Halon 1301 recycling systems remove contaminants by filtration and condensation to meet required product specifications. These recycling units transfer Halon 1301 from aircraft fire bottles into a storage vessel to eliminate venting Halon 1301 to the atmosphere. This equipment is required to safely transfer the halon so that it can be sent in bulk to a reclamation site.

The basic recycling system includes a pumping system that efficiently transfers the halon from the storage tank into the processing equipment and modules for filtration and condensation. The recycling process first recovers halon at 99% efficiency with the use of the pump and filtration units. The pump operates on 100-120 psi of compressed air at 13 cubic feet per minute, and has an average of 16 pounds per minute of liquid transfer rate and 2 pounds per minute of vapor transfer rate. The filtration unit operates at 120 volts, 4-amp circuit, and removes contaminants accumulated during transfer or fill operation, or when a cylinder or storage vessel rusts and degrades. Molecular sieve filters are used in the unit to remove particulate matter, moisture, oil, water, wax, and sludge. The filtration unit also has a salt crystal indicator that shows the presence of moisture. The condensing unit requires the use of liquid nitrogen and operates at 120 volts and 4 amps. Nitrogen in the halon is separated via condensation, and is then vented to the atmosphere. The recycling rate for this technology is 99%. Consult the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard, ASTM D5631-94, to determine proper procedures for handling, transportation, and storage of Halon 1301.

Substitutes for Halon 1301 systems should be considered when feasible. Under 40 CFR 82, Subpart D and Executive Order 13148, federal agencies are required to maximize the procurement and use of safe alternatives to Class I and Class II ozone-depleting substances.

The compliance benefits listed here are only meant to be used as general guidelines and are not meant to be strictly interpreted. Actual compliance benefits will vary depending on the factors involved, e.g., the amount of workload involved.

Halons are very inert and are not harmful to most elastomers, metals, or electronic systems. Halon decomposition during a fire-extinguishing event can result in the release of hydrofluoric acid gas, but the concentrations are small and readily disperse.

Halon 1301 is a nonflammable, non-corrosive gas and is normally stored and shipped as a liquefied compressed gas. Precautions when handling, storing, and transporting of storage cylinders must be observed. Only trained and authorized personnel should handle the halon storage tanks and recycling system.

Consult your local industrial health specialist, your local health and safety personnel, and the appropriate MSDS prior to implementing this technology.

• Extends the useful life of the Halon 1301 supply.
• Reduces activity down time associated with the Halon 1301 replacement procurement process.
• Transfers halon more efficiently (99%) and effectively
• Provides the ability to filter halon independently while continuing to pump out cylinders.
• Provides the fleet with a system capable of future growth to provide an organic reclamation capability.

• Requires operator training.

Assumptions:

• Estimated equipment cost for pump unit: $5,000.
• Estimated equipment cost for filtration unit: $5,000.
• Labor rate: $30/hr.
• Electricity: negligible.
• Utility air cost: negligible.
• Multiple types of bottles processed ranging from 2.5 lb. to 25 lb.
• Number of bottles processed: 33/mth or 400/yr.
• Average pumping rate: 10 min/bottle or
  5.5 hr/month or 66 hr/yr.
• Average filtration rate: 10 min/bottle or
  5.5 hr/month or 66 hr/yr.
• Total recycling system labor hours: 2 hrs./bottle or 800 hr/yr.
• Labor hours required to process and turn in used halon bottles (disposal): 24 hr/mth or 288 hr/yr.
• Shipping costs to replace halon bottles with new ones: $50/mth.

Annual Operating Cost Comparison for Halon 1301 Recycler and Disposal of Used Halon Bottles

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Appropriate authority for making process changes should always be sought and obtained prior to procuring or implementing any of the technology identified herein.

This is not meant to be a complete list, as there may be other suppliers of this type of equipment.

Getz Manufacturing
1525 SW Adams St
Peoria,  IL   61602
Phone: (309) 674-1723 or (800) 553-3503 
URL: http://www.getzmfg.com
Service: Halon Recycling Equipment

Halon 1301 Recycling Unit – Pollution Prevention Equipment Program (PPEP) Book

Mr. Mike Zitaglio, Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, NJ, August 1998.
Mr. Frank Kaparic and Bruce Pastor, NADEP, NAS North Island, San Diego, CA, August, 1998.
Vendor Communication, Kevin Rednour, Design Engineer, Getz Mfg, June 1996.
Getz Manufacturing, Peoria, IL, Vendor Literature, May 1996.