Most clean agents used for fire suppression systems are very eco-friendly. However, halon is not. Halon substances, which are still in use in many older systems, have been found to have very high ozone depletion properties.
The use of halon for fire protection systems was first introduced into the market in the mid-1960s and quickly became the industry standard for protecting high value-assets from fire. And, by the 1970s, halon-based systems were one of the most prevalent types of fire suppression systems in the country.
Fire extinguishing system
Halon is a chemical used in clean agent fire extinguishers and clean agent fire suppression systems. A clean agent fire extinguishing system or portable fire extinguisher provides a type of gaseous fire suppression, in which the extinguishing agent is stored in its liquid form.
When halon is expelled and hits the air, it converts to its gas form which is non-conductive, safe for use around humans, and leaves no residue. In 1987, the United States signed the Montreal Protocol – a global agreement to protect the stratospheric ozone layer. And in 1994, the U.S. banned the production of halon under the Clean Air Act. As a result, the fire safety industry began looking for alternatives to the Halon-based compounds used in many clean agent fire suppression systems at that time.
Fire suppression systems
Halon 1301 (also known as bromotrifluoroethane CBrF3)) is more limited in its effectivenesWhile it is still legal to purchase and use recycled halon, eventually, the diminishing supply will require businesses with halon-based fire suppression systems to replace their Halon systems. This presents a dilemma for businesses that still use such systems.
Halon 1211 (also known as BromoChlorodiFluoromethane (CBrClF2) or more simply just “BCF”) is a multipurpose clean agent rated for Class A, B, and C fires. This type of halon is more commonly found in fire extinguishers. Halon 1301 (also known as bromotrifluoroethane CBrF3) is more limited in its effectiveness and is typically used in fixed installations to suppress Class A, B, and C fires. The only source of halon for use in fire protection is recycled halon.
Private sector businesses
The Halon Alternatives Research Corporation (HARC) has coordinated development of an Industry Code of Practice for the best use of recycled halon since 1989. Their Recycling Code of Practice (RCOP) provides basic guidelines for companies engaged in the recycling of halon to promote safe handling, prevent contamination, and minimize emissions.
In a 2002 report, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided a snapshot of the progress that the industry and the government had made up to that point in replacing halon fire extinguishers and systems with non-ozone-depleting alternatives for fire protection. At that time, very few private sector businesses were replacing their halon systems, and the use of alternatives was generally limited to new applications, such as in a new building or an operation undergoing a complete renovation.
developing strategies and best practices
While the production of halon has been banned, its use in existing systems remains legal
The report also found that portable halon fire extinguishers were still in widespread use and because they require relatively little halon, they were still commonly being recharged as opposed to being replaced. Is one required to replace their Halon system?
The short answer is no. While the production of halon has been banned, its use in existing systems remains legal. In response to the continued use of halon, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has published the Standards and Codes of Practice to Eliminate Dependency on Halons to help the fire protection industry and the businesses they serve better understand the issues posed by halon fire protection systems and develop strategies and best practices for their use.
Halogenated agent systems
According to this guidance, halogenated agent systems should only be used in areas where:
- A clean agent is required
- Live electrical or electronic circuits exist
- People normally are present
- Protection is needed for objects or processes highly susceptible to extensive damage or downtime
Essential applications are defined as defined under the Montreal Protocol are those in which:
- There is imminent danger to human life where human occupancy is essential, and evacuation is not possible
- The continued operation is necessary to protect human life
- The installation is essential to a community and to protect critical assets
- A loss of critical equipment and/or its operation may have far-reaching consequences
- Where no acceptable alternative means of fire protection exists
Purely environmental standpoint
There are a number of important factors to consider in deciding when to replace their halon-based system
Whether the halon system meets the criteria for an essential use or application or not does not mean that one is required to replace it, at least not yet. Eventually, though, the fact is that one will be forced to, not by regulation but simply due to a lack of availability of halon to maintain it. All systems eventually fail, and being proactive in this regard can have a number of benefits.
From a purely environmental standpoint, the answer to that question is ‘yesterday.’ However, businesses that do not consider all the costs versus benefits of their investments do not stay in business for very long. There are a number of important factors to consider in deciding when to replace their halon-based system.
Meeting fire watch regulations
The costs to maintain it is an important one. Due to the finite supply and expense of halon gas, these systems are becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Basic economics dictates that when supplies decrease while there is still a demand, prices will go higher. So, the cost of halon is only going to continue to increase over time. In addition, if there is an unwanted discharge or a leaky cylinder, one may not be able to get the product needed to bring it back into compliance.
Because Halon systems are no longer manufactured, the parts to maintain them (rebuild kits, special o-rings, etc.) are no longer available by manufacturers, which can cause delays when repairs are needed. Also, manufacturers no longer provide support or flow calculations which can cause issues as newer equipment may not function with older systems. And, there are other costs to be considered, such as those associated with meeting fire watch regulations during whatever amount of time the system is down.
Negative environmental impacts
The answer to that question is not always a simple one and can vary from business to business
The real question that every owner of a halon system needs to ask is whether it makes sense to invest in maintaining an outdated and increasingly costly system on borrowed time or on modern technology – one that will meet their business needs in a more cost-effective way well into the future? The answer to that question is not always a simple one and can vary from business to business based on a number of factors.
These factors can include downtime, lack of confidence from customer base, lost revenue that may not be known until it’s too late, and insurance rates to name a few. There are several good alternatives to halon-based systems on the market, which include 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid – the first product on the market to boast no negative environmental impacts – and inert-gas systems.
Evaluating the potential costs
If one is considering whether to replace the current halon fire suppression system, Koorsen’s expert technicians can help to evaluate the potential costs and benefits of doing so. They can also help to maintain the current system to whatever extent possible while one determines the best way to proceed.
Koorsen Fire & Security can handle all the fire suppression needs. Whether one needs to update their system, expand it, repair it, inspect it, or design and build a whole new system, the fire suppression experts at Koorsen can help.
