A

CONSOLIDATED
REPORT
FOR
FM-200
INSTALLATIONS
 CHAPTER ONE
GENERAL INFORMATION
FM-200 is a clean, safe firefighting agent for use in total flooding automatic extinguishing systems.
It is intended as a long term replacement for Halon 1301 and, whilst maintaining the excellent fire
suppression properties of Halon, has none of the environmental problems. Storage and distribution
requirements are similar to Halon and the majority of system components are identical. However, FM-200
is not a direct replacement for existing Halon 1301 installations due to the difference in agent quantity and
discharge characteristics. The minimum FM-200 design concentration for Class A hazards is 6.4% for UL
Listed systems or 7.17% for FM Approved systems, and for Class B hazard is at least 9.0%.
FM-200 fire suppression systems combine an environmentally safe fire suppression \gent, highly
effective detection devices and specifically developed components for fast agent discharge. These systems
are electrically, pressure and/or cable operated with a normal discharge time of less than ten (10) seconds.
FM-200 systems are used to suppress fires in specific hazards or equipment located where an electrically
non-conducive agents is required, where agents cleanup creates a problem, where extinguishing with low
weight is a factor.
FM-200 must not be specified where the following material may be present:
Pyrotechnic chemicals containing their own oxygen supply reactive metals- sodium, potassium,
magnesium, titanium, uranium and plutonium. Metal hydrides. The operating temperature range used for
all components used in this installation systems is 0-54oc to maintain the sufficient quantity from the
nozzles.

FM-200 AGENTS CHARACTERISTICS:

FM-200 is hydrocarbon where hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine, formula is CF3CHFCF3, and its
IUPAC name is 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 –heptafluoropopane. It suppress fire by a combination of chemical and
physical mechanisms without directly affecting the available oxygen. This allows personnel to see and
breathe, permitting them to leave the fire area safety, FM-200 is considered non-toxic to humans in
concentrations necessary to extinguish most fires. The discharge of FM-200 may create a hazard to
personnel from the undecomposed agent itself and from the decomposition products which results when
the agents is exposed to fire or other hot surfaces, Unnecessary exposure to the agents or the decomposition
products should be avoided. Upon operation of a system pre-discharge alarm, all personnel should
immediately exit the protected space.
When FM-200 is exposed to temperature over approximately 700oc products of decomposition
(halogen acids) are formed. If the FM-200 discharged in 10 seconds or less, causing rapid extinguishments
of flames, the amount of by-product is minimal. FM-200 is stored as a liquefied compressed gas and is
discharged into the protected area as a vapor. It is stored in approved DOT or TPED containers and is super
pressurized with dry nitrogen to 25 bar @ 21 °C (360 psi @ 70 °F). Typical areas that may be protected by
an FM-200 system are detailed below; the list is by no means exhaustive: Bank Vaults, Libraries Rare Book
Stores, Electronic Data Processing, Telephone Exchanges, Studios Communication Centers, Transformer
and Server Control Rooms, Test Laboratories, Flammable Liquid Store and etc.

CHAPTER TWO
 OPERATION
Controls of FM-200 Fire extinguishing panel series and operation are described in this chapter. FM-200 is
stored in liquid for in the steel cylinder, discharge valve is connected to pneumatic line from the nitrogen
pilot cylinder. A control head is mounted on pilot tank, when actuated the nitrogen open the discharge
valve pneumatically actuating the normal the pressure operated control head on slave FM-200 cylinder,
and allow the liquid to escape through discharge port of the valve and directed to distribution piping.
Nozzles provides the proper flow rate and distribution of FM-200.

Operations Method

 Automatic Operation
 Remove Manual Operation
 Local Manual Operation

1. Automatic Operation
When the control panel operate the solenoid valve upon receiving signals from detectors, solenoid will
actuate the cartridge after certain delay time ( if given ) and gas will discharge into the hazard area. A pre-
discharge alarm must be provided to evacuate the hazard area immediately and make sure no one enters
the hazard zone.
A Gas Release Control Panel: Normally, the panel remains in ‘Auto’ position. Upon receiving the signal
from the detectors, panel immediately released the pre-discharged alarm and turn on the HVAC or
dampers if any. After pre-decided delay time, panel energized the solenoid valve on nitrogen pilot tank
open the discharge valve through pneumatic operated valve, which allows the FM-200 to pass through the
distribution piping in the respected zones.
2. Remote Manual Operation
When the operation is performed by remote pull station, an appropriate pull station is operated after
detecting fire in the specific hazard area. After releasing, leaving the area is recommended. Make sure no
one enters the hazard area. And call the fire department immediately. Pull station will signal the panel to
actuate the solenoid.
Gas Release Control Panel; Gas release panel additionally provide manual operation from panel, one
must put the key to ‘manual position’. After pushing the manual release located on the panel, gas will be
released as operations described below.
 All instructions for operation must be inscribed nearby pull station.
3. Local Manual Operation
In case of failure of automatic actuation, FM-200 system must have provision to operate manually. So in
this scenario, one must proceed to appropriate FM-200 cylinder arrangements for specific hazard area.
Remove the safety pull pin from pilot cylinder as instructed on the nameplate. Leave the hazard area and
make sure no one enters the hazard area. And call the fire department immediately.
 Local Manual Operation need to be used in case of automatic system failure only, care must be
taken when operated manually.
After Fire
After discharge when fire is suppressed and maintenance must be performed by qualified personnel. Care
must be taken while going near hazard area. Make sure fire is suppressed and extinguished completely
and gas is ventilated after proper retention time as described by NFPA, Using breathing apparatus is
advisable.

Refill
After the discharge, recharge FM-200 cylinder and nitrogen pilot tank immediately at any qualified FM-
200 gas distributing agency. Proper care must be taken while recharging the cylinders.

CHAPTER THREE
 COMPONENTS
In this section of current manual description of all components for engineered and pre-engineered (cabinet
type) systems are listed.

3.1 FM-200 HFC-227ea Agents

FM-200 is a hydro-carbon with gaseous agents.it leaves no residue after extinguishing the fire on delicate
electronic equipment, and can be removed by simply ventilation, it is thermally and chemically stable gas.
ODP (ozone depletion potential) is zero

3.1 FM-200 Tanks

FM-200 is stored in steel pressured vessel as a super pressurized liquid to 25 bar (2.5Mpa) at 21oC. Tank
consist of discharge valve assembly and fitted with siphon tube. All tanks can be filled with multiple
increments.
Each FM-200 cylinders has the maximum and minimum filling weight specifications, dimensions
measured in height and diameter, the valve type and size and empty weight of the container. The cylinder
considered for this installation is of Minimum filling weight is 20kg, Maximum filling weight is 33kg,
dimensions 738 by 300 (Height and Diameter respectively), Valve assembly is 25mm.

3.2 DISCHARGE VALVE

The discharge valve assembly is equipped with: pressure gauge, burst disc and a supervisory pressure
switch connection for optional monitoring of the cylinder pressure. The container valve is the result of
extensive research and development and incorporates many unique safety features. The valve assembly is
factory-fitted to the container.
Valve Operations:
The FM-200 valve is a high-flow-rate device specially designed for use in fire systems. Operation
is by means of a pressure-differential piston. Container pressure is used within the valve to create a
positive force on the piston, sealing the valve closed. Operation of the valve occurs when the upper
chamber is vented faster than the ‘make up device’ in the shuttle can replace the pressure. Thereby
allowing, the shuttle to be forced up, and free flow of FM-200 from the valve. Upper chamber pressure is
released by the electrical, mechanical or pneumatic actuator.

The valve incorporates the following features:

 A pressure operated safety release device (burst disc).

 Main outlet, fitted with anti-recoil cap.
 A connection for a pneumatic, mechanical or electrical actuator, fitted with safety cap.
 A connection for an electrical solenoid. A connection for the
pneumatic actuation port

Burst Disc: A burst disc is factory fitted to every valve assembly. It is designed
to rupture when the container becomes over pressurized when subjected to
temperatures above the designed storage temperature of the container.
Burst Disc for 25 mm (1”) Valve of Brass coated body.

3.3 ELECTRIC CONTROL ACTUATOR

Electromagnetic control actuator are provided to actuate the nitrogen pivot thank. Electric control actuator
is operated electronically from the detection and control system, and or a remote manual pull station. It is
mounted on pilot tank. Electric controls actuators are self-venting to prevent accidental system discharge
in the event of a slow buildup of pressure in a pilot line. Electric control actuator has lock pi, as in case of
emergency, it can be operated manually.
Note: A 24 hours back power sources must be provided.
Material………….. Metal with silver coated surface.
Voltage…………... 24 Vdc
Currents…………… 2amps. (Momentarily)

Dimension………….. (96.5mm-------143,5mm.

3.4 DISCHARGE HOSE

Discharge hose connects the discharge valve to manifold. Discharge hose is flexible type to give damping
effect during high pressure discharge and maintain the integrity of manifold. Moreover, during discharge,
it cancels the effect due to cylinder movement. It is constructed of corrugated stainless steel tubing with
stainless braid cover. This hose size varies in different diameter sizes such 32, 40, 80 for 90-150 tank
sizes.

3.5 CYLINDER BRACKET

When agent released at high pressure, to keep the cylinders firmed at their location without unnecessary
movement, brackets need to be provided to keep the cylinders firmed at their location. Accurate
measurement must be ensure in case of bracket and H-channel replacement. This material is made up of
steel.

3.6 NOZZLES
FM-200 extinguishing agent is discharged in the hazard area by discharge nozzle (s). Nozzles are
designed to distribute the agent with 10 seconds maximum. It can be installed pendent or upright. Its
material are made of stainless steel.
This nozzles comes in different sizes of:
25 Rc 1” 5mm
32 Rc 11/4 ” 5mm
40 Rc 11/2 ” 5mm
50 Rc 2” 5mm
Discharge Nozzle
FM-200 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. Ports are drilled in 0.1 mm (0.004 in) increments to the specified system
design. Nozzles are supplied as standard in Brass as BSPP or NPT with Stainless Steel as an option.

3.7 FITTINGS
3.7.1 High Pressure Elbow
Hose is connected to high pressure elbow and one side of elbow is connected to discharge valve.

3.7.1 Bent Pipe:

Bent elbow is needed to withstand gas discharge at high pressure.
3.7.2 Flange:
To join pipes, flanges are needed in the manifold for selector valve.

CHAPTER FOUR
 DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS
4.1 System Design Concept
Pre-Engineered Systems are balanced flow configurations that are simple to design and easy to
install. The Pre-Engineered concept minimizes the engineering effort required to design an effective
system by utilizing a fixed series of nozzles and a tightly defined set of design criteria. As long as nozzle
selection, pipe size, and pipe length limitations are adhered to, computerized flow calculations are not
required. FM-2OO system are designed to suppress fires in class A, B and C hazards. FM-200 agent is
suitable for total flooding applications only. Deep seated fire and for local application is not seated and
not tested.
Moreover it is not recommended to use FM-200 for class D combustible metals and chemicals
capable of rapid oxidation.
Standard: NFPA 2001- Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System and Authority Having Jurisdiction
(AHJ). Below are the considerable factors for installing FM-200 system:

 Hazard Evaluation
 Design Concentration
 Volume of the protected hazard
 Agent quantity determination at the ambient Temperature
 Suitable Tank quantity and Sizes
 Number of Nozzles.
NFPA 2001 provides specific guidelines to design FM-200 systems. A per 2015 edition minimum design
concentration for class A hazard is 6.7% (including 20% safety factor to minimum extinguishing
concentration) and 7% for class C hazard ( including 30% safety factor to minimum extinguishing
concentration). For class B it is advisable to go through the NFPA cup burner test result .

4.1.2 Hazard Evaluation

The design of the system must be verified by following the steps outlined in this manual prior to
installing the fire suppression system. This evaluation will help the designer for real scenario if there is
any un-closable opening, HVAC ducts and dampers etc. When evaluating hazards one should record the
following properties:
- Ambient temperature
- Minimum & Maximum temperature
- Hazard Class - Enclosure integrity.
Once the previous properties have been recorded, calculate the quantity of FM-200 required to
provide the proper design concentration at the minimum anticipated ambient temperature in the hazard
enclosure, to determine the correct design concentration, agent quantity, etc.

The three Hazard Types are:

- Class “A” (wood, paper, cloth – anything that leaves an ash residue after combustion)
- Class “B” (Flammable liquid or gas)

- Class “C” (electrical equipment- server room, panel room etc.)

4.1.3 Design Concentration Determination

Design concentration increases the safety of a system when the hazard contains highly flammable
material. Design concentration and flooding factor can be determined from the table 4.1.
Table 4.1: Flooding Factor for HFC-227ea (Metric Unit).

According to the table 4.1, flooding factor at the ambient temperature can be determined.
Ex: A Network Server Room is at ambient temperature 25oC.
Design concentration: 7% (NFPA 2015)
Flooding factor: 0.5382.

Volume Determination:
For regular room by multiplying the length, width and height of the hazard volume can be calculated.
Volume of the solid objects like beams or big machine which would not be removed or relocated for the
entire span of that room can be reduced from the total volume.
Agent Calculation:
Minimum agent quantity can be calculated by multiplying volume to flooding factor. The considered
measure for the current installation server room is 8m wide, 6m long and 3m high is at ambient
temperature of 25oC.
Minimum agent required = 0.5382*(WxHxL)
0.5382*(8x6x4) = 103.33 kg
Suitable Agent Tank Selection:
After Agent quantity has been determined, suitable tank need to be selected. It is suggested that for
estimation purpose choose the tank with 75% to 80% of the maximum filling to avoid any hydraulic
issues (to produce enough hydraulic to agent so that it will discharge under 10 seconds).
Example: If the chosen tank is 120L
0.8x150= 120.
150L tank is more suitable since it’s between minimum and maximum filling of tank.
Note: 80% criterion is only for estimation purpose, higher filling might work too.
Nozzle Distribution: it is advisable that locate nozzles in such a way that it cover all volume when
discharged. If the height of hazard is more than 5meter, make another layer of nozzles.

CHAPTER FIVE
 INSTALLATIONS OF FM-200
5.1 Design Overview:
This chapter will give overview for the installation of FM-200 system. All installations must be
performed as per this manual and as per NFPA 2001.
Cylinder: Location of the cylinder should be carefully decided. Locate the cylinders and fix the screws in
the bracket of the frame which has been provided to secure the stability of the cylinder during discharge,
there is a force always generated during discharge because of the pressure. The cylinders must be secured
and mounted in such a way so that any accidental damage can be avoided.
Distribution Piping: The piping between the cylinder and the nozzles must be the shortest route possible
with a minimum of fittings. Any deviation in the routing or number of fittings must be approved by the
design engineer prior to installation. Also, confirm that the discharge pattern from the nozzles will not be
obstructed by objects in the hazard area.
Actuation Line: The pipe or tubing must be routed in the most direct manner with minimum of fittings.
Tubing fittings can be flared or compression type. The pressure temperature ratings of the fittings
manufacturer must not be exceeded.
Flexible Discharge Hose: Flexible discharge hose must be attached from system piping to cylinder valve
and tighten securely. Hose size must be selected according to cylinder size. Manifold sizes is 32 (for 70-
120) and 40 (for 120-150).
Cylinder Discharge Valve:
Agent tank must be located as close as possible form the hazard area. And assembly must be easily
accessible for manual actuation as well as for inspection. Environmental condition must be taken in
account for proper performance of the system. To connect the cylinder valve in the multiple cylinder
manifold below step must be followed:
1. Make sure the cylinder is placed at its designated position and cylinder bracketing with cylinder
strap is attached. The orientation of discharge valve outlet must be angle towards distribution
piping.
2. Remove safety cap from one cylinder outlet port and connect flexible discharge hose to cylinder
outlet port.
3. Remove protection caps from slave cylinder actuation ports.
4. Install pneumatic or electrical actuator. Before attaching discharge valve to cylinders install
flexible discharge hose into system piping
5. Electric actuator must be in the set position before attaching to the cylinders in order to prevent
accidental discharge.
6. Mount the electromagnetic actuators must be in the set position before attaching to the cylinders.
Discharge Pressure Switch: Manual release switch and abort switch must be installed and actively send
instructions signals to the panel in order to abort accidental release of gas or manual panel release in case
of sensitive emergency fire outbreak.

System Verification:
Once the installation of the system is completed, it’s necessary to verify with proper checklist for all items
with their part number.
 Check if the pressure of the cylinders is as per the standard and design.
 Verify the brackets and straps are securely anchored and tighten.
 Verify nozzles are well installed and positioned in the correct location.
 Test electromagnetic actuator for its proper installation and working.
 Check zones activation procedure and panel response after activation of smoke detection.

CHAPTER SIX
 INSPECTION AND MAINTAAINANCE
This chapter describes the instructions and scheduled for proper maintenance of Fire
extinguishing system. The following maintenance procedures and intervals indicated are meant to
represent the minimum requirements for FM-200 systems. These procedures do not preclude those
required by NFPA 2001 and or the applicable governmental or regulatory authority. More frequent
service intervals may be necessary if systems are installed in more severe service applications. In order to
disable any system that is connected to a fire alarm control panel for maintenance or repair, first remove
the pressure switch from the end of line solenoid valve, which will cause a supervisory signal at the
control panel.
Maintenance Program:
A regular maintenance program must be established for the continuous operation of all FM-200
suppression systems. A periodic maintenance program shall be established and followed. A maintenance
log must be maintained for ready reference.
The log must include the following accumulated data:
 Inspection Interval
 Inspection procedure performed
 Maintenance performed as a result of the inspection
 Name of inspector performing the task

Any time rust or corrosion is found on a fire suppression cylinder it should be taken out of service and
replaced.

Inspection Procedures and Period:

Monthly Inspection:

 Check the container and discharge equipment for physical damage, deterioration or corrosion. If
any deterioration or corrosion is evident replace the damaged parts.
 Check all support brackets. Tighten loose fittings; replace all damaged or corroded parts.
 Check the pressure gauge to ensure that pressure is at a minimum charge level.
 Verify enclosure measurements and ensure there are no changes to size or volume.

Six Months Inspection:

 Verify the weight of the agent in the container matches the agent weight stamped on the label. If
the weight indicates a shortage exceeding five percent of required weight, the container must be
removed from service for repair and/or recharge.
 To check the weight of the agent in the cylinder: a. Remove the tamper seal from the ball valve
and close the valve. Ensure it is in the “of” position. b. De-pressurize the tubing by removing the
pressure gauge or pressure switch from the end of line device, there will be a loss of pressure at
this time.
 Remove the cylinder from the bracket.

Responsibility of maintenance official:

The following circumstances are the responsibility of those individuals that are responsible for the
maintenance of the system:
- Repair or replacement due to normal wear or damage within the scope of routine maintenance work
- Damage to parts whose fragility is a function of the construction of the product
- Damage which is the result of modifications which are not covered by the procedures in this manual P. -
Damage resulting from the use of a non-approved part which has been supplied, manufactured or
modified using procedures which are not covered by this manual.