FireDOC Search

Author
Gann, R. G. | Barnes, J. D. | Davis, S. | Harris, J. S. | Harris, R. H., Jr. | Herron, J. T. | Levin, B. C. | Mopsik, F. I. | Notarianni, K. A. | Nyden, M. R. | Paabo, M. | Ricker, R. E.
Title
Preliminary Screening Procedures and Criteria for Replacements for Halons 1211 and 1301.
Coporate
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD
Sponsor
Air Force Engineering Lab., Tyndall AFB, FL
Report
NIST TN 1278, August 1990, 311 p.
Distribution
Available from National Technical Information Service
Contract
89CS8204
Keywords
halon 1211 | halon 1301 | electrical resistivity | corrosion | residues | compatibility | plastics | fire suppression | halons | ozone | storage stability | toxicity
Identifiers
compatibility with plastics; electrical conductivity; fire suppression efficiency; global warming potential; long-term storage stability; metals corrosion; ozone depletion potential; residue level; screening procedures
Abstract
The current halogenated fire suppressants, halons 1301 and 1211, are among the compounds whose production is restricted by the Montreal Protocol of 1987. The objective of this project is to facilitate identification of alternative chemicals by developing quick, inexpensive screening procedures for characterizing nine critical properties: fire suppression efficiency, ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, residue level, toxicity, long-term storage stability, metals corrosion, electrical conductivity, and compatibility with plastics. We have construced and exercised such a series of tests that can be used to make decisions to pursue particular chemicals further. The procedures are straightforward to conduct, require about 5 moles of chemical, and can be performed in about 8 days for less than $15k. Lower costs would result for concurrent testing of many chemicals. The results are reported in classes that relate to the performance of halons 1211 and 1301. Examples of testing sequences are provided. Interpretation of the results requires expert judgment since weak performance in a test may not be the basis for rejecting a chemical. These methods and performance classes have been developed for screening purposes only and should not be used for final selection, procurement or regulation wihout more extensive evaluation.