Clean Agent Suppression Systems using Novec 1230 Fluid

3M™ Novec™ 1230 fire protection fluid is a next generation clean agent Halon alternative. It combines outstanding extinguishing performance with an excellent environmental profile. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid has zero ozone depletion potential, a global warming potential of one, a five day atmospheric lifetime, and a large margin of safety for occupied spaces. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid extinguishes fire primarily by removing heat from the fire. It is also electrically non-conductive.

Description 3M™ Novec™ 1230 fire protection fluid is a next generation clean agent Halon alternative. It combines outstanding extinguishing performance with an excellent environmental profile. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid has zero ozone depletion potential, a global warming potential of one, a five day atmospheric lifetime, and a large margin of safety for occupied spaces. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid extinguishes fire primarily by removing heat from the fire. It is also electrically non-conductive.

Typical areas of fire protection Computer Rooms Data Storage Facilities Telecommunications Oil & Gas Petrochemical Facilities Museums Libraries and Archives Medical Facilities Manufacturing Facilities Storage Areas

Each system consists of the following components and their associated accessories:

1. Agent Storage Components – Storage components consist of the cylinder assembly(s), which contains the Novec 1230 fluid, and the cylinder bracket(s), which holds the cylinder assembly securely in place.
2. Agent Fluid Distribution Components – Distribution components consist of the discharge nozzles used to introduce the Novec 1230 fluid into a protected hazard along with the associated piping system used to connect the nozzles to the cylinder assembly.
3. Trim Components – Trim components complete the installation of the suppression system and consist of connection fittings, pressure gauge, low-pressure supervisory switch, electric valve actuator, and manual valve actuator.
4. Slave Arrangement Components – Slave arrangement components consist of the pneumatic valve actuator(s), actuation check valve, vent check, actuation hose, and fittings required for a multiple cylinder (slave) arrangement.
5. Supplemental Components – Supplemental components include the discharge pressure switch and manifold check valve. They supplement the core equipment or complete a specific multi-cylinder configuration.
6. Control Panel – This device monitors the condition of the electric actuator, detectors, warning devices, cylinder pressure, and any manual release and abort stations. All electric or electronic devices must connect to the control panel in order to function.
7. Detection and Alarm Devices – Detection devices coupled with manual release and abort stations maximize system efficiency while audible and visual alarm devices alert staff of alarm conditions.

Equipment Description

Fire suppression systems utilizing Novec 1230 fluid are designed to be discharged within 10 seconds into a room, area, or enclosure with the structural integrity to retain the agent. The Novec 1230 fluid uniformly mixes throughout the protected area achieving a minimum concentration level in accordance with NFPA 2001 and/or agency listings.

Janus Fire Systems cylinder assemblies are available at either 360 psi (24.8 bar) or 500 psi (34.48 bar) storage pressures for Novec 1230 fluid. Storage at 500 psi allows the capability to pipe greater distances, to use smaller diameter piping, and to design more complex piping configurations.

Below is a list of the available cylinder assembly sizes Janus Fire Systems offers for Novec 1230 fluid:

Chemical Properties of Novec 1230 fluid

Novec 1230 fluid is formed from the elements carbon, fluorine and oxygen [CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2 – dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one]. The primary extinguishing mechanism of Novec 1230 fluid is heat absorption, with a secondary chemical contribution from the thermal decomposition of Novec 1230 fluid in the flame.

Novec 1230 fluid leaves no residue and is safe for use in occupied spaces.

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) – Novec 1230 fluid is a highly fluorinated ketone containing no chlorine or bromine. As a result, the ODP for Novec 1230 fluid is zero, meaning it has no effect on stratospheric ozone.

Global Warning Potential (GWP) – Novec 1230 fluid has an atmospheric lifetime of only 0.014 years. The global warning potential for all practical purposes is negligible.

Safety Considerations

Although the EPA Significant New Alternative Program (SNAP) lists Novec 1230 fluid as acceptable for occupied spaces, NFPA Standard 2001 and SNAP list the following guidelines for human exposure:

Novec 1230 fluid has a NOAEL¹ of 10.0% v/v with no restrictions. The maximum exposure time shall not exceed five (5) minutes. Avoid any exposure greater than 10% v/v (LOAEL²).

The discharge of Novec 1230 fluid into a hazard may reduce visibility for a brief period.

When Novec 1230 fluid is exposed to extremely high temperatures, the by-product Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) will be formed. Novec 1230 fire protection fluid systems are designed to discharge in 10 seconds or less in order to minimize the amount of HF formed.

The Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid Material Safety Datasheet (MSDS) should be read and understood prior to working with the agent.

A cylinder containing Novec 1230 fluid should be handled carefully. The anti-recoil safety device must be in place at all times when the cylinder is not connected to the discharge piping and restrained.

The following datasheets offer more information on the specific fire suppression systems utilizing Novec 1230 fire protection fluid that are available from Janus Fire Systems.