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April 2012
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INDEX
This manual is written for those who are installing an AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems using HFC 227
ea as extinguishing agent.
Aguilera Extinción assumes no responsibility for the application of any systems other than those addressed in this
manual. The technical data contained herein is limited strictly for information purposes only. Aguilera Extinción
believes this data to be accurate, but it is published and presented without any guarantee or warranty whatsoever.
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are to be designed, installed, inspected, maintained, tested and
recharged by qualified, trained personnel in accordance with the following:
Standard of the national Fire Protection Association no.2001, titled Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems.
European Standard EN 15004-1, titled Gas Extinguishing Systems, Design, Installation and Maintenance.
For any questions regarding the information presented in this manual, please refer to:
HFC 227 ea fire suppression systems use pressurized equipment; therefore personnel responsible for fire
suppression systems must be aware of the risk associated with the improper handling, installation or maintenance
of this equipment.
All service personnel must be thoroughly trained in the proper handling, installation and service of HFC227 ea
equipment and follow the instructions used in this manual.
Warnings and cautions are provided within this manual at appropriate locations. These warnings and cautions are
to be followed at all times. Failure to do so may result in serious injury to personnel.
In addition, Material Safety Data Sheet for HFC 227 ea and nitrogen are provided. Personnel must be familiar with
the information contained on these data sheets.
WARNING
Pressurized (charged) cylinders are extremely hazardous and if not handled properly are capable of violent
discharge which may cause serious body injuries, death and property damage.
Read, Understand and always follow the operation and maintenance manuals, owners manuals, service manuals
that are provided with the individual systems.
Aguilera HFC 227 ea AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are designed according to the European
Standard EN 15004-1, titled Gas Extinguishing Systems, Design, Installation and Maintenance.
These systems are designed for total flooding. In any situation not covered by this manual, the application and
installation of the system must meet the requirement of the standard as stated. In any case, all installations must
meet the requirements of the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
The complexity of two-phase flow does not allow for any simple method of manual gas HFC 227 ea calculation.
Therefore, the flow calculations and design criteria described in this manual have been incorporated into a
computer software program. The calculations are based on conserving mass, energy and momentum in the pipe
network. The routine calculates the flow in quasi-steady state steps from the initiation of the discharge to the final
gas blowdown.
1.2.1 General
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are used to suppress fires in specific hazards or equipment located
where an electrically non-conductive agent is required, when agent clean up becomes a problem, where
extinguishing capability with low weight is a factor and where the hazard is normally occupied by personnel.
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are designed to protect the following type of class fires:
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are provided to protect the following type of specific hazards:
Telecommunications devices.
Process control rooms.
Data processing devices.
High value facilities (medical, industrial….).
Libraries, museums, art galleries.
Anechoic chambers.
Flammable liquid storage areas.
For other hazards beyond the above, the designer must consult with Aguilera Extincion and the Standards NFPA
2001 and EN-15004-1.
According to these Standards, HFC 227 ea shall not be used on fires involving the following materials, unless
they have been tested to the satisfaction of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
Certain chemicals or mixtures of chemicals, such as cellulose nitrate and gunpowder, that are capable of
rapid oxidation in the absence of air.
Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium and
plutonium.
Metal hydrides.
Chemicals capable of undergoing autothermal decomposition, such as certain organic peroxides and
hydrazine.
HFC 227 ea (1,1,1,2,3,3,3 – heptafluoropropane) is a compound of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen (CF3CHFCF3).
It is colorless, odorless and electrically non-conductive. It suppresses fire by a combination of chemical and
physical mechanism with a minimal effect on the available oxygen. This allow people to breathe and see,
permitting them to leave the fire are safely.
HFC-227ea’s mechanism of extinguishing fires is considered active. Its primary action is through physically cooling
the fire at the molecular level. HFC-227ea belongs to the same class of agents used in the refrigeration industry;
therefore, it is an efficient heat transfer agent. HFC-227ea removes the thermal energy from the fire to the extent
where the combustion reaction cannot sustain itself.
HFC 227 ea is acceptable for use in occupied spaces when used in accordance with the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program rules.
Although HFC 227 ea is considered non toxic for humans in the concentrations required for extinguishing most
fires, certain safety considerations should be observed when the agent is applied and handled. The agent
discharge may create a hazard to people from the decomposition agent and products, when the agent is exposed
to fire or other hot surfaces. The exposure to the agent is generally of less concern than the exposure to the
decomposition products. Unnecessary exposure to the agent or its decomposition products should be avoided.
The storage of the agent is in steel containers at 610 PSIG at 70 ºF (42 bar at 21 ºC) as a liquid with dry nitrogen
added to improve the discharge flow and characteristics.
HFC-227ea systems shall NOT be used on fires involving the following materials.
Chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that are capable of rapid oxidation in the absence of air.
Examples include Cellulose Nitrate and Gunpowder.
Reactive metals such as Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Titanium, Zirconium, Uranium,
and Plutonium
Metal hydrides such as Sodium Hydride and Lithium Aluminum Hydride
Chemicals capable of undergoing auto-thermal decomposition. Examples include Organic Peroxides
and Hydrazine.
Although HFC-227ea is considered to be non-toxic, limitations to exposure may exist. Consult EN 15004-5, ISO
14520, NFPA Standard 2001, or the appropriate national standard to determine if such limitations exist.
The following definitions are commonly used to describe exposure limitations.
NOAEL – No Observed Adverse Effect Level. This is the highest concentration at which no adverse
toxicological or physiological effect has been observed. For HFC-227ea Systems, the NOAEL
concentration is 9% by volume.
LOAEL – Lowest Observable Adverse Effect Level. This is the lowest concentration at which an
adverse toxicological or physiological effect has been observed. For HFC-227ea Systems, the LOAEL
concentration is 10.5% by volume.
WARNING: The discharge of HFC-227ea Systems to extinguish a fire can result in potential hazards to personnel.
These may include the natural form of the agent, or the products of combustion, that result from exposure of the
agent to the fire or hot surfaces. Unnecessary exposure of personnel to the natural agent or the products of
decomposition from a fire should be avoided.
The requirement for pre-discharge alarms and time delays is intended to prevent unnecessary exposure to humans
where their presence is not critical to the operation of the area. Suitable safeguards shall be provided to ensure
prompt evacuation of [and prevent entry into] all protected areas after discharge.
1.2.4 Toxicity
With a database in excess of seventy toxicity tests, HFC-227ea has been extensively tested and approved by
institutions and agencies around the world. The LC50 toxicity rating for HFC-227ea is greater than 800,000ppm.
When you consider that most HFC-227ea systems are designed for concentrations providing 105,000ppm or less,
it is evident that HFC-227ea is safe to use.
HFC-227ea will decompose to form halogen acids when exposed to extremely high temperatures. The formation
of these acids is minimized by proper system design and installation of the piping system to deliver the agent
quickly. The generation of by-products from the HFC-227ea discharge will be minimal when properly applied.
1.2.5 Noise
The high-pressure discharge from the nozzle(s) of a system can cause noise that is loud enough to be startling, but
ordinarily insufficient to cause traumatic injury.
1.2.6 Turbulence
The high velocity discharge from the nozzle(s) can be sufficient enough to dislodge substantial objects located
directly in the discharge path. Enough general turbulence may be created within the enclosure to move unsecured
paper and light objects.
1.2.7 Chilling
Direct contact with the vaporizing agent being discharged from the nozzle(s) will have a chilling effect on objects
and can cause frostbite burns to the skin. The liquid phase vaporizes rapidly when mixed with air, thus limiting the
hazard to the immediate vicinity of the discharge nozzle.
1.2.8 Visibility
Although HFC-227ea is odorless, discharging the agent into a humid atmosphere may cause a reduction in visibility
for a brief period of time due to condensation of water vapor normally present in the room atmosphere.
The normal operating pressure of AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems is 42 bar @ 21oC. This is
accomplished by adding a charge of nitrogen to the HFC-227ea after filling the container. Since these are
pressurized vessels, care must be observed when handling, filling, and transporting storage containers. Refer to
the appropriate transportation requirements for the area in which the system is being installed for guidance
regarding marking, transportation methods, etc.
Automatic Operation, where the system is operated automatically by means of a detection and control
system. Everyone must evacuate the hazard are promptly upon hearing the pre-discharge alarm. Make
sure no one enters the hazard area and call the fire department immediately.
Local Manual Operation, although is not part of normal system actuation and should only be used in an
emergency as a last resort. The following steps are to be taken:
1. To locate the proper cylinder for the hazard to be protected. In case of several cylinders and
hazards, appropriate signal must be used.
2. To remove the safety pull pin from the cylinder control head.
3. To operate the manual lever, following the instructions on the lever or control head nameplate.
4. To leave the hazard immediately.
5. To allow no one to enter the hazard area and call the fire department immediately.
In case of post-fire operation, the maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. For cylinder recharge,
return all cylinders to an Aguilera official distributor or other qualified refill agency. Both operations must be
performed according to the procedures outlined in chapter 5 (Maintenance).
The storage of the agent is in steel containers at 610 PSIG at 70 ºF (42 bar at 21 ºC) as a liquid with dry nitrogen
added to improve the discharge flow and characteristics.
The cylinder valve assembly is equipped with a supervisory pressure switch connection (pressure switch is
optional), a pressure gauge and a safety burst disc.
In addition, each cylinder valve assembly is provided with a safety cap and a protection cap to prevent
uncontrolled and accidental discharge.
The electric control head provides the electric actuation of the cylinder valve. It is operated electrically from a
detection and control system or a remote manual station.
The lever control head allows the manual operation of the cylinder valve. It is equipped with an operating lever,
secured in the closed position by a safety pull pin. When removing the safety pin, the lever can easily be moved
to the open position, thereby activating the cylinder valve on which it is installed
The pressure operated control head allows the pressure operation of the cylinder valve through the pilot pressure.
It is used in multiple cylinder systems. Pilot pressure is directed to a pressure operated control head on each
cylinder valve using a flexible actuation hose.
It is a pressure indicator provided to indicate the pressure in the agent storage container.
The flexible actuation hose is used in multiple cylinder systems to direct the pilot pressure to a pressure operated
control head on each cylinder valve.
The HFC 227 ea is routed from the storage cylinders to the discharge piping by a flexible rubbered cover hose
with wire braided reinformcements. The hose is connected to the discharge outlet of the cylinder valve and ends
at the system piping or discharge manifold.
Tees, elbows and adapters connect actuation hoses to pressure operated control heads in multiple cylinder
system installations.
Check Valves are required for all HFC-227ea Containers connected in a manifold arrangement. NFPA 2001,
Section 2-1.3.5 requires all containers connected to a manifold have an automatic, mechanical, means of
preventing agent loss from an open leg of a manifold if the system is activated while a container is removed for
maintenance. Therefore, the Check Valves are required for each container in a manifold arrangement.
3.2.8 Manifold
The connection manifold is optional. The construction of the manifold is according to the design calculations. The
material used is :
It is a component, normally mounted on the discharge manifold (our standard manifold has the adapter mounted
on it) although it could be mounted on any part of the distribution pipe.
It has internally a mechanical device which is moved by the gas pressure when a discharge is activated and then
it is activating an electrical connection which send an electric signal to the control panel.
The radial type (360 º). With 7 different sizes (1/4” ; 3/8” ; ½” ; ¾” ; 1” ; 1 ¼” ; 1 ½”). The coverage is 9 x 9 (m)
The jet type (180 º). With 6 different sizes (3/8” ; ½” ; ¾” ; 1” ; 1 ¼” ; 1 ½”). The coverage is 7 x 3 (m)
The Hazard Type generally falls into one of the three following categories, and sometimes a combination thereof.
The designer must be aware of the Hazard Type to determine the correct design concentration, agent quantity, etc.
The three Hazard Types are:
Class “A” (wood, paper, cloth – anything that leaves an ash residue after combustion)
Class “B” (flammable liquids)
Class “C” (electrical)
The following is a guideline to be used in determining the proper agent concentration percentage for the hazard(s)
being protected. For combinations of fuels (hazard types) the design value for the fuel requiring the greatest
concentration MUST be used.
Systems protecting hazards containing Class A flammable materials can generally be designed for a 7.9%
concentration.
Systems protecting hazards containing Class B Flammable Liquids MUST be designed for the highest
concentration required of the specific fuels listed. Therefore, the designer must perform an audit of the hazard
space to identify the flammable liquids involved and their associated design concentrations. The fuel that requires
the highest concentration shall be the one that determines the design concentration for the hazard.
The following are safety recommendations as outlined in EN 15004-1. The designer must be aware of the
occupancy of the hazard(s) being protected as they complete their evaluation of the project and make adjustments
or recommendations as necessary.
The minimum safety precautions provided shall be in accordance with the following table. (Reference: ISO
14520-1)
Table 5: Minimum safety precautions for HFC 227 ea in normally occupied areas
The maximum concentration shall not exceed the LOAEL (10.5%) unless a lock-off valve is provided. (Reference:
ISO 14520-1)
Systems that are designed to exceed the NOAEL (9.0%) should be installed in accordance with NFPA 2001 or
ISO 14520.
The maximum concentration may exceed the LOAEL (10.5%) without the need for a lock-off valve. (Reference:
ISO 14520-1)
WARNING: Any change to the enclosure volume, or addition or removal of fixed contents not included in the
original design will affect the concentration if the system is discharged.
The first step in designing the HFC-227ea system is to determine the volume of the space(s) being protected. The
volume is calculated by multiplying the length x width x height of the space. Sometimes it is necessary to divide the
protected space into smaller segments due to the configuration of the space. Each smaller segment is then added
together to determine the total volume.
As a general rule, the volume used to calculate the quantity of HFC-227ea required should be based on the empty
(gross) volume. Additional considerations include:
The volume taken by solid, non-permeable, and non-removable objects can be deducted from the protected
volume
Any volume that is open to the space being protected must be added (i.e. non-dampered ductwork, uncloseable
openings, etc.)
NOTE: Any object that can be removed from the protected space CANNOT be deducted from the volume.
The next step in designing the HFC-227ea system is to determine the base quantity of agent required to provide
the desired concentration within the hazard(s) being protected. This calculation must be based upon two important
criteria: the lowest expected ambient temperature, and the design concentration as discussed in Sections 2.2.1,
2.2.2, and 2.2.3.
To determine the agent quantity needed to produce the design concentration level, the Hazard Volume is multiplied
by the factors as determined in the formula below. (Reference: ISO 14520)
V C
M= -- (-----------)
S 100 – C
S = k 1 + k 2 (t)
Where: k 1 = 0,1269 k 2 = 0,000513 t = temperature (o C)
NOTE: The equation to calculate S is an approximation. In ISO 14520-9 should be used to calculate the amount of
agent required for a specific volume.
NOTE: As an alternative, the table on the next page has been compiled to make it an easier process for the
system designer. The information provided is derived from the formulas shown above.
The design quantity of HFC-227ea shall be adjusted to compensate for ambient pressures that vary more than
eleven percent [equivalent to approximately 1000m of elevation change] from standard sea level pressures [1,013
bar absolute].
The amount of agent required must be adjusted using the correction factors shown below to compensate for these
effects. (Reference: ISO 14520)
The next step is to determine the expected concentration level at the maximum temperature for the hazard(s).
This is a necessary step when designing systems for occupied spaces to properly evaluate the system
requirements discussed in Section 2.3.
The expected concentration can be determined by applying the following formula.
C = (100 x W x S) / (V + V x S)
Where:
W= Agent Weight in lbs. (kg)
M= Agent Weight in kg
V= Hazard Volume m 3
C= Design Concentration, % by volume
S= Specific Vapor in m 3/kg
S = k1 + k2 (t)
Where: k 1 = 0,1269 k2 = 0,000513 t = temperature (ºC)
The physical characteristics of the protected space(s) must be taken into consideration when designing an
HFC-227ea system. The area of uncloseable openings must be kept to a minimum to prevent loss of agent into
adjacent areas – thus reducing the effectiveness of the system to extinguish a fire. Simply adding more agent is
neither practical, nor effective. Therefore, all openings must be sealed or equipped with automatic closures.
Forced-air ventilating systems shall be shut down or closed automatically where their continued operation would
adversely affect the ability of the system to extinguish a fire. Completely self-contained recirculating ventilation
systems are not required to be shutdown, but recommended. Dampers should be of the “low smoke” or 100%
closing type to ensure an adequate seal and prevent leakage. Where the ventilation system is not shutdown or
dampered, the volume of the associated ductwork and ventilation unit(s) shall be considered as part of the total
hazard volume when determining the amount of agent needed.
All enclosures must be sealed in order to achieve and maintain the desired concentration for a period of time that is
sufficient for emergency personnel to respond. Under normal circumstances, the agent will extinguish the fire
rapidly, thereby limiting the potential for fire damage and the creation of dangerous products of decomposition.
Therefore, it is critical that the protected space is constructed to prevent any leakage from the protected space(s).
The general guidelines for controlling leakage from the hazard are as follows:
Doors – All doors entering and/or exiting from the perimeter of the protected space(s) should have drop
seals on the bottom, weather-stripping around the jams, latching mechanisms and door closure hardware.
In addition, double doors should have a weather-stripped astragal to prevent leakage between the doors,
and a coordinator to assure the proper sequence of closure. Doors that cannot be kept normally closed
shall be equipped with door closure hardware and magnetic door holders that will release the door(s) upon
a system alarm.
Ductwork – All ductwork leading into, or out of, the protected space(s) should be isolated with sealed, “low
smoke” dampers. Dampers should be spring-loaded or motor-operated to provide 100% air shutoff upon
activation.
Air Handling/Ventilation – It is recommended that all air handling/ventilation units be shutdown upon alarm
to prevent leakage into other areas. If the air handling unit(s) cannot be shutdown, the volume of the
associated ductwork must be added to the total volume of the protected space, and agent must be added
to compensate for the additional volume.
Penetrations – All holes, cracks, gaps or penetrations of the perimeter walls defining the hazard area(s)
must be sealed. Less obvious areas of leakage include wire trays, pipe chases, and floor drains. Make
certain that floor drains have traps filled with a non-evaporating product to prevent leakage.
Walls – All perimeter walls that define the hazard area(s) should extend slab-to-slab, and each should be
sealed top and bottom on the interior side. Where walls do not extend slab-to-slab, bulkheads will have to
be installed to achieve the desired sealing characteristics.
Block Walls – Porous block walls must be sealed or the HFC-227ea agent will leak through.
A room integrity fan pressurization test is an accepted means of determining how long the protected space will hold
the agent (concentration) after a discharge. In conjunction with testing the integrity of the room, the test has a
program that predicts the performance of the HFC-227ea system so that the Authority Having Jurisdiction can
determine if the system has been designed and installed properly.
The room integrity fan pressurization test must be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements,
and ISO 14520-1, annex E.
Generally, the selection of containers is determined by the amount of HFC-227ea required vs. the approved fill
ranges for the various container sizes. However, additional factors such as the System Design Concept,
container storage location, and flow calculation limitations may have an impact on this decision as well.
All containers must be filled within the allowable fill range mandated by EEC or EN1964, depending on the
container type being used.
The type and location of the storage container is based on several considerations.
1 Agent Quantity – The agent storage container(s) selected must have the capacity to store the total quantity
of agent required for the system.
2 System Type – An area might be protected by several smaller containers with independent nozzles, or it
might be protected by a large capacity container that is discharged through a piping network of 2, 4, or
more nozzles.
3 Extent of Piping – In systems having an unusually large piping system, the pressure drop may be too great
for the location or configuration selected. In some cases, it may be necessary to relocate the container(s)
closer to the hazard area(s) being protected. It may also be necessary to sub- divide the piping network
into smaller configurations with separate containers.
4 Container Type – Consideration should be given to the container type required for the installation.
5 Serviceability – In general, the larger the container, the more difficult it will be to remove it from the system
for maintenance and service. However, smaller containers that are located in a sub-floor space, under a
computer bank, or above the ceiling over the same computer bank can be difficult as well.
6 Floor Loading – This factor must be considered when selecting a container location. Excessive floor
loading may require relocating the container(s) to a more suitable location.
7 Proximity – HFC-227ea Containers should be located as close as possible to, or within the hazard that they
protect.
8 Environmental Effects – DO NOT locate containers where they would be subject to physical damage,
exposure to corrosive chemicals, or harsh weather conditions
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems are approved for a service temperature range of -20oC to 50oC.
Nozzle(s) are determined using the following factors: amount of HFC-227ea required (flow rate) vs. the flow rate
capabilities of the nozzle(s), area coverage, nozzle placement, discharge path obstructions, etc. all of these factors
will have an impact on this decision.
Pendant nozzles may be used in all enclosures where overhead ceiling nozzles are preferred or the dimensions
restrict the use of an In-Cabinet nozzle.
Nozzle Area Coverage must also be considered when designing a FIRERASER System. Each nozzle type (180o or
360o) has been UL listed and FM approved for the maximum area coverage limitations listed below. The maximum
area coverage is expressed as a radius (“R”) of coverage along the discharge axis for both nozzle types.
Nozzles can be located a maximum of 0.3m below the ceiling. Additionally, 180 o Nozzles can be placed a
maximum of 0.3m away from the sidewall.
Walls, partitions, dense equipment racks, and tall equipment can make area coverage obstructions for nozzle
discharges. For this reason, the discharge “path” of the nozzles must also be taken into account when
determining the quantity of nozzles required.
Anytime solid obstructions extend to where they could interfere with the “line-of-sight” discharge path from the
nozzle, they should be treated as separate areas. All nozzles should be located in a manner that will provide a
clear discharge path that reaches all of the outer extremes for the protected space.
AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems has been tested to define the limitations necessary to accurately
predict how the system will perform when discharged. The Tee orientation is an important characteristic in
maintaining consistency of flow split percentages. Therefore, a simple rule MUST be observed concerning tee
orientation: EVERY OUTLET of every tee MUST be orientated in the horizontal plane.
The system installation must comply with the requirements of this manual; NFPA 2001, latest edition; all applicable
local codes, regulations, and standards and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
The following sections provide pictorial clarification and procedures for the correct installation and mounting
positions of AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems containers and associated hardware.
Make certain that each container has been installed in the correct location. Each container should have a
nameplate with an identifying part number. Check the container part number against those listed on the system
plans to verify their locations.
Containers should be located in clean, dry, and relatively vibration-free areas. Avoid aisle ways and other high
traffic areas where physical damage or tampering is more likely. Containers should never be mounted where the
container could potentially be splashed with, or submerged in, any liquid.
Container brackets must be mounted securely to solid load-bearing surfaces that will support the container load.
Some installations may require additional mounting support not supplied by Fike.
All containers are supplied with mounting brackets that must be secured to a solid, load-bearing surface using the
appropriate number of fasteners. These containers can be floor or wall mounted in the vertical (valve up) or horizontal
position.
NOTE: Horizontally mounted container must be oriented with Actuation Port facing up.
CAUTION: These containers have siphon tubes. DO NOT mount the containers in the inverted (valve down)
position. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in an incomplete discharge.
The checkout procedures outlined in this section are intended to represent the minimum requirements AEX
Engineered Fire Suppression Systems. These procedures do not preclude those required by ISO 14520, and/or
the authority having jurisdiction.
The detection & control portion of the system should be thoroughly checked out according to the manufacturer's
recommendations and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
The area dimensions should be checked against those shown on the system plan(s). If the area volume has
changed, the required agent weight should be recalculated and compared with the agent weight supplied.
The area should also be checked for walls or movable partitions that have been added or changed. If walls or
partitions have been added, check to see that all areas within the hazard still receive adequate nozzle coverage
and agent distribution.
The hazard area should be checked for openings which could allow agent leakage after system discharge.
Openings such as cable and duct penetrations into the area should be permanently sealed.
Other sources of leakage should be checked for and sealed, especially in subfloor areas, where potential leak
points are easily overlooked. Door(s) entering the hazard area(s) should be checked for tightness. Door seals and
door sweeps should be installed to minimize leakage. Joints where walls contact floors, or other walls, should be
sealed as these are potential leak points most often overlooked. Wall switch and receptacle boxes should be
sealed. Sub-floor drains must have “P”- traps and be sealed with a non-evaporating liquid, such as anti-freeze or
mineral oil. All penetrations between floors must be sealed.
Door fan testing provides a method to evaluate room enclosure leakage and determine the system’s ability to
establish and maintain the design concentration after discharge. The calculation method provided makes it
possible to predict the time it will take for a descending interface to fall to a given height or, for the continually mixed
cases, the time for the concentration to fall to a given percentage concentration.
Enclosure integrity testing is not intended to verify other aspects of Clean Agent system reliability; e.g., hardware
operability, agent mixing, hydraulic calculations, and piping integrity.
This procedure is limited to door fan technology. Discharge testing is generally not recommended; but may be
required by the authority having jurisdiction.
The door fan testing procedure should not be considered to be an exact model of a discharge test. The complexity
of this procedure should not obscure the fact that most failures to hold concentration are due to the leaks in the
lower surfaces of the enclosure, but the door fan does not differentiate between upper and lower leaks. The door
fan provides a worst-case leakage estimate that is very useful for enclosures with complex hidden leaks, but will
generally require more sealing than is necessary to pass a discharge test. (Refer to NFPA 2001, Appendix C; or
ISO 14520, Annex E)
The following maintenance procedures and intervals indicated are meant to represent the minimum requirements
for AEX Engineered Fire Suppression Systems. These procedures do not preclude those required by ISO 14520,
and/or the authority having jurisdiction. More frequent service intervals may be necessary if systems are installed
in more severe service applications. This section does not cover maintenance and service procedures for the
electrical and control portions of the system. Consult the appropriate product manuals for those products.
Every Year:
Same as six month inspection. The piping should also be blown out with compressed air or nitrogen to check for
obstructions.
Table 10: Pressure vs Temperature for HFC 227 ea (pressurized with N2 at 42 bar)
60
50
Temperature (ºC)
40
30 Serie1
20
10
0
0 4 10 16 21 27 32 38 43 49 54
Press ure (barg)
Figure 24: Pressure vs Temperature for HFC 227 ea pressurized with N2 at 42 bar)
WARNING: The control panel must be disabled BEFORE removing any container to be weighed.
The valve will need to be reconditioned using the appropriate reload kit after the container has been discharged. If
the container has not discharged and a leaking valve needs to be reconditioned, the contents of the container
must be transferred to another container before reconditioning the valve.
WARNING: Container contents are under high pressure. NEVER attempt to recondition the valve until the
contents have been transferred and the pressure gauge reads 0 bar. Care should be taken when handling valve
components to avoid damage of any kind.
Systems that utilize a remote nitrogen actuator for system release must adhere to the following maintenance
Containers shall be subjected to periodical tests as required by the relevant national standard. This may or may
not include hydrostatic pressure testing after a system discharge – or for systems
SEDE CENTRAL
C/ Julián Camarillo, 26 – 2ª Planta – 28037 Madrid – Tel: 91 754 55 11 – Fax: 91 754 50 98
DELEGACIÓN NORDESTE
C/ Rafael de Casanovas, 7 y 9.- Sant Adrià de Besòs – 08930 Barcelona
Tel: 93 381 08 04 – Fax: 93 381 07 58
DELEGACIÓN LEVANTE
Avda. Mediterránea 46 – San Juan de Enova – 46669 Valencia
Tel: 628 92 70 56 – Fax: 91 754 50 98
DELEGACIÓN NOROESTE
C/ José Luis Bugallal Marchesi, 9– 15008 A Coruña – Tel: 98 114 02 42 – Fax: 98 114 24 62
DELEGACIÓN SUR
C/ Industria, 5 –Edificio Metropol 3, 3ª Planta, Mod.17. P.I.S.A.- 41927 Mairena del Aljarafe, Sevilla
Tel: 95 465 65 88 – Fax: 95 465 71 71
DELEGACIÓN CANARIAS
C/ Sao Paulo, 17. Pol. Ind. El Sebadal – 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canarias – Tel: 928 24 45 80 – Fax: 928 24 65 72