Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) Agent Testing
Abstract
Since the cessation of production of high ozone depleting substances such as halon 1301, the US Army (USA) has relied on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) extinguishing agents for many of its fire suppression applications. However, production of HFCs is being phased down due to their high global warming potentials (GWP). Therefore, the Army initiated a research program to evaluate potential environmentally-friendly lowGWP chemicals as candidate extinguishing agents used to protect the crew of Army vehicles against fire and explosions caused by combat threats. The current effort is a continuation of research conducted for ground and aviation weapon systems [1]. This report addresses the investigation of the suitability of additional alternative agents. Specifically, we present evaluation results regarding TF1, a proprietary gaseous chemical available in research quantities only, and KSA, a proprietary finely ground sodium bicarbonate dry chemical developed as a potential replacement for halon 1301 in civil aviation fire protection systems. These tests exhibited enough potential of the blend of TF1 and KSA (TF1 + KSA) to recommend continuation of testing including future vehiclelevel fire suppression tests. Other candidate agents are also being investigated (e.g. aqueous solutions and other proprietary gaseous agents), and results for those agents will be reported separately.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 04, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1124427
Entities
People
- James Slemons
- Joshua Fritsch
- Steve Hodges
- Steve Mccormick
Organizations
- United States Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center