Fire suppression systems

One of the seemingly brightest new products currently available is
the 3M Clean Extinguishing Agent CEA-410, a fully fluorinated
organic compound, known as a group as perfluoroalkanes. Just to
provide some technical data, CEA-410 has been tested in total flood
applications similar to Halon 1301 pressurized to 360 psi with
nitrogen on Class A and B fires. The performance of CEA-410 at 6.6
volume percent was equal to that of Halon 1301 at 5 volume percent.
On a weight basis, CEA-410 requires about twice the amount of Halon
1301. CEA-410 has an ozone depletion potential of 0, but does have a
high global warming potential. 3M suggests that CEA-410, however,
will have little impact on global warming because of the small
quantities expected to be lost into the atmosphere.

One of the selling features seems to be very low toxicity of
CEA-410, with the acute toxicity being greater than 800,000 ppm. It
is safe for occupied space use. It is non-conductive and considered
inert.

While I haven't kept up with regulatory approvals or listings,
CEA-410 had been submitted to UL and FM several months ago. It is
incorporated in NFPA 2001 (Clean Agent Standard) and, I believe, has
its EPA SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Policy) approval.

3M is licensing the use of CEA-410 to other companies and, I have
heard that there is the potential for retrofitting existing halon
systems. In fact, I understand that 3M has developed a computer
program to specify changes in valves, nozzles, pressure, etc.

I also understand that 3M can help provide contacts for halon
recycling.

Individuals wanting more technical information might contact

    Dale Kent
    3M Specialty Chemicals Division
    3M Center
    Building 223-6S-04
    St. Paul, MN  55144-1000
    612-733-4931

Hope this is of use,

Mike Trinkley
Chicora Foundation

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 8:86
                 Distributed: Saturday, April 29, 1995
                        Message Id: cdl-8-86-004
                                  ***