FIKE HALON 1301 SYSTEM CONTAINERS AND VALVES

Electrical conduit may be connected to the container in one of two ways (See Figure III.6)

Method # l is preferred for 125 lb. and 215 lb. spherical style containers so that the junction box is easily accessed. Method #2 is desirable for all other container styles because it simplifies maintenance and service functions when removing the initiator. Care should be taken when installing the junction boxes and conduit to insure that the retainer nut does not move on 1" and 2 1/2" style valves (See Figure6.)

The container must have an agent release module, which is supplied. The agent release module is mounted in the container junction box by means of an adhesive strip located on the back of the module. Do not mount the A.R.M. to the junction box lid.

System wiring will vary from system to system and depending on the type of control system used. Consult system plans and the appropriate control manuals for specific system wiring information.

III.6.1 INITIATOR INSTALLATION

Read and understand this section before attempting to install initiators.

All system components must be installed, and the electrical and control systems thoroughly checked out by a factory trained technician as outlined in Section IV before proceeding with the initiator installation.

Initiators are small pyrotechnic devices that can cause bodily injury and equipment damage if improperly handled. Read and understand this entire section before installing initiators. Accidental activation will not occur when the procedures in this section are followed.

Initiators employed in the Fike System are widely used in industrial applications and must be respected for their extremely fast response and the possibility of accidental detonation. When initiators are handled properly, accidental detonation will not occur.

Safety procedures which should be observed when handling initiators are as follows:

1. Control panel must be disabled prior to servicing.
2. Initiators must remain shunted at all times until installed into a thoroughly checked-out Fike System.
3. When handling or installing initiators, approved eye protection must be worn.
4. Never handle, or have in your possession, more than one initiator at any given time.
5. Do not handle these devices when wearing static producing clothes or shoes.
6. Do not expose initiators to high heat sources as this may greatly affect the service life.
7. Do not check initiator continuity with any type of ohm meter or other device.
8. If an initiator is suspected of being defective, return it to the factory or Fike distributor for proper disposal.
9. Two types of initiator assemblies are used. One type is used for 1" and 2 1/2" discharge valves. The other type is used in 3" discharge valves. Each type has it's own thread size and should only be used for the valve size intended.
10. Do not install initiators if ground faults are present in the system.
11. Do not install initiators if voltage is present on conduit or equipment.
12. Do not install initiator if radio transmitters are being used in nearby areas.
13. Connect initiator leads only after the assembly has been installed in the container discharge valve.

After the electrical and control systems have been checked out, proceed with the initiator installation step by step as follows:

The Containers Are Now Armed!

Every three months:

Check the pressure gauge of each container. If the pressure is less than 350 PSIG at 70ºF, the container should be removed, weighed, and recharged as necessary. The container pressure will vary directly with temperature. In the range of 55º F to 85º F this change is approximately 3 PSI per degree. Refer to Table V.3 "Container Pressure versus Temperature."

Every six months:

The containers should be removed and weighed to verify the correct Halon 1301 weight stamped on the label. If the weight shortage is greater than 5% of the correct weight the container must be recharged.

If the container has a liquid level indicator installed, this verification can be made without the need for cylinder removal.

When removing the container for weighing, the control system must be in the "disabled" position and the initiators shunted and removed.

Reinstall the containers and initiators according to the Procedures in the system installation section of this manual.

After the container has been discharged, the valve will need to be reconditioned using the appropriate reload kit.

If the container was not discharged, and a leaky valve needs to be reconditioned, the contents of the container should be emptied or transferred to another container before reconditioning the valve.

Container contents are under high pressure, therefore, never attempt to rebuild the valve until the contents are emptied and the pressure gauge reads 0 PSIG.

V.3.1.1 1" IN VALVE (5 lb., 10 lb., 20 lb., 35 lb., 60 lb., and 100 lb. containers)

To recondition the 1" valve refer to Figure V.3.1.1 for pictorial clarification and identification of valve parts and the following steps:

The container is now ready for recharging.

V.3.2.2 2 1/2" VALVE (70-041, 125 lb., and 70-077, 215 lb. containers)

To recondition the 2 1/2" valve, refer to Figure V.3.1.2 for pictorial clarification and identification of valve parts and the following steps:

The container is now ready for recharging.

V.3.1.3 3" VALVE (70-087, 215 lb., 375 lb., 650 lb., and 1000lb. Containers)

To recondition the 3" valve, refer to Figure V.3.1.3 for pictorial clarification and identification of valve parts and the following steps:

The container is now ready for recharge.

V. 4 INITIATORS
WARNING:

Initiators are small pyrotechnic devices that can cause bodily injury and equipment damage if improperly handled. Refer to Section III.6.1 for proper handling of initiators.

Before checking or servicing initiators, move the "armed/disabled" switch on the system control panel to the "disabled" position. Allow ten minutes for the capacitors the initiator modules to dissipate their charge.

Check initiator leads and wiring to initiator modules for corrosion. Also, check for loose or broken wires.

Replace initiators. Refer to Section III.6.1 for initiator installation.

V.5 CONTAINER TEST AND INSPECTION

Halon 1301 containers shall not be recharged without a retest if more than five years have elapsed since the last test. The retest consists of a complete external and internal visual inspection in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, Section 173.34(e)(10). The C.F.R. requirements also refer you to the Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet C-6, Section 3.

Cylinders continuously in service without discharging shall be given a complete external visual inspection every five years. The cylinder does not need to be emptied for this inspection.

All visual inspections must be performed according to the regulations of C.F.R. Title 49, and C.G.A. Pamphlet C-6, Section 3. All inspections are to be done by C.G.A./D.O.T. approved inspectors only.

GINGE KERR HALON 1301
SYSTEM VALVES

GINGE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
KERR: MADE BY DATE: BV 1985-09- 03
APP BY /DATE: POJ 1985-09-03
DATE OF ISSUE" 1985-09-03
REV: C
CODE NO 06-6441-0000

Valve for H1301 High Pressure Cylinder.

The Valve is pneumatically operated by the Actuator.

Pressure for activation: 10 bar at cylinder pressure of 100 bar.

1. Bursting Disc. 190 bar.
2. Bleeder Valve with-Indicator for pressure operated release.
3. Connection for Actuators.
4. Connection for Pressure Gauge and Pressure Switch.
5. Outlet.
6. O-ring, 059.92 x 03.53

GINGE FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
KERR: MADE BY DATE: BV 1985-09- 03
APP BY /DATE: POJ 1985-09-03
DATE OF ISSUE" 1985-09-03
REV: C
CODE NO 06-6441-0000

Valve for H1301 High Pressure Cylinder.

The Valve is pneumatically operated by the Actuator.

Pressure for activation: 10 bar at cylinder pressure of 100 bar.

1. Bursting Disc. 190 bar.
2. Bleeder Valve with-Indicator for pressure operated release.
3. Connection for Actuators.

Dimensional Sketch Halon 1301 Cylinder 67, 5 L with Valve type 06-95⁽²⁵⁾₍₂₆₎-00

EDITION - M03

PYROTRONICS SERIES H
HALON 1301 SYSTEM CONTAINERS AND VALVES

Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered Systems are custom engineered fire suppression systems designed in accordance with NFP 12A. Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered Systems are listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. and Underwriters Laboratories of Canada, and are approved by Factory Mutual Research Corporation. The instructions in this manual comply with the limitations and requirements established by those listings and approvals.

The extinguishing agent used in Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered Systems is Halon 1301. Exactly how Halon 1301 extinguishes fire is not known: it has been termed a "chain breaking agent," meaning that it acts to break the chain reaction of the combustion process. Halon 1301 is chemically known as CBrF₃ (bromotrifluoromethane); it is super-pressurized with dry nitrogen to 360 psig to provide rapid discharge and mixing.

The National Fire Protection Association has established a concentration of 5 percent Halon in air as being sufficient for most flame extinguishment. Refer to the SYSTEM DESIGN section (page 14) and NFPA 12A for a thorough explanation of concentration requirements for various hazards. In accordance with NFPA 12A, paragraphs 2-1.1.3 and 2-1.1.4. the following restrictions on concentrations must be followed.

CAUTION: Halon 1301 is not effective on the following materials:

1. Chemical compounds or mixtures such as gunpowder or cellulose nitrate which supply their own oxygen.
2. Reactive metals such as sodium. potassium. magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium, and plutonium.
3. Metal hydrides.
4. Chemicals capable of undergoing auto-thermal decomposition (hydrazine and certain organic peroxides, for example).

Although Halon 1301 vapor has a low toxicity, its decomposition products can be hazardous. Decomposition takes Place on exposure to flame or hot surfaces at about 900ºF. The main decomposition products are hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen bromide (HBr), bromine (Br₂), and small amounts of carbonyl fluoride (COF₂) and carbonyl bromide (COB₂).

The amount of Halon 1301 that will decompose while extinguishing a fire depends on the size of the fire, the concentration of Halon vapor, and the length of time Halon vapor is in contact with the flame or with heated surfaces. With small fires and rapid extinguishment. there is little decomposition: with large fires or slow extinguishment. there is a lot of decomposition. Rapid detection and immediate discharge at a high rate are therefore desirable so as to keep decomposition products at a minimum level. For further information on the toxicity of Halon 1301, and its decomposition produces. see Appendix A, 1-6.1, of NFPA Standard No. 12A.

Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered Systems can be supplied with 15, 30, 60, 125, 250, 350, and 600 pound cylinders that are pressurized with dry nitrogen, at 70ºF, to 360 psi.

The cylinders are charged as follows:

A Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered System consists of a cylinder assembly, valve assembly, and whatever hardware is shown in Figure 1 necessary for that particular system. The operation temperature range of all hardware in a Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered System is - 40ºF to 130ºF.

The dimensions of all eight cylinder and valve assemblies are shown in Figure 1. All cylinders are manufactured, tested. And marked in accordance with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.*

Three valve sizes are used: 1 inch, 2 inch, and 3 inch (See Figure 2, page 3). The 1 inch valve is used on the 8, 15, 30, and 60 pound cylinders: the 2 inch valve is used on the 125, 250, and 350 pound cylinders; the 3 inch valve is used on the 600 pound cylinder. The valves are of high-flow-rate design to provide the rapid discharge required by NFPA 12A.

The 1, 2, and 3 inch valves are pressure-seated types that have a brass body, a brass piston with an elastomer seal. Pressure-releasing pilot check assembly for manual and/or pneumatic actuation. a burst disc assembly (1 and 2 inch sizes). and a pressure gauge. The valves can be fitted with an electric solenoid valve for electric actuation.

Actuation of the pilot check or electric solenoid relieves the pressure above the piston and allows the piston to travel upward in the bore of the valve. This action fully opens the valve, permitting Halon to discharge through the outlet.

The system manifold is considered part of the discharge piping and is covered in the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section (page 39) of this manual. In all systems using selector valves, the manifold must be fitted with a manifold safety that is comprised of a body with 3/4 inch male pipe thread, a safety disc. washer. and safety disc nut. Should liquid Halon be trapped in the manifold, it will be released before excessive pressure develops due to high temperatures.

All 8, 15, 30, and 60 pound cylinders are fitted with a siphon tube having a curved lower end that permits the cylinders to be mounted vertically (upright) or at any angle between vertical and horizontal. The current production of 125 and 250 pound cylinders. which have the letter H under the discharge outlet. are also fitted with curved siphon tubes that permit them to be mounted vertically or at any angle between vertical and horizontal. Earlier produced 125 and 250 pound capacity cylinders, without the identifying H on the valve, have curved siphon tubes of different shapes which affect the discharge characteristics to the extent that the cylinders cannot be mounted at an angle less than 10 degrees from a horizontal position.

The inlet of the siphon tube is installed in the cylinder valve in line with the valve safety disc nut. The cylinder, when mounted horizontally or at an angle, must always be installed with the safety disc nut down. so that the valve outlet is in a horizontal position. (Refer to the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section, page 39. of the manual for details.)

The 350 and 600 pound cylinders are fitted with straight siphon tubes. They must only be mounted vertically.

Vertical, angle, or horizontal mountings of one basic group of bracketing parts used in selective combinations. Refer to the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section (page 39) for details. A special mounting assembly for the 125 and 250 cylinder assemblies that bear the H identification is used for a horizontal installation. There is also an earlier version of a horizontal mounting assembly that is used for cylinder assemblies with the old type siphon tube. When the 125, 250, 350, and 600 pound cylinders are mounted in an upright position, a wall mounting bracket is used. It consists of a mounting channel and a cylinder strap.

CYLINDER ACTUATING CONTROLS (See Figure 3)

There are five types of controls used for actuating valves of Pyr-A-Lon cylinders: 1) electric solenoid, 2) local manual mechanical control, 3) remote manual mechanical control, 4) pneumatic control, and 5) manual-pneumatic combination control (See Figure 3). For Pyr-A-Lon system with more than one cylinder, these controls need only be located on one cylinder. The cylinder with the controls is designated the master cylinder. Any additional cylinders in the system may be operated as slave cylinders by using actuators powered by the pneumatic actuation outlet port of the master cylinder.

The solenoid valve is normally closed. When electrical energy is applied to the solenoid valve. It opens. This relieves the pressure above the cylinder valve piston and opens the cylinder valve.

The solenoid valve is equipped with 24 inch wire leads that are connected to a junction box near the valve. A typical cylinder valve with a solenoid actuator valve is shown in Figure 4. The solenoid valve is fitted with a swivel nut that allows field installation or removal of the solenoid from a 1 or 2 inch valve. Figure 5 shows the solenoid valve assembly with a knurled adapter for use with the 3 inch cylinder valve. Removal of the solenoid valve assembly is often required during recharging or servicing of the cylinder. Solenoid valves are available with 6 VDC, 24 VDC, and 120 VAC coils in explosion-proof housings for Class 1 and 2 locations.

The entire control circuit and the solenoid coils are under constant supervision. Any break in the circuit will result in a trouble signal at the control panel. The panel can be arranged to operate upon actuation of any of the following types of detectors that are compatible and UL listed or FM approved.

Pyrotronics recommends that actuation of a Pyr-A-Lon system be made by detection, involving two detectors or two zones of detectors (cross zoning). This prevents the system from being actuated by a transient condition that causes only one detector to operate. Other types of alarm panels can be used to actuate the system if they are UL listed or FM approved for that purpose and are electrically compatible. Consult Pyrotronics for information on detection systems which can be used with Halon extinguishing systems.

Note: For FM approval, any electric solenoid control system must also have manual mechanical control.

Local Manual Mechanical Control (P/N 725-040052)

The local manual mechanical control (or actuator) is threaded into the top of the cylinder valve. The valve is actuated by moving the actuating lever of the mechanical control through 90º. The movement causes the actuation pin to depress. That opens the pilot check on the cylinder valve. The open pilot check. in turn. releases the pressure above the piston, allowing the cylinder valve to open fully. See Figures 3 (page 4) and 6. Manually operated selector valves are controlled locally by moving the ball valve handle through 90º.

Remote Manual Mechanical Control (P/N 725-040051)

This control actuates in the same manner as the local mechanical manual control, except that the lever is controlled remotely by a 1/16-inchein-diameter stainless steel pull cable enclosed in a half-inch EMT. with comer pulleys at each change-in-direction location. The cable terminates in a remotely located pullbox. See Figures 3 (page 4) and 7.

Pneumatic Control (P/N 725-040045)

A pressure actuator pneumatic control can replace the manual control on a cylinder valve. The control contains a piston large enough to provide the necessary force to open the pilot check when the Halon discharge pressure from a master cylinder or from another source is applied. This pressure is routed through 1/4 inch tubing, 1/4 inch pipe, or 1/8 inch pipe connected to a 1/8 inch check valve that is fitted into the master cylinder valve pressure actuation outlet port. See Figures 8 and 48 (page 49). The Pressure actuator can operate the slave cylinders through the master cylinder pneumatic actuation outlet port. A maximum of ten pressure actuators for slave cylinders can be used with each master cylinder. See also the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section (page 39) and Figures 3 (page 4), 9. and 48 (page 49).

Pneumatic-Manual Combination Control (P/N 747-080531)

A special pressure actuator (Type M) can be used to have a pneumatic control and also either a local or a remote manual mechanical control on a cylinder valve. See Figures 3 (page 4) and 10.

Three basic Type E nozzle sizes are available for use with Pyr-A-Lon 1301 Engineered Halon Systems - 3/8 inch, 1 inch, and 1 ½ inch sizes. Each basic size can be supplied as a 180º or 360º nozzle. See Figure 11. The nozzles are custom drilled to provide the amount of Halon flow needed according to the piping system and nozzle flow rate calculations. Nozzle usage and limitations are described in the SYSTEM DESIGN section (page 14) and the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section (page 39) of this manual.

The 3/8 inch size nozzles are also available as duct nozzles (Type D): they are used for installations in ducts or in cabinets. They are identical to the 3/8 inch standard nozzles (Type E) except for a straight pipe thread machined on the neck of the nozzles. A standard set of 3/4 inch conduit locknuts are fitted to the thread for locking the nozzles to the sheet metal duct or cabinet See Figure 12 (page7). All nozzle sizes are available in brass.

Pyr-A-Lon 1301 System check valves utilize a poppet design that minimizes flow restriction of the system manifold. The valves are manufactured entirely of stainless steel. See the SYSTEM INSTALLATION section (page 39). These check valves are available in 1, 2, and 3 inch sizes; see Figure 13 (page 7).