Dry water fire extinguishing system - features of the fire extinguishing agent and installation device. "Dry water" in fire fighting

In addition to the three well-known states of ordinary water, there is one more - this is "dry water". This mixture is a microscopic drop of moisture in the shell, the main substance of which is silicon dioxide. It is thanks to him that water molecules do not connect with each other and it does not spread. Outwardly, "dry water" looks like a powder.

Features of the composition and quality of "dry water"

When Novec 1230 is decomposed into molecules, it can be seen that there is no hydrogen in its composition, which leads to a weakening of bonds between molecules. Novec 1230 features more low temperature freezing - it is -108°C and low boiling point - only 49°C. "Dry water" does not conduct current and does not dissolve such familiar substances as sugar and salt. At the same time, it, like ordinary water, has neither smell nor color.

Key Applications for Novec 1230

On the this moment"dry water" is used to extinguish fires, and in this direction it is much more effective than ordinary water due to its features. Novec 1230 will not damage documents, books and things, including appliances, as in the process of extinguishing a fire it is converted into vapor, which then settles on surrounding surfaces and gradually evaporates, which takes only a few seconds. It is impossible to “wet” even the thinnest paper with such water, and such qualities can be called invaluable for extinguishing fires in institutions intended for the storage of historical values, as well as in those enterprises whose work is associated with expensive equipment and high voltage.

Directly the process of extinguishing fires with the help of "dry water" is carried out differently than in the traditional version. Novec 1230, by entering into a combustion reaction, promotes active absorption, while ordinary water only reduces the temperature and, during the evaporation process, prevents the interaction of fire and oxygen - thus, the flame is extinguished quickly and efficiently, while the concentration of the composition necessary for this purpose does not pose a danger to human health .

Another advantage of this composition is the absence of a decrease in the oxygen concentration in a confined space, which significantly increases the time required to save people. For example, employees of the same museums can safely evacuate from the premises without fear that any harm will be done to their respiratory or vision organs, and without worrying about the need to save property of historical value from damage.
Under atmospheric conditions, the decomposition of "dry water" is carried out within 3 to 5 days, provided that it is exposed to ultraviolet rays. In this case, the decomposition products do not have negative impact to the ozone layer. It does not pose a danger to people, however, it is still not recommended to use it inside.

Firefighting is not the only area in which Novec 1230 can be used. Ten years ago, scientists found that such a composition is able to absorb carbon dioxide very actively. The latter is one of the greenhouse gases, which means it contributes to the destruction of the ozone layer. Through experiments, it was possible to determine that for the same time, “dry water” is able to absorb much more carbon dioxide than water, which makes it possible to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to the same extent.

Prospects for use

A similar technology can be used for the manufacture of powder emulsions, which include simultaneously several liquids that do not mix with each other. With the help of such emulsions, it is possible to ensure the safety of transporting liquids that pose a certain danger.

To date, experts are also considering the hypothesis that the ability to absorb gases can be of great help in the extraction of frozen methane, which is located in the depths of the oceans.
In addition, scientists are trying to find the most suitable way to make fuel storage safer with Novec 1230 Vehicle operating on hydrogen.

Article sent by: Kazachok

Novec 1230 ("dry water") is one of the latest innovations in fire fighting. This gas extinguishing agent has a number of advantages over the existing traditional means of extinguishing fires in terms of safety for people and valuables, electrical equipment, and museum exhibits.

How the systems work gas fire extinguishing using Novec 1230 is based on cooling with heat removal from the fire source.

What is the substance Novec 1230

Novec 1230 is a colorless and odorless liquid, belongs to the category of fluorectons, called "dry water". Such a fire extinguishing agent is the development of an American chemical company.

This substance boils at a temperature of 49 ° C, absorbing heat from the area of \u200b\u200bthe ignition source. This property is indispensable at the initial stage of a fire, even the minimum concentration of gas in the environment makes it possible to instantly remove heat.

In the molecular structure of this extinguishing agent there is no hydrogen, and therefore Novec 1230 has a number of unique characteristics (zero electrical conductivity, boiling point +49 ° C, no wetting of substances and materials), thanks to which it is possible to effectively fight a fire.

This extinguishing agent does not conduct electricity, i.e. it is a dielectric.

Benefits of Novec 1230 gas extinguishing agent

The advantages of Novec 1230 gas include:

100% safety for people. This gas is completely non-toxic, and the release of this gas fire extinguishing agent does not reduce the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere.
Ensuring the safety of valuables, books, works of art after the use of "dry water".
Lightning fire extinguishing.
Safety for environment. This extinguishing agent does not destroy the ozone layer.
Ease of installation and subsequent operation.

This substance does not cause corrosion of metal surfaces, it evaporates with lightning speed. Novec 1230 has high efficiency extinguishing the fire, the time required to extinguish the fire does not exceed 10-20 seconds. Such advantageous features ensure the use of Novec 1230 gas fire extinguishing agent in gas fire extinguishing installations.

Systems using Novec 1230 extinguishing agent are economical and practical. Due to the fact that fire extinguishing is possible at a low concentration of this gas, it is not necessary to equip installations a large number of cylinders, which in turn simplifies the installation procedure, the use of modules and nozzles for spraying.

Scope of these installations:

server rooms;
rooms with electrical equipment;
museums;
archival premises;
libraries;
laboratories.

Arrangement of gas fire extinguishing systems

In gas fire extinguishing installations, Novek 1230 is placed in special cylinders; in the event of a fire, the gas moves through pipelines and is released into the room through special nozzles. The composition of installations with a gas fire extinguishing agent includes several modules. Elements settings:

cylinders (with Novek 1230 gas extinguishing agent pumped in liquid form);
shut-off and starting device (regulates the release of gas);
pipelines through which the fire extinguishing agent is supplied to the place of ignition;
sleeves (elements for connecting cylinders to pipelines);
system fire alarm, which includes temperature sensors, smoke and combustion detectors;
equipment that controls the pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

The locking and starting device is designed to release the fire extinguishing agent Novec 1230 for 10 seconds. Installations with a gas fire extinguishing agent are used in rooms with mass stay people, safety for people is confirmed by numerous tests. These settings include even if there are people working in the rooms.

Gas fire extinguishing installations using Novec 1230 as a fire extinguishing agent - effective, reliable and universal way cope with the fire in the minimum amount of time.

In case of fires, unique books, high-precision equipment, technological lines enterprises. How to choose fire extinguishing agents that will protect valuable property from flames? 3M offers an innovative Novec™ 1230 gas fire extinguishing agent (otherwise known as dry water), which is widely used in gas fire extinguishing.

A fundamentally new fire extinguishing agent in liquid state it flows like water and even outwardly resembles water, but when sprayed it turns into a gaseous state and instantly extinguishes the fire. At the same time, dry water is really dry and does not wet the surface.

Dry water - distinctive features

The main and main advantage of gas fire extinguishing is the highest sensitivity of the system. Dry water begins to work at the very beginning, when the combustion reaction has just begun and the flame as such is practically absent. The product has the best fire-fighting properties traditional means fire extinguishing, but at the same time more effectively affects the fires and suppresses the fire from the first seconds.

Unlike “real” water, 3M Novec™ 1230 Fire Suppressant will not harm electronics, antiques, unique works of art or other hard-to-repair valuables.

How do gas extinguishing agents work? Novec™ 1230 can be in two states - liquid and gaseous. In liquid form, the chemical agent is stored under pressure in special cylinders and waits in the wings. The system takes a lot less space than similar fire modules based on inergen or freons.

The 3M dry water secret is both simple and complex at the same time. New generation fire extinguishing agents do not contain hydrogen atoms and, therefore, are absolutely free from hydrogen chemical bonds, the interaction between molecules is very weak. It is these properties of the product that make gas fire extinguishing much safer. GOTV instantly passes from a liquid to a gaseous state, even with the so-called "cold" spraying, when high temperatures and there is no flame yet, that is, the fire has barely begun.

Compounds with similar qualities were known to chemists long before the advent of Novec 1230. However, these formulas were not used in gas fire fighting, as toxic ingredients posed a serious health hazard and depleted the ozone layer. Thanks to the efforts of 3M specialists, the new dry water has solved all these problems.

Gas fire extinguishing - advantages of the system:

Maximum efficiency. The properties of 3M™ Novec™ 1230 fire extinguishing agent make it possible to eliminate fires within 10 seconds, and simultaneously at several points.

High economy. Dry water is consumed very little (compared to other means). In addition, it requires less space for maintenance and installation, a minimum number of cans and spray nozzles.

Ecological purity. Novec 1230 systems are not subject to the international program restricting the use of halon . Gas fire suppression using a 3M product reduces the release of long-lived ozone depleting agents.

Security for property. Dry water has high dielectric properties, does not cause corrosive processes, does not damage things and materials that are sensitive to moisture.

Not required restoration work. In the liquid state, the product evaporates 50 times faster than ordinary water. Unlike powder and foam, 3M extinguishing agent is completely modified into a gaseous form and leaves no residue on treated surfaces.

Ease of use. Modules filled with Novec™ 1230 fluid operate at low pressure and therefore have a more compact and lightweight construction. This is especially convenient in conditions of limited space (offshore platforms, airliners, hardware systems).

Ease of transportation. Fire extinguishing agents can be transported by any means of transport, including water and air.

Novec™ 1230 extinguishing agent is the best alternative to halon

The basic developments of the company in the field of gas fire extinguishing were constantly improved, as a result, it was found optimal solution for safe, environmentally friendly and efficient fire protection that meets the following requirements:

zero ozone depletion potential;
minimum global warming potential (equal to one);
rapid decay (dry water after spraying lives in the atmosphere for no more than 3-5 days);
non-toxic working concentration.

The concentration of Novec™ 1230 used for fire fighting ( gas method), several times lower than the threshold values potentially dangerous for humans. Of all the GFFS in use today, dry water has the largest margin of safety (almost 140%), which makes it possible to use 3M products for fire protection of premises with personnel inside. This perfect choice for airport fire extinguishing systems, medical institutions, archives, museums, libraries, computer centers and telecommunication centers.

If you conduct an experiment and immerse electronic devices and a couple of books in a container of dry water, then as you remove objects, the liquid will evaporate from the surface in a split second, without changing the structure of the paper and leaving no traces. The devices will work normally.

Gas extinguishing agents (comparative characteristics):

Where Fire Suppression Systems Are Used (Novec™ 1230 Gas Agents)

Gas fire extinguishing is recommended primarily for facilities where the use of other means is undesirable (property damage is possible) and where people are constantly present, especially when it is impossible to leave the premises (airliners, oil platforms, motor ships).

The use of gas fire extinguishing agents is advisable in data processing and storage centers, at telephone exchanges and radio centers, in hardware mobile operators etc. Dry water can be trusted with the most valuable assets: gas fire extinguishing does not harm expensive electronics.

Canvases, tapestries, film and photographic documents, books, musical instruments, museum rarities and archival materials. Gas fire extinguishing from 3M does not soak and warp paper, does not blur ink and paint. Manuscripts do not sink or burn in dry water.

Another a prime example safe gas fire extinguishing - protection of airport control centers. Air traffic controllers are not allowed to leave workplace even in the event of a fire. The non-toxic agent Novec™ 1230 eliminates the need for sophisticated respiratory protection.

3M provides an unparalleled 20-year warranty on fire extinguishing agents own production. If Novec 1230 is completely or partially banned during this period, we will refund the purchase price of the previously purchased dry water.

Detailed information on Novec™ 1230 GOTV can be obtained by filling out or contacting the company.

A relatively new substance developed in 2011 by ZM has unique technical and operational characteristics. The official name is Novec 1230, but in the world it is known as "dry water".

The absence of hydrogen in the structure of the fluorinated ketone molecule endowed the substance with special properties that are successfully used to eliminate fires:

Zero electrical conductivity;
Boiling point +49°С;
Substances and materials do not get wet.

Fire extinguishing systems use a gas obtained on the basis of fine atomization. Upon transition to a gaseous state, Novec 1230 rapidly reduces the temperature in the room, dropping it below the combustion point. At the same time, no damage is caused to people, equipment connected to electricity or material values.

The substance is absolutely safe for human health and environmentally friendly. But, despite the common name - “dry water”, it is better not to use it inside.

More information about the properties of dry water can be seen in the presentation video of the manufacturer's company:

Application area

Dry water has received the greatest distribution in the west in systems automatic fire extinguishing installed in rooms with fragile art values: museums, art galleries; libraries and archives. It is recommended to use Novec 1230 in data centers, laboratories that work with liquid flammable substances and are equipped with fragile electronic equipment. The evidence that dry water firefighting is effective and safe is the removal of all restrictions on its use in the United States and the use of dry water in automatic installations extinguishing ships, aircraft and armored vehicles.

Currently, the most common substances of this type are 3M™ Novec™ 1230 and Fluoroketone C-6. Both substances have almost identical performance indicators and are of the freon type.

The extinguishing agent is certified for use in the process of extinguishing fires of categories A and B. Studies are being carried out to confirm the approval for extinguishing combustible gases - class C.

Extinguishing with dry water occurs according to the principle of temperature reduction (70% of the action of the substance) and inhibition chemical reaction combustion process (30% of the extinguishing effect).

Advantages

High efficiency - the ignition source is neutralized due to high level evaporation, for 10-15 seconds;

Human safety confirmed by clinical trials. The unit can be turned on when there are still people in the room.

Ease of use - dry water can be used as a fire extinguishing agent in already installed equipment with minimal upgrades. In addition, damage to dry water cylinders and even its spill will not cause unpleasant consequences. "Water" will simply evaporate, leaving no trace.

Environmental safety - the decay of the substance occurs in 3-5 days, without damaging the ozone layer.

Fire extinguishing system device

The dry water fire extinguishing system consists of:

You can learn more about the elements of the system, their placement and the principle of operation from the introductory video of the manufacturer's company:

Given the high efficiency demonstrated by dry water (class A fire extinguishing takes only 10 seconds), the dimensions of the installation required to control the room are much more compact, and the number of cylinders is much less. In addition, much smaller requirements are imposed on the pipeline. technical requirements. The working pressure is only 25bar, instead of those required for gas system 250 - 300bar. This greatly simplifies and reduces the cost of both installation and further maintenance.