFC-123 with either HCFC-22 or -142 b. Both neat HCFC-123 and a blend of HCFC-123 and -14b (80:20 by moles) simulated Halon 1211 effectively. These agents were designated OPE-1 and OPE-2, respectively, standing for Ozone Protective Extinguishants numbers 1 and 2. A nozzle change was required for effective extinguishment and simulation of Halon 1211. OPE-2 is 20 percent less toxic than OPE-1, but is slightly less effective and requires 20 percent more agent, cancelling the toxicity advantage. The logistics of handling a neat agent would be simpler than the handling of a blend. It is recommended that either OPE-1 or OPE-2 with a nozle change be used for firefighter training. Use of either agent will allow continued training of firefighters while cutting ozone depletion by over 99 percent. Draft military specifications for both agents are included.