Halocarbons as Halon Replacements. Phase 2. Volume 3. Laboratory Testing of Halon 1211 Replacements.

As a result of stratospheric ozone depletion and greenhouse warming concerns, the present halon fire-extinguishing agents will be phased out by 1 January 1994 under an international treaty. The U.S. Air Force has placed a high priority on the development of substitute agents to replace halon fire suppressants. Through intensive literature review, database development, documentation, and predictive algorithm refinement, a prior phase of this program identified several agents that may have the potential to replace Halon 1211 for military use. These agents were subjected to extensive laboratory tests with the NMERI 58-scale cup burner being the primary testing device. New algorithms were developed for the estimation of selected properties. Testing results showed that bromine atoms provide the greatest chemical extinguishment, closely followed by iodine atoms. None of these agents, which are termed first generation, has an effectiveness equal to that of the present halons. For this reason, it is essential that second-generation replacement agents, many of which are known to be clean, highly effective, and to have a low global environmental impact, be investigated. Work on first-generation replacement agents and alternatives should continue through medium-scale testing so that the U.S. Air Force has agents available in the near-term. jg p3