Module 6

CLEAN AGENT
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

WHAT IS CLEAN AGENT SUPRESSION SYSTEM

GOVERNING CODES AND STANDARDS IN THE DESIGN

TYPES OF CLEAN AGENT AND ITS ADVANTAGES

COMPONENTS OF CASS

CONSIDERATIONS IN CLEAN AGENT SELECTION

MANUAL DESIGN PROCEDURES

NFPA 2001 defines Clean Agent as an electrically
nonconductive, volatile or gaseous fire extinguishant that
does not leave a residue upon evaporation.

Using water to extinguish a fire is not applicable for critical assets such as IT
systems, data storage rooms and manufacturing equipments, or irreplaceable
items like customer/client records, intellectual property, art, antiques and
artifacts.

Novec 1230, FM-200 and Argonite are the preferred Clean Agent fire
suppression systems of Approved Protection Systems.

There are 3 ways clean agents extinguish a fire:

1. Reduction of heat (FM-200, Novec 1230)
2. Reduction or isolation of oxygen (Argonite)
3. Inhibiting the chain reaction of the above
components (FM-200)
 Clean Agent Benefits

Fast
Clean Agent systems reach extinguishing levels in 10seconds or less!

Effective
Clean Agents are designed to control and extinguish a fire in its incipient
stage – before it has a chance to spread. Clean Agents are electrically non-
conductive and non-corrosive, and there will be no damage to electronics
and delicate mechanical devices.

Safe
Clean Agents are designed to provides a wide margin of human safety – they
are safe to use where people are present.

Clean
Clean Agents rapidly vaporizes to gas during discharge and evaporates
cleanly, leaving no residue behind, which means no costly cleanup.

Earth Friendly
Clean Agents are non ozone depleting and have a short atmospheric lifetime.
Clean Agent Application
Libraries, Museum, Archives
 LIMITATIONS

Generally, Clean Agent Fire Suppression system shall

not be used to extinguish fires in

1. Chemicals containing their own supply of oxygen, such as

cellulose nitrate, gunpowder.
2. Mixtures containing oxidising materials, such as sodium
chlorate or sodium nitrate.
3. Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium,
magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium and plutonium..
4. Chemicals capable of undergoing auto-thermal
decomposition such as certain organic peroxides and
hydrazine.
5. All above materials would in case of fire create an explosion
 How the agent works

Heat Reducing Agents Oxygen Reducing Agents

FM - 200 NOVEC 1230 ECARO Argon Argonite Inergen

Interrupts Chemical Reaction

Halon FE-13, 25, 36

CO2
 How the system work?
Output Manual Release
Control & Abort switch
Input
Panel Strobe Lamp + Bell Alarm

Ion Smoke
Detector

Photo
Smoke Input
Detector
Output

Smoke cause from Fire Suppressed Gas FM 200 FM 200 Activated

fire discharge to Room
 ADDRESABLE WIRING INSTALLATION

Zone 1 Zone 2

220 Abort
Output
VAC Mod

Input Manual
Mod Release
Input
Mod

Output
Mod Alarm

Output Horn&
Mod Strobe

Output
Mod
 ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTIES

Properties Novec 1230 Halon 1301 FM-200 ECARO-25

(FK-5-1-12) (HFC-227ea) (HFC-125)
Ozone 0 10 0 0
Depletion
Potential
Global 1 6900 3220 3500
Warming
Potential
Atmospheric 0.014 65 29 33
Lifetime
(years)
EPA's SNAP Yes N/A Yes Yes
Conformance

Source: Fireflex System Inc., Technical Presentation to ASPE

Cleveland, OH on March 10, 2010
 PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Properties Novec 1230 Halon 1301 FM-200 ECARO-25
(FK-5-1-12) (HFC-227ea) (HFC-125)

Design % 4-6% 5% 6.25-8.7 % 8-11.3 %

NOAEL % 10 5 9 7.5

Occupants
Safety 67-150 % Nil 3-44 % Nil
Margin %

(NOAEL) No Observable Adverse Effects Level for acute toxicity, including cardiac sensitization

Source: Fireflex System Inc., Technical Presentation to ASPE

Cleveland, OH on March 10, 2010
The design, installation, testing and maintenance of the
Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System shall be in
accordance with the following codes and standards

1. NFPA 2001: Standard For Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System

2. UL1266: Standard For Halocarbon Clean Agent Extinguishing System

Units

3. ANSI B1.20.1: Standard For Pipe Threads, General Purpose

4. NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm Code

5. Factory Mutual Approval Guide (FM)

6. Requirements of the local Authorities Having Jurisdiction

 Types of Clean Agent Systems

Engineered System – a system that

requires individual calculation and
design to determine the flow rates,
nozzle pressures, pipe sizes, area of
volume protected by each nozzle,
quantity of agent, and the number and
types of nozzles and placement in the
enclosed system.

Pre-engineered System – a
system that does not require
calculation, the specifications are
pre-determined. Fixed amount of
agent to protect a predetermined
hazard and volume.
A typical Clean Agent system should have the following major
components that includes detection, actuation and control
systems

Storage Components – Storage Container

Nom. Outlet Diameter Empty
Capacity
components consist of the Vol, liters
Volume, kg Size, in (in) weight, kg

cylinder assembly(s), which

8 4.5 - 8.0 1 10 14.8
contains the FM-200 chemical 16 9.0 - 17.5 1 10 18.4
agent, and the cylinder 32 17 - 33.5 1 10 26.1
bracket(s), which holds the 52 27.0 - 33.5 2 16 49.1
cylinder assembly securely in 106 53.5 - 106.5 2 16 71.8
147 74.0 - 147.5 2 16 89.9
place.
180 91 .5 - 182.0 2 16 105.8

a. Storage Containers
FM-200 is stored in a solid-draw,
seamless cylinder with
commercial sizes of 8, 16, 32, 52,
106, 147 and 180 liters.

Containers sharing the same

manifold shall be equal in size
and fill density.
Distribution Components – Distribution components consist of the
discharge nozzles used to introduce the FM-200 into a protected hazard
along with the associated piping system used to connect the nozzles to the
cylinder assembly.

Flexible Discharge Hose

It is used to connect the cylinder containers
to the manifold assembly.

Valve Assembly
The valve assembly is factory-fitted to the
container and is supplied pre-assembled with a
low pressure switch, pressure gauge and burst
disc.
Operation of the valve occurs when the upper
chamber is vented faster than the 'make up
device' shuttle. Thereby, allowing the shuttle to
be forced up, and free flow of FM-200 from the
valve.
Manifold
A manifold is a fabricated section of
steel pipe work (Sch 40). It enables
multiple containers to be connected to
a common pipe network. This manifold
can be used in conjunction with
directional valves to provide protection
for multiple risk areas and in situations
where main/reserve container
arrangements are required.

Discharge Nozzle

 Agent is distributed within the

protected area by the discharge
nozzle which is sized to ensure the
correct flow of agent for the risk.

 Nozzles are available with seven or

eight ports to allow for 180˚ or 360˚
horizontal discharge patterns.
Trim Components – Trim components
complete the installation of the CASS
system and consist of connection fittings,
pressure gauge, low-pressure supervisory
switch, electric valve actuator, and manual
valve actuator

a. Manual Actuator
The manual actuator is a simple ‘strike knob’
assembly which is fitted to the top of the
valve assembly or solenoid actuator. Manual Actuator
Inadvertent operation is prevented by a pin
which has to be removed before activation.

Manual Actuator is usually used together

with electrical actuator to enable human
intervention in operating the system.

b. Electrical Actuator
Electrical actuator is similar to a manual
actuator and is also located at the top of the
valve assembly only operated by electrical
means.
Electric Valve Actuator
Pressure Switch

 The device continuously monitors the

container pressure and in the event of the
pressure dropping below the standard
operating pressure, the switch operates to
enable the condition to be signaled to a
control unit.

 A low pressure warning switch is fitted to

every container and must be utilized to
safeguard the warranty requirements.
Slave Arrangement Components – Slave arrangement components consist of
the pneumatic valve actuator(s), actuation check valve, vent check, actuation
hose, and fittings required for a multiple cylinder (slave) arrangement.
Control Panel – This device monitors the condition of the electric actuator,
detectors, warning devices, cylinder pressure, and any manual release and
abort stations. All electric or electronic devices must connect to the control
panel in order to function.

The panel receives information from

environmental sensors and it is designed to
perform the following:
a. detect changes associated with fire
b. monitors their operational integrity
c. provides for automatic gas release of
clean agent
d. transmission of information necessary to
prepare the facility for fire based on a
predetermined sequence.

The panel also supply electrical energy to

operate any associated sensor, actuators,
transmitter, or relay.
Early Warning Detection and Alarm Devices – Early warning detection
devices coupled with manual release and abort stations maximize system
efficiency while audible and visual alarm devices alert staff of alarm conditions

Detectors
Detectors perform several vital functions:
• Warn facility occupants of possible fire.
• Shut down all electrical service to the
equipment so as not to "fuel the fire."
• Activate the suppression medium.

Electrical detectors are preferred than mechanical

detectors because it can be reset once activated.
It uses heat detectors equipped with self-
restoring, normally-open contacts which close
when a predetermined temperature is reached.

Alarm Bells and Sounders

Bells and sounders will indicate an audible alarm
for fire which has been detected in the room and
alarm warning of an imminent fire suppression gas
release.
Clean agent must have a dedicated detection, actuation, alarm &
control systems installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with
NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

Automatic Detection
Automatic Detection shall be a listed device capable of detecting and indicating heat,
flame, smoke, combustible vapors, or an abnormal condition in the hazard, such as
process trouble, that is likely to produce fire.

Adequate and reliable primary and 24-hour minimum standby sources of energy shall
be used to provide for operation of the detection, signaling, control, and actuation
requirements of the system.

Operating Devices
Operating devices shall include agent releasing devices or valves, discharge controls,
and shutdown equipment necessary for successful performance of the system.

All devices shall be located, installed, or suitably protected so that they are not subject
to mechanical, chemical, or other damage that would render them inoperative or
susceptible to accidental operation. It shall be designed to function from -29 C to 54C

A means of manual release of the system shall be provided. The release shall cause
simultaneous operation of automatically operated valves controlling agent release and
distribution.
Operating Alarms and Indicators

Alarms or indicators or both shall be used to indicate the operation of the system,
hazards to personnel, or failure of any supervised device.

Audible and visual pre-discharge alarms shall be provided within the protected area
to give positive warning of impending discharge.

Alarm indicating failure of supervised devices or equipment shall give prompt and
positive indication of any failure and shall be distinctive from alarms indicating
operation or hazardous conditions.

Abort switches are not recommended.

Time Delays

A pre-discharge alarm and time delay, sufficient to allow personnel evacuation prior to
discharge, shall be provided. Where the provision of a time delay would seriously
increase the threat to life and property, a time delay shall be permitted to be
eliminated.

Time delays shall not be used as a means of confirming operation of a detection

device before automatic actuation occurs.
TYPICAL FM-200 SET-UP
Fires in IT, Server Rooms and Data Centers occupied by
personnel are suppressed in two different ways

Inert Gas System – works by reducing Oxygen level of the protected area
to below 15% in the event of fire. It uses Argon/Nitrogen and sometimes a
small element of CO2. It has the following characteristics:
a. Inert gas fire suppression systems will discharge its payload within 1-2 min.
b. Will generally have more cylinders than chemical gases
c. Works with high pressures, 200 Bar or 300 Bar
d. Will require pressure relief valve for venting
e. Common names of gases are Pro-Inert, IG155, IG541, Argonite and Inergen

Chemical/Synthetic Gas System – works by removing the heat elements

of the fire triangle (oxygen, heat and fuel) of the protected area. Its
characteristics are:
a. Synthetic fire suppression systems will deliver its payload within 10 seconds
b. The system use less gas and significantly cools down the protected area.
c. Low pressures are used, 25 bar and 42 bar
d. Will require pressure relief venting for both negative and positive pressures during
discharge
e. Common names for synthetic agents are FM200, Halon, Novec1230, Ecaro,
HFC227ea and HFC125
Consideration of pros and cons in Clean Agent
selection: IG-541 (Inergen) and HFC-227ea (FM-200)

Cost
First Cost: FM-200 is less expensive than Inergen by as much as 20%
Maintenance Cost: FM-200 is costly than Inergen by as much as 30%

Storage
FM 200 requires much less room for storage than Inergen. In addition, much
smaller quantities of FM 200 are required to do the same job as Inergen.
However, Inergen can cover a much larger area and can protect multiple
hazards.

Environmental Issues
Both FM 200 and Inergen are clean agents, but FM 200 is made of all man-
made substances while Inergen is a non-chemical agent and contains naturally
occurring substances. Inergen requires more energy for its manufacture,
storage and transportation.
Reaction of Agents in the event of fire
FM-200 discharges very quickly to suppress the onset of fire for duration of
about 10 seconds while it takes 45 seconds for Inergen to reach 95% of the
design concentration.
 Comparative storage space requirements

Halon 1301

CO 2

Inert Gas
NFPA 2001 recognized that calculation of two-phase separation
effects at tees, pressure drop and quantity of agent discharged in
an unbalanced system is a complex iteration hence manual
calculation is not practical and computer program must be used

In a two-phase state of Clean Agent, the effect of mechanical separation of liquid and
vapor phases due to centripetal forces when it is passes the piping network is not
predicted by thermodynamics but was inferred from test data and confirmed by using
ultra-high speed photography (HFLOW method, DiNenno et al., 1995).

Empirical corrections based on the degree of flow split, orientation of the tee junction,
component fraction, and phase distribution are developed for the specific liquefied
compressed gas to accurately predict the quantity of agent discharge from each nozzle
in the system.

In design calculation, it is assumed that the flow through the pipe network is
homogeneous. Liquid and vapor flow through the piping is at the same velocity evenly
dispersed.

The manual calculation must be rechecked with the manufacturer’s computer

program to determine the detailed discharge from each nozzle. Adjustment
must be made in the sizing and capacity of the Clean Agent accordingly.
In absence of computer program, the manual design
procedures published by Kidde Fenwal (February 2004),
Design & Installation Manual for FM-200, will be used.

a. Determine the Design Concentration

b. Determine the Minimum and Maximum Temperature
c. Determine the Volume of the Hazard
d. Determine the Minimum Design Concentration
e. Check the Maximum Reached Concentration
f. Select Container Size
g. Select Nozzle and Determine Location
h. Determine Pipe Sizes
i. Determine the Venting Area
DETERMINE THE DESIGN CONCENTRATION

Design concentration is the minimum amount of clean agent

in an agent/air mixture to suppress different types or class of
fire hazards
Different Classes of Fire Hazards
a. Class A Fire – Fire in ordinary combustible materials, such as wood, cloth, paper,
rubber and many plastics.
b. Class B Fire – Fire in flammable liquids, oils, greases, tars, oil-base paints,
lacquers, and flammable gases.
c. Class C Fire – Fire that involves energized electrical and electronic equipment
where the electrical resistivity of the extinguishing media is of importance.

The major components of the

area to be protected consist of Fuel Extinguis Minimum
electronic devices which fall hment, % Design,
under Class C hazard. %
Heptane 6.9 9
* Note: NFPA 2001 Surface Class A* 5.8 7.5
recommend that the design Hazards
concentration for Class C
hazard shall be equivalent FM-200 (HFC-227ea) Extinguishing
to that of Class A. Thus, and Design Concentrations
design concentration
applicable is 7.5%.
DETERMINE THE MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE

Get from the nameplate of installed equipment the minimum and

maximum temperature required. Let us assume the min and max
temp is 22˚C and 24˚C respectively
 The minimum temperature
will be the basis of
determining the minimum
amount of agent required to
achieve total flooding.

 The maximum temperature is

used to confirm if the
resulting design concentration
will not exceed the No
Observed Adverse Effect
Level (NOAEL).

 For FM-200 (HFC-227ea,

NOAEL is 9% and human
exposure is allowed within 5
minutes upon agent
discharge.

Total Flooding is the manner of discharging an agent for the purpose of achieving
a specified minimum agent concentration throughout a hazard volume.
The selection of Clean Agent for the protection of IT and server
rooms and data center are limited to 13 agents recognized by
NFPA 2001

Previously, the most popular are

Halons and Carbon Dioxide.

1. Halogenized agents were phased

out in 1994 because all halons
are ozone depleters.
2. Carbon dioxide on the other
hand, displaces oxygen; its
discharge would cause
asphyxiation or suffocation to any
occupants.
NFPA 2001 has identified the 13
Halon replacement agents as
shown in the table.

Two Clean Agents that are in

wide use today are IG-541
(better known as Inergen) and
HFC-227ea (commonly known
as FM-200).
Choice of Clean Agent for an I.T. Building with the following
assumed dimensions
 The hazard space to be protected is
composed of two adjacent enclosures.

 The Data Center and UPS

(Uninterrupted Power Supply) Rooms
are relatively small space hence it
requires a simpler and smaller
installation.
 A big factor considered is the fact that
FM-200 discharges very quickly to
suppress the onset of fire for duration
of about 10 seconds while it takes 45
seconds for Inergen to reach 95% of
the design concentration.

Since the data center and UPS room

are small enclosures but very vital to
operation of Sutherland, the use of
FM-200 is the most appropriate clean
agent to use.
 FM-200 Physical Properties
 FM-200 is a chemical
blend (heptafluoro- Description Units Measurement
propane), stored as a Molecular Weight N/A 170.03
liquefied compressed gas Boiling Point at 19.7 psia ˚C -16.4
within the agent cylinder Freeezing Point ˚C -13.1
and discharged into the Critical Temperature ˚C 101.7
protected areas as a Critical Pressure kPa 2912
colorless gas. Critical Volume cc/mole 274
Critical Density Kg/cu.mtr 621
Specific Heat, Liquid at 77˚F kJ/kg-˚C 1.184
 FM-200 (HFC-227ea) is a Specific Heat, Vapor at Constant
clean, gaseous agent kJ/kg-˚C 0.808
Pressure (1 atm) and 77˚F
containing no particles or Heat of Vaporization at Boiling
oily residues. It leaves no kJ/kg-˚C 132.6
Point
residue or oily deposits on Thermal Conductivity of Liquid at
delicate electronic W/m˚C 0.069
77˚F
equipment, and can be Viscosity, Liquid at 77˚F centipose 0.814
removed from the Relative Dielectric Strength at 1
protected space by N/A 2.00
atm at 734 mm Hg, 77˚F
ventilation. Solubility by Weight, of Water in 0.06% by
Ppm
Agent at 70˚F weight

80% of FM-200 fire fighting effectiveness is achieved through heat absorption

and 20% through direct chemical means (action of the fluorine radical on the
chain reaction of a flame).
DETERMINE THE VOLUME OF THE HAZARD

Calculating for the volume of the hazard area

 Volume of Data Center, Va

Va = Area x Height
Va = 8.625 m X 7.414 m X 4.5 m
Va = 287.76 m3

 Volume of UPS Room, Vb

Vb = Area x Height
Vb = 11.867 m X 4.1 m X 4.5 m
Vb = 218.99 m3

 Total Volume, Vt
Vt = Va + Vb
Vt = 287.76 m3 + 218.99 m3
Vt = 506.76 m3
DETERMINE THE MINIMUM DESIGN CONCENTRATION

The Total Flooding Quantity is the amount of clean agent required

to achieve the minimum design concentration

NFPA 2001 provided the formula that includes allowance for the normal leakage
from a “tight” enclosure due to agent expansion.

Where:

W = weight of clean agent [lb, (kg)]

V = net volume of hazard, calculated as the gross
volume minus the volume of fixed structures FM-200 (HFC-227ea) Extinguishing
impervious to clean agent vapor and Design Concentrations
s = specific volume of the superheated agent vapor at
1 atmosphere and the temperature, t [ft3 / lb (m3 / kg)]
= 0.1269 + 0.0005 t, where t is in ˚C
C = agent design concentration [volume percent]
= 7.5% (from the Table of FM-200 Design Concentration)
t = minimum anticipated or required temperature of the
protected volume [˚F(˚C)]
Substituting known values to get the Total Flooding Quantity
which represents the Minimum Design Concentration of Clean
Agent

Substituting the values below, we will have:

i. Design Concentration, C = 7.5%
ii. Temperature t, tmin = 21˚C; tmax = 24˚C
iii. Volume of Hazard Space V, Va = 287.76 m3;
Vb = 218.99 m3;
Vt = 506.76 m3
iv. Specific Volume, s
s = 0.1269 + 0.0005 tmin
s = 0.1269 + 0.0005 (21˚C)
s = 0.1379 m3 / kg

 Quantity of agent required for the data center, Wa

Wa = [287.76 m3 / 0.1379 m3 / kg] x [(7.5/100-7.5)

Wa = 169.194 kg
 Quantity of agent required for UPS Room, Wb
Wb = = 218.99 m3/ 0.1379 m3/kg (7.5/100-7.5)
Wb = 128.75 kg

 Total Quantity of FM-200 required, Wt

Wt = Wa + Wb
Wt = 169.194 kg + 128.75 kg
Wt = 297.94 kg or 657 lbs

The above total quantity or 297.94 Kg represents the Minimum Design

Quantity (MDQ) or the minimum amount of Clean Agent required to
achieve the design concentration.
NFPA 2001 requires that the Minimum Design Quantity (MDQ)
have to be adjusted to account for any special conditions as
design factors that would affect the extinguishing efficiency
Tee Design Factor. Starting from the
point where the pipe system enters the
hazard, the number of tees in the flow
path returning to the agent supply shall
be included in the design factor tee count
for the hazard. Table 3-5.3.1 gives the
equivalent quantity.

NFPA 2001 Table 3-5.3.1

Considering the above designed piping layout for this project, it is clear that tees
inside the hazard area is less than 4, so therefore the design factor is 0.
Design Factor for
Atmospheric Correction

NFPA 2001 requires that the

design quantity of the clean agent
shall be adjusted to compensate
for the ambient pressure that vary
more than 11% (equivalent to
approximately 3000 ft of elevation
change) from standard sea level
pressures, 29.92 in. Hg at 7˚F (760
mm Hg at 0 degrees ˚C)

NFPA 2001, Table 3-5.3.3 shows

that the atmospheric correction
factor at seal level is a unity
factor.

Considering that the tee design and the atmospheric correction factors is 1 then
the Minimum Design Quantity is also the Adjusted Design Quantity equivalent
to 297.94 kg or 657 lbs
CHECK THE MAXIMUM REACHED CONCENTRATION

The maximum reached concentration must be determined

to ensure safety of personnel working inside the rooms
NFPA 2001 provided the formula to check the concentration, C, expected to reach the hazard.

Where:
Q = Wa = 169.194 kg (for Data Center) T = maximum hazard temperature (24˚C)
= Wb = 128.75 kg (for UPS Room)
V = Va = 287.76 m3 (for Data Center)
s = specific vapor volume (m3/kg)
= Vb = 218.99 m3 (for UPS Room)
= 0.1269 + 0.0005131T (at sea level)
= 0.1269 + 0.0005131(24˚C) = 0.139 m3/kg

For the Data Center:

C = [(169.194kg) x 0.139 m3/kg x 100] / [287.76 m3 + (169.194 kg x 0.139 m3/kg)]
= 7.56 %
For UPS Room
C = [(128.75 kg) x 0.139 m3/kg x 100] / [218.99 m3 + (128.75 kg x 0.139 m3/kg)]
= 7.55 %

Concentration at 24˚C is below NOAEL at 9%, therefore the room is safe for
occupants.
SELECT CONTAINER SIZE

NFPA 2001, Sec. 2-1.4 requires that clean agent shall be stored in a
containers designed, fabricated, inspected and certified in
accordance to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code

 NFPA 2001 requires that for clean agents in a multiple container system supplying the
same manifold outlet for distribution of the same agent shall be interchangeable and of
one select size and charge.

 We determined that the Container Nominal Outlet Diame-

corresponding quantity of Capacity Volume, kg Size, in ter (in)
clean agents required for
the data center and UPS 8 4.5 - 8.0 1 10
room are 169.194 kg and 16 9.0 - 17.5 1 10
128.75 kg respectively. 32 17 - 33.5 1 10
52 27.0 - 33.5 2 16
 The two rooms should be
supplied by two separate 106 53.5 - 106.5 2 16
containers, one unit 180- 147 74.0 - 147.5 2 16
liter and one unit 147-liter 180 91 .5 - 182.0 2 16
containers. Fenwal and Kidde FM-200 Container Details

In order for the containers to be interchangeable and ensure availability of

spare cylinder during refill or maintenance, the two rooms should be equipped
with similar 180-liter containers.
Proposed design of clean agent piping and containers for two hazard areas.
This design will utilize two (2) separate 180-liter containers with reserve tanks
to hold the required amount of clean agents for the two hazard areas.
Each enclosure shall have a 180-liter containers respectively. NFPA 2001
recommends that a reserve supply shall be provided so a total of four (4) units
containers is required. The containers are to be installed in two separate
manifolds.
SELECT NOZZLE AND DETERMINE LOCATION

Nozzle Selection and Location

Nozzle Configuration

This design will utilize a 360˚ nozzle

configuration, which is advantageous as it
provide a full 360˚ discharge pattern
designed for placement in the center of
the hazard.

Nozzle Coverage and Location

NFPA 2001 requires that:

a. Nozzles must be mounted perpen-
dicular to the ceiling and oriented with
the orifices radiating symmetrically
outward from pipe network.
b. Nozzles must be installed within 12
inches below the ceiling. The
maximum height for a single row of
nozzles is 16 ft. (4.87 m).
c. Nozzles must be located with at least
four to six feet of clearance from walls
and/or significant obstructions.
Discharge Nozzle Installation Detail
Nozzle Coverage Area
The preferred configuration is a 360˚ discharge pattern nozzle to be installed at the
center of the hazard.

Per FENWAL manufacturer

specifications, the maximum nozzle
coverage area for a 360˚ nozzle is
defined as any rectangle that can
be inscribed in a circle of radius
29.7 ft (9.06 m).
A = π x r2
= 3.1416 x 29.7 2 Fenwal Maximum Nozzle
= 2691.51 ft.2 Coverage Area
= 250 m2
Number of Nozzles
The number of nozzles for the enclosure can be obtained by dividing the hazard area
by the maximum nozzle coverage area.
The floor area of data center is 63.94 m2 while the UPS room is 48.65 m2.

Since the maximum coverage area of a 360˚ nozzle is 250 m2, one nozzle for
each compartmented hazard area can sufficiently cover the requirement.
Data center area
= 63.94 m2

UPS room area

= 48.65 m2

Considering that the hazard areas have an array of cabinets that will obstruct the
uniform dispersion of agent during discharge thus it is recommended to use two (2)
nozzles each room to ensure total flooding of the enclosures within the 10 seconds
discharge time.
DETERMINE PIPE SIZES
In determining pipe size for the distribution piping, flow rate of the
nozzle distribution pipe should be calculated first using the amount
of agent required over the discharge time
NFPA 2001 requires that the maximum discharge time for Halocarbon agents is 10
seconds.
a. Mass Flow Rate of Data Center Distribution Pipe, ṁa
ṁa = amount of agent required for data center / discharge time
ṁa = 169.194 kg / 10 seconds
ṁa = 16.91 kg / seconds
b. Mass Flow Rate of UPS Room Distribution Pipe, ṁb
ṁb = 128.75 kg / 10 seconds
ṁb = 12.87 kg / seconds

Nozzle Flow Rate

In the absence of computer program to calculate the two-phase agent flow distribution, the
nozzle flow rate can be determined by assuming that the agent is evenly distributed after
passing the tee split.

Considering that the data center is designed to have 2 nozzles to account for obstructions
of installed data cabinets:
Flow rate Nozzle 001 = Flow rate of Nozzle 002
= ṁa / 2
= 16.91 kg / seconds / 2
= 8.46 kg/sec
Considering that the size of the UPS Room is too small at 48.65 m2, one dicharge
nozzle is enough since it is a separate enclosure.
However, due to presence of equipment cabinets and in order to maintain identical
nozzles for maintenance, uniform stocking and interchangeability of spares, the flow
rate of UPS room should be at least near the flow rate of nozzles for the Data Center.
In order to achieve this, it is recommended to utilize 2 nozzles for UPS. Hence, the flow
rate for each UPS Room nozzles will be:

Flow rate Nozzle 003 = Flow rate of Nozzle 004

= 12.87 / 2 (kg/sec)
= 6.44 kg/sec
Pipe Size Selection

For the Nozzles at Data Center:

The flow rate for each of the two nozzle is 8.46
kg/sec. From the table, the next higher value in
the Max. Flow rate is rate 9.072 kg/sec using
40-mm (1 ½ -in) diameter pipe.

For the Nozzles at UPS Room:

The flow rate for each of the two nozzle is 6.44
kg/sec. From the table, the next higher value in
the Max. Flow rate is rate 9.072 kg/sec using 40-
mm (1 ½ -in) diameter pipe. FM-200 Flow in Schedule 40 Pipe
Header and Branch Piping

In actual practice, the distribution piping is commonly designed in such as way that the
pipes are reduced to smaller sizes to prevent the separation of liquid and vapor. If the
pipeline diameter is too large, the two phases may separate, leading to alternate
discharges of liquid and vapor (slugging) or layering of two-phases.

As recommended by Fenwal Design and Installation Manual, whenever a computer

program is not available to compute the accurate size of the pipeline networks, the best
practice is to reduce the pipe size by increments of half an inch after every reducer.

From Fenwal Estimating Table, the flow rate required for the data center is 2 ½-
inch diameter and UPS room requires 2-inch dia. only. However, considering that
the two hazard areas will be using similar size containers for interchangeability,
this design will utilize a 2-1/2 inches header pipe as starting discharge pipe.
DETERMINE THE VENTING AREA

Pressure Venting is required to protect the structural

integrity of the enclosure from raise of internal pressure
during the discharge of any gaseous extinguishing agent

NFPA 2001, Section 5.3.6 states that the protected enclosure shall have the
structural strength and integrity necessary to contain the agent discharge. If the
developed pressure presents a threat to the structural strength of the enclosure,
venting shall be provided to prevent excess pressures.

To calculate the free venting area, NFPA 2001 provided the following formula:

Where:
A = required venting area
v = specific volume of agent (m3/kg)
ΔP = Maximum allowable pressure increase of
the enclosure (Pa)
ṁ = flow rate (kg/sec)
V = specific volume of homogeneous agent/air
mixture (m3/kg)
c = resistance coefficient for the opening
Specific Volume of FM-200

From the table, we can

obtain the vapor density of
FM-200 at 21˚C and 1 atm
by of interpolation.

21 − 20 𝜌 − 7.2815
=
25 − 20 7.1461 − 7.2815

𝜌 = 7.2544

And since v = 1/ρ, therefore

the specific volume of FM-
200 agent is:
v = 0.138 m3/kg
 Flow Rate, ṁ
ṁa = 16.91 kg / seconds, FM-200 flow rate for Data Center
ṁb = 12.875 kg / seconds, FM-200 flow rate for UPS room

Referring to Fenwal and Tyco manufacturer’s recommendations, the value of

the other parameters are as follows:

ΔP = for the maximum allowable pressure increase of the enclosure, a

value between 100 and 300 Pascals should be used if there is no
other value specified by the manufacturer of equipment installed in
the enclosure.
= 300 Pa

V = specific volume of homogeneous agent/air mixture (m3/kg)

= 0.6 is a good average value for below 7.9% FM-200 concentration.

c = resistance coefficient for the opening

= ranges from 0.5 to 1
= to simplify the formula, use 1
Substituting the values obtained, the required pressure venting
area for each enclosure are:

a. For the Data Center

Venting area , Aa

ṁ 𝑣
𝐴= .𝑐 Aa = 0.1739 m2
∆𝑃 𝑉 = 269 in2
= π r2
Aa = 16.91 x 0.138 / [√300 (0.6)] (1) r = 9.3 inches
= 0.1739 m2

b. For the UPS Room

Venting area , Ab Ab = 0.132 m2

= 204 in2
Ab = 12.875 x 0.138 / [√300 (0.6)] (1) = π r2
= 0.132 m2
r = 8 inches
 DESIGN SUMMARY

a. General Information
Agent to be used: FM-200
Type of Hazard: Class C (Energized Electrical & Electronics
Equipment)
Enclosure Description: Data Center and UPS Room
Enclosure Volumes: Data Center = 287.76 m3;
UPS Room = 218.99 m3
Minimum Temperature: 21˚C
Maximum Temperature: 24˚C
Quantity of Agent Required: 170 kg for each container
Design Concentration: 7.5%
Atmospheric Correction Factor: 1.0
Tee Design Factor: 0.0
Discharge Time: 10 seconds
Elevation: Sea level
Pressure Venting Area: Data Center = 0.1739 m2 = 9.3 inch dia.
UPS Room = 0.132 m = 8 inch dia.
b. Containers

Operating Temperature: 21˚C (min)

Construction and Material: Designed, fabricated, inspected, certified

and stamped in accordance with Section 8
of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code

Size of Containers: 180 Liters

Actual Fill Capacity: 95%

Number of Containers: 2 Master Cylinders

2 Slave (Reserved) Cylinders

System Operating Pressure: Manufacturer standard of 360 PSIG at

70 ˚F (25 bar gauge at 21 ˚C)

Accessories: a. Master Cylinder must be equipped with

Master Control Head
b. Slave Cylinder must be equipped with
Pressure Operated Control Head
c. Nozzles

Location: Pendent type installation at the center of

the hazard, 1 foot from the ceiling
Discharge Pattern: 360˚
Number of Ports: 8.0
Material: Brass
Number of Nozzles Data Center – 2
UPS Room – 2
Size of Nozzles: 1 -1/2 inches NPT
Feed Pipe Size: 1-1/2 inches NPT
Estimated Flow Rate: Data Center - 8.46 kg/sec
UPS Room - 6.44 kg/sec
Maximum Total Orifice Area
per Nozzle: 1.46 in2
d. Pipes and Fittings
Pipe Material: API 5L Grade B (BI Pipe), Schedule 40
Sizes: 2-1/2 in., 2 in. and 1-1/2 in.
Total Length: 2-1/2 in: 11 meters
2 in: 10 meters
1-1/2 in: 7 meters
Number of Elbows: 7
Number of Tees: 2
Type of Reducer: Concentric Type
Size of Reducer: 2-1/2 X 2 in. and 2 X 1-1/2 in.
Number of Reducer: 5
Type of Joint Connection: Welded
Manifold Size: 2-1/2 in.
Number of Manifolds: 2

e. Pressure Venting Area

Data Center: 0.1739 m2
UPS Room: 0.132 m2