Halons are considered environmentally-friendly chemicals, yet their production was banned in 1994 due to their potential to deplete ozone layers and contribute to global warming.
Companies using Halon fire suppression systems must find less harmful alternatives that won’t pollute the environment; there are plenty of choices available.
Halon Refill
Halon gas is a non-flammable, odorless and tasteless liquid fire suppression agent. It works by disrupting the chemical chain reaction that fuels fires to stop it altogether, leaving no residue behind.
Halon was widely used during the 1940s and 50s due to its effective and non-toxic characteristics; however, due to being classified as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), in 1987 the United States signed the Montreal Protocol in order to protect stratospheric ozone layers; consequently production and use were banned; finally in 1994 it had to be banned due to global agreements against Chlorofluorocarbon (CFCs).
Businesses using systems with halon must explore alternatives. Thankfully, many modern alternatives to halon are more cost-effective, safer and environmentally friendly. Examples include Novec 1230 and FM-200 systems as well as Koorsen’s inert natural gas system.
Although EPA regulations prohibit venting of halon during testing, maintenance, repair or technician training with equipment, or technician training sessions; de minimis releases are permitted by this agency.
Furthermore, businesses can legally purchase used halon through Halon Banks or recyclers that reclaim it through filtration, separation or distillation for safe recycling practices; The Halon Alternatives Research Corporation also coordinates a Recycling Code of Practice which helps companies do so responsibly.
Halon Alternatives
Halon once reigned supreme when it came to fire suppression chemicals, but over time its harmful impact on Earth’s ozone layer became clear. Production and usage were therefore phased out according to Montreal Protocol regulations in 1994.
Since halon’s introduction, many alternative clean agent chemicals have been created for use in similar applications as it. Not only must these meet ICAO performance requirements for aircraft fire suppression, they must also have low ODP and GWP ratings.
One popular Halon replacement fluid is 3M Novec 1230 fluid, an HFC compound which works by cooling fires. Another viable Halon alternative is FM-200 which meets similar ozone depletion regulations and shares many of the same firefighting properties as Halon.
Both agents can effectively extinguish both liquid fuel (Class B) and gaseous fires (Class C), while remaining safe for electrical equipment. As such, these clean agents have found widespread application such as computer server rooms, data centers, museums and telecom switch rooms – as halon costs continue to skyrocket. With more users switching over, distributors that offer competitive prices for refilling your Halon systems should become increasingly more important.
Halon Extinguishers
Halon (also known as bromochlorodifluoromethane or Freon 12B1) is an extremely effective fire suppressant used on aircraft engine rooms, cargo compartments, handheld extinguishers and lavatories. Stored as a liquid under pressure it then vaporizes when discharged to fight fires – leaving no trace or residue behind!
Electrically nonconductive and leaving no corrosive buildups behind when discharged it has proven highly cost effective across a variety of environmental conditions with acceptable levels of toxicity being achieved.
Halon fire suppression systems differ from most others by chemically reacting with all three of the elements fueling fire: oxygen, ignition and fuel. As a result, Halon can stop fire in its tracks and prevent further outbreaks from returning; furthermore it’s very effective against flammable liquids and gases commonly found in office spaces, cockpits and avionics areas.
Halons 1301 and 1211 production was discontinued due to their ozone depleting effects, contributing to global warming, in 1994. Therefore, existing Halon systems and fire extinguishers can only be recharged using recycled Halons.
Fire suppression industry professionals have spent years searching for safer alternatives to Halons that do not deplete ozone levels, with successful replacement chemicals having low environmental impacts, acceptable levels of toxicity and clean discharge properties as well as firefighting performance comparable to or better than that provided by Halons systems.
Halon Recharge
Halon became so widely used for fire suppression systems during the 80’s and 90’s due to both its physical and chemical effects on fires. Halon inhibits combustion atomically by disrupting gas exchange chains within flames; additionally it cools off areas by altering heat distribution patterns.
Halon can effectively stop fires by displace oxygen, stopping any flame’s ability to ignite. Furthermore, it protects electrical equipment effectively as there are no residue residue left behind, which helps avoid contamination of data or expensive machinery from costly incidents.
Halon 1301 gas has never directly caused anyone any harm; however, inhalation of high concentrations can present certain concerns, including frostbite and central nervous system disruption (like dizziness or tingling sensations). Higher levels of exposure could even cause suffocation.
Although Halon 1301 systems do not fall under legal regulations for removal or replacement, you may need to find another agent. Clean agents such as FE-36 or other hydrochlorofluorocarbons like FM 200, ECARO 25 and Novec 1230 could provide suitable alternatives that do not deplete the ozone layer and can still perform similarly in applications as Halon 1301.
While Halon Refill remains a legal option under specific regulations, remember, prioritizing eco-friendly alternatives іs the responsible choice for long-term ozone protection.
Also read: Know How Alcohol Affects Your Overall Health
