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Replace FM200 with Novec 1230?

Question asked by nsalvatore on Feb 1, 2019
Latest reply on Feb 13, 2019 by mark.l.robin

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So where I work twe have an FM-200 system that was recently triggered for the first time in years and we now have to refill the cylinders. I was told by a coworker that I should consider replacing the gas with a non-HFC because the production of these gasses are being capped because of their global warming potential.

I was wondering if the cylinders and pipelines can be used so I can have a Novec 1230 (only non-HFC available in my region) system by replacing the valves of the cylinders and the nozzles at the end of the pipeline?

And also if this is possible, is it safe?

Thanks.

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nocivus Feb 2, 2019 8:08 AM
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Novec 1230 is a PFC, which are much less harmful to the environment. Usually cylinders, valves and discharge equipment are the same as FM-200. Piping and fittings materials are also the same. But, since Novec has a different properties and extinguishing concentration, pipeline diameters and nozzle orifices are different. You will likely have to change en entire discharge pipelines and the nozzles.
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- ameneses @ nocivus on Feb 7, 2019 10:33 AM
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  As Emmanuel says, Novec 1230 is better for the environment. You have to keep in mind that the calculation for a Novec 1230 system is pretty different due to its extinguishing concentration. Also, the nozzles between Novec and FM-200 systems are different. So, if you want to change the agent, you will need to run a new calc and as stated above, you will need to change the pipe and nozzles sizes.
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mark.l.robin Feb 13, 2019 5:20 AM
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As humans are part of the environment, the safety in use of clean agents is a primary concern. FM-200 is characterized by superior safety in use (lower toxicity) vs Novec 1230, as measured by a number of toxicological endpoints, including
short term inhalation (LC50), 28 day inhalation, Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics (PBPK), cardiac sensitization LOAEL, Allowable Exposure Levels (AELs) and metabolism. Especially significant is metabolism: when inhaled, Novec 1230 reacts with water in the lungs to produce perfluoropropionic acid, a strong, toxic and corrosive acid (Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid Safety Assessment, 3M). FM-200 does not react with water and hence does not react in the lungs. Also note that Novec 1230 systems will also require 20% more mass of agent vs FM-200 to protect the same Class C hazard.

With regard to environmental impact, data from the US EPA and the European Environmental Agency, and analyses by the Halon Emissions Estimation Program (HEEP) and the Halon Technical Options Committee (HTOC) indicate that the impact of FM-200 on global warming is negligible. For this reason there are no proposals to ban or limit FM-200 in fire suppression applications.
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Replace FM200 with Novec 1230?

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