|
Frequently Asked Questions about Halon 1301
Chemically - BTM (bromotrifluoromethane) 1301: An excellent fire extinguishing
agent (gas) currently installed in thousands of locations throughout the world
protecting sensitive electronic equipment, typically found in computer rooms,
telecommunications centres, data processing environments, aviation and may
other places. -
top^ -
Yes and some are used in Fire Protection. Where could you find others? - As refrigerant
gases. -
top^ -
An agreement reached by signatory nations in Montreal Canada on the 16 September 1987
(amended twice since signing). As part of the United Nations Environmental Program, a goal has been set to initially control and further eliminate global emissions of ozone depleting chemical
compounds.
Problem chemicals were defined into a list and a time set for their removal from production together with the agreement to ban certain products that could also introduce Ozone Depleting chemicals into the
atmosphere. See www.worldbank.org/montrealprotocol.
The timescale set for the cessation of production of these chemicals was effectively the end of 1993 in the developed world and 2010 in developing
countries. -
top^ -
Following in the footsteps of the Montreal Protocol the Kyoto Protocol was agreed on the 10 December 1997 and committed the parties to specific reductions in the release of Global Warming
Gases. The most significant for the fire protection industry being Carbon Dioxide and hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs). -
top^ -
They are ozone depleting substances used in fire extinguishant systems, refrigeration and air conditioning equipment including chlorofluorocarbons and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons, collectively referred to as CFCs. This group of chemicals has been demonstrated to be harmful to the
environment, specifically the stratospheric ozone layer. -
top^ -
As a CFC based gas, Halon 1301 and 1211 are ozone depleting agents. Their release to atmosphere during
manufacture, decanting to application cylinders and use or misuse in service has contributed to the depletion of the ozone
layer. They also have a long atmospheric life. -
top^ -
The new EC Regulation 2037/2000 came into force on 1 October 2000 and states:- -
New halons cannot be used for refilling existing
systems. -
Recovered, recycled or reclaimed halon 1301 / 1211 can only be used in existing systems until 31st December 2002. After this date no refilling can take
place. -
Mandatory decommissioning of fire extinguishing systems with halons must be completed before 31st December 2003. -
top^ -
The regulations will make it compulsory to safely dispose of any Halon
recovered. This will include banking for organisations who are exempt and have "Critical Uses" which will continue. -
top^ -
Owners and users of halon with "Critical Uses" may be able to claim exemption if broadly speaking the application is within the aircraft
industry, military / armed forces, petrochemical industry and some marine
applications. Use that can claim to be connected with national security. -
top^ -
No, not directly but there are alternatives and one in particular is very similar in its installation and
operation. It may also be possible to reuse some or all of your existing mechanical pipework
installation. -
top^ -
The nearest alternative replacement extinguishing agent is FM200® -
top^ -
Yes, you should evaluate all the available alternatives including whether you need a replacement at all. -
top^ -
This will depend upon many factors - primarily the size of the installation but other factors will have a significant effect on the cost of
replacement. Some of these you will already have the answer to - Can the installation take place in normal working
hours, is the existing space occupied by the Halon equipment sufficient accommodate the new
equipment, Finally - Does the supplier offer a cost effective service that produces value for money over the life of the system. Don't be taken in by cheaper quotes that have hidden cost of ownership clauses - yes even today there are companies still selling in this
manner.
For a very approximate guide to the costs - please fill in our price request
form. -
top^ -
|
