This is the third of our four-part series on clean agent fire suppression systems. This series aims to educate organizations on various types of special fire hazard solutions (FM-200, ANSUL INERGEN, 3M Novec 1230, and different types of CO2), helping them to gain a better understanding of the best option for their facility.
Non-conductive and non-corrosive, clean agents are fire extinguishing materials that don’t leave a residue upon evaporation. They’re essential to many fire suppression systems within industrial facilities, especially those that deal with high-value and/or highly sensitive materials.
If you’ve been following along with our clean agent series, you already know about FM-200 (soon to be phased out) and ANSUL INERGEN. If you haven’t been, you can check those blogs out here:
In this article, we’ll explore another clean agent option: Novec 1230. We’ll take a look at what it’s composed of, how it extinguishes high-risk fires, and what unique benefits it offers.
Manufactured by 3M, Novec 1230 is a chemical-based clean agent fire suppressant for Class A, B, and C fires. It’s composed of a carbon, fluorine, and oxygen mixture that’s discharged as a gas, but stored as a liquid in nitrogen-pressurized cylinders. For this reason, many refer to it as “dry water” or “waterless water.”
Similar to INERGEN, Novec 1230 is a safe, non-toxic, non-corrosive agent that leaves no residue upon discharge. It’s especially well-suited for applications involving irreplaceable papers and where electronic systems cannot quickly be shut down in an emergency.
A fire occurs when three elements are present: a fuel source, oxygen, and heat. In order for any clean agent to effectively put out the fire, it must disrupt at least one of the parts of that “fire triangle.”
In this case, Novec 1230 works to eliminate heat from the fire triangle. The chemicals within it act to rapidly remove heat, usually in just a matter of seconds. This can help extinguish a fire long before any water-based systems discharge — sometimes before the fire even starts!
Novec 1230 can be used in just about any industry, but is most common and beneficial in these applications:
Novec 1230 is the top clean agent choice for many industrial facilities. Here are some of the main reasons why:
At Vanguard Fire & Security Systems, we can help you install the Novec 1230 clean agent solution you need. You’re also welcome to choose from our selection of other specialized fire protection options like ANSUL INERGEN and CO2.
We’re passionate about keeping your property, products, and people safe, and we’ll help you get the special hazard solutions you need to do just that. Give us a call at (800) 444-8719 or contact us online today.
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