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FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: Halocarbon and Inert Gas (Clean Agent) Fire Extinguishing Systems
FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets: Halocarbon and Inert Gas (Clean Agent) Fire Extinguishing Systems
Table of Contents
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4-9 Fire Extinguishing Systems
Page 2 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
List of Figures
Fig. 1. Pressure in an enclosure protected by an inert gas ......................................................................... 18
Fig. 2. Pressure in an enclosure protected by a halocarbon ....................................................................... 18
Fig. 3. Sharp descending interface ............................................................................................................... 23
Fig. 4. Continuous agent mixing ................................................................................................................... 23
List of Tables
Table 1. Minimum Design Concentrations ...................................................................................................... 5
Table 2. Atmospheric Correction Factor ........................................................................................................ 6
Table 3. Recommended Hanger Spacing ..................................................................................................... 10
Table 4. Currently Recognized Clean Agents1 ............................................................................................. 14
Table 5. Reported NOAEL/LOAEL Values for Halocarbon Agents .............................................................. 16
Table 6a. Halocarbon Quality Specifications1 ............................................................................................... 16
Table 6b. Inert Gas Quality Specifications .................................................................................................... 16
1.0 SCOPE
This data sheet provides general information on inert gas and halocarbon (i.e., clean agent) fire extinguishing
systems, including guidelines for their design, installation, testing, and maintenance. Information on clean
agent systems is also located in Data Sheet 4-0, Special Protection Systems.
The guidance in this data sheet is limited to total flooding applications only. Halocarbon and inert gas agents
are primarily suited for such applications given their physical properties, particularly the inert gas clean agents
that are stored as compressed gases. Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are covered in Data Sheet
4-11N, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems.
1.1 Changes
April 2019. Interim revision. Clarification was made to Table 1.
January 2019. Interim revision. Clarification was made to Section C.4.2.1 and Table 1.
October 2018. This data sheet has been completely revised. Major changes include the following:
A. Changed the name of the document from Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems to Halocarbon and
Inert Gas (Clean Agent) Fire Extinguishing Systems.
B. Removed many of the previous references to NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520. Data Sheet 4-9 can now
be used as stand-alone guidance for clean agent systems.
C. Added information on designing the protected enclosure, including proper sealing of the space and
design of pressure relief systems.
D. Added details on acceptance of installations, including functional component testing, “puff” testing,
enclosure integrity testing, door fan testing, and full discharge testing.
E. Updated Table 1, Minimum Design Concentrations, to include all currently FM Approved clean agents.
Added Class C minimum design concentrations for both low-energy (<480 volts) and high-energy (≥480
volts) energized electrical hazards.
F. Added guidance on adjusting the necessary agent quantity due to atmospheric conditions.
G. Added information on the design of system components, including detection and actuating devices,
storage containers, piping, piping supports, fittings, valves, and nozzles.
H. Added details on mitigation methods to prevent equipment damage from clean agent discharge noise.
I. Added guidance on training personnel.
J. Added guidance on restoring a system and enclosure to working order following a discharge.
K. Added guidance on the plan review of clean agent system installations.
L. Provided additional background information on clean agent systems in Section 3, Support for
Recommendations.
1.2 Hazards
Halocarbon and inert gas (i.e., clean agent) fire extinguishing systems are recommended for the protection
of critical, high-valued electronic/electrical equipment occupancies such as electronic data processing
facilities/computer rooms, control rooms, telephone central office/switch room facilities and switchgear rooms.
Where a clean agent system is recommended for the protection of a hazard or occupancy, it will be listed
in the applicable occupancy specific data sheet. A summary of appropriate applications for clean agent
systems is provided in Data Sheet 4-0, Special Protection Systems.
Halocarbon and inert gas fire protection systems are recognized for total flooding applications only. These
systems, like other special protection systems, have a limited quantity of extinguishant and are more
susceptible to failure than other fire protection systems such as automatic sprinkler systems. Proper
installation of the system including appropriate acceptance tests, as well as ongoing inspection, testing, and
maintenance, is critical to the successful performance of a clean agent system. The effectiveness of these
systems is also dependent upon containing the gaseous agent in the enclosure, including maintaining the
integrity of the enclosure and shutting down any ventilation.
2.2 Protection
B. When the electrical equipment is not de-energized upon activation of the clean agent extinguishing
system or has a time-delayed power disconnect, provide the minimum design concentration for an
energized electrical fire (Class C) in accordance with Table 1 for the applicable equipment voltage. If the
electrical equipment is not de-energized before the clean agent concentration falls below the minimum
design value shown in Table 1, reignition is expected.
W=
V
S ( C
100 - C )
where:
W = mass of halocarbon clean agent [lb (kg)].
V = net volume of hazard, calculated as the gross volume minus the volume of fixed structures impervious
to clean agent vapor [ft3 (m3)].
s = specific volume of the superheated halocarbon clean agent at 1 atmosphere and the minimum anticipated
temperature of the protected volume [ft3/lb (m3/kg)].
C = halocarbon clean agent design concentration [volume percentage].
Note: This equation includes an allowance for the normal leakage from a ″tight″ enclosure due to agent
expansion.
2.2.3.2 Determine the mass or volume of inert gas clean agent needed to achieve the intended design
concentration using the following equation and multiplying X or W by the net enclosure volume:
So 100 So 100
X = 2.303
( ) (S
log10
100 - C ) ( ) (
=
S
ln
100 - C )
V 100
W=
( ) (S
ln
100 - C )
©2018-2019 Factory Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
4-9 Fire Extinguishing Systems
Page 6 FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets
where:
X = volume of inert gas added at standard conditions of 14.7 psia, 70°F (1.013 bars, 21°C) per volume of
hazard space [ft3/ft3 (m3/m3)]
W = mass of inert gas clean agent [lb (kg)].
so = specific volume of inert gas clean agent at 14.7 psia (1.01 bar) and 70°F (21°C).
s = specific volume of inert gas clean agent at 14.7 psia (1.01 bar) and the minimum anticipated temperature
of the protected volume [ft3/lb (m3/kg)].
C = inert gas design concentration (volume percentage).
V = net volume of hazard, calculated as the gross volume minus the volume of fixed structures impervious
to clean agent vapor [ft3 (m3)].
ln = natural log
log10 = log base 10
Note: This equation includes an allowance for agent leakage from a ″tight″ enclosure.
2.2.3.3 Where ambient pressures differ from standard atmospheric conditions [29.92 in. Hg at 70°F (760
mm Hg at 0°C)], adjust the recommended quantity of halocarbon or inert gas clean agent using the correction
factor in Table 2. Multiply the quantity determined in Sections 2.2.3.1 or 2.2.3.2 by the appropriate correction
factor.
2.2.7.4 Provide interlocks to automatically perform critical functions upon operation of the extinguishing
system in accordance with the occupancy or equipment specific data sheet for the protected area. Examples
include, but are not limited to, closure of dampers, shut down of ventilation, stoppage of conveyors, and
power-down of electrical equipment.
2.2.7.5 In areas where energized electrical equipment is installed and the agent concentration is insufficient
for a Class C fire hazard, provide automatic interlocks for power isolation of the equipment to minimize the
potential for sustained ignition. Note that, regardless of the agent concentration, the potential exists for
halocarbons to decompose in the presence of a sustained hot spot. Where this is a concern due to a sensitive
occupancy or equipment, provide automatic interlocks for power isolation of the electrical equipment.
2.2.7.6 Where abort switches are provided, use devices that require constant manual pressure to cause
abort (i.e., “dead-man” switches). Locate the devices within the protected area near the path of egress. Where
activation of more than one detector is necessary for system actuation, arrange the abort switch to prevent
discharge only if operated before the second detector activates. In addition, arrange the abort switch so
operation of the switch does not reset any time delays.
2.3.1 General
Install only new system components. Do not use repurposed equipment.
2.3.4 Nozzles
2.3.4.1 Install nozzles within the hazard enclosure in compliance with their FM Approval limitations, including
area coverage and height limitations.
2.3.4.2 Use corrosion-resistant materials for nozzles located in corrosive environments.
2.3.4.3 Where clogging by foreign materials is possible, provide protective coverings, such as blow-off caps,
designed to dislodge from the nozzle and provide an unobstructed discharge path upon system operation.
2.3.4.4 When equipment (e.g., hard disk drives) in the protected area is susceptible to disruption of
performance by noise from the discharge of a clean agent fire extinguishing system:
A. Use an FM Approved clean agent fire extinguishing system that has a “silencer” listed with the discharge
nozzle as a component of the fire extinguishing system, and verify the noise level at the peak nozzle
pressure is below the allowable threshold of the equipment.
B. When a silencer is not available as a component of the clean agent system, install the clean agent
system as follows to decrease sound levels:
1. Decrease the spacing of fire extinguishing system discharge nozzles by increasing the number of
nozzles.
2.3.5.2 Install a hanger between fittings when the fittings are more than 2 ft (0.6 m) apart. Install a hanger
a maximum of 1 ft (0.3 m) from any nozzle to prevent the nozzle from moving vertically.
C. Interlocks, such as compartment ventilation shutdown and/or operation of dampers, function in the
proper sequence prior to discharge of the agent.
D. Specified minimum design concentrations are achieved and maintained above the highest level of
combustibles/equipment within the hazard enclosure for the entire duration of protection.
E. All discharge nozzles flow free and clear.
F. Venting for the hazard enclosure is adequate.
2.5.1.5.2 For system components whose performance cannot be confirmed during the full discharge test,
conduct additional standalone functional tests in accordance with Section 2.4.1.5.4.
2.5.1.5.3 For systems that have not been subjected to a full discharge test, conduct a flow test (i.e., a “puff
test”) using nitrogen or an inert gas on the piping network to verify flow is continuous and the piping and
nozzles are unobstructed. Refer to Section 2.3.2.5 to best ensure this unobstructed flow condition.
A. Conduct the test at a pressure not exceeding the system’s normal operating pressure.
B. Conduct the test for a time period that allows verification of unobstructed flow from all nozzles.
C. If discharging into a sensitive occupancy (e.g., a computer room), cover the nozzles with a sock or
similar material to prevent potential discharge of debris into the room.
D. If obstructed flow is observed during the puff test, or trapped debris is identified by visual inspection
of the nozzles and dirt trap following the test, remove, clear, and reinstall the nozzle and dirt trap.
2.5.1.5.4 For systems that have not been subjected to a full discharge test, conduct complete component
functional tests to verify the following, at a minimum:
A. Activation of detection devices, including manual releases, initiates the proper cylinder actuation device.
Note that the actuation device will be disconnected from the cylinder.
B. Interlocks, such as compartment ventilation shutdown and/or operation of dampers, function in the
proper sequence.
C. The settings for time delays are correct.
D. Where multiple areas are protected by a single system, activation of each area’s detection device(s)
operates the appropriate selector valve.
E. If installed, abort switches are operable, activate appropriate visual and audible signals, and are
overridden by emergency manual pull stations.
E. Integrity and continuity of discharge piping flow via pneumatic pressure testing of the piping (Section
2.5.1.3) and a “puff test” (Section 2.5.1.5.3).
F. Proper pipe flow orifice, as applicable, and proper nozzles are installed.
2.6 Training
2.6.1 Provide training for all personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system. Address
all of the following, at a minimum:
A. A review of the manufacturer’s design, installation, operation, and maintenance manual.
B. The purpose of the clean agent system relative to the protected equipment and enclosure.
C. The functionality of the system and major system components.
D. Associated equipment and interlocks (enclosure venting, dampers, power and ventilation shutdown,
etc.)
E. Operation of the system under normal and emergency circumstances (i.e., automatic and manual
operation), including the location of manual release devices.
F. The importance of maintaining enclosure integrity (e.g., sealing of holes, cracks, penetrations, or other
openings) and resulting impact on system performance.
G. Necessary inspection, testing, and maintenance of the extinguishing system and protected enclosure.
3.1.1 Halon
Gaseous extinguishing systems have been used as a means of fire protection since the early 1900s. Halons
(hydrocarbons in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine, chlorine, bromine,
or iodine) were introduced at that time, including Halon 104 (carbon tetrachloride) in 1907, and Halon 1001
(methyl bromide) and Halon 1011 (bromochloromethane) in the 1930s. Some of these agents were highly
toxic, and a 1947 study by the United States Army determined that Halon 1202 was the most effective fire
extinguishant but also the most toxic. Halon 1301 was the second most effective agent and the least toxic.
Based on this study, Halon 1301 total flooding systems became available based primarily on carbon dioxide
system technology and hardware. In the late 1960s, NFPA 12A and 12B for Halon 1301 and Halon 1211 were
developed. In the ensuing decades, these two agents, along with carbon dioxide, served as the predominant
forms of gaseous fire protection systems.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol restricted the production and use of halons for environmental reasons, given
the significant global warming and ozone depletion potential of these chemicals. This resulted in the need
for halon replacements, including the development of clean agents.
A halocarbon is a clean agent that contains one or more of the elements fluorine, chlorine, or iodine.
Halocarbon clean agents do not contain bromine. Categories of halocarbon agents are hydrofluorocarbons
(HFC), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), perfluorocarbons (PFC), and fluoroiodocarbons (FIC). Halocarbons
extinguish a fire primarily by interrupting the chemical combustion process, and to a lesser degree by
extracting heat from the flame reaction zone to reduce the flame temperature. Minimum design concentrations
in the range of 4% to 9% within 10 seconds are usually targeted to achieve this goal.
The second type of clean agent is an inert gas, which contains one or more of the gases helium, neon, argon,
nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. The primary extinguishing mechanism of inert gases is oxygen displacement.
Typically, inert gas minimum design concentrations range from 34% to 42% within 120 seconds, which
corresponds to an oxygen concentration of less than 14%.
See Table 4 for a list of currently recognized clean agents within NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520. The clean agents
recognized within NFPA 2001 have been evaluated and accepted as total flooding halon alternative agents
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under their Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP)
program.
Inert Gases
IG-01 Argon
IG-100 Nitrogen
IG-55 Nitrogen (50), Argon (50)
IG-541 Nitrogen (52), Argon (42), Carbon Dioxide (8)
1
This table includes all agents listed in NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520. Refer to the Approval Guide for a list of the agents that are currently
FM Approved.
In spite of the above concerns, a clean agent system can be expected to perform reliably provided the
following conditions are met:
A. The system is specifically recommended or recognized as suitable for the hazard or occupancy being
protected.
B. The system is designed and installed in accordance with accepted plans.System acceptance tests
are satisfactorily performed.
C. System impairment procedures are established and followed.
D. The system and the hazard or protected occupancy is maintained in accordance with the guidelines
in this data sheet and any additional recommendations in the applicable occupancy-specific data sheet.
Clean agent system design concentrations exceeding the agent’s NOAEL are not recommended in potentially
occupied spaces unless the exposure time is limited. These exposure times will vary depending on the
specific agent and the actual design concentration. For instance, the maximum permitted exposure time for
an HFC-125 concentration of 8% is 5 minutes. Similarly, an inert gas design concentration of 43% to 52%
(corresponding to 10% to 12% oxygen) would restrict human exposure to 3 minutes or less. At certain levels,
the agent concentration is so high that they can only be used in unoccupied areas where personnel will not
be exposed to a system discharge. Specific human exposure times for various agents are included in NFPA
2001 and ISO 14520.
In addition to limitations related to safe exposure, halocarbon clean agents may decompose into strong acids
(e.g., hydrogen fluoride) when exposed to a fire. This may result in additional human exposure issues, as
well as nonthermal damage to equipment in sensitive occupancies.
respiratory irritation, the effects of which worsen with increasing concentrations and exposure time. Hydrogen
fluoride may also be corrosive to sensitive equipment.
The extent of decomposition of a halocarbon agent is dependent on the intensity/size of a fire (i.e., the heat
release rate) at the time the system is discharged. Consequently, halocarbon clean agent systems are
designed with rapid fire detection and system actuation and discharge (i.e., recommended maximum
10-second system discharge limitation) to achieve quick fire extinguishment, thereby minimizing fire damage
and extinguishing agent decomposition.
Halocarbon agent decomposition could be a concern with fast growing, high heat release rate fires such
as those involving ignitable liquids. Despite its extinguishing efficacy, an inert gas clean agent system or
carbon dioxide system may be preferable in these cases. This is reflected in certain data sheets related to
ignitable liquids. Halocarbon agent decomposition may also be an issue where heated equipment or surfaces
are present within the protected area, or where electrical equipment is not deenergized upon agent discharge.
Another factor frequently cited or noted in making this choice is environmental considerations. Inert gases
are naturally occurring substances. They are environmentally benign and more environmentally acceptable
to some end-users and/or governing environmental authorities. For example, inert gas systems are preferred
in some countries for environmental reasons.
Available installation space is another factor to consider in determining an appropriate clean agent. The
number of cylinders needed to achieve minimum design concentrations can be significantly more for inert
gases compared to halocarbons.
Cost is another factor in determining an appropriate clean agent. Typically, inert gas clean agent systems
are moderately more expensive than halocarbon clean agent systems because of equipment costs. Inert
gases require higher minimum design concentrations and are stored as high pressure gases [e.g., 2175 psig
(150 bars) or higher) as opposed to liquefied gases for the halocarbons, which are typically pressurized with
nitrogen to 360 psig (25 bars). Consequently, inert gas clean agent systems require many more storage
containers (much larger storage ″footprint″) and higher pressure rated equipment and piping.
4.0 REFERENCES
4.1 FM Global
Data Sheet 2-81, Fire Protection System Inspection
Data Sheet 4-0, Special Protection Systems
Data Sheet 4-11N, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems
Data Sheet 5-40, Fire Alarm Systems
Data Sheet 5-48, Automatic Fire Detectors
4.2 Others
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). ASME B31.1, Power Piping.
European Standard EN 15004, Fixed Firefighting Systems. Gas Extinguishing Systems. Design, Installation
and Maintenance.
Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA). Guide to Estimating Pressure Relief Vent Areas.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 14520, Gaseous Fire-Extinguishing Systems:
Physical Properties and System Design.
- Part 1: General Requirements
- Part 2: CF3I Extinguishant
- Part 5: FK-5-1-12 Extinguishant
- Part 6: HCFC Blend A Extinguishant
- Part 8: HFC 125 Extinguishant
- Part 9: HFC 227ea Extinguishant
- Part 10: HFC 23 Extinguishant
- Part 11: HFC 236fa Extinguishant
- Part 12: IG-01 Extinguishant
- Part 13: IG-100 Extinguishant
- Part 14: IG-55 Extinguishant
- Part 15: IG-541 Extinguishant
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO TS 21805 (E), Guidance on Design, Selection and
Installation of Vents to Safeguard the Structural Integrity of Enclosures Protected by Gaseous Fire-
Extinguishing Systems.
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems, 2015 Edition.
Lock-out device: A manual shut-off valve installed in the discharge piping downstream of the agent
containers, or another type of device that mechanically prevents agent container actuation, to prevent the
discharge of agent into the hazard area when the lock-out device is activated. Actuation of the device provides
an indication of system isolation.
Lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL): The lowest agent concentration at which an adverse
physiological or toxicological effect has been observed.
No observed adverse effect level (NOAEL): The highest agent concentration at which no adverse
physiological or toxicological effect has been observed.
Pre-engineered system: A system having predetermined flow rates, nozzle pressures and quantities of
agent. These systems have the specific pipe size, maximum and minimum pipe lengths, flexible hose
specifications, number of fittings, and number and types of nozzles prescribed by a testing laboratory such
as FM Approvals. A pre-engineered system simply means the system is limited to very specific combinations
of pipe sizes and lengths including the total number of tees (flow splits), elbows and nozzles and does not
involve flow calculations. Typically, pre-engineered systems are restricted to balanced piping configurations
(i.e., 50-50 flow splits).
Safety factor: A multiplier of the agent flame extinguishing or inerting concentration to determine the agent
minimum design concentration.
Sole protection: A special protection system may be considered sole protection (i.e., in lieu of automatic
sprinkers) if the system has been tested for the protected hazard, and the duration of the agent supply is
equivalent to that required for the same hazard protected by an automatic sprinkler system.
Special protection system: A protection system suitable to extinguish all of the fire scenarios for the hazard
protected, and where it has a limited agent supply. The agent supply is usually specified as the greater of
(a) twice the time to extinguish the worse-case fire scenario in an accepted fire test scenario, (b) the total time
to shutdown process equipment including the time it takes surfaces to decrease to a safe temperature, or
(c) 10 minutes. Equipment hazard and occupancies suitable for protection by special protection systems are
described in FM Global data sheets.
Supplementary protection: A system provided in addition to automatic sprinkler protection in an effort to
reduce the size of a loss.
J. Added guidance on restoring a system and enclosure to working order following a discharge.
K. Added guidance on the plan review of clean agent system installations.
L. Provided additional background information on clean agent systems in Section 3, Support for
Recommendations.
October 2015. Interim Revision. Added references to tables in NFPA 201, Standard on Clean Agent Fire
Extinguishing Systems, that provide the quantity of clean agent needed to archieve design concentration
(Section 2.1.3.2 and Appendix C).
September 2010. Minor editorial changes were made for this revision.
May 2010. Added information to Section 2.1.3.1, System Design Concentrations.
January 2002. First published.
C.1 General
C.1.1 Set up and conduct testing in accordance with NFPA 2001, ISO 14520, EN 15004, or other applicable
code or standard. Note that the methods outlined in these documents (NFPA 2001, ISO 14520, EN 15004,
etc.) will typically yield slightly different results. Use the applicable code or standard based on the jurisdiction
of the installed system.
C.1.2 Request the contractor/installer provide certification of their training by the door fan test equipment
manufacturer, enabling them to properly conduct an enclosure integrity procedure in accordance with a
nationally or internationally recognized test protocol.
C.2.7 A pressure differential, called the bias pressure difference, will naturally exist across the enclosure
envelope when the fan is not running. Large bias pressures will increase the uncertainty of the door fan test
results. This bias pressure is normally measured by the contractor for the following conditions:
A. The bias pressure present during the actual enclosure integrity test.
B. The bias pressure expected during the agent hold time. This may need to be estimated rather than
specifically measured.
Address any excessive bias pressures (i.e., greater than 25% of the initial column pressure caused by the
clean agent discharge), which may be caused by leakage from dampers, ducts, continued operation of HVAC
equipment, etc.
C.4 Calculations
C.4.1 Standard calculations are specified in most relevant codes and standards (NFPA 2001, ISO 14520,
EN 15004, etc.). The measured inputs from the door fan test (pressure, flow, etc.) are used in these
calculations to determine the average pressure and flow over the series of tests.
C.4.2 The process for determining the agent hold time varies depending on the clean agent and the potential
for continuous mixing of the agent following discharge.
C.4.2.1 If the agent is heavier than air, a descending interface is expected to occur. Uniform mixing will occur
upon discharge, followed by an interface forming as the agent settles and fresh air enters the room at the
top of the enclosure through natural leakage from holes, penetrations, cracks, etc. Note that the NFPA 2001
model assumes a sharp interface between the agent and fresh air, but some mixing and spreading of the
interface will actually occur as compared to the ISO 1452 model, which uses a wide interface. The NFPA 2001
calculation method therefore produces a conservative result. See Figure 3.
An important consideration, therefore, is the highest level of equipment, combustible materials, and other
potential fire sources within the enclosure. The descending interface should not fall below this height for the
duration of the agent hold time (i.e., the duration of protection specified in Section 2.2.5).
C.4.2.2 If continual mixing is expected to occur (e.g., due to mechanical ventilation), a descending interface
is not assumed to form. Continuous mixing of the clean agent may be necessary to maintain the required
extinguishing concentration due to combustibles located near the ceiling (e.g., combustible cables). See
Figure 4. A different set of calculations are used to determine the time that for the concentration within the
enclosure to drop from the initial concentration to the minimum concentration at the end of the hold time.
C.4.3 The door fan test will also yield measurements needed to determine the enclosure’s equivalent leakage
area. The equivalent leakage area is the combined area of cracks, joints, and other leakage sources in the
enclosure. The equivalent leakage area may be used in determining necessary relief venting (see Section
2.1.2 and Appendix D).
For existing installations, where venting is already installed, the vent performance can also be evaluated
during this test.
D.1 Introduction
A characteristic of clean agent fire protection systems is the potential overpressurization or
underpressurization of the protected enclosure, or a combination of both. Inert gases and some halocarbons
cause an immediate spike in pressure following discharge. Most halocarbons, however, are characterized
by an initial temperature drop upon discharge resulting in depressurization of the room, followed shortly by
a smaller overpressurization. As no room is completely air-tight, some natural pressure stabilization may
occur due to leakage through cracks in the walls, windows, doors, and other seals. These natural leaks all
contribute to an equivalent leakage area, which can be quantified via a door fan test. However, the rapid
change in pressure can exceed the enclosure’s natural leakage, causing the damage to the room and
allowing the clean agent to escape before fire extinguishment.
Instead of relying on an enclosure’s equivalent leakage area, which often changes over time due to
modifications or settling of the building, a better solution is an engineered venting system specific to the
enclosure and clean agent system. This venting system must limit the over/under-pressurization in the room
below the structural strength of the walls, windows, doors, etc., while simultaneously maintaining a suitable
agent concentration within the room for the specified duration.
D.5.5 Efficiency
All types of dampers limit effective free-flow area in some way. Additionally, various accessories, such as
exterior louvers, hoods, and insect screens, may further reduce the effective vent area. Relief ducts must be
sized to adjust for the collective loss of pressure in the entirety of the pressure relief system.
Venting outdoors may not be feasible, and alternative pathways can often be used. For example, venting
to an adjacent space. The secondary enclosure must be suitably large to withstand the increased pressure.
The structural integrity of both rooms must be considered: if the secondary room is not large enough for
the primary room to vent into, the walls of the primary room may be compromised. For this reason, venting
into a ceiling cavity is often not possible, as these areas are generally not large enough to relieve pressure
from the primary room. Consideration must also be given to impact of the vented gases in the secondary
space.
Cascade venting compounds the issues inherent with secondary enclosure venting. It occurs when adjacent
spaces are not large enough to accommodate the pressure from the system discharge, and multiple rooms
must be used for the vented gas. Enough of a pressure differential must exist to allow the vented gas to
flow into each subsequent space. If the necessary differential pressure is not reached and intermediary vents
do not open, there is a risk that the pressure will exceed the strength of the adjacent space(s). This pressure
differential, as well as the strength of each individual enclosure, must be considered.