Case Studies
Converting FM200 to 3M™ NOVEC 1230™
Upgrading to 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ from FM200
The Impact of FM200
As everyone probably knows by now, FM200 (or HFC227ea to give its chemical name) is incredibly harmful to the environment. Just 1 kg, has the same environmental impact as 3.2kg of CO2. The average small server or comms room contains about 100 kg of FM200, this is the equivalent 322 kg of CO2 released into the atmosphere.
To give this some context, this is the same as travelling 2053 miles/3285km in a small euro 6 car which emits 98g/km of CO2.
Have a look at our blog which details the phase down in production of FM200 (HFC227ea) here:-
This has led to the virtual extinction of new FM200 installations in Europe – with rumours of an outright ban of new installations soon, with 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid (or FK 5-1-12 to give its chemical name) taking its place, as it has no Global Warming Potential (GWP) or Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
3M™ NOVEC 1230™ Fire Surpression & Protection | 3M United Kingdom
Sovereign’s Solution to FM200
When a major UK Media Provider identified that it had a huge amount of FM200 protecting its network and infrastructure against fire, naturally they were concerned that it could potentially be released to atmosphere – after a discussion with Sovereign Extinguishing it was quickly identified that their stock of FM200 installations could be quite easily changed over to 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid.
And so, the site roll-out began. Sovereign Extinguishing fully surveyed sites/rooms that were identified by the Media Provider, and following an in-depth survey, a plan was formed to change over their existing FM200 systems to 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid which usually took the following schedule: –
- The room and existing system were fully surveyed by Sovereign Extinguishing, including its FM200 pipework discharge network – with all pipework lengths, diameters and discharge nozzle parameters noted.
- The electrical detection and actuation system was re-used as is – the system is usually identical whether you are discharging FM200 or 3M™ NOVEC 1230™.
- With help from our suppliers, the existing system layout was re-designed and re-engineered to use 3M™ NOVEC 1230™. A brand-new Hydraulic Flow Calculation was done, and from that a new design was drawn. All new discharge nozzles were supplied.
- This new design usually involved some very minor pipework modifications, but most of the existing pipework system remained as is.
- On site time! – The existing FM200 cylinders were removed, and the new 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ ones put in their place. The pipework fully checked against the new design and discharge nozzles changed as per the new design.
- The old FM200 cylinders were taken away with the FM200 recycled, so that it can be re-used for Discharge/Service Exchange requirements for other customers.
- Conversion time ranged from half a day to a week, depending on the size of the system.
- The system was returned to active service – and to give peace of mind, a new Room Integrity Test done to confirm the rooms Hold Time with 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ instead of FM200.
To summarise, many FM200 systems turned into a 3M™ NOVEC 1230™ systems with minimal of disruption. This conversion gives the Media Provider customer piece of mind that they are helping protect the environment for future generations, while offering the best protection to their network and infrastructure.
So far, Sovereign extinguishing – for this Media Provider alone – have prevented over 7500 kg of FM200(HFC227ea) being released into the atmosphere with a CO2 equivalent of 24,150 kg – equivalent to driving 246,428 km or 154,018 miles in that same small euro 6 emission car.
Are your environmental credentials worrying you? Or maybe you are conscious about future-proofing your FM200 Gas Suppression? Maybe your FM200 cylinders are approaching their 10-year Hydrostatic (Stretch) Test date and have to be Service Exchanged anyway?
Give us a call for a quick chat about what Sovereign Extinguishing could do for you…….
