Different fire suppression systems may contain water, powder, gas, or foam based on the contents used. The FM200 fire suppression system is one of the gas-based firefighting systems that have particular advantages over many fire suppression agents. For this reason, in this article from Ganjineh Pavan‘s blog, we will examine the FM200 fire fighting system, which is one of the gas-based fire suppression systems.
What is FM200?
FM200 gas fire suppression system is also known as HFC227ea. The FM200 is a waterless fire extinguishing system that empties into danger within 10 seconds and immediately extinguishes the fire.
FM-200 (HFC-227ea) consists of the elements carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen (CF3CHFCF3-Heptafluoropropane). The chemical name of FM200 is Heptafluoropropane.
FM200 is a colorless, compressed liquid gas used to extinguish fires and is a popular alternative to halon fire extinguishing systems. FM200 fire suppression systems are pressurized with nitrogen, without water, and upon activation, FM200 is discharged as a gas to suppress the fire.
How safe is the FM200?
FM200 Fire Extinguisher is an active compound found as a propellant in medical inhalation equipment. FM200 gas is very safe for closed spaces containing sensitive and high-value materials if the fire extinguishing system is properly designed.
This gas has low toxicity and does not pose acute or long-term risks when used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. The vapors from the FM200 fire suppression system have no effect on the skin or eyes. But when they are in contact with liquid form, they can cool the skin or eyes and cause frostbite.
If you inhale FM200 vapors at higher than permissible concentrations, you may experience headaches, dizziness, loss of coordination, confusion, and, in worst cases, loss of consciousness.
How does the FM200 fire suppression system work?
There is a common misconception that FM200 gas depletes oxygen; this is not true! FM200 is a synthetic/chemical fire-extinguishing gas that extinguishes fire by removing free radicals or thermal elements from the fire triangle.
The primary extinguishing mechanism of the FM200 fire suppression system is heat absorption, with a secondary chemical contribution from the thermal decomposition of FM200 in the flame.
The fire triangle consists of heat, oxygen, and fuel, and the fire is extinguished by removing one of these elements. So, the FM200 fire fighting system extinguishes the fire by disrupting the fire triangle. FM200 removes heat or free radicals that interfere with the chemical reaction of the fire triangle to extinguish the fire.
What is the difference between FM200 and 3M Novec 1230 fire suppression systems?
FM200 and 3M Novec 1230 fluid-based fire extinguishing systems are similar in that both are safe for use in spaces containing electrical appliances and equipment. They do not damage-sensitive equipment and do not require cleaning.
While both materials are clean-agent, fast-acting fire extinguishing systems, they differ slightly. The chemical composition of 3M Novec 1230 fluid is a Fluoroketone (FK) and is stored as a liquid and discharged as a gas.
These systems may require larger or more cylinders than an FM200 system. Both substances do not destroy the ozone layer and are environmentally friendly. However, 3M Novec 1230 fluid has a lower GWP (Global Warming Potential).
Applications of FM200 suppression system
It is a clean agent fire retardant for class A, B, and C fires and complies with NFPA 2001 standards for clean agent fire suppression systems. Cleaning materials are quick and effective in extinguishing fires. They are safe in spaces occupied by tools and equipment and do not leave any traces.
FM200 fire suppression system is usually used in the following cases:
- Data centers
- Server rooms
- UPS rooms (uninterruptible power systems)
- Medical Equipment
- Telecommunications facilities
- Computer rooms
- Control and monitoring rooms
- museums
- Historical archive warehouse
- Document room
- Art galleries
- Pharmaceutical and medical facilities
- Marine platforms
- Engine/generator rooms in marine vessels
- Bridges of ships
What are the advantages of FM200 fire suppression system?
The main advantage of the FM200 fire suppression system is the small number of agents required to suppress the fire. This means fewer cylinders, so less space is wasted storing FM200 cylinders.
FM200 systems reach extinguishing levels in 10 seconds or less, stopping conventional fires before they cause significant damage. The FM200 extinguishes fires quickly, which means less damage, and fewer repair costs.
Like any other fire extinguishing system, the FM200 (HFC227ea) fire suppression system is designed with an extra margin of safety for people. Refilling the (HFC227ea) FM200 is simple and affordable. Therefore, it also means less downtime and disruption in your business.
FM200 is classified as a clean agent. The clean agent means it is safe to use in confined spaces containing sensitive materials. When an FM200 fire suppression system is activated to extinguish a fire, no trace is left behind. And it is harmless and safe for equipment, electronics, and machinery.
The environmental safety of the FM200 fire suppression system has been confirmed in more than a decade of real-world experience and extended by scientific studies. FM200 systems take up less storage space than other fire extinguishers.
In addition to the fire protection benefits of using FM200, this gas is also environmentally friendly. The FM200 firefighting system does not destroy stratospheric ozone and has a minimal impact on the environment compared to a catastrophic fire.
The FM200 fire suppression system is a solution that is currently used in more than 100,000 applications in more than 70 countries worldwide.
FM200 is also a more economical option compared to other clean materials such as 3M Novec 1230 gas fire suppression System.
Disadvantages
Compared to other clean agents, FM200 has a slightly higher global warming potential (GWP).
While FM200 does not contain halon gas, it still uses hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to suppress fires, which are not as environmentally friendly as other clean materials.
Final word
The FM200 fire suppression system is one of the types of gas-based fire suppression systems. Which is a cost-effective option for special areas including high-value objects and equipment due to its cleanliness, speed in fire suppression, safety for all types of equipment, and non-harmfulness to humans.
Ganjineh Pavan company, relying on the experience and technical knowledge of specialists, is ready to provide consulting services, receiving representation, supervision, supply, design, and implementation of the FM200 fire fighting system.
To receive free advice to improve the safety and financial security of your place of residence and business, contact the expert consultants of Ganjineh Pavan Company now.
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