Novec 1230 fm200 gartners review

With the massive rise in the price of FM200 (click here for article) we thought it would be useful to compare it to the alternative, Novec 1230.

FM200 and Novec 1230 are very similar in many peoples opinions as both are clean chemical agents, stored as liquids and can have issues if discharged into very high temperature fires, but that’s where the similarities end. We are not trying to dismiss the similarities as these are very important and allow during the design process to design a Novec 1230 system very similar to an FM200 one. But there are a number of important differences that need to be discussed.

FM200 v Novec 1230 – Quantity of Agent

FM200 uses a concentration level of between 6% and 9% whereas Novec 1230 uses between 4% and 6%, but when we calculate the amount to be used it looks like Novec 1230 uses more agent. This is not quite correct as Novec 1230 is much heavier than FM200 (Specific Gravity/Density 1.6 v 1.46) and therefore the actual quantity in another measurement such as Litres may be the same or less. Also because of the difference in weight it is much more difficult to get Novec 1230 out of the cylinder and therefore during the design process this can mean more cylinders (either a bigger cylinder or additional) and bigger pipework (usually just up by one size if at all).

Therefore you must be very careful especially when upgrading systems from FM200 to Novec 1230 to ensure the cylinder quantities, cylinder sizes and pipework size will work for Novec 1230. Where you are designing a Novec 1230 from scratch then it won’t make any difference unless you are comparing them.

FM200 v Novec 1230 – Safety Level

What do we mean by Safety Level?

When a Fire Suppression System is designed the actual concentration must be checked to ensure that it is safe for people or else safety devices such as lock offs etc must be fitted and the system must be isolated before entering the room or hazard. At the design stage this should be checked and usually we won’t install a system that is not safe for people, but rooms could be altered by the user. When a service is carried out this should be checked to ensure the room has not decreased in size (increased the level of concentration of agent) or increased in size (decreased the concentration of agent). Too little agent and the fire will not be put out and too much agent will make it dangerous for people to be in the room during a discharge.

Novec 1230 has a safety margin of between 67%-150% whereas FM200 has a safety margin of just 3%-29%. This makes a decrease in room size without changes in agent quantity much safer for people where we use Novec 1230.

FM200 v Novec 1230 – Environment

With people more aware than ever the environmental impact of the products we use, this has become more important in peoples decision making.

When production ceased of Halon 1301 in 1992, FM200 was seen as a much more environmentally safer product and it was and still is. Halon 1301 was an Ozone Depleting Gas FM200 wasn’t. Halon stayed in the atmosphere for 65 years, FM200 just 33 years and finally the Global Warming Potential of Halon 1301 was 6900, FM200 was nearly half that at 3500. Ultimately FM200 was much more environmentally friendly than Halon 1301.

Novec 1230 takes those numbers to a whole new level, see below.

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) Atmospheric Lifetime (years) Global Warming Potential (GWP) Halon 1301 12 65 6900 FM200 0 33 3500 Novec 1230 0 0.014 1

FM200 v Novec 1230 – Conclusion

In conclusion Novec 1230 prior to 1st January 2018 was the most expensive of the agents we use for Fire Suppression System, but with the massive increase in price of FM200 (due to an EU reduction of 36%) has meant Novec 1230 is now the only real alternative to Inert Gas. Although the design of a new Novec 1230 system will be similar to a FM200 system an upgrade will not and particular care should be taken when carrying this out.

Should you require any information or advice on Novec 1230 and FM200 Systems please see following file:

Clean agent systems are waterless systems that protect property that’s found in specific occupancies, such as data centers/storage, document storage, imaging suites and telecommunication centers. The systems use an inert gas to extinguish a fire that would be obstructed from a standard sprinkler and reduce damage from smoke and water. Clean agent systems are regulated by NFPA 2001: Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems and are defined as an “electrically nonconducting, volatile or gaseous fire extinguishant that does not leave a residue upon evaporation.”

There are various clean agents. FM-200 and FE-25 have zero ozone-depletion potential but have high global warming and atmospheric lifetimes. Halon is a legacy agent that no longer is installed because of ozone-depleting qualities. Novec 1230 has a very low global warming potential and a short atmospheric lifetime. Inergen and Argonnite have zero ozone-depletion potential and no global warming and atmospheric lifetime.

Each clean agent has pros and cons that are based on the hazard that’s protected, environmental impact, the cleanup that’s required after a discharge and human contact.

Clean agents suppress fires in three ways:

• Inert agents deplete the oxygen
• FM-200/FE-25 absorb heat and disrupt the combustion reaction
• Novec 1230 absorbs heat

Figure 2. The source of the system is a high-pressure storage cylinder that’s piped to nozzles (seen here) that discharge the agent.

How they work

Clean agent systems are, essentially, an extinguisher that automatically discharges. The source of the system is a high-pressure storage cylinder (Figure 1) that’s piped to nozzles (Figure 2) that discharge the agent. Piping is installed symmetrically to achieve equal discharge pressure and a balanced dispersion. Smoke detectors (Figure 3) are provided to recognize a fire and initiate discharge. A horn/strobe unit (Figure 4) is placed inside of the room above the door to alert occupants to system activation, and a strobe is provided outside of the room above the door to indicate that a discharge occurred. An abort/manual pull station (Figure 5) is located inside of the room adjacent to the door and a keyed maintenance switch is provided outside of the room to take the system out of service. All of these items are wired to a control panel (Figure 6) that typically is located outside of the space that’s adjacent to the door. Signs provide identification of the various appurtenances and explain the audio/visual device warnings.

Figure 3. Smoke detectors are provided to recognize a fire and initiate discharge.

When a fire occurs, the smoke detector activation is indicated on the control panel, the horn/strobe that’s in the room activates and the building fire alarm system is alerted. A second smoke detector activation indicates on the control panel. HVAC equipment shuts down or dampers close to isolate the space, the horn/strobe unit pulses faster, and a delay sequence begins to allow occupants to exit.

Once the time-delay sequence is complete, the agent is discharged and the strobe that’s outside of the room activates. The abort switch may be used to stop the agent discharge during the delay sequence. The manual release starts the sequence as if the second detector was initiated and overrides the abort switch or it will activate an immediate discharge of the agent. The keyed maintenance switch can be used to prevent the system from discharging, but the detection system will remain active.

Fire code doesn’t allow a clean agent system to be the only defense against a fire, because it’s a finite source. The cylinder discharges the agent until it’s empty. If the fire isn’t controlled, the fire will continue to develop, so an automatic sprinkler system is required as backup. There are exceptions to this rule, but they require approval from the local fire code official. Pre-action systems usually are provided, because they are well-suited to critical spaces, too.

Figure 6. The location of the control panel is critical, because this will be your source of information as to what’s going on inside of the space.

When dispatched to an event, go to the space and determine whether the clean agent was discharged. The presence of a haze could be smoke or could be the agent, so check the exterior strobe, which will indicate a system discharge. Locate the control panel to determine which detectors were activated.

Try to determine whether the pre-action system discharged if one is present. If the clean agent hasn’t contained the fire and you’re making entry, be prepared for sprinklers to activate. Enter the space wearing SCBA. The agent isn’t toxic, but you’re in there because of a fire, so protect yourself as you would in the case of any other fire. Locate the source of the event and determine whether the fire was extinguished. If it wasn’t, complete the extinguishment with an extinguisher or handline. Firefighters must be cognizant of the methods that are used at this point. The extinguisher must be compatible with the hazard in the room to work adequately. The incorrect choice or the use a handline could create more damage to contents.

Once the fire is placed under control, the room will need to be restored to operation as quickly as possible. This probably won’t be the responsibility of the fire department, but you might be asked to assist. If ventilation of the space cannot be performed by facilities personnel by manipulating the building HVAC system, you might be required to use fans. Many modern buildings have fixed sash windows that can’t be opened for ventilation, which complicates the task. Even if you ventilate the space into the surrounding areas there won’t be a problem. The agents are nontoxic and work at small concentrations within a confined space, so there’s no risk to occupants. However, firefighters should be prepared to explain this to put occupants’ minds at rest.

Low-frequency, high-consequence events

Clean agent systems are a complex network of fire suppression components that are used to protect critical contents or spaces. Discharges are low-frequency, high-consequence events. Even a minor fire in this type of space can be a major event to a building owner.

Firefighters must understand these systems to be safe and to mitigate the situation in a timely manner while protecting the space and its contents. There might be items that are irreplaceable or equipment that’s critical to business operations, which will need to be brought back online quickly.

Identify areas with clean agent during the plan review process. Once the system is installed, attend the commissioning process. That is the best time to coordinate with everyone. The engineer and installer will be there to discuss the system operation, the building owner will be there to discuss the contents and nature of the space, and the facilities personnel will be there to discuss your response efforts.

There are many ways that clean agent systems can function. This article only describes what I believe is most commonly installed. Firefighters must ensure that they have an accurate understanding of the systems that are in their response area.

Why is Novec 1230 being discontinued?

While NOVEC 1230 is classified as a polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), which is safe to make and use while possessing little-to-no global warming potential, constant changes in federal regulation (such as the AIM Act) have made 3M weary of continuing NOVEC 1230 production.

What is the disadvantage of Novec 1230?

Excessive Storage Space: With Novec 1230 needing to apply more fluid during the event of a fire in comparison to other systems, it can often require a lot more cylinders (which may be difficult for companies with little extra storage space).

Is FM

WHAT IS THE PHASEDOWN? The phase down in gasses will begin January 1, 2022. It requires the reduction of production and consumption of HFCs and will mostly impact FM-200 (HFC-227ea) and ECARO-25 (HFC-125). It's important to know this is a phase down and not a phase out.

What will replace Novec 1230?

EnSolv Fluoro-FS is a solvent that's been specially designed to put out a fire by promptly dissipating the heat. This product is a drop-in replacement for 3M's NOVEC 1230 fire protection fluid. EnSolv Fluoro-FS is a clean agent fire suppressant solvent.