Halon extinguishers only acceptable until 2016

[Tom Sutton]

As Station Manager at an Airport with approval to retain Halon extinguishers until 2016, I have looked at many alternatives, in particular the use of inert gas. What quantities would I need to equate a 9kg BCF as I can't find any Class B Ratings on the old extinguishers? Thank you

Received recently need help with my research. Where is AnthonyB when you need him?

[AnthonyB]

Yes, EU regulation 744/2010 set the final cut off dates for all Halon use in Europe:

http://www.fia.uk.com/filemanager/root/site_assets/technical/eu_744_of_18_august_2010.pdf

Some key dates:
Aircraft - For the protection of normally unoccupied cargo compartments (fixed): No new installation after 2018; End date 2040
For the protection of cabins and crew compartments (portable): No new installation after 2014; End date 2025
For the protection of engine nacelles and auxiliary power units (fixed): No new installation after 2014; End date 2040
For the inerting of fuel tanks (Fixed):2011 & 2040
For the protection of lavatory waste receptacles (fixed):2011 & 2020
For the protection of dry bays (fixed): 2011 & 2040

In oil, gas and petro?chemicals facilities -  For the protection of spaces where flammable liquid or gas could be released (Fixed) 2010 & 2020

On commercial cargo ships - For the inerting of normally occupied spaces where flammable liquid or gas could be released (Fixed):1994 & 2016

At airfields and airports - For crash rescue vehicles (Portable): 2010 & 2016

For the protection of aircraft in hangars and maintenance areas (Portable): 2010 & 2016

In nuclear power and nuclear research facilities - For the protection of spaces where necessary to minimise risk of dispersion of radio?active matter (Fixed):2010 & 2020

In the Channel Tunnel - For the protection of technical facilities (fixed): 2010 & 2016
For the protection of power cars and shuttle wagons of Channel Tunnel trains (Fixed):  2010 & 2020

Other - For initial extinguishing by fire brigades where essential to personal safety (Portable): 2010 & 2013
For the protection of persons by military and police personnel (Portable) 2010 & 2013

As for replacement, you will be lucky to find a drop in clean agent of comparable performance that's readily available other than for the 1.5kg portable. The Police have gone for 1kg FE-36, it obviously impressed at trials, however due to it's niche market the chosen unit hasn't had fire rating tests.

Most oversea manufacturers of clean agent are influenced by the more relaxed US codes and use Halotron (not allowed in the EU), but NAFFCO do offer high capacity FE-36 in portables (http://naffco.com/product.php?prod_id=472&groups_id=231) and trolleys.

Unless you really want a clean agent the way is now high performance powder and high performance foams, although don't knock the 5 kilo CO2 as these can now get a 70B rating (I've even seen higher) which is more comparable with BCF than in the past, although of course the effective discharge range is less.

I can dig some old fire rating info for portable BCF's out tomorrow, although there may not be any for @9kg as many manufacturers didn't go to the expense of fire rating tests for small order sizes, only testing stuff in the 1-3kg range

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks Anthony I await for the old fire rating info for portable BCF's but another question what is adiabatic expansion nozzle for a CO2 is all about?

[AnthonyB]

See this:

https://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/01-60.pdf

Still trying to find larger BCF with a fire rating, still got a couple of makes to try...