SAPPHIRE Speaker Notes

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12/11/2003 SAPPHIRE™ Systems Speaker Notes

Slide 1 Welcome to our presentation covering an exciting—and new—concept in fire protection:the SAPPHIRE Clean Agent Fire Suppression System from Ansul.

Slide 2 As such, today I would like to introduce the SAPPHIRE Suppression System containing theNovec brand 1230 Fire Protection Fluid from 3M—an advanced, “next generation” halonreplacement technology that offers an effective, sustainable solution for protecting your

people, your facilities, and your valuable equipment.

Slide 3 The SAPPHIRE System is ideal for “special hazards” applications. By this we mean areascontaining high-value equipment and systems that cannot be shut down in an emergency—such as telecommunications facilities and airport control towers. Special hazardapplications typically include the presence of people, so life safety is a critical issue. Andfinally, these types of special hazards require that a clean agent be used.

More importantly, this technology is “sustainable” meaning that this system, like INERGENagent systems, will never be affected by any environmental regulations. Remember thatword: sustainable.

Slide 4 Ansul has built its reputation on technological innovation…..and with the SAPPHIRE TotalFlooding System, that tradition is carried on for a new generation of fire protectionchallenges. This clean agent system offers not only outstanding performance, but is alsosafe for people and the environment.

The first thing one notices about the Novec 1230 fire protection fluid is its content; while it isstored as a liquid at room temperature, it discharges as a gas.

Slide 5 As you can see, the discharged liquid quickly vaporizes to a gas. With such capabilities, theSAPPHIRE system can be used in a total flooding format to protect a variety of potentialfire hazard situations.

Slide 6 Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid is based on a proprietary new chemistry from 3M calledC6-fluoroketone; it is also known as dodecafluoro 2-methylpentane-3-one; its ASHRAEnomenclature is FK 5-1-12—the way it is designated in the NFPA 2001 and ISO 14520clean agent standards.

Slide 7 Now let’s take a closer look at the technology itself…PLEASE NOTE THE CHARACTERISTICS LISTED ON THE CHART.

Slide 8 As noted previously, the SAPPHIRE Clean Agent Fire Protection System contains Novec1230 fluid, a liquid that discharges as a gas. This is made possible by the heat ofvaporization being 25 times less than water and the vapor pressure checking in at 12 times

that of water.The end result is vaporization caused by energy discharging through the pipe and nozzles.

Slide 9 This video shows that this liquid agent gasifies when used in total flooding. We start with aflask containing Novec 1230 fluid at room temperature. The low vapor pressure allows agas to form. When the gas is poured into the Pyrex dish containing the lit candle, only thegas formed about the liquid is needed to extinguish the flame.

IF AVAILABLE, THIS WOULD BE A GOOD TIME FOR THE AUDIENCE TO SEE ANDTOUCH AN ACTUAL SAMPLE OF Novec 1230 FLUID.

Clicking on the picture pauses the video. Click again to resume.




Slide 10 In addressing ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), youwant to ensure that you’re not addressing one problem and inadvertently creating anotherproblem. That’s why it’s important to look at a material’s safety margin.

One of the ways of measuring the safety margin is by comparing the concentration at whichan agent will be used to the level at which it starts to present a risk of adverse health

effects. This slide compares conventional clean agents and Novec 1230 fluid at their NoObservable Adverse Effects Levels

In the case of Halon, there was no safety margin. The first generation replacements giveyou a little—anywhere from 3 to 20 percent.

Novec 1230 fluid, on the other hand, offers a very wide safety margin. That’s because itsuse concentration is comparable to halon—and yet its NOAEL is nominally twice that ofhalon. Thus you have approximately a 67 to 150 percent safety margin. This is the widestlevel of any clean extinguishing agent available today. Ansul also recognizes that industrystandards recommend egress from a protected area prior to discharge.

Naturally one has to take into account the thermal degradation products that evolveanytime there is a fire. Most releases of clean agents are the result of accidentaldischarge. It is this exposure to humans that is greatest concern when margins of safetyare considered.

Slide 11 It was out of concern for the environment that halons were originally banned, creating themarket for today’s clean agent replacement products. That’s why it’s important to have aclear understanding of the environmental properties and advantages being offered by thenew SAPPHIRE system containing Novec 1230 fluid.

While there are currently no restrictions in the United States mandating the removal ofhalon systems, the story is quite different in Europe where Halon 1301 was to be largelyremoved by the end of 2003. Halons are continuing to be attacked because of the agent’sGWP.

Slide 12 The general disadvantages of fluorochemicals in the atmosphere are well known. Ozonedepletion is, of course, the first issue that forced the fire industry to look for alternatives tohalon; climate change is the next, which is a combination of significant residence time inthe atmosphere and the ability of organic compounds to absorb infrared energy. And, morerecently, there has been the more general issue of environmental persistence. People areuncomfortable with things that stay in the atmosphere for decades or even centuries before

they’re finally removed.

In Europe, there are several countries which have independently initiated plans to regulateHFCs.




Slide 13 The SAPPHIRE Suppression System is a next-generation clean agent halon replacementsystem. It was designed from the outset to meet the key industry concerns for safety,performance, and the environment.The material has zero ozone depletion potential, very low global warming potential, and ashort atmospheric lifetime.

It also has very low toxicity, and provides a large margin of safety in both flooding andstreaming applications.

Finally, the SAPPHIRE system containing Novec 1230 fluid is ideal for use where you havevery high-value, sensitive equipment to protect.

Slide 14 It has been well documented now that compounds which can transport chlorine (Cl) orbromine (Br) into the stratosphere are considered ozone depleting.

However, in contrast to chlorine and bromine, fluorine has been shown to be benign towardstratospheric ozone. So as far as atmospheric scientists are concerned, compounds that

contain fluorine as the only halogen do not affect the ozone layer.

As a result, Novec 1230 fluid is non-ozone depleting with an ODP of zero.

Slide 15 While the issue of climate change or global warming is often thought of to be still evolving,the factors which make a material a greenhouse gas are well established. All organiccompounds that are emitted into the atmosphere have the ability to act as a greenhousegas.

Their effect in the atmosphere or potency as a greenhouse gas is determined by theamount of infrared (IR) radiation they absorb and how long they reside in the atmosphere

(their atmospheric lifetime). These factors are combined in a calculation and expressed ina single parameter known as the Global Warming Potential (GWP).

This very short lifetime leads to a very low Global Warming Potential (GWP). The GWPessentially determines how many kilograms of CO2—the world’s most commongreenhouse gas—would be equivalent to the release of one kilogram of this compound.The GWP for Novec 1230 fluid is 1, which means that it is essentially the same asreleasing the same amount of CO2.

That is virtually unprecedented for a fluorochemical.

Slide 16 When released to the atmosphere, Novec 1230 fluid absorbs infrared (IR) energy similar toother fluorinated compounds.

What sets Novec 1230 fluid apart from these other fluorochemicals is its very shortatmospheric lifetime. Most fluorochemicals reside in the atmosphere for years – often onthe order of decades or centuries. In contrast, Novec 1230 fluid degrades very rapidly inthe lower atmosphere by reaction with sunlight (a process known as photolysis). This leadsto a very short atmospheric lifetime for Novec 1230 fluid of just 5 days.




Slide 17 Of course, the most significant environmental breakthrough for the unique Novec 1230 fluidis its significant reduction in Global Warming Potential. As I mentioned before, Novec 1230fluid has a GWP of 1, equivalent to naturally-occurring carbon dioxide.

In simplified form, this slide represents how fire protection technology has progressed overthe past few years in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Materials such as PFCs offered

zero ozone potential, but the tradeoff was an even higher global warming potential thanhalon 1301. The first generation halon replacement HFC-227ea succeeded in making aconsiderable reduction in GWP, but is still relatively high at 3500. The exciting news is thattoday, with Novec 1230 fluid, we have achieved a 99.97 percent reduction in globalwarming potential over what was possible with first-generation halon replacementtechnology.

Slide 18 When you compare Novec 1230 fluid to other available or previous clean agents, you’ll seethere is a marked difference in their environmental properties. This slide shows the criticalenvironmental properties for this industry.

First and foremost, a fire protection agent needs to be non-ozone depleting to beconsidered a viable halon replacement. Even the first generation of halon replacementsmet this criterion, but they didn’t address the second concern: that they also be a minimumcontributor to global warming.

Looking at the global warming values of the HFCs compared to halons, they’re just as highor even higher—and persist in the atmosphere for many decades. Novec 1230 fluid, on theother hand, has a GWP of 1, and persists only for a few days—a substantial—andsignificant difference.

The challenge to the industry has been to find a product that can address both of these keyenvironmental concerns. Novec 1230 fluid is one of the first materials to do that: to be aneffective fire extinguishing agent that makes virtually no contribution to global warming. TheU.S. EPA’s SNAP (Significant New Alternatives Program) has already approved Novec1230 fluid in flooding applications

Slide 19 Novec 1230 fluid has been shown to be compatible with typical materials of constructionused in fire suppression systems. The material is stable and essentially inert, meaning itdoes not react with system components. It’s also non-corrosive in its neat form. Long-termtesting has demonstrated excellent compatibility with various elastomers used in o-rings,gaskets and other types of seals. However, we recommend that the product not be usedwith fluoroelastomers, because they are like materials with an affinity for each other and,therefore, incompatible.

In addition, as you can see here, Novec 1230 is non-hazardous, contains no residues, andis safely pressurized with nitrogen.

Slide 20 Now, let’s take a look at the various components that work together to form a SAPPHIRESuppression System.

There is a large selection of cylinder sizes to work with ranging from 20 pounds to 850pounds. Ansul also provides superior control panels, actuators, and nozzles.




Slide 21 When you compare the number of cylinders typically required for a Class A system, aSAPPHIRE Suppression System is very comparable with the halocarbons that are in themarketplace today in terms of storage space. Compared to halon 1301, the ratio is about 2to 1—maybe a little bit more, maybe a little bit less, depending upon the application, anddepending upon the fuel. So, it’s very effective and commercially-viable from thatstandpoint.

With Class B hazards, the ratio is about the same. Please note that Ansul offers both pre-engineered and engineered versions of the SAPPHIRE system.

Among the key features of the SAPPHIRE Suppression System are its capabilities to beused as a total flooding agent on Class A, B, and C fires. As noted earlier, it has both ULand ULC listings and is now included on the EPA SNAP list for occupied spaces.

Slide 22 At this time, let’s move from our general discussions about the system and the Novec 1230fluid and evaluate the specific components used with this system.

This slide highlights the typical cylinders and the actuation and delivery system includedwith the SAPPHIRE system.

Slide 23 Agent storage tanks are available in 20, 50, 90, 140, 280, 390, 450, and 850 pound sizes.The amount of Novec 1230 fluid can vary within each cylinder size depending upon the jobrequirements.

Slide 24 This slide identifies the tank valve operation and ports. Note the location of the pressuregauge.

Slide 25 The SAPPHIRE Suppression System can employ 1”, 2” and a 3” flexible discharge hoses,or can be hard piped using the appropriate adaptors.

Slide 26 Electric actuation can be provided either by Ansul’s new AUTOPULSE Z-10 panel or the AUTOPULSE 442 panel. A wide range of compatible detectors are also available.

Slide 27 If needed, pneumatic operation can be offered using the reliable ANSUL AUTOMAN II-CRelease.

Slide 28 Another option would be the removable electric actuator used with an AUTOPULSE panel.There would be an 11 tank maximum if this system was installed.

Slide 29 The basic pneumatic actuation would require one actuator for each cylinder.

Slide 30 Ansul offers both blank and drilled nozzles in the following sizes: .5”, .75”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”,and 2”. Nozzles are custom drilled for the application.

Slide 31 In this section, you will note the temperature and nozzle ranges for the SAPPHIRESuppression System. The storage temperature ranges from 0-130°F.

Slide 32 Ansul has provided the following recommendations for pipe size, schedule, and fittings.

Slide 33 There’s a distinct advantage in handling a liquid agent—one that isn’t pressurized anddoesn’t have a fairly high vapor pressure at room temperature. Novec 1230 fluid has aboiling point of 49 degrees Celsius. It can be shipped safely and effectively, without anyrestrictions, even by air at a moment’s notice in bulk quantities.




Slide 34 The SAPPHIRE Suppression System has been most popular in areas where it is notacceptable, even for a fire, to disrupt a company’s business. SAPPHIRE systems contain a“clean” agent that will extinguish a fire without damaging the contents of the hazard area.These occupied areas can continue to be functional despite the fire experience. Often, thesophisticated detection equipment used with the SAPPHIRE system will identify a possiblefire situation even before flames are visible.

Slide 35 Now let’s quickly review possible applications for the SAPPHIRE system, beginning withdata processing locations.

Computer rooms and data vaults are ideal for SAPPHIRE systems since they require aclean, non-destructive fire protection system that will extinguish fires and minimize downtime. SAPPHIRE systems fit the bill completely.

Slide 36 Another application area to consider would be telecommunications, including switch roomsand under-floor areas. Sensitive electronic equipment would be devastated by waterdamage and a shut-down resulting from a fire incident could hinder thousands ofconsumers and businesses. A SAPPHIRE system would sense, detect, and extinguish a

fire in one of these critical areas without damaging collateral equipment.

Slide 37 Power plants also fall into the category of critical needs for fire protection. Anotherfavorable aspect of a SAPPHIRE system is that there is no messy clean-up required afterthe discharge of a system.

Slide 38 In other industrial applications, the SAPPHIRE system would also be suitable because ofits total flooding capabilities. Upon discharge, the agent will quickly move over, under, andinto crowded spaces, leaving no chance for a fire to spread.

Slide 39 The SAPPHIRE system has quickly been accepted by the medical community as a concept

that will allow important work to continue in the event of a fire. Cylinders can be placedstrategically away from the protected area to ensure that valuable space is used asintended by the medical facility.

Slide 40 As the SAPPHIRE system continues to grow in popularity as a sound, safe fire protectionoption; banks, air traffic control centers, offices, and storage facilities will all benefit from thecomfort of knowing this reliable system is on call 24 hours per day, seven days perweek…protecting the area without disrupting any operational activity.

Slide 41 While we have touched on just a few of the many possible uses of the SAPPHIRESuppression System, we anticipate that it will be widely used to protect invaluable culturaltreasures as well as various types of boats in the marine industry. Again, a key element of

the SAPPHIRE system is its ability to protect a room while not harming its contents. Thinkof a historical art gallery with ageless paintings hanging on the wall. The SAPPHIREsystem would detect and extinguish any fire in that room without damaging the valuableartwork on the wall!




Slide 42 To recap, the SAPPHIRE Suppression System powered by the 3M Novec 1230 FireProtection Fluid has been shown to address the key considerations for special hazard fireprotection. On the environmental side, it has zero ozone depletion potential, with a globalwarming potential and atmospheric lifetime on the order of naturally-occurring compounds.It is safe for people…and that’s very, very important for use in occupied spaces.

As always, Ansul will stand behind this exciting new product with complete technicalsupport and assistance.

On behalf of Ansul and 3M, I would like to thank you for your interest in the SAPPHIRESuppression System.

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