Gas fire extinguishing has an undoubted advantage over other types of fire extinguishing, because the gas used for extinguishing, freon 125, does not cause corrosion of the equipment, and the consequences of activating the gas fire extinguishing installation are easily eliminated after ventilation. The consequences of water, powder and foam fire extinguishing are not so easy to eliminate. The above-mentioned advantages also include the range of operating temperatures of gas fire extinguishing – from - 400 to + 500, in other words, neither heat nor frost can adversely affect the installation.

Gas fire extinguishing can be used in specialized premises in which the installation of another fire protection option is fraught with serious material losses and loss of important information, for example:
- premises for storing cultural property,
- premises for placing technological equipment,
- electrical panels, including live ones,
- diesel rooms, generator rooms,
- rooms with explosive atmosphere,
- premises for the location of highly sensitive electronic equipment, etc.

Use of Freon 125 in fire extinguishing.

The most commonly used gas recently is freon 125, which is one of the safest gases. It has high thermal stability. An important advantage of freon 125 is that when used, the air is breathable for another 5 minutes, which allows people to evacuate from a dangerous room, and makes it easier for firefighters to access the premises.

Based on the results of the last 4 years, freon 125 ranks first in use in gas fire extinguishing.

Freon 125 (HFC-125):

Widely used to protect premises without permanent occupancy;

Ozone-safe, does not destroy the ozone layer, ozone depletion potential (ODP) = 0;

The residual oxygen concentration after the release of GFFS is 18 - 19%, which ensures free human breathing;

Effectively provides fire extinguishing;

Freon 125 is released within 10 seconds;

To ensure transportation through pipes, a propellant gas is required;

The pressure in the module is controlled using a pressure gauge;

High quality/price ratio;

The standard fire extinguishing concentration for freon 125 is 9.8%.

The maximum permissible concentration of freon 125 is 10%.

The safety margin in this case is a fraction of a percent (0.2%).

This makes it possible to avoid serious damage to the health of a person who spent some time (about 5 minutes) in the room where the gas fire extinguishing agent freon 125 was released.

Freon 125 is stored in high-pressure modules.

The propellant gas is pumped up to a pressure of 41 bar.

The system can be modular or centralized.

The modular system consists of individual cylinders placed next to a protected source of danger.

A centralized system is a series of cylinders that can be equipped with distribution devices to protect several rooms from fire.

The quality assurance system ensures the high quality of all components used in fire extinguishing systems.

• Gas fire extinguishing composition Freon 125HP does not affect the ozone layer, is environmentally friendly, does not affect interior items, electrical equipment and material assets;
• In addition, Freon 125HP has maximum thermal stability compared to other refrigerants; the thermal decomposition temperature of its molecules is more than 900° C. The high thermal stability of Freon 125HP allows it to be used for extinguishing fires of smoldering materials, because at smoldering temperature (usually about 450°C) thermal decomposition practically does not occur;
• Freon 125HP is safe for people, because Fire extinguishing concentrations for freons are an order of magnitude lower than lethal concentrations for exposure durations of up to 4 hours. Approximately 5% of the mass of freon supplied to extinguish a fire is subject to thermal decomposition, therefore the toxicity of the environment formed when extinguishing a fire with freons will be much lower than the toxicity of the products of pyrolysis and decomposition;
• Freon 125HP (Pentafluoroethane, C2F5H, Halon 25, FE-25, R125, HFC-125) can be used to extinguish:
• - fires of electrical equipment;
• - fires of flammable liquids and gases (equipment rooms and pump rooms);
• - fires in premises where expensive devices and equipment are concentrated (CED, operating rooms, etc.);
• - fires in valuables storage rooms.

Freon 227e

(HFC-227ea, FM-200)

It is a chemical flame retardant. The mechanism of fire extinguishing with freons consists mainly in the effect of this gaseous fire extinguishing agent on breaking the radical bonds of the physico-chemical chain reaction of combustion, in suppressing the “active centers” of this reaction and creating a non-flammable environment in the protected volume.

Freon-227ea (trade name - HFC-227ea(FM200)) is no less safe than freon-125. But their economic indicators as part of a fire extinguishing installation are inferior to freon-125, and their efficiency (protected volume from a similar module) differs slightly. It is inferior to freon-125 in thermal stability.

- used to protect premises where people are constantly present;

- ozone-safe, does not destroy the ozone layer, ozone depletion potential (ODP) is 0;

The residual oxygen concentration after the release of GFFS is 18 - 19%, which ensures free human breathing;

- effectively provides volumetric fire extinguishing;

- does not conduct electricity;

Does not cause corrosion of metals and destruction of organic compounds, which allows it to be classified as a group of so-called “pure gases”;

- chemically inert;
- release time 10 seconds;

- to ensure transportation through pipes, a propellant gas is required;

- pressure control in the module is carried out using a pressure gauge;

- high quality/price ratio;

Freon 227ea (HFC-227ea, FM-200) is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas.

It is registered in NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520 as HFC-227ea and is manufactured by the DuPont Group under the brand name FM200.

The standard fire extinguishing concentration for freon 227ea is 7.2%. The maximum permissible concentration (NOAEL) of freon 227ea is 10.5%.

The safety margin is several percent (3.3%).

The residual oxygen concentration in the protected area after gas release is about 19%, which is sufficient for free breathing.

This makes it possible not to suffer serious damage to the health of a person who spent some time (about 5 minutes) in the room where the gas fire extinguishing agent freon 227ea was released.

Freon 227ea– non-flammable, non-explosive and low-toxic gas, under normal conditions it is a stable substance.

Freon 227ea stored in high-pressure modules in a liquefied state.

Among fire-fighting installations, gas fire extinguishing with freons takes its rightful place. In the vast expanses of the CIS the name freon has taken root, and in the west the name freon has taken root. The long history of the use of these substances, since the thirties of the last century, has proven in practice their reliability and effectiveness. Of the ten gases permitted in Russia as , five are freons 23, 227EA, 125, 218, 318C. The remaining gases that are not included in the list of Code of Rules 5.13130.2009 “Fire alarm installations...” must be approved for compliance with technical conditions and a specific project.

Application area

Fighting fire with water often proved futile or dangerous. Instead of water, carbon dioxide was first used, then, with the creation of freon-type fire extinguishing agents, gas fire extinguishing installations with freons began to be used.

Freons are used for volumetric and surface extinguishing and preventing the formation of an explosive atmosphere. With the help of station installations, closed spaces are protected, and small fires are protected with fire extinguishers.

Refrigerants for fire extinguishing are used in explosive areas, warehouses of fuels and lubricants, etc., as flame arresters. Their main advantage lies in their gentle effect on material assets exposed to fire. They are used in server rooms, data centers, aircraft and ships, archives, generator and transformer substations. Some run in the presence of people, allowing them to be used in museums, galleries, libraries and other public places. But the duration of a person’s stay in the zone of action of these gases is limited to several minutes, depending on the concentration of the substance. The freon fire extinguishing system is used in conjunction with access control and control. The access control system determines the presence of personnel and gives exit commands indicating the evacuation route, followed by blocking of doors, natural and forced ventilation systems.

Advantages and disadvantages

Freons are used in fire extinguishing agents to slow down and subsequently extinguish the flame. They became widespread due to their properties. Freons are dielectrics, which allows their use to fight fire in rooms with electrical equipment under electric current. Due to their high density in liquid and gaseous form, they penetrate into the fire and act as a phlegmatizer and fire inhibitor.

At concentrations of 10% they effectively extinguish the flame. Can work at sub-zero temperatures. The wettability allows it to be used for extinguishing smoldering materials. The possibility of storage in a liquefied state makes it possible to use smaller tanks in volume and number. They are capable of extinguishing a flame within 10-20 seconds and can prevent an explosion of a gas-air mixture.

Freons have a number of disadvantages.

At temperatures above 600 degrees, they begin to emit highly toxic gases that are dangerous to human life, but under normal conditions they are harmless.

Many refrigerants (freons) have been discontinued due to their destructive effect on the ozone layer. They are saturated fluorocarbons, which after use remain in the earth's atmosphere for decades. After the adoption of amendments to the Montreal and Kyoto Protocols, they were prohibited due to increased environmental danger. By 2030, their production will practically cease.

Types of refrigerants for fire extinguishing

Gas fire extinguishing agent freon 23 (trifluoromethane) is a non-flammable, low-toxic gas with zero ozone depletion potential. According to the danger of exposure to humans, it belongs to the fourth class. At temperatures above 600 degrees Celsius, it emits toxic gases such as phosgene. Freon 23 is approved for use in Russia. High fire extinguishing ability. It is stored in liquefied form in cylinders with a pressure of up to 150 bar.

Gas fire extinguishing freon 125 (pentafluoroethane) is used in residential and industrial buildings. The extinguishing agent used is a colorless, non-flammable and non-toxic gas with zero ozone depletion potential. Freon 125 is a thermostable gas with a fire extinguishing concentration of 9.8%. The maximum permissible concentration for humans is 10%. The excess is insignificant, so it is used in the absence of people in the room. When a fire alarm sounds, you must leave the premises. High fire extinguishing ability. Stored in cylinders with pressure up to 60 bar.

Freon 218 (octafluoropropane) has environmental friendliness, safety and fire extinguishing properties similar to other gases of the freon series. Stored in cylinders with a pressure of 20 atmospheres.

Freon 227EA (heptafluoropropane) can be used to extinguish fires in premises where people are present. It is environmentally friendly and has zero ability to destroy the ozone layer. Freon-227ea is a colorless, non-flammable, low-toxic gas. It is thermostable, but at temperatures above 600 degrees it releases toxic substances such as phosgene. It is a good dielectric, which allows it to be used to extinguish fires in server rooms. Stored in tanks designed for a pressure of 20 atmospheres.

Freon 318C (octafluorocyclobutane) is the best among the freon gases in terms of safety for humans, which affects its price. Other characteristics are the same as those of other refrigerants permitted in Russia. Stored in low pressure cylinders in liquefied form.

Operation of refrigerants

Refrigerants 23 are stored in cylinders designed for a pressure of 150 atmospheres, the rest can be stored in cylinders for 60 atmospheres. The choice of one or another cylinder depends on the storage conditions and the requirements for the speed of delivery of the fire extinguishing agent to the fire site. Cylinders are stored at temperatures from -40 to +60 degrees. Direct sunlight must be avoided. In automatic fire extinguishing systems, a special device is provided for constant monitoring of gas mass. Some modules have a reusable locking device, allowing them to be reused. Refueling is carried out at specialized and certified stations.

What modules use refrigerants?

For freon 23, a tank designed for a pressure of 150 atmospheres is used as a gas fire extinguishing module (GMF). MGP are used for storing and releasing fire extinguishing agents by fire alarm signal or manually. They are cylinders with shut-off and release devices. The remaining freon fire extinguishing modules use low pressure containers, ranging from 20 to 60 bar. The volume of tanks intended for refrigerant gases ranges from 5.1 liters to 240 liters. High pressure containers are available in a seamless version.

Calculation of gas fire extinguishing begins with determining the specifics of the object, determining the type of fire extinguishing installation. It is necessary to comply with the requirements of regulatory documents. For example, the calculation of gas fire extinguishing freon 23 must necessarily take into account that it has an operating pressure of 150 atmospheres, unlike other freons. Knowing that the fire extinguishing concentration of gas is above 30 percent, much more is required. Only specialists can take into account all the points. When properly designed, an automatic gas fire extinguishing system can be an economically viable option for fire protection.

Refilling fire extinguishing cylinders with freon

All gas fire extinguishing systems have a similar design. Typically, AUGPs consist of:

• modules, i.e. cylinders filled with fire extinguishing agent;
• control units;
• pipelines;
• nozzles for releasing gas and distributing it throughout the volume of the protected room;
• control panel.

Detectors - devices that respond to fire and are responsible for notifying about a fire, are also combined with the GP complex. Thus, the entire system is fully automated, functional, efficient and highly effective in fighting fire.

Where is gas fire extinguishing used?

If the first installations for extinguishing fires with gas were used mainly to protect sea vessels, then modern AUGPs can be found at many facilities.

In this case, it is the gas fire extinguishing agent that acquires the main importance. It will depend on the properties and characteristics of the gas whether it is possible or not to use AUGP at a given specific facility.

One of the most common gases used in AUGP today is freon 125.

Installations filled with freon 125 can be used:

• in warehouses or production facilities where solid smoldering or non-smoldering materials and substances, textiles and rubber products are stored; flammable liquids;
• in archives, libraries, money depositories;
• in museums;
• in printing houses;
• in server rooms, data centers, computer processing centers, transformer rooms, telephone centers;
• in cable structures.

Properties and features of freon 125

Freon 125 is a colorless gas (chemical name "pentafluoroethane", designated as R125). It has the following physical and chemical properties:

• low toxicity;
• non-flammable;
• ozone safe;
• molecular weight – 120 amu;
• boiling point -48.5°C at atmospheric pressure;
• liquid density 1219 kg/m 3 at 25°C;
• vapor density 5.208 kg/m 3 under normal conditions;
• own saturated vapor pressure 12.1 bar at 20°C.

If we compare freon 125 with other GFFS (freon 227ea, inergen, CO 2), it has the lowest boiling point, liquid density and the highest pressure of its own saturated vapors.

The properties of freon 125 regarding the physiological effects on humans and the environment are as follows:

• LD 50 or semi-lethal dose, i.e. the average dose of R 125, which causes the death of half the members of the test group, is less than 70%;
• NOAEL – level of non-detection of harmful effects – equal to 7.5%;
• LOAEL – the lowest level of exposure to a substance at which a harmful effect will be observed – 10%;
• ODP – ozone depletion potential is zero;
• GWP – global warming potential (GWP) – is 3400.

The use of freon 125 is limited to those rooms in which people are present periodically, not constantly.

Features of fire extinguishing using freon 125

Freon 125, among other freons, is officially approved for use (SP No. 5.13130.2009). This substance has the following advantages in terms of extinguishing fires:

• high efficiency - elimination of the source of combustion occurs within 10–15 seconds after gas is supplied to the room;
• safety for electrical equipment, including valuable, expensive units;
• relative safety for personnel - when the installation is triggered, you should hold your breath and leave the room, but there will be no negative consequences for health;
• possibility of storage in a liquid state, which allows reducing the amount of space for GPU modules.

The fire extinguishing mechanism of R 125 consists of chemical containment, suppression of the combustion reaction. Once at the source of fire, the gas disintegrates, during which radicals are released and react with the primary combustion products. As a result, the burning rate instantly decreases until the fire completely disappears.

JSC "Rushimprom" offers for sale on attractive terms refrigerant 125 HP (pentafluoroethane) of its own and imported production. This product is used to extinguish fires in premises without permanent occupancy.

NAF S-125 (trade name) is a colorless, liquefied gas that is a flame retardant. The key features of pentafluoroethane are:

• non-flammability;
• low toxicity;
• non-explosive;
• ozone safety;
• environmental friendliness.

An important advantage of freon 125 HP is its high thermal and chemical stability (the decomposition temperature of molecules is 900 °C), which expands the possibilities of using this gas in extinguishing fires. In addition, pentafluoroethane can be used as a refrigerant. Piston refrigeration compressors operating on this gas are characterized by optimal cylinder filling, which ensures a higher flow rate.

The NAF S-125 refrigerant offered by Ruskhimprom JSC fully complies with the requirements of TU 2412-043-00480689-96. Products are supplied to customers in cylinders, special containers or ISO tanks.

Freon 125 HP from JSC "Rushimprom"

Our company pays significant attention to creating affordable prices for the entire range of products offered. A well-thought-out organization of production, the use of modern technologies and direct contacts with suppliers make it possible to ensure a reasonable price for refrigerant 125 HP and establish significant discounts.

Many years of experience allows us to well understand the interest of customers in receiving quality service. Therefore, when selling any product, including refrigerant 125 HP, the company provides customers with a high level of related services.

To save the buyer's time, JSC "Rushimprom" uses an accelerated algorithm for processing orders and makes fast delivery of paid shipments of goods both in Moscow and Moscow Region, and throughout the CIS. The politeness of the staff and an individual approach make partnership with the company as comfortable as possible.

The most important argument in favor of partnership with Ruskhimprom JSC is the receipt of a guarantee for freon 125 HP.

Freon-125 (R125, pentafluoroethane, chemical formula - C2F5H)

Application

Freon-125 is the most affordable and widespread freon in the field of fire extinguishing in Russia, the only fire extinguishing freon produced in large quantities by the domestic industry. Freon-125 is a pure product that is not subject to restrictions by environmental standards of the international community in the field of fire extinguishing. Approved for long-term use. When used, it is safe for humans under certain conditions.

Technical indicators

Characteristic

Freon-125 is a colorless gas, liquefied under pressure; non-flammable and low-toxic, ozone-safe.

Package

Special containers of 720 kg, 810 kg; 40 kg cylinders.

Transportation and storage

Freon-125 is transported by all types of transport in accordance with the rules for the transportation of dangerous goods. Store in warehouses in accordance with the Rules for the Design and Safe Operation of Pressure Vessels.

We provide free hydraulic calculations and full calculations of the gas fire extinguishing system. Refilling of gas fire extinguishing modules (GFA) is also carried out at the company's expense; the client pays only the cost of the refrigerant.