- Author
- Nimitz, J. S. | Tapscott, R. E. | Skaggs, S. R. | Beeson, H. D.
- Title
- Alternative Training Agents. Phase 1. Survey of Near-Term Candidate Fire Extinguishing Agents and Predicting Properties of Halocarbon Mixtures. Final Report. February 1989-February 1990.
- Coporate
- New Mexico Univ., Albuquerque
- Sponsor
- Air Force Engineering and Services Center, Tnydall AFB, FL
- Report
- ESL-TR-90-39; NMERI OC 90/17, February 1991, 170 p.
- Contract
- F08635-85-C-0129
- Keywords
- fire extinguishing agents | fire fighting | training | chemical agents | halon 1211 | hydrocarbons | toxicity | physical properties | mixtures
- Identifiers
- ozone depletion potentials (ODPs); haloalkanes; candidate alternative training agents; bulk availability; halocarbons
- Abstract
- In this report, 14 compounds are examined as potential near-term candidates for alternative fire fighter training agents for streaming applications. This list consists of suitable fluorine-containing compounds (primarily fluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons) known to have had significant toxicty testing completed, with bulk production capabilities existing in the past, present, or anticipated near future. Many of these compounds are being produced or considered as replacements for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in refrigeration and foam-blowing applications. The ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, state of toxicity testing, toxicity, availability, and relative cost of each compound are discussed. Physical and thermodynamic properties and estimated and measured flame suppression concentrations are reported. Those compounds that have low toxicity (with significant testing completed) are available in bulk and have desirable properties are discussed in detail. It is recommended that HCFC-123 be tested both in pure form and in blends as potential replacement training agents. In addition, the following HCFCs and HFCs are recommended for testing in mixtures: 22, 124, 134a, 141b, and 152a. Twelve blends are recommended for fire suppression testing.