FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | Magazine.Sfpe.Org | Q3 2016 FIRE PROTECTION

FIRE PROTECTION Q3 2016 / ISSUE #71

Special Hazards Fire Protection Systems

DATA CENTER FIRE PROTECTION A CASE STUDY ON OXYGEN REDUCTION FIRE PROTECTION AN UPDATE ON WATER MIST FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS

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COVER STORY Special Hazards Fire Protection: 22 Developments Since Halon 1301 It has been nearly 22 years since the production of halon 1301 ceased in the United States and many other developed and developing countries. This article will reflect on that time in history and examine many of the significant developments in fire and explosion suppression that were a direct result. By Jeff L. Harrington, P.E., FSFPE

Data Center Fire Protection: Oxygen Reduction An Update on Water Mist 34 Adapting to a Constantly 40 Fire Protection 101: An 46 Fire Protection Systems Changinge Environment Introductioon and Case Study A new technical report from SP Data center designs have become For approximately 20 years, fire (Technical Institute of Sweden) a playground for creative problem protection systems have been presents the results of the solvers and new products. The areas developing a new approach to development of water mist fire of information technology, electrical providing a primary means of fire protection systems over the last power, and equipment cooling—The protection for enclosed spaces. Read few years. This report a) describes Big Three—seem to be reinvented every more about a case study where new technology and presents the five years. This constant reimagining of oxygen reduction systems protect results of confirmatory trials for the data center is driven by the need for the largest cold storage warehouse in various applications, b) describes a larger capacity to address software North America. installation regulations together with test methods and their applications, and data demands as consistently as By Adam Barowy and Scott Creighton, F(PE) possible with zero downtime. and c) presents examples of both good and bad experience from real By Lee A. Kaiser, P.E. installations. By Magnus Arvidson

2 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 FIRE PROTECTION

Q3 2016 / ISSUE #71

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD MAGAZINE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENTS Carl F . Baldassarra, P .E ., FSFPE TECHNICAL EDITOR Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. Chris Jelenewicz, P .E ., FSFPE From the SFPE President...... 4 Don Bathurst, FSFPE MANAGING EDITOR The Most Interesting Luca Fiorentini Maggie McGary Person in the World Tecso EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kim Howard, CAE Milosh Puchovsky, P.E., FSFPE Russell P . Fleming, P .E . FSFPE International Fire Sprinkler Association ART DIRECTION AND DESIGN BonoTom Studio, Inc . From the Technical Editor...... 6 Gavin Horn, Ph .D . www.bonotom.com Education is Key to Raising Illinois Fire Service Institute ADVERTISING Awareness of Fire Safety for High- William E . Koffel, P .E ., FSFPE Brian Marks Rise Timber Buildings Koffel Associates, Inc. SFPE Media and Event Sales Chris Jelenewicz, P.E., FSFPE R . Thomas Long, Jr ., P .E . [email protected] Exponent 410.316.9855 Letter to the Editor...... 8 Fire Protection Engineering (ISSN 1524-900X) is published quarterly by Maria B . Marks, CFPS, SET the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), 9711 Washingtonian Re: “Halogenated Flame Siemens, Building Technologies Division Blvd, Suite 380, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, 301.718.2910. Copyright ©2016. The mission of Fire Protection Engineering is to advance Retardant use in Residential Kurt Ruchala P .E ., FSFPE the practice of fire protection engineering and to raise its visibility Settings—Are They Safe for Our JENSEN HUGHES by providing information to fire protection engineers and allied professionals. The opinions and positions stated are those of the Health?” Warren G . Stocker, Jr ., FSFPE individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SFPE. Albertsons Companies Viewpoint...... 12 Special Hazards Fire Protection Systems By Rick Scott

Flashpoints...... 16 CORPORATE 100 PARTNER PROGRAM The SFPE Corporate 100 Partners Program was founded in 1976 to strengthen the relationship between industry and Member Profile...... 18 fire protection engineering community. Membership in the Corporate 100 Partners Program recognize those who A Lifetime of Advice for the Future support the objectives of SFPE and have a genuine concern for the safety of life and property from fire. of the Profession VISIONARIES The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) FM Global XL Catlin Property Risk Engineering / GAPS Highlights ...... 52 Hex. Inc. 2016 Fire Protection Engineering JENSEN HUGHES SUSTAINERS Compensation and Benefits Report Koffel Associates, Inc. Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. ACCÉNT Fire Safety Associates Antal & Associates BENEFACTORS Bourgeois & Associates, Inc. Resources/Calendar...... 54 DITEK Corporation Aon Fire Protection Engineering FireLink, LLC Arup Fire Fisher Engineering, Inc. Perspective...... 63 Honeywell Fire Safety FlexHead Poole Fire Protection Protecting Assets Today with the Foster Engineering & Consulting, LLC Future in Mind SimplexGrinnell Keltron Corporation Telgian Corporation LeGrand Engineering, Inc. TERPconsulting Liberty Mutual Property Ad Index...... 64 Tyco Fire and Building Products, Inc. Mexican Association of Automatic Fire Sprinklers Victaulic (AMRACI) Micropack Detection, Inc. PATRONS ORR Protection Systems Go to Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) Phoenix Fire Systems Bosch Security Systems Professional Loss Control magazine sfpe. .org Code Consultants, Inc. Robert M. Gagnon, P.E., SET, FSFPE Coffman Engineers Rollinger Engineering Inc. ■ To access online versions of Harrington Group, Inc. Seneca Fire Engineering, LLC all articles Hochiki Corporation Sheladia Associates, Inc. HSB Professional Loss Control Slicer & Associates, LLC International Fire Safety Consulting SoniTech Pipe Inspection ■ To access archives of James W. Nolan, Emeritus Stat-X Aerosol Fire Suppress (mfr. by Fireaway, Inc.) Emerging Trends enewsletter (now JBA Consulting Engineers The University of Maryland Online Master’s Degree Mircom Group of Companies Program FPE Extra) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Thunderhead Engineering National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) Tom Christman ■ For information on article Swiss Re Viking Group, Inc. The Protectowire Co., Inc. Worcester Polytechnic Institute submission to Fire Protection Engineering Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 3 FROM THE SFPE PRESIDENT

The Most Interesting Person in the World

MOST OF US WOULD FEEL A SENSE OF PRIDE OR GRATIFICATION if we heard ourselves described as “the most interesting person in the world.” A variation of this accolade underpinned a successful series of long-running television commercials. The ads amusingly built the image of a fictional but captivating character, one who possesses a range of desirable attributes, such as accomplishment—“He has won the lifetime achievement award, twice”—esteem—“When he visits museums, he’s allowed to touch the art,”—and confidence—“His business card simply says, I’ll call you.” With strong undercurrents of humor, the marketing strategy importantly, should? How many times have we told someone built a compelling image and convincingly associated a particu- about our career path only to be met with looks of astonishment lar product as a means of realizing such an image. Even though followed by, “I never knew such a career existed. It sounds so the ads were largely portrayed as a joke, they achieved their interesting.” goal of establishing a genuine and powerful connection with an If we rely upon the sale of services or products for our live- intended audience. Solid sales figures over a decade and a ubiq- lihood, we naturally desire to grow and convince the audience uitous web presence punctuated the success of the campaign. of potential buyers. But don’t we also need to reach out to a Watching this commercial prompted me to think of our pro- much broader community about what we do and why we are fession and how fire protection engineers or fire engineers are so uniquely qualified to do it? Shouldn’t the greater populace perceived. What is our image? Who is our audience? And, how be aware of us? Shouldn’t we cast our image to an expanding do we reach them? audience of corporate leaders, regulators, policymakers, the fire service, public officials and potential future FPEs, among others? The above-referenced ads close with the rather memorable Our work and decisions affect not only tagline: “Stay thirsty, my friends.” I interpret the phrase not as an invitation to consume more but rather to strive for more—to people’s lives but also their way of life. not remain content. In the context of this column, the tagline beacons us to collectively, through SFPE, realize our greater potential. SFPE has recently developed and implemented a revised strategic plan to provide you greater opportunities to shape and I would characterize our noble profession as both interesting advance your profession. I sincerely hope you accept the invi- and vital. Our work and decisions affect not only people’s lives tation to share your talents and skills in these endeavors that but also their way of life. We uniquely apply engineering methods affect us all. and science to serve the societal good across the planet. By doing Since SFPE’s founding, its members have worked diligently to so, we enhance human welfare, better inform firefighting tactics, establish and bring greater recognition to our profession. Current preserve our cultural heritage and protect our environment from members are reaping the benefits. It is now our turn to do our the detrimental effects of fire. part. The baton has been passed, and it falls upon us to keep Tooting our own horn a bit more, are we not the world’s top growing and moving our profession in the right direction for the experts in engineering, design, education and research, focus- benefit of not only ourselves but for humanity. Wouldn’t doing ing on providing creative and effective solutions to fire-related that make us all that much more interesting? problems whether in the form of engineering services, the development of new products or the evaluation of fire performance? Haven’t we reached a high level of competence, respect and trust through intense training, credentialing, continuing education, leadership and practice? While we as members of SFPE recognize our desirable attri- Milosh Puchovsky, P .E ., FSFPE butes and what we bring to the table, who else does or, more 2016 SFPE President

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Education is Key to Raising Awareness of Fire Safety for High-Rise Timber Buildings BY CHRIS JELENEWICZ, P.E., FSFPE

THE DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY has seen a surge in the demand for tall buildings that have structural components comprised of engineered wood. This demand is partly due to the development of newly engineered timber products and the potential economic benefits of prefabricated timber elements. These engineered timber systems are manufactured to increase the strength and stiffness of the product. Typical types of timber systems used in the construction of tall buildings include: cross-laminated timber (CLT), laminated veneer lumber (LVL), and glued laminated timber (Glulam).

The growing emphasis on constructing Although timber has many positive building material is education. By educa- green structures has made timber buildings qualities, wood is often perceived to be tion, this is not just raising awareness, but very attractive to building stakeholders unsafe when exposed to fire-causing elevating the skills and knowledge of fire and society in general. For example, when concerns related to combustibility and safety/protection engineers in the design compared to other types of structural sys- structural stability. As such, some design of timber high-rise buildings.” tems, timber systems: a) are a renewable professionals, government regulators, I agree that education is the key to resource; b) demand lower energy during and fire service professionals view tall understanding how the design/construc- the manufacturing process; and c) allow timber buildings negatively. That is one tion community can build safe tall timber for reuse of the material after demolition.[1] of the reasons why prescriptive building buildings. No matter where you stand on codes often restrict the height and areas the issue, it is important for practicing of timber buildings and code officials/ engineers to understand the science of Because of these advantages, tall authorities having jurisdiction may be fire regarding timber buildings. As the reluctant to permit performance-based number of tall buildings constructed of timber buildings are now being design options.[3] timber increases, the probability that Conversely, timber systems perform design professionals will be involved in constructed around the globe. well when exposed to fire. For years the the design of these structures will also fire protection engineering community increase. Advancing our awareness will has completed a substantial amount of eventually expand our knowledge and research on the performance of timber understanding on how fire impacts tim- Because of these advantages, tall tim- structures when exposed to fire conditions. ber buildings and will lead to a greater ber buildings are now being constructed At the same time, as with any other type of acceptance by the regulatory and design around the globe. In 2014, a 96-foot-tall, new building technology, there is always a communities. 51,000 square foot structure built almost need for additional research. The Fire Pro- entirely out of engineered wood compo- tection Research Foundation has identified CHRIS JELENEWICZ, P.E., FSFPE Technical Director, SFPE nents opened in Prince George, British areas that need further research.[1] Columbia. In the United States, there are Without a doubt, timber construction Endnotes plans for a 10-story residential timber is becoming more desirable on a global 1. Barber, D. Gerard, R. & Wolski, A. (2013). Fire Safety Challenges of Tall Wood Buildings. The Fire building in New York City and a 12-story level, and it is here to stay. In a letter to Protection Research Foundation. Quincy, MA. mixed-occupancy timber building in Port- the Editor of Fire Technology, David Barber 2. Gay, C. (2015, September 15). A Manhattan Condo land, Oregon.[2] Many others are in con- stated,[3] “It is apparent that one of the key Made of—Wood? The Wall Street Journal. struction and design throughout Canada, fundamental problems facing the timber 3. Barber, D. (2015, November). Tall Timber Buildings: What’s Next in Fire Safety? Fire Technology, Vol 51. Europe and Oceana. industry in the use of timber as a high-rise

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Re: “Halogenated Flame Retardant use in Residential Settings— Are They Safe for Our Health?” (Issue 68, 4th Quarter 2015)

Dear Sir, mentioning this is symptomatic of fire 3. Only engineers can make them safe I read with great interest the special issue safety success. Then they conclude that In passing, the authors make allusion of the Fire Protection Engineering on ha- “fire safety benefits accrue only to individ- to the safety benefits of increasing the logenated flame retardants (Issue 68, 4th uals who sustain a fire.” I strongly disagree amount of flame retardancy. They ac- Quarter 2015). I am thankful to the edito- with this. Reducing the burden of fire re- knowledge that retardancy works better rial board for offering the magazine as a quires stopping the fire from starting in at higher amounts than those currently vehicle for discussions and information the first place, and then preventing it from present in consumer products, so the exchange on this important topic. The de- growing to any significant size (so small it materials could resist even larger flames. bate until now has been developed mostly might never be reported). It is the highest They say that the current amount of retar- outside fire protection engineering circles. success of fire protection engineering as dancy is modest because it is based on the Among the four articles in the issue, you a discipline that an immense number of minimum needed to comply with flamma- published one titled “Halogenated Flame fires are prevented worldwide on a daily bility standards, and is not based on the Retardant use in Residential Settings - Are basis. It would be wild to forget this. higher amount that fire protection engi- they Safe for our Health?” where industry neering can offer. This allusion is worth and academic authors, Dr. Babrauskas 2. Modification of industry standards investigating. The words of Prof. Vince and Prof. Stapleton, write a joint piece that requires adequate evidence Brannigan from the University of Maryland includes three notable and antagonistic The authors advocate that flammability come to mind: “The Titanic complied with conclusions that I would like to comment standards are ineffective and do not en- all codes. Lawyers can make any device le- on. I think it is important to discuss these hance fire safety because they are specu- gal; only engineers can make them safe.” issues before regulators are persuaded to lative and based on small-scale tests I would like to call for a prolonged, modify flammability requirements on the that do not reflect real-scale fire hazards. constructive and far-reaching discussion basis of possible misunderstandings. There might be some merit in this bold involving the core of the fire protection conclusion, but I am not persuaded by engineering community on these issues. 1. Fire prevention means just that: their arguments. This discussion must be I specially would like to see in-depth dis- prevented fires settled using scientific evidence and con- cussion happening before regulators are The authors significantly downplay the sensus, which is absent in the article. They persuaded to withdraw or modify flam- threat of fire hazards by claiming that only cite articles written by themselves, mability standards because of a lack of fire affects only an ever-shrinking and and restrict the analysis to scientific data research or the potential misunderstand- small part of the population, without produced decades ago. ing of the role of fire prevention. Dr. Guillermo Rein Department of Mechanical Engineering FIGURE 1 U.S. fire death rate for the last hundred years Imperial College London, UK Death rate, per 100,000 12

NSC data RESPONSE FROM AUTHOR 10 NFPA data Dear Editor, I thank Prof. Rein for reading the article 8 and offer the following comments on his letter. First, his letter is solely focused on 6 the potential benefits of flame retardant (FR) chemicals, with no consideration giv- 4 en to health or environment harm. The 2 need to consider the whole picture was, in fact, our single most important point. It is 0 essential for all seven plus billion citizens 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 of the planet to consider the requirements Year for being good citizens of the planet first

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Xtinguish Vapor May 2016 SFPE.indd 1 5/12/2016 2:58:13 PM and foremost. While it is necessary that in any context that has been studied. Mas- place is not a logically tenable one. there be numerous technical specialists sive amounts of FR chemicals loaded into Prof. Rein also states that, “They only who endeavor to achieve progress in var- products would, of course, effectively pre- cite articles written by themselves, and ious technical specialties, this should not clude a fire from growing.[1] But given the restrict the analysis to scientific data pro- take precedence over the need of every- health and environment harm that mod- duced decades ago.” But neither of these one to be responsible citizens of planet est uses of FR chemicals have caused, claims are true. Our article provided an Earth. There are many important societal this would not be a socially tolerable extensive reference list of 66 citations, causes; certainly promoting safety against strategy. Fire deaths in the US have been 18 of which (27%) had Babrauskas or fire is one of them. But strategies that pro- dropping monotonically for the last hun- Stapleton as authors. Furthermore, 30 of mote fire safety but create health harm are dred years (Figure 1). Yet, there was little the references (45%) were from the years not reasonable choices. The fire safety use of FR chemicals until the start of the 2010 – 2015, which indicates that current profession belatedly acknowledged the 1970s;[2,3] meanwhile, the fire death rate research was emphasized, not slighted. serious harm from asbestos, Freon, halon since then has proceeded to decrease at Finally, Prof. Rein’s suggestions that fire extinguishants, and PCB transformer a slower rate, not faster, as compared to greater awareness of the fire safety engi- oils. Organohalogen FR chemicals added earlier decades. In some categories of neering community of toxicity issues is im- into consumer products are simply the lat- consumer products, FR usage was intro- portant, and that dialogue is needed are est category of products where the harm is duced and relevant statistics exist to re- very true. It has been true too long that being recognized belatedly. flect on the fire safety efficacy. No useful engineers (of all types, not just fire safety One of our important points was the fire safety improvements were found for engineers) tended to focus on the poten- population disparity that is receiving po- upholstered furniture in the US,[4] uphol- tial benefits of their output, with little or tential benefits (if any) versus harm. The stered furniture in the UK,[5] nor TV set no attention to the possible problems entire population—and the entire plan- cabinets in the US.[6] But again, even if that may be caused. But his suggestion et—gets exposed to toxic chemicals, yet improvements had occurred, this does that if modest amount of FR chemicals only a small fraction of the population not constitute a mandate for adopting a do not yield significant fire safety benefits, experiences fires. A chemical intended “solution” where the societal harm may then massive amounts should be added is to mitigate effects of fire obviously has outweigh any benefits. Instead, in such not a societally acceptable solution. For a no benefit in the absence of fire. But Prof. cases a careful weighing of costs and planet which is already tragically overbur- Rein suggests that FR chemicals “stop benefits would be needed.[7] dened by toxic chemicals, such a policy the fire from starting.” This is not correct. Then Prof. Rein suggests that “modifi- would be extraordinarily infelicitous. The cause of any fire is the circumstances cation of industry standards requires ade- Vytenis Babrauskas, Ph.D., FSFPE that led to fuel, oxygen, and an ignition quate evidence” and claims that “scientific References source combining (i.e., the fire triangle). evidence…is absent in the article.” On the 1. Babrauskas, V., Harris, R. H., Jr., Gann, R. G., Levin, B. C., Lee, B. T., Peacock, R. D., Paabo, M., Twilley, FR chemicals can do absolutely nothing contrary, it is hard to see how more scien- W., Yoklavich, M. F., and Clark, H. M., “Fire Hazard in this regard. In fact, there are only two tific evidence would need to be collected Comparison of Fire-Retarded and Non-Fire-Retarded Products” (Spec. Publ. SP 749), [U. S.] Natl. Bur. ways that fires can be prevented, given concerning harm to health and the environ- Stand., Gaithersburg MD (1988). the assumption that life without fuels or ment from organohalogen FR chemicals. In 2. The first edition of UL 94 was only published in September, 1972. oxygen is not a viable option: (1) human our article, we presented more than 60 ref- 3. Abbasi, G., Saini, A., Goosey, E., and Diamond, M. action, in refraining from applying ignition erences, the bulk of them being precisely L., “Product Screening for Sources of Halogenated Flame Retardants in Canadian House and Office sources to fuels, intentionally or by acci- addressed to the issue of harm to health or Dust,” Sci. Total. Environ. 299-307 (2016). dent; and (2) design of potential ignition environment. Furthermore, we judiciously 4. Babrauskas, V., Blum, A., Daley, R., and Birnbaum, L., “Flame Retardants in Furniture Foam: Benefits and sources so that they no longer constitute focused on review articles and very recent Risks,” pp. 265-278 in Fire Safety Science—Proc. 10th competent ignition sources for anticipa- findings, since the literature documenting Intl. Symp., Intl. Assn. for Fire Safety Science, London (2011). table fuels. In broad terms, education harm from organohalogen compounds 5. Dedeo, M., Singla, V., Stapleton, H., Babrauskas, V., serves to promote the first path, while totals thousands, not dozens, of scientific and Blum, A., “British Furniture Fire Regulations: Do the Benefits Justify the Health and Environmental improved engineering of electrical or gas studies. By contrast, there are exceedingly Risks?” BFR2013—Sixth Intl. Symp. on Flame equipment, along with other potential few studies presenting the opposite view, Retardants, San Francisco (2013). 6. Comparison of US data, Hall, J. R. Jr., “Fires Involving sources of heat, the second. and almost all of these represent either in- Appliance Housings—Is There a Clear and Present Danger?” Fire Technology 38, 179-198 (2002); versus Prof. Rein then argues that FR chemi- dustry authors or FR-industry-sponsored EU data, TV Fires (Europe), Sambrook Research Intl., cals might prevent fires “from growing to research. Furthermore, Prof. Rein’s suggest- Newport, Shropshire, UK (1996). 7. Babrauskas, V., Fuoco, R., and Blum, A., “Flame any significant size.” It is true that, under ed policy that revising existing standards Retardant Additives in Polymers: When Do the certain circumstances, FR chemicals could requires some strong evidence, but no such Fire Safety Benefits Outweigh the Toxicity Risks?” pp. 87-118 in Polymer Green Flame Retardants, do that. However, fire statistics do not sup- burden is laid for creating potentially count- C. D. Papaspyrides and P. Kiliaris, eds., Elsevier, port that such a potential was ever realized er-productive industry standards in the first Amsterdam (2014).

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Special Hazards Fire Protection Systems: How selecting the right specialty fire protection contractor can “make or break” a project

BY RICK SCOTT

IN THIS ISSUE, YOU WILL FIND SOME EXCELLENT MATERIAL regarding the who, what, where, and why around the relationship between fire protection engineers and the installation of “special hazards” fire protection systems. The importance of fire protection engineers in the specification, design and installation of these systems cannot be underscored; their expertise throughout the process is integral to the effective installation and use of special hazards fire protection systems. It is vital to the success of any project that the fire protection engineer review the qualifications of the specialty fire protection system installation contractor to determine if they meet the minimum requirements outlined in their specification.

In case you are not fully familiar with systems must receive comprehensive designed to suppress fires when sprin- the role fire protection engineers and spe- training and certification from the fire kler systems are not appropriate as the cialty fire protection installation contrac- suppression system manufacturers first and only means of fire protection. tors play in special hazards fire protection they represent. Also, it is important that These systems are installed where con- systems, here are some fundamentals these contractors employ engineering ditions require an added layer of fire about how the two are inextricably linked: technicians who are committed to protection, such as areas containing 1 . Fire protection engineers and specialty continuously increasing their knowl- equipment or processes of exception- fire protection contractors work togeth- edge and skill sets to keep up with ev- ally high value, unique or irreplaceable er to meet the life safety needs of their er-changing technologies, fire codes, assets, or where the revenue produced customers. Specialty fire protection and standards. or its function is of greater value than contractors who routinely layout and 2 . Fire protection engineers specify special the equipment itself. An example of the install special hazards fire protection hazards fire protection systems that are latter could be a financial institution in which downtime in their operation would cause a serious hardship and loss of revenues generated by their internal processes. In this case, the facility that contains these vital processes cannot afford ANY downtime. Special Hazard Fire suppression systems have two vital components: a fire detection and control component (to detect smoke and fire in its early development and initiate the release of the specified fire suppression agent) and a mechanical component (to distribute the specified fire

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suppression agent throughout the pro- ■■Be listed by the specified system man- that are specified are not reviewed before tected area by means of a specifically laid ufacturer as being trained and certified the award of a project. In some cases, the out piping network and engineered agent to model, design, install, program, test, successful contractor may be awarded the distribution nozzles). The specialty fire and maintain the specified system. project yet not have the specified experi- protection contractor must have experi- ■■Maintain appropriate licensing and cer- ence and certifications. It is incumbent on enced technicians who have been trained tifications from the state in which the the specifying fire protection engineer to to be proficient in the installation of both work occurs. verify that the selected contractor has the the electrical and mechanical compo- ■■Show proof of emergency services avail- experience and training that is mandated nents of the specified special hazards fire able on a 24/7 basis during the warranty in the specification. By ensuring the spec- suppression system. period. ified requirements are adhered to, the Fire protection engineers typically in- ■■Provide technicians certified with at end-user is ensured of getting what they clude a section in their specification on least NICET Level III in Special Hazards paid for, promptly. quality assurance, which includes setting a during installation. The ultimate effectiveness of any fire minimum standard for the system installer To ensure that the systems specified protection system cannot be determined qualifications. The following are some ex- are installed properly with quality work- until it is put to the test in real-life condi- amples of how a fire protection engineer manship, the fire protection engineer tions. By employing a dedicated specialty might specify installer qualifications: includes minimum qualifications for fire protection contractor, with the proper The installation company or installer the installers of these systems. Just be- qualifications to install a special hazards shall: cause a specification includes minimum fire protection system, the fire protection ■■Have a minimum of five (5) years’ expe- installer qualifications does not always engineer can be comforted in knowing rience in the design, installation, and guarantee these requirements are being that the project will be a success. testing of the specified system. adhered to. Sometimes the requirements RICK SCOTT is with BFPE International.

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WPI Conducts Fire The Philip J. DiNenno Tests Aimed at Better Prize Awarded for the Understanding Post- Development Of Oxygen Earthquake Fires in Cold- Consumption Calorimetry

Formed Steel Buildings The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced that oxygen consumption A team of researchers from the Department calorimetry is the technical achievement to of Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester NFPA Launches Fire receive this year’s Philip J. DiNenno Prize. Polytechnic Institute (WPI) conducted burn The award and $50,000 in prize money were tests aimed at better understanding the Protection Engineering presented at NFPA’s Conference & Expo to effects of post-earthquake fires on cold- Support Fund at Oklahoma Dr. William Parker of the National Bureau formed steel-framed buildings and assessing of Standards (now the National Institute of various methods for preventing appliances State University, University Standards and Technology) for developing and broken gas mains from igniting fires of Maryland and Worcester the device, now a foundation of modern during quakes. Polytechnic Institute quantitative fire protection engineering. The prestigious DiNenno Prize recog- The National Fire Protection Association nizes important innovations that have (NFPA), has created the NFPA Fire Protec- had a significant impact on public safety, tion Engineering Support Fund to further including building, fire and electrical safety. fire protection engineering (FPE) education The prize is named for the late Philip J. and research at Oklahoma State University, DiNenno, the highly regarded former CEO the University of Maryland and Worcester of Hughes Associates, in recognition of his Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The NFPA funds extraordinary contributions to fire safety. will directly help these universities recognize fire protection engineering and research students who are tackling today’s most pressing fire protection challenges. “We applaud these three universities and their students for their commitment

PHOTO COURTESY OF WPI COURTESY PHOTO to protecting people and property,” said The tests were conducted inside a Kathleen Almand, NFPA’s vice president of six-story building framed with cold-formed research. “As the leading global advocate steel (CFS) panels and constructed atop the for fire prevention and research, we’re nation’s largest outdoor shake table, locat- committed to actively supporting future Oxygen consumption calorimetry ed at the University of California San Diego innovators.” determines the heat release rate of a fire Englekirk Structural Research Laboratories. Each institution will distribute awards by measuring the rate at which oxygen is This was the first time that a CFS building to students who have demonstrated a consumed. It is often used to evaluate the of this size was tested after having endured strong aptitude and passion for fire protec- fire safety of materials and assemblies, simulated seismic events. tion engineering, a discipline that typically making it a crucial element of modern fire Part of this research was sponsored by includes a focus on mathematics, physics, testing methods. the SFPE Foundation. chemistry, research and technical writing. More info can be found at www.nfpa. More info can be found at www.wpi. More information can be found at www. org/news-and-research. edu/news/20156/quaketest.html. nfpa.org/news-and-research.

16 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 THE MOST INNOVATIVE CHANGE TO FIRE PROTECTION FITTINGS SINCE VICTAULIC ORIGINATED THE GROOVED CONCEPT.

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9396 REV A 01/2016 Victaulic and all other Victaulic marks are the trademarks or registered trademarks of Victaulic Company, and/or its affiliated entities, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks listed herein are the property of their respective holders, in the U.S. and/or other countries. The terms “Patented” or “Patent Pending” refer to design or utility patents or patent applications for articles and/or methods of use in the United States and/or other countries. © 2016 VICTAULIC COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. MEMBER PROFILE A Lifetime of Advice for the Future of the Profession WHEN ROGER BOURGEOIS BEGAN HIS CAREER IN THE INDUSTRY, he’d never heard of fire protection engineering. Now, 43 years later, he has built a business around “Engineered” Fire Protection Suppression Systems and hot sauce!

A native of Raceland, Louisiana, Bour- a degree in industrial technology, not fire is training you knows. If he or she is doing geois graduated from Louisiana State protection, but I learned on the job (OTJ),” it wrong, you will too. It’s better for the fire University earning a B.S in industrial tech- Bourgeois said. protection industry that we have formal nology. After a stint in the U.S. Air Force, “Delta Fire Systems made me an offer education and training for our designers, he joined Humble Pipeline Company, the after I worked for Exxon,” continued Bour- installers, and engineers.” predecessor of Exxon Pipeline Company, geois. “I did not learn things immediately, In 1984, Delta’s parent company de- a division of Exxon Corporation. His initial just as today’s professionals have a broad clared bankruptcy and Bourgeois found work focused on pipeline projects, but as spectrum of solutions to learn, but many himself faced with the decision of what to his job evolved he got into fire protec- of them have a formal education or train- do next. At the urging of his wife, Carolyn, tion projects. “Rookie employees were ing options. Our options were limited. So, he decided to start his own company and handed fire protection projects because I learned OTJ. The bad part about OTJ is Bourgeois & Associates, Inc. opened its nobody understood fire protection. I had that you only learn what the person who doors for business on October 15, 1984.

Bourgeosis’s Hot Sauce became the official calling card of the company. To date, hundreds of thousands of bottles have found their way into offices, kitchens and hot sauce collections around the world...including SFPE Headquarters.

18 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 WHAT ABOUT THE HOT SAUCE? O WE KNOW BOURGEOIS IS COMMITTED to the profes- run-of-the-mill items, so he and his staff purchased a bulk ship- sion and ensuring a pipeline of future fire protection ment of hot sauce, removed the labels, and applied the Delta Fire professionals, but what does that have to do with hot Systems’ logo to the bottles. The “Delta Hot Sauce” was an imme- sauce and why do many know him as “The Hot Sauce diate success at that trade show and subsequent ones. Bourgeois SMan”? In the early 1980s, the oilfields were in a deep recession. eventually incorporated it into Bourgeois’ advertising. Bourgeois’ Headed to the Lafayette Oil Show, Bourgeois wanted to do all Hot Sauce became the official calling card of the company and, to he could to stand out from the other vendors at the show. He date, hundreds of thousands of bottles have found their way into decided that spices—hot sauce, in particular—would be a more offices, kitchens and hot sauce collections around the world… notable tradeshow giveaway than pencils, keychains or other including SFPE Headquarters.

Bourgeois & Associates, Inc., specializes them into programs to train them for this highlighting the diversity of career op- in the sales and installation of special field,” stated Bourgeois. “The entire fire tions available across the industry. “We hazard fire suppression systems for the protection industry doesn’t toot its horn can talk to the next generation about ca- petrochemical, paper, utility offshore enough. When we were first married, my reer opportunities such as research engi- and technology industries. The company wife used to tell people that I ‘installed ha- neers, fire protection engineers, a design- has installed and serviced fire detection lon systems’ and she would get a blank er of suppression systems or an AutoCAD and suppression systems throughout the look. I told her ‘tell them I save lives and operator, a sales engineer, a technician or southeastern United States and the Gulf property.’ Then, people understood what an installer. We should market all of the of Mexico. I did for a living,” he said. career opportunities from our profession Bourgeois believes that SFPE mem- so that the next generation might be more Recruiting the Next Generation bers can work together to promote the interested in our profession.” Bourgeois believes every person should profession to attract the next genera- Another opportunity available to fire give back to the industry from which he tion of fire protection professionals by protection professionals is taking a cue earns his livelihood, and he has done this over the years as he’s operated Bourgeois & Associates, Inc. Not only has he been a member of SFPE since 1975, his company has been a Corporate 100 Partner since 1991. His dedication to professional soci- eties extends beyond SFPE; he is a past president of both the Fire Suppression Systems Association (FSSA) and the Auto- matic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA) and is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from both of those organizations, and is a Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS). He is involved with the profession on a local level as well and was instru- mental in establishing licensing laws for Louisiana fire protection contractors and has served on the State Fire Marshal l Ad- visory Board. Bourgeois feels getting the next generation interested in fire protection is key to the profession’s longevity. “Fu- ture fire protection professionals don’t know about all the career opportunities in special hazards fire protection. Ev- eryone complains that they cannot find good people to fill jobs but fail to steer

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 19 MEMBER PROFILE

from Bourgeois and many other SFPE have to fly in a helicopter to a worksite and special interests. “Our mission is to pro- members and owning/running a small stay on an offshore platform for days. One tect lives and property. If we all came business. Bourgeois believes there is merit job site might require a two hour drive to together under the common goal of life in keeping a business small and nimble, and from, including eight hours on the job safety and property protection, the in- and was never interested in expanding the site, which turns into a 12- hour day. This dustry would grow. However, everyone size of his company to become so large job is not for everyone. Doing it right is crit- seems to be more interested in protect- that he was not involved in business de- ical to our business, so hiring and retaining ing their turf. You see it in codes and laws, cisions. “We do not have to get a second good employees is key. People’s lives and mandating certain solutions. There’s and third opinion or management approv- property depend on us doing our job cor- enough business for everyone because fire protection solutions are often a cross-section of solutions. Balanced fire Our mission is to protect lives and property. If we all protection systems have a place for all came together under the common goal of life safety and different kinds of systems because most property protection, the industry would grow. often, buildings have different kinds of needs.”

If you know of an SFPE member you’d like to see showcased in al – we just do the jobs. Whether we make rectly and in accordance to codes, so I am a future issue of Fire Protection good or bad decisions, I am responsible not always the easiest business owner to Engineering, please reach out to for it,” he said. “We live and breathe fire work for,” he said. Maggie McGary, managing editor, protection, which is key to quality fire sup- Bourgeois would also like to see the at editor@sfpe org. . pression systems. Our employees might fire protection industry move beyond

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BY JEFF L. HARRINGTON, P.E., FSFPE t has been nearly 22 years since the production of halon 1301 ceased in the United States and many other Ideveloped and developing countries. This article will reflect on that time in history and examine many of the significant developments in fire and explosion suppression that were a direct result.

Halogenated hydrocarbons have been in commercial use as fire extinguishing agents since the early 1900s. Their use began to decline and had all but ended by the 1950s due to their relatively high toxicity coupled with the increasing popularity and availability of dry chemical agents. In the late 1940s, halon 1301 was verified to possess effective fire extinguishing capability while also having the lowest toxicity of all known halons. In the 1960s, halon 1301 received renewed interest as a means to extinguish fires in computer rooms without collateral damage from the agent itself with the added benefit of low toxicity. Halon 1301 grew in popularity for the next 20 to 25 years becoming the extinguishing agent of choice in fixed fire extinguishing systems protecting a majority of electronic equipment facilities, including electronic data processing and communications equipment rooms. Halon 1301 also grew in popularity as an option for protecting a variety of other high-value and high-criticality assets benefiting significantly from the absence of direct damage by the agent, including vital records and priceless artifacts in museums. In 1989, it was reported that halon 1301 was in use according to estimates shown in Table 1.[1]

22 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Developments Since Halon 1301

TABLE 1 Halon 1301 Fixed Fire Protection System Usage End Use Category Percentage Since the cessation of production of halon 1301 in 1994, new Electronic Equipment Facilities 65 fire extinguishing agents have been developed to serve as al- Records Storage 5 ternatives. Many of these new gaseous agents have attributes Cultural Heritage 5 similar to those of halon 1301 including low toxicity to humans, Pipeline pumping stations and other flammable 10 nil electrical conductivity, and “clean” extinguishment (i.e., they liquids hazards cause no direct damage to the protected assets). These new Aviation 2 “clean” agents are addressed by NFPA 2001, Clean Agent Fire [4] Ships 10 Extinguishing Systems, first published in 1994. Miscellaneous 3 The phaseing out of halon 1301 not only prompted a search for alternative gaseous agents with characteristics similar to it, but also motivated a renewed interest in the further develop- Halon 1301 Phases Out ment of other fire extinguishing technologies, including water The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) formed a com- mist[5] and powdered aerosols.[6] Water mist fire protection sys- mittee on Halogenated Fire Extinguishing Systems in late 1966 tems are addressed by NFPA 750, Water Mist Fire Protection Sys- for the purpose of writing a new standard on halon 1301 extin- tem,[7] first published in 1996. Powdered aerosol extinguishing guishing systems. In 1968, the first edition of the new standard systems are addressed in NFPA 2010, Standard for Fixed Aerosol was adopted in tentative form by the NFPA membership, and Fire-Extinguishing Systems,[8] first published in 2006. in 1970 it was officially adopted as NFPA 12A, Standard on Ha- The Clean Air Act Amendments provided the authority to the lon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems.[2] Just 27 years later, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) to develop and enforce continued viability of halon 1301 would be forever changed due rules and create a program that would facilitate the replace- to its particular effectiveness in depleting ozone in the earth’s ment of ODS including halon 1301 with alternative chemicals stratosphere. that reduce the overall risk to human health and the environ- On September 16, 1987, the United States and 23 other ment. In 1994, the EPA developed the Significant New Alterna- nations signed the Montreal Protocol, which was adopted tives Policy (SNAP) program as a result. Under the Clean Air Act, into US law through the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.[3] Title VI regulations on ozone layer protection and Section 612 These new laws scheduled the phase-out of the production of that is the basis for the SNAP program, all new alternative sub- ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that were causing the de- stances developed to replace Halon 1301 must be submitted to struction of stratospheric ozone, including substances used as EPA for review and determination of acceptability. The submit- fire extinguishing agents. Stratospheric ozone is an essential ted information must include the submitter’s health and safety minor atmospheric constituent responsible for the absorption studies for the alternative being proposed. EPA categorizes all of harmful UV-B radiation. The ODS chemicals are primarily listed substitutes for ozone-depleting substances by use sector. chlorine and bromine-containing gasses, each of which has a Substitutes for halon 1301 are listed in the Fire Suppression and characteristic potency for destroying ozone called the Ozone Explosion Protection use sector. Depletion Potential (ODP). Halon 1301, as it turns out, has the Agency review of SNAP program submissions includes the highest ODP of any man-made ODS. Halon 1301 was target- following criteria:[9] ed for the cessation of production in developed countries by 1 . Atmospheric effects and related health and environmental January 1, 1994. impacts.

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 23 TABLE 2 SNAP Program List Categories Category Description Where the Agency has reviewed a substitute and found no reason to prohibit its use, it will list the alternative as Acceptable acceptable for the end-uses listed in the notice. After reviewing a notice, the Agency may make a determination that a substitute is acceptable only if conditions of use are met to minimize risk to human health and the environment. Where users intending to adopt a substitute acceptable subject to use conditions must make reasonable efforts to ascertain that other alternatives are not feasible Acceptable subject to due to safety, performance or technical reasons, documentation of this assessment must be retained on file for the use conditions purpose of demonstrating compliance. This documentation shall include descriptions of substitutes examined and rejected, processes or products in which the substitute is needed, and a reason for rejection of other alternatives (e.g. performance, technical or safety standards). Use of such substitutes in ways that are inconsistent with such use conditions renders them unacceptable. Even though the Agency can restrict the use of a substitute based on the potential for adverse effects, it may be necessary to permit a narrowed range of use within a sector end-use because of the lack of alternatives for specialized applications. Users intending to adopt a substitute acceptable with narrowed use limits must ascertain that other alternatives are not technically feasible. Companies must document the results of their evaluation, and retain the results Acceptable subject to on file for the purpose of demonstrating compliance. This documentation shall include descriptions of substitutes narrowed use limits examined and rejected, processes or products in which the substitute is needed, a reason for rejection of other alternatives (e.g. performance, technical or safety standards), the anticipated date other substitutes will be available, and projected time for switching to other available substitutes. Use of such substitutes in applications and end-uses that are not specified as acceptable in the narrowed use limit renders them unacceptable. This designation will apply to substitutes where the Agency’s review indicates that the substitute poses risk of adverse Unacceptable effects to human health and the environment and that other alternatives exist that reduce overall risk Submissions for which the Agency has not reached a determination will be described as pending. For all substitutes in this category, the Agency will work with the submitter to obtain any missing information and to determine a schedule Pending for providing the missing information if the Agency wishes to extend the 90-day review period. The EPA will use the authority under Section 114 of the Clean Air Act to gather this information, if necessary. In some instances, the Agency may also explore using additional statutory provisions (e.g. Section 5 of TSCA) to collect the needed data.

2 . General population risks from ambient exposure to com- analyze its acceptability. The EPA further asks for information pounds with direct toxicity and to increased ground-level specific to the type of substitute being proposed. The EPA de- ozone. fines two substitute types in the Fire Suppression and Explosion 3 . Ecosystem risks. Protection sector: 4 . Occupational risks. 1 . In-kind Halon Alternatives: 5 . Consumer risks. a . Halocarbons 6 . Flammability. b . Inert Gas 7 . Cost and availability of the substitute. c . Carbon Dioxide The Clean Air Act also required the EPA (Agency) to publish 2 . Not-in-kind Halon Alternatives: and maintain a list of substitutes that are unacceptable for a . Powdered Aerosols specific uses and a corresponding list of substitutes that are b . Foam acceptable for specific uses. This is commonly referred to as the c . Water Mist SNAP List. Upon review, the submitted substitute will be placed Substitutes are further distinguished by their proposed use on the SNAP List in one of five categories as shown in Table 2. as follows: The EPA completes a risk screen on all substitutes submitted 1 . Flooding Agent for inclusion on the SNAP List using the submitter’s health and 2 . Streaming Agent safety studies. The information required to be submitted for 3 . For Occupied Spaces halon 1301 substitutes is detailed in the EPA’s risk screen guide 4 . For Unoccupied Spaces and is categorized as follows:[10] For total flooding substitutes, a SNAP listing of “Acceptable” 1 . Physical-Chemical Properties. means that the substitute can be used in occupied areas and 2 . Conditions of Manufacture, Installation, Maintenance, and also unoccupied areas. EPA approval of a substitute for use Use. in occupied areas clears the way for its use as a replacement 3 . Toxicological Effects. for halon 1301 in the predominant share of the market. This 4 . Additional Considerations for Powdered Aerosols Used in approval offers the greatest potential return on investment Occupied Spaces. for a new substitute, which often provides the necessary jus- The purpose of the risk screen is to evaluate the human tification to develop the substitute fully and bring it to the health and environmental risks of the proposed substitute and marketplace.

24 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 TABLE 3 Gaseous agents concurrently listed on the SNAP List as acceptable for total flooding use in occupied spaces and in the current edition of NFPA 2001[15,16,17] Chemical Name Trade Name ASHRAE Designation Chemical Formula

Heptafluoropropane FM-200 HFC-227ea CF3CHFCF3

Trifluoromethane FE-13 HFC-23 CHF3

Chlorotetrafluoroethane FE-24 HCFC-124 CHCIFCF3

Pentafluoroethane FE-25 HFC-125 CHF2CF3

Dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one Novec 1230 FK-5-1-12mmy2 CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2

N2 (52%)

N2/Ar/CO2 Inergen IG-541 Ar (40%)

CO2 (8%) N (50%) N /Ar Argonite IG-55 2 2 AR (50%) Argon Argon IG-01 Ar (100%)

Nitrogen Nitrogen IG-100 N2

Carbon dioxide Carbon dioxide CO2 CO2

Dichlorotrifluoroethane CHCI2CF3 (4.75%) Chlorodifluoromethane CHCIF (82%) NAF S-III HCFC Blend A 2 Chlorotetrafluoroethane CHCIFCF3 (9.5%)

Isopropenyl-1-methylcyclohexene C10H16 (3.75%)

Gaseous Agent Alternatives to Halon 1301 attack. Inert gasses have no toxicity effect; however, their use in Numerous collaborative efforts to find suitable alternatives to total flooding applications creates the potential that a person halon 1301 were undertaken in the years immediately follow- could be exposed to low oxygen concentrations at high agent ing the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987. These efforts concentrations with the risk of asphyxiation. shared funding, expertise, and other resources from various Both halocarbon and inert agents can be used to extinguish government and private organizations. One such effort led to fires in total flooding applications under conditions considered the publication of a report by NIST (National Institute of Stan- safe for humans. Rules to ensure safe exposure limits are con- dards and Technology) that presented an exploratory list of 103 chemicals in 9 chemical families for the purpose of helping to facilitate the search for halon alternatives.[11] Numerous collaborative efforts to find suitable Candidate chemicals would need to possess performance characteristics in three major categories to be considered a vi- alternatives to halon 1301 were undertaken in the able replacement for halon 1301, including: years immediately following the signing of the 1 . Environmental impact, 2 . Agent Performance, and Montreal Protocol in 1987. These efforts shared 3 . Toxicity. funding, expertise, and other resources from Environmental impact considerations for a gaseous agent various government and private organizations. alternative include an assessment of its ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), which are both related to the agent’s atmospheric lifetime (ALT). A candidate agent’s ODP value must be zero or near zero and the GWP must tained in NFPA 2001,[12] which includes design requirements be very low to have commercial viability. that define safety limits including an agent’s NOAEL (no ob- Agent performance is determined primarily by its effective- served adverse effect level) and LOAEL (lowest observed ad- ness in extinguishing fires. Secondary factors include an agent’s verse effect level). form factor (weight and volume), total cost (installation, main- Enormous progress in the search and validation for new tenance, and refill), and discharge effectiveness (evaporation gaseous alternatives to halon 1301 was made during the late and mixing). 1980s and the first half of the 1990s. By 1995, five commercially Toxicity considerations are dependent on the agent’s chemi- available halocarbons and three commercially available inert cal family. Halocarbon agents must be tested to determine their gasses were determined to be acceptable for total flooding cardiotoxicity. When a person inhales halocarbons, it can cause applications in occupied spaces.[13] Since that time, additional an increase in the heart’s sensitivity to elevated levels of adren- agents have been commercialized and added to the SNAP List aline, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia and possibly a heart as acceptable for total flooding applications in occupied spaces

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 25 TABLE 4 Gaseous Alternative Agents— Key Listing and Approval Standards/Guidelines Listing/Standards Agency System Type Standard/Guideline Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Halocarbon Gas Clean Agent 2166[18] Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Inert Gas Clean Agent 2127[19] International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Gaseous Agent Systems 14520[20] FM Global Clean Agent Systems 5600[21] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V. (VdS) Halocarbon Gas Clean Agent 2381[22] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V (VdS) Halocarbon Gas Clean Agent 2381-S1[23] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V (VdS) Inert Gas Clean Agent 2380[24] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V (VdS) Inert Gas Clean Agent 2380-S1[25]

and to the list of clean agents in NFPA 2001. Also, several have an unknown droplet size distribution with and without water been discontinued. Table 3 includes the gaseous agents con- additives, and the physical properties of mist which may reduce currently listed on the SNAP List as acceptable for total flooding visibility, interfering with safe evacuation from the protected use in occupied spaces and the current edition of NFPA 2001. space. In response to these concerns, the water mist industry Carbon dioxide is also included because it is a gaseous agent on facilitated the process of assembling an expert panel to eval- the SNAP List; however, it is addressed in NFPA 12.[14] uate the health risk concerns raised by the EPA. The panel re- Listing and approval agencies have developed standards port states that water mist systems using potable water do not and guidelines for validating the design, performance, and present a toxicological or physiological hazard, and are safe for reliability of the new alternative gaseous clean agent sys- use in occupied spaces. EPA included the use of natural seawa- tems. Standards organizations in addition to NFPA have also ter as an acceptable alternative to potable water in the SNAP developed clean agent system standards addressing design/ Listing for water mist systems. Furthermore, the panel report performance, installation, testing and maintenance. These doc- states that water mist with additives should be evaluated on a uments provide a means to achieve uniformity in design, quality case-by-case basis, and the EPA has included this requirement of components and installation, and performance effectiveness in its process for SNAP program assessments of new water mist and reliability. Key examples are shown in Table 4. system proposals. By the late 1990s, water mist system research and develop- Water Mist Alternatives to Halon 1301 ment efforts had made substantial progress in understanding Advances in water mist technology since the signing of the and documenting the fundamental extinguishing mechanisms Montreal Protocol in 1987 have been significant for two prima- involved as well as the role of spray characteristics in suppres- ry reasons. The lack of a drop-in replacement for halon 1301 sion performance.[29] Three distinct types of water mist systems motivated renewed interest in water mist technology to fill the have evolved in the marketplace, defined by the operating void and improved the economics resulting in more research pressure:[30] funding. Also, in 1995, the International Maritime Organization 1 . Low Pressure: operating pressure ≤12.1 bar (175 psi); implemented a new requirement mandating the installation of 2 . Intermediate Pressure: operating pressure >12.1 bar (175 psi) automatic marine sprinklers on all ships capable of carrying 35 but ≤34.5 bar (500 psi); and or more passengers. This new requirement motivated interest- 3 . High Pressure: operating pressure >35.4 bar (500 psi). ed parties globally to develop water mist technology further as Water mist systems have solidified market share in the pro- a means to comply with the objectives of the sprinkler require- tection of turbine and diesel powered machinery, protection ment with much less water and overall additional weight.[26] By of machinery spaces aboard ships, and the protection of pas- 1996, nearly 50 agencies worldwide were engaged in some form senger cabins aboard ships.[31] They continue to make inroads of fundamentals research or applications development involv- into other market areas protecting diverse hazards including ing water mist technologies.[27] industrial hot oil cookers, flammable liquid storage, and com- Water, as an extinguishing agent, was approved by the EPA puter data/communication rooms. as an acceptable alternative to halon 1301 and placed on the Listing and approval agencies have developed standards SNAP List with its first publication in 1994. The general category and guidelines for validating the design, performance, and of water mist systems was added to the SNAP List in 1995. reliability of water mist systems. Standards organizations in EPA did raise several concerns regarding the lack of evaluation addition to NFPA have also developed water mist system stan- of the health risks associated with exposure to water mist.[28] The dards addressing design/performance, installation, testing, and primary risks of concern included respiration of water mist with maintenance. These documents provide a means to achieve

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HRS Systems, Inc. 208 Southside Square, Petersburg, TN 37144 931-659-9760 E-mail: [email protected] (fax) 931-659-9763 www.hrssystems.com TABLE 5 Water Mist Systems – Key Listing and Approval Standards/Guidelines Listing/Standards Agency System Type Standard/Guideline Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Water Mist Systems 2167 FM Global (FM) Water Mist Systems 5560[33] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V. (VdS) Water Mist Systems 3188[34] International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Water Mist Systems 6182-9[35] International Maritime Organization (IMO) Water Mist Systems MSC/Circ. 668[36] International Maritime Organization (IMO) Water Mist Systems MSC/Circ.728[37]

uniformity in design, quality of components and installation, but this may take some considerable time. Two manufacturers and performance effectiveness and reliability. Key examples have received FM approval of their twin-fluid water-inert gas are shown in Table 5. extinguishing systems by FM Global’s Hybrid Systems approval standard Class No. 5580. Hybrid Inert Gas-Water Mist Alternatives to NFPA, in the latter part of 2014, initiated the development of Halon 1301 a new document on hybrid systems, and approved the roster for During the last decade, a distinct variant of water mist and inert the new Technical Committee (TC) in April 2015. The TC has held gas fire extinguishing systems has emerged and is actively being two pre-first draft development meetings as of this writing. It is further defined and developed. These systems are being called estimated that the first edition of this document may be ready Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire Extinguishing Systems, from for approval approximately in 2019, preliminarily named NFPA now on called hybrid systems. Hybrid systems employ a larger 770, Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire Extinguishing systems. quantity of inert gas in combination with water than traditional twin-fluid type water mist systems. Powdered Aerosol Alternatives to Halon 1301 Research and development efforts related to powdered aerosol During the last decade, a distinct variant fire extinguishing systems increased dramatically, as with most other alternative fire suppression technologies, subsequent af- of water mist and inert gas fire extinguishing ter the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987.[41] Powdered systems has emerged and is actively being Aerosol agents are typically one or a mixture of several solid salts and oxides of alkaline metals (dry chemicals) that are further defined and developed. dispersed rapidly into a protected space by one of the several mechanisms. The dry chemical particles that are dispersed are The EPA, as of this writing, has added one manufacturer’s typically <10 µm in diameter. Condensed aerosols exist as a sol- hybrid system to the SNAP List, effective January 2, 2009, as id, which is a mixture of the dry chemicals in powder form, an acceptable for use in occupied spaces.[38] EPA recommends that oxidizer, a reducer, and a binding resin. This solid mass is ther- the use of this manufacturer’s system conform to the safe ex- mally ignited, and the ensuing combustion reaction ejects the posure guidelines for inert gas systems in the latest edition of combustion reaction products as a dispersion aerosol. The dry NFPA 2001 (clean agent systems), specifically the requirements chemical particles produced in this manner are in a size range for residual oxygen levels, and should conform to the relevant that provides maximum fire extinguishing effectiveness, and operational requirements in NFPA 750 (water mist systems). would be very challenging to create and deliver by other means. Research by FM Global determined that one hybrid system Some testing has shown that condensed aerosol systems tested extinguished the test fires at a dry-basis oxygen concen- may not be effective extinguishing deep-seated Class A type tration ≥12.5 percent and ≤16.0 percent, providing a strong in- fires.[42] dication that fire extinction was accomplished by contributions The EPA, as of this writing, has added several powdered from both the inert gas and water components.[39] This research aerosol extinguishing systems to the SNAP List as acceptable further suggests that a twin-fluid water mist system should be for total flooding of occupied spaces. The EPA recommends that treated as a gaseous system if the dry-basis oxygen concen- the use of these systems conforms to the safe exposure guide- tration at fire extinction is <12.5 percent, and as a water mist lines for inert gas systems in the latest edition of NFPA 2001 system if the dry-basis oxygen concentration at fire extinction (clean agent systems), specifically the requirements for residual is >16.0 percent. oxygen levels, and should conform to the relevant operational FM Global has published an approval standard for hybrid requirements in NFPA 2010 (aerosol agent systems). The EPA systems (Class No. 5580[40]), which borrows heavily with from has added several other powdered aerosol agent systems to the their water mist system approval standard (Class No. 5560). It SNAP List as acceptable for total flooding of unoccupied spaces. is likely that other listing and approval agencies will follow suit, NFPA publishes a design/performance standard addressing

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160023B FPE_QXmini_AdQ3.indd 1 16-05-19 10:30 AM TABLE 6 Powdered Aerosol Systems – Key Listing and Approval Standards/Guidelines Listing/Standards Agency System Type Standard/Guideline Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Fixed Condensed 2775[44] International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Powdered Aerosol Systems 15779[45] International Maritime Organization (IMO) Powdered Aerosol Systems MSC/Circ. 1270[46] Standards Australia (AS) Powdered Aerosol Systems 4487[47]

TABLE 7 Oxygen Reduction Systems – Key Listing and Approval Standards/Guidelines Listing/Standards Agency System Type Standard/Guideline Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Oxygen Reduction System Units 67377[50] European Standard (EN) Oxygen Reduction System 16750 DRAFT[51] Verband der Sachversicherer e.V. (VdS) Oxygen Reduction System 3527[52] British Standards Institution (BSI) Oxygen Reduction System PAS 95:2011[53]

powdered aerosol extinguishing systems.[43] NFPA 2010 was first supply to the protected space. Hypoxic air is supplied and oxy- published in 2006. The standard defines two types of aerosol ex- gen sensors in the protected space provide information to the tinguishing systems: Condensed Aerosol and Dispersed Aerosol. control system to enable a specified design level of oxygen to Condensed aerosols are finely divided dry chemical powders in be achieved and maintained. Typically, this design level will the form of a solid aerosol forming compound that requires a be in the range between 14 percent and 17 percent, and will combustion process to generate and disperse the aerosol. Dis- be based in part on an evaluation by the designer of the com- persed Aerosols are finely divided dry chemical powders that bustible fuels present. The manufacturers claim that such a are resident in a pressurized agent storage container, suspend- system will prevent fire ignition in the protected space. Many ed in a halocarbon or an inert gas. also claim that the hypoxic atmosphere maintained by these Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has published a listing stan- systems is safe for human exposure. This claim has been chal- dard for validating the design, performance, and reliability of lenged and debated in various countries by the authorities hav- fixed condensed aerosol extinguishing system units. The scope ing jurisdiction and addressed by the organizations that have of this standard evaluates performance on surface fires involv- written design/performance standards. This concern must be ing Class A, Class B, and Class C hazards. Four manufacturers addressed on a case-by-case basis since each country will have have fixed condensed aerosol extinguishing system units listed some health standards that address human exposure to hypox- by UL by UL 2775 as of this writing. Several standards organi- ic environments in some manner, and there will be differences zations have developed powdered aerosol system standards that will impact on how these systems will be allowed to be addressing design/performance, installation, testing, and configured. maintenance. These documents provide a means to achieve In the U.S., for example, The U.S. Occupational Safety & uniformity in design, quality of components and installation, Health Administration (OSHA) Respiratory Protection Stan- and performance effectiveness and reliability. Key examples dard[49] defines as oxygen deficient any atmosphere that con- of the listing and design/performance standards for powdered tains less than 19.5% oxygen and requires, generally, that all aerosol systems are shown in Table 6. oxygen-deficient atmospheres be considered immediately dan- gerous to life or health (oxygen-deficient IDLH). Certainly, any Oxygen Reduction Fire Prevention Systems country or jurisdiction with similar health and safety laws will Oxygen reduction fire prevention systems are also commonly have concerns about workplace environments that are main- referred to as hypoxic air fire prevention systems. These systems tained at oxygen volume percent levels between 14 percent were developed in the 1990s and have gained market share in and 17 percent for indefinite periods of time. Safety procedures many countries as alternatives to conventional fire suppression would have to be developed and implemented that meet the systems of all types. There are several manufacturers of these approval of the health and safety enforcement authorities. systems and their reach in the global marketplace continues The EPA, as of this writing, has received no applications to re- to expand. view oxygen reduction fire prevention systems for inclusion on the Oxygen reduction systems work by ventilating a protected SNAP List as an acceptable halon 1301 replacement. There is cur- volume continuously with a supply of air that has been modi- rently no NFPA design/performance standard for oxygen reduc- fied such that the oxygen volume percent has been reduced[48]. tion fire prevention systems, nor is there a standard under devel- The manufacturers commonly refer to this as the hypoxic air opment. Likewise, FM Global has no current plans to develop an

30 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 approval standard for oxygen reduction fire prevention systems. References UL has published a listing standard for validating the de- 1. Final Report of the Halons: Technical Options Committee, August 11, 1989, UNEP sign, performance, and reliability of oxygen reduction fire pro- Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, 1997. 2. NFPA 12A, Standard on Halon 1301 Fire Extinguishing Systems, National Fire tection system units. The scope of this standard covers oxygen Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. reduction fire protection system units, intended to separate 3. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, Public Law 101-549, 42 U.S. Code 7401, et seq. oxygen and nitrogen from the ordinary air to produce a flux of 4. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, National Fire reduced-oxygen (elevated nitrogen) air for limiting the potential Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. for ignition and fire spread of combustibles in a protected vol- 5. Mawhinney, JR and Back III, GG, Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems, Chapter 46, p. 1588. In: “SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th edition,” ume. The standard applies specifically to oxygen reduction fire Society of Fire Protection Engineers, 2016. protection system units intended for design, installation, oper- 6. Kibert, CJ and Douglas Dierdorf, “Solid Particulate Aerosol Fire Suppressants,” Fire Technology, November 1994; vol. 30, issue 4: pp. 387-399. ation, and maintenance under prEN 16750. One manufacturer 7. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, National Fire has oxygen reduction fire protection system units listed by UL in Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. accordance with UL 67377 as of this writing. Several standards 8. NFPA 2010, Standard on Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. organizations have developed oxygen reduction system stan- 9. Agency Review of SNAP Submissions, Code of Federal Regulations, title 40, vol. dards addressing design/performance, installation, testing, and 14, sec. 82.180(a)(7). maintenance. These documents provide a means to achieve 10. U.S. EPA, 1994. A Guide to Completing a Risk Screen: Collection and Use of Risk Screen Data: Fire Suppression Sector, Stratospheric Protection Division, April uniformity in design, quality of components and installation, 1994. and performance effectiveness and reliability. See Table 7. 11 . Pitts, William M., Marc R. Nyden and Richard G. Gann, NIST Technical Note 1279: Construction of an Exploratory List of Chemicals to Initiate the Search for Halon Alternatives, National Institute of Standards and Technology, August 1999. JEFF L . HARRINGTON is with Harrington Group, Inc. 12. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. 13. Su, Joseph Z., Andrew K. Kim, and Jack R. Mawhinney, Review of Total Flooding Gaseous Agents as Halon 1301 Substitutes, “Journal of Fire Protection Engineering,” May 1996; vol. 8, no. 2: pp. 45-63.

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Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 31 14. NFPA 12, Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems, National Fire 28. Rubenstein, Reva, Halon Alternatives Health Effects Assessment: U.S. Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. Environmental Protection Agency, Halon Options Technical Working Conference, New Mexico Engineering Research Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 9, 15. DiNenno, PJ and Forssell, EW, Clean Agent Total Flooding Fire Extinguishing 1995, pp. 29-35. Systems, Chapter 44, p. 1484. In: “SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th edition,” Society of Fire Protection Engineers, 2016. 29. Su, Joseph Z. and Andrew K. Kim, “A Review of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems: Fundamental Studies,” Journal of Fire Protection Engineering, August 16. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, National Fire 1999; vol. 10, no. 3: pp. 32-50. Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. 30. NFPA 750, Standard on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems, National Fire 17. U.S. EPA, Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) Program, Acceptable Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. and Unacceptable Substitutes, Fire Suppression and Explosion Protection, Total Flooding Agents, www.epa.gov/snap/substitutes-total-flooding-agents 31. Wickham, RT, Status of Industry Efforts to Replace Halon Fire Extinguishing (accessed March 2, 2016). Agents, Wickham Associates, March 16, 2002. 18. UL 2166, Standard for Halocarbon Clean Agent Extinguishing System Units, 32. UL 2167, Standard for Water Mist Nozzles for Fire Protection Service, Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL, 2012. Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL, 2002. 19. UL 2127, Standard for Inert Gas Clean Agent Extinguishing System Units, 33. Approval Standard for Water Mist Sprinkler Systems, Class No. 5560, FM Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL, 2012. Approvals, LLC, Norwood, MA, November 2012. 20. ISO 14520, Gaseous Fire Extinguishing Systems: Physical Properties and System 34. VdS 3188 (2015-05), Guidelines for Water Mist Sprinkler Systems and Water Mist Design, International Organization of Standardization, 2015. Extinguishing Systems (High Pressure Systems), Planning and Installation, VdS, 2015. 21. Approval Standard for Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems, Class No. 5600, FM Approvals, LLC, Norwood, MA, April 2013. 35. ISO 6182-9, Fire Protection – Automatic Sprinkler System – Part 9 – Requirements and Test Methods for Water Mist Nozzles, International 22. VdS 2381 (2009-06), Fire Extinguishing Systems using Halocarbon Gases, Organization of Standardization, 2005. Planning and Installation, Verband der Sachversicherer e.V., 2009. 36. MSC/Circ. 668, Alternative Arrangements for Halon Fire Extinguishing Systems 23. VdS 2381-S1 (2014-06), Guidelines for Fire Extinguishing Systems using in Machinery Spaces and Pump Rooms, International Maritime Organization, Halocarbon Gases, Amendment 1, VdS, 2014. London, England: 1994. 24. VdS 2380 (2014-06), Fire Extinguishing Systems using non-liquefied Inert Gases, 37. MSC/Circ. 728, Revised Test Method for Equivalent Water-Based Fire Planning and Installation, Verband der Sachversicherer e.V., 2009. Extinguishing Systems for Machinery Spaces of Category A and Cargo Pump 25. VdS 2381-S1 (2011-07), Fire Extinguishing Systems using non-liquefied Inert Rooms, International Maritime Organization, London, England: 1996. Gases, Amendment 1, VdS, 2011. 38. Determination of Acceptability, Protection of Stratospheric Ozone: Notice 23 26. Mawhinney, JR and GG Back, III, Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems, Chapter for Significant New Alternatives Policy Program, Federal Register, vol. 74, no. 1 46, p. 1589. In: “SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, 5th edition,” (January 2, 2009): 21-29. Society of Fire Protection Engineers, 2016. 39. Yu, Hong-Zeng, Robert Kasiski and Matthew Daelhousen, Characterization of 27. Mawhinney, JR and JK Richardson, A Review of Water Mist Fire Suppression Twin-Fluid (Water Mist and Inert Gas) Fire Extinguishing Systems by Testing and Research and Development, Fire Technology, January 1997; vol. 33, issue no. 1: Modeling, Fire Technology, August 2014; vol. 51, issue 4: pp. 923-950. pp. 54-90. 40. Approval Standard for Hybrid (Water and Inert Gas) Fire Extinguishing Systems, Class No. 5580, FM Approvals, LLC, Norwood, MA, November 2012 41. Kibert, Charles J. and Douglas Dierdorf, Solid Particulate Aerosol Fire Have you checked out Suppressants, Fire Technology, November 1994; vol. 30, issue 4: pp. 387-399. 42. Back, Gerard, Michael Boosinger, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Elizabeth Weaver, and Lou Nash, An Evaluation of Aerosol Extinguishing Systems for Machinery the digital edition of Fire Space Applications, Fire Technology, March 2009; vol. 45, issue 1: pp. 43-69. 43. NFPA 2010, Standard on Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems, National Fire Protection Engineering Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 2015. 44. UL 2775, Standard for Fixed Condensed Aerosol Extinguishing System Units, magazine yet? Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL, 2014. 45. ISO 15779, Condensed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems: Requirements and

FIRE PROTECTION Q3 2016 / ISSUE #71 Test Methods for Components and System Design, Installation and Maintenance-

FIRE PROTECTION General Requirements, International Organization of Standardization, 2011. WINTER 2016 / ISSUE #69

Q2 2016 / ISSUE #70 FIRE PROTECTION 46. MSC/Circ. 1270/Corr. 1, Revised Guidelines for the Approval of Fixed Aerosol Special Hazards Fire-Extinguishing Systems Equivalent to Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems, Residential as Referred to in SOLAS 74, for Machinery Spaces, International Maritime ProfessionalEthics Fire Protection Fire Safety A GLOBAL Organization, London, England: 2008. Systems ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION 47. AS 4487, Condensed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems: Requirements DATA CENTER FIRE PROTECTION A CASE STUDY ON OXYGEN for System Design, Installation and Commissioning and Test Methods for REDUCTION FIRE PROTECTION AN UPDATE ON WATER MIST Components, Standards Australia, July 17, 2013. FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS 48. Oxygen Reduction versus Inerting or Gas Extinguishing Systems, Tech Talk, vol.

The Official Magazine of SFPE 11, pp. 1-4, Allianz Risk Consulting

The Official Magazine of SFPE 49. OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, Code of Federal Regulations, title 29, std. The Official Magazine of SFPE 1910, sub. I, sec. 134. 50. UL 67377, Standard for Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection System Units, Did you know that Fire Protection Engineering magazine is Underwriters Laboratories, Northbrook, IL, 2016 51. prEN 16750 Draft, Fixed Firefighting Systems: Oxygen Reduction Systems- available in a convenient digital version as well as print? Design, Installation, Planning, and Maintenance, European Committee For Access the same quality content you Standardization (CEN), May 2014. 52. VdS 3527 (2015-05), Oxygen Reduction Systems: Planning and Installation, enjoy in print anywhere, from any device, Verband der Sachversicherer e.V., 2015. by visiting SFPE.ORG/FPEMagDigital 53. PAS 95:2011, Hypoxic [air] Fire Prevention Systems for Occupiable Spaces: And look for the new Fire Protection Specification, British Standards Institute, 2011. Engineering magazine app in late 2016.

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3M and Novec are trademarks of 3M. © 3M 2016. All rights reserved. DATA CENTER Adapting to a Constantly Changing Environment LEE A. KAISER, P.E. DATA CENTER DESIGNS have become a playground for creative problem solvers and new products. The areas of information technology, electrical power, and equipment cooling—The Big Three—seem to be reinvented every five years. This constant reimagining of the data center is driven by the need for a larger capacity to address software and data demands as consistently as possible with zero downtime.

Building designs have become a secondary consideration, NFPA 75 and Enforcement by AHJ Community adapting to serve the needs of The Big Three. Some building The section concerning risk considerations (Chapter 4) is one designs have become more complex to reduce size while other of the most important parts of NFPA 75, Standard for the Fire designs remain simple but larger. Protection of Information Technology Equipment. Fire protec- Despite all these changes, the goals of data center fire pro- tion engineers should judge risk assessments against NFPA 551, tection remain the same: warn early of a fire, give the occupants Guide for the Evaluation of Fire Risk Assessments. options, and do no additional harm. If you select fire protection The standard is voluntary in most cases, and many data systems with these precepts, then they will parallel the mission center designers skip over its usefulness. AHJs also have trou- of the data center. ble applying the prescriptive portions when they run into an IT facility. Many are confused by how NFPA 75 applies to the size A Well-Developed Fire Protection Strategy of IT room. The scope states it is for “…the protection of in- The architecture and engineering team for any new data center formation technology equipment and information technology project must design with these three fire scenarios in mind: equipment areas.” This is admittedly a broad definition, but the ■■A fire outside the data center is indirectly threatening it. broad scope points to the importance of a risk assessment. The ■■Smoke inside the data center requiring immediate inves- smaller an IT room, the less equipment it can hold. If loss of the tigation before escalation (with the option for manual equipment presents a risk to the business, the prescriptive re- extinguishment). quirements should be followed. But if there is little risk, then the ■■A fire inside the data center too large to be extinguished standard may not apply to that room. It should then stand to manually. reason that any large IT rooms or data centers should perform Some examples of solutions include continuous walls sur- a risk assessment to determine fire protection requirements. rounding the data center, air sampling smoke detection ar- ranged for Very Early Warning Fire Detection, clean agent-type Raised Floors Present Unique Firefighting manual fire extinguishers placed near all room exits, and clean Challenges agent fire extinguishing systems. Engineers should remember A risky proposition for any firefighter is battling a fire underfoot. to focus on asset protection—life safety will be a convenient Many data centers continue to use raised floor systems to act as byproduct of that focus. an air supply plenum and to conceal power and communications

34 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 FIRE PROTECTION

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 35 Raised floors are cabling. The 2013 edition equipment, but manufacturers have made great strides in mak- an important, but of NFPA 75 requires ei- ing equipment more resistive to causing fires. A little more than often overlooked ther automatic sprinklers a third of the time the ignition source is the power distribution requirement that bears more or a gaseous fire extin- equipment—either inside the IT room or outside in a power or explanation. guishing system below battery room. Uninterruptible power supplies are a frequent raised floors when one or source of small fires and smoke events. The remaining causes both of these conditions are less common and can include foreign objects in the data exist: center, human error, or even arson.[1,2] ■■There is a critical need to protect data in the HVAC and Cabling Designs Should Lead Fire process, reduce equip- Protection Decisions ment damage and facil- Do not develop final designs for fire protection systems until itate a return to service. there is a complete understanding of both the HVAC system and ■■The area below the raised floor contains combustible material. electrical raceways present in the space. Without accommodat- Raised floors are an important, but often overlooked re- ing the HVAC system, performance will inevitably suffer. quirement that bears more explanation. If a fire occurs in a Today, air change rates for most data centers require spot raised floor space, it will be difficult to access. Manipulating smoke detector spacing of 125 Ft2 per detector, as dense as tiles for access is tough and regularly causes injuries in non- required by NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code. fire conditions including sprains, strains, and cuts on sharp Also, facilities use aisle containment systems that complicate corners of the metal framing system. Fill the room with smoke installation of both detection and suppression systems. NFPA and firefighters now have a new risk not usually found in other 75 and NFPA 76, Standard for the Fire Protection of Telecom- structural firefighting conditions. munications Facilities have requirements for installing fire protection when aisle containment is at play, but the components Virtualization IT Solution Increases the Cost of must be understood early in design. Without adjusting for aisle Fires containment partitions, sprinklers may not work properly, or Virtualization is the consolidation of multiple computer servers clean agent systems may not develop concentrations as fast into one device. The concept of virtualization is purely IT-related as possible. but increases the value of the equipment inside the data center. Locations of electrical cable trays and bus ducts must be The virtualized server has much more computing power, ener- known for proper placement of sprinklers and clean agent gy consumption, and heat rejection. Servers operate multiple nozzles. Improper coordination can impact fire system per- software applications simultaneously and more efficiently than formance. Furthermore, recent Factory Mutual Research has individual servers, but have created a market with server costs shown how difficult cable bundle fires can be to extinguish.[3] A of $1–1.5 million (U.S.)—much more expensive than the indus- fire involving a cable bundle can threaten the entire data center try is used to. if not extinguished. Because of the rising costs, virtualization is changing the loss equation. In the mainframe days, the equipment was worth Placement and Type of Smoke Detection Key to more than the data. Then equipment became cheap, and the Detecting an Impending Fire data explosion made data loss more expensive than the equip- Large, uncontrolled smoke production causes increased dam- ment. Virtualized servers are bringing the two into balance with age, an additional difficulty in response and equipment fail- equal worth. ures from corrosion of printed circuit boards. Early detection of smoke depends on knowledge of the HVAC system in the space. Fire Ignition Sources For very early warning, locate detectors where the smoke Many in the gaseous suppression industry believe data center will travel—along the air circulation path. Smoke must arrive fires are under reported for a variety of reasons. A large con- in sufficient density to be detectable. If there are not sensors cern is a fire can damage a company’s brand image, exposing along the airflow paths, smoke may not be detected in time to vulnerabilities. avoid a larger fire event. The actual number of incidents per year in any given country Air sampling smoke detectors can warn data center oper- is unknown, but the reality is data centers have fires. It is this ators of a smoke condition well before humans can perceive author’s experience that there are about two fires per month it. A notification scheme using mobile communication devices in the U.S. resulting in a suppression system discharge. The ig- should be part of a well-thought-out very early warning fire de- nition source varies. About 10 percent of the time it is in the IT tection system.

36 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 UniVErSiTy OF MAryLAnd oFFiCE oF advanCEd EnGinEErinG EduCation

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learn more, go further Visit advancedengineering.umd.edu/enfp001 Once notified, a facility should have trained personnel systems that generate fine particulate which interrupts flame search for the source of the smoke. Statistically, the most proba- chemistry for extinguishment. The concern with aerosol, how- ble cause of a smoke event is overheated equipment. Personnel ever, is the cleanup effort of the particles after a discharge and investigating should have thermal imagers available to search the high heat during discharge causing secondary fires. the space. There is a lot of interest in water mist systems for data When the source of smoke is found, the associated equip- centers and several examples of water mist being used as the ment should be powered down according to IT procedures. To primary fire suppression system. Water mist should be viewed extinguish any flaming or active combustion, make sure a man- as an alternative to water-based sprinkler systems, not clean ual fire extinguisher is available to address the problem before agent systems. It is important to remember that they still use any suppression system activates. water and activate using heat like a sprinkler system as water will pool on any horizontal surfaces. The advantage of water There is a lot of interest in water mist systems mist over sprinklers is they use less water, typically 50-90 per- for data centers and several examples of cent less depending on the system. Data center operators and specifying engineers continue to water mist being used as the primary fire select very different strategies for fire protection of new data suppression system. centers. In large part, decisions about the appropriate level of suppression protection and detection are made by showing the Specifying the appropriate type and number of manual data center owners a menu of available options and letting them fire extinguishers in the data center can be overlooked. Many select at their risk without performing the risk analysis required times specifying extinguishers is left to architects, but engineers by NFPA 75. In some cases, selection of the fire protection system should take a more active role in IT facility designs so the correct is made by the construction manager/general contractor who is type is specified. Chapter 8 of NFPA 75 has requirements to fol- delivering the finished space for a certain unit price. Often, the low for extinguishers. Facilities should steer clear of powdered owner believes they have a “critical operations” data center even extinguishers in IT rooms. though the fire systems weren’t installed for critical operations. Many system selection decisions are based on the cost first, After Detection Data Center Operations Impact Fire what worked the last time, and a hope that no fire will occur, System Decisions but the reality is the stakes for major IT facilities have never Automatic power and HVAC shutdown is a very hot topic for been higher. The public’s demand for service with little to no IT personnel. The NFPA codes and standards generally require interruption, additions to data consumption, and the signifi- powering down equipment in an IT room when a fire is detected cantly increased cost of virtualized servers make the risk of fire as well as turning off HVAC units and closing dampers serving exposure to data centers significantly higher today than even the room. This is not popular with many IT operators. just five years ago. Within the past five years, it is become en vogue to “ride The best strategies for fire protection today are integrated through” the event because the reality of an immediate shut- with the operating model of the data center and the disaster down of server equipment is too risky for the primary mission recovery plan. A multi-layered approach to fire protection as- of the data center. NFPA allows exceptions for these “critical sures that fires and other small thermal events can be dealt with operations data centers” if proper justification can be made to early causing minimum impact to the data center and delivery the AHJ. Furthermore, this new reality has been realized by the of service. NFPA 2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems LEE A . KAISER is with ORR Protection Systems. Technical Committee that more Class C fires will be part of the data center fire experience. System designers must make ac- commodations for this including higher Class C extinguishing concentrations and planning for continual mixing during the agent retention period. References 1. Hirschman, Dave (AOPA.org), ‘ATC Zero’: Inside the Chicago Center Fire, www. aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2014/November/06/ATC-Zero-Inside-the- Non-Traditional Data Center Fire Suppression Chicago-Center-fire (November 6, 2014) Systems 2. Judge, Peter (datacenterdynamics.com), Modular data center survives arson attack, www.datacenterdynamics.com/power-cooling/modular-data-center- Clean agent fire extinguishing systems should be selected if the survives-arson-attack/93151.fullarticle (February 3, 2015) risk analysis shows a low tolerance for an outage. However, sev- 3. FMapprovals.com, Small-Scale Testing, Large-Scale Benefits, www.fmapprovals. eral fire protection systems have been marketed for installation com/product-alerts-and-news-events/approved-product-news/approved- product-news-recent-issues/2015/apn-volume-31-1/small-scale-testing (August in data centers besides clean agent systems including aerosol 25, 2015)

38 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Helping you solve safety. For Life.

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SIMP0296_FireProtectionEng_AandE_SolveSafe.indd 1 1/6/16 9:50 AM ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● ●●●●● Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection 101 An Introduction and Case Study

By Adam Barowy and Scott Creighton, F(PE)

OR APPROXIMATELY 20 YEARS, OXYGEN REDUCTION FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING as a new approach to providing a primary means of fire protection for enclosed spaces. The design concept of these systems is to reduce the oxygen concentration within a space (by constant inerting with nitrogen) sufficiently to prevent ordinarily combustible materials from igniting in the presence of a typical ignition source. Oxygen reduction systems should not be confused with gaseous extinguishing systems, which discharge extinguishing agents after a fire starts in response to detection. Oxygen reduction systems provide constant control over the gaseous makeup of the enclosure while online. FAs of 2014, more than 700 installations have been constructed outside of North America by just one manufacturer.[1] Common applications for oxygen reduction systems include data centers, cold storage, museum storage areas and archives, and electrical rooms. Few installations currently exist in North America. However, two notable examples are a system that protects the Betsy Ross American Flag at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History,[2] and a system in Richland, Washington that protects the largest cold storage warehouse in North America (as of September 2015).[3]

What is an Oxygen Reduction Fire the porous membrane walls. This allows oxygen and nitrogen to Protection System? be collected into separate pipework. The PSA and VPSA systems Nitrogen producing equipment is the backbone of any oxy- work similar to each other, by passing compressed air through gen reduction fire protection system. The nitrogen supply is pressure vessels containing a carbon material that selective- produced onsite from ambient air. The systems employ tech- ly adsorbs oxygen and allows nitrogen to pass through. Flow nology originally developed in the 1980’s for the industrial gas through a vessel is discontinued when the carbon material be- industry in a process known as “air separation.”[4] The devel- comes saturated, and nitrogen flow is continued from another opment of air separation equipment for use in fire protection vessel. A saturated vessel “regenerates” when it is depressur- applications began approximately 20 years ago,[1] though this is ized back towards atmospheric pressure. A continuous effluent not to suggest that controlling the gaseous environment within of nitrogen is typically produced using two vessels.[8] an enclosure is a new concept. The first published research into Figure 1 demonstrates the basic operation of an oxygen the feasibility of mitigating fire hazards by continuous inerting reduction fire protection system. Membrane, PSA or VPSA, air an enclosed space was conducted by the U.S. Navy in the late separation technologies are represented in the box labeled “air 1960s,[5] and continued with research into the medical hazards separation.” of flame-suppressing atmospheres in 1990s.[6] Oxygen reduc- The potential for ignition and fire growth within the enclosed tion systems referred to as On Board Inert Gas Generating Sys- space(s) is reduced because of two basic phenomena: 1) less tems (OBIGGS) have been deployed for explosion prevention in oxygen is available for combustion and 2) a greater amount of the fuel tank ullage spaces of military aircraft for approximately thermal energy is lost during combustion due to the additional 30 years.[7] nitrogen. The oxygen concentration required to establish fire Manufacturers of oxygen reduction systems use three differ- protection is primarily determined by the flammability charac- ent air separation technologies to produce nitrogen: selectively teristics of the materials to be stored within the enclosed space, permeable gas membranes, pressure swing adsorption (PSA), but also depends on ambient temperature and pressure. Fig- and vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA). The mem- ure 2 shows how temperature, pressure, and the addition of brane systems work much like a filter: as compressed air flows nitrogen affect the gaseous composition of a fixed volume of through a membrane, smaller oxygen molecules pass through air. The atmospheres illustrated in Figure 2 provide insight into

40 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection 101 Ambient Air Low O2 Air High O2 Air Dedicated Data & Power

Air Air High Pressure Air Protected Compressor Dryer/Filters Air Storage Separation Space(s)

Oxygen Sensors

System ControlSystem (primaryControl and backup) Figure 1: General concept of an oxygen reduction fire protection system using BMS/Fire PSA, VPSA or membrane Alarm air separation

Comparison of relative available oxygen for various ambient and hypoxic environments—molecular comparisons per volume

Figure 2: Gaseous composition of the atmosphere under different conditions of temperature, pressure, and oxygen reduction. © Womer & Associates.

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 41 the variables considered at the installation described in this oxygen reduction system guidelines, ignition thresholds for com- article’s case study. mon plastics and cellulosics typically fall within 14 to 17 percent, The reduced oxygen concentration referred to as the “igni- and within 11 to 16 percent for solvents.[9, 10] When determining a tion threshold” by guideline documents that restrict burning, design oxygen concentration, European guidelines recommend must be empirically determined for all materials stored within reducing the lowest ignition threshold by 1 percent (volume con- the space protected by the system. The design oxygen concen- centration) as a safety margin.[9] It is anticipated that the first tration that any system maintains is principally determined by European installation standard, due to be published in 2016, will the stored material with the lowest ignition threshold oxygen require a safety margin of 0.75 percent with a further allotment concentration. By the test methods currently used in European based on the precision of the oxygen sensing equipment.[11] CASE STUDY Richland, Washington

In July 2015, construction of the largest public refrigerated ■■Provide a system that is least likely to result in the contami- warehouse in North America was completed in Richland, Wash. nation of the stored commodity. An oxygen reduction system is the primary means of fire pro- ■■Provide redundancies of equipment to assure that a single tection for this facility. The warehouse employs an automated point equipment failure cannot cause loss of protection. storage and retrieval system (ASRS) and has three common wall ■■Provide a system that reduces risk to emergency responders freezer spaces that are each 475 ft (145 m) long by 225 ft (69 m) (reduce fire frequency or severity). wide by 116 ft (35 m) tall. Each freezer encloses approximately ■■Provide a system that does not require water or chemical 12,000,000 ft3 (340,000 m3) and has a capacity of approximately (e.g., antifreeze) cleanup. 115,000 pallet stalls for 9 ft (2.8 m) high pallet loads. The racking The stakeholders were most concerned with smoke contam- has eleven 9.5 ft (2.9 m) tier levels for a total storage height of ination that can result in a complete loss of the food product. 106 ft (32 m). Further details of the building construction are Because fire sprinkler activation is dependent on the heat gen- available in the January 2015 issue of Construction Today.[12] erated from a fire, the stakeholders chose to pursue an oxygen The fire protection engineer for this project provided the reduction system using a performance-based approach. stakeholders with a complete array of prescriptive and per- There was an early consensus that oxygen reduction would formance-based options for this complex and unusual facility. be a reasonable substitute for fire sprinklers. The stakehold- The performance objectives established for the fire protection ers were already familiar with the oxygen reduction system system in this facility included: equipment used in controlled atmosphere food preservation. PHOTOS ©WAGNER GROUP ©WAGNER PHOTOS

Figure 3: Outside view of the automated cold storage warehouse in Richland, Wash. © WAGNER Group.

42 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Outside view of the rack storage array during building construction.

Administration (OSHA) regulations require employees to wear self-contained (or supplemental) breathing apparatus to enter and work in the freezer spaces because the oxygen concentra- The view down an aisle of the Richland warehouse. tion is less than 19.5 percent.[15] Entry points are monitored with [13] Oxygen reduction systems (that maintain ≤ 3 percent O2) are position switches and display notifications of the reduced oxy- frequently deployed in apple storage warehouses within the gen hazard within the freezer space. geographical area surrounding Richland. After system installation, equipment was individually test- The proposed design of the oxygen reduction system for this ed for function and performance. With the system operational, application needed to meet the safety criteria of Verband Der the oxygen concentration was reduced by approximately 0.25 Schadenversicherer (VdS), a German testing, inspection and cer- percent per day. Reducing the oxygen concentration to 16.1 per- tification company, as well as the Fire Engineer of Record and the cent required three weeks. The system control panel indicates local building and fire department criteria. VdS has developed operational status locally as well as remotely to the building design and installation guidelines as well as a certification pro- control room and to the manufacturer. gram for oxygen reduction systems. In addition to the details re- These systems, as with other fire protection systems, require quired in the guideline document VdS 3527en,[14] VdS conducted ongoing inspection, testing, and maintenance to ensure reli- fire testing on the commodity anticipated to provide the greatest ability of operation. challenge to the oxygen reduction system and concluded that an oxygen concentration of 17.4 percent provided the necessary Advantages, Limitations and Challenges “ignition threshold.” The final design oxygen percentage of 16.1 Oxygen reduction fire protection systems have advantages percent was derived by applying a 1 percent safety margin rec- and limitations. As a new fire protection approach, oxygen re- ommended by VdS and a 0.3 percent safety margin recommend- duction faces several implementation challenges, particularly ed by the oxygen reduction system manufacturer. within the United States. Table 1 summarizes the advantages, In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health limitations, and challenges facing oxygen reduction systems.

TABLE 1 Summary of advantages, limitations, and challenges for oxygen reduction systems Advantages Limitations Challenges Prevention of ignition for materials that have A risk of fire spread still exists if the oxygen The current lack of consensus-based design and an ignition threshold above the design oxygen concentration is above the ignition installation standards concentration of a system. threshold.11,16 Activation is not necessary because the reduced Not intended for use in explosion suppression Limited data available for ignition thresholds of oxygen atmosphere is constantly maintained.16 or prevention.11 materials16 Oxygen concentration can be adjusted to Cannot prevent fire hazards from materials that Limited research on smoldering in reduced accommodate changes in stored materials, can provide their oxygen. oxygen environments16 within limits of system design.1 No damage from an extinguishment agent.1 Not intended to provide protection during hot Reconciliation needed between oxygen work.11 reduction systems and health and safety regulations Intended only to protect an enclosed space (i.e., Better understanding of system reliability16 nothing outdoors).11

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 43 It is important to understand the advantages and limitations safety regulator’s interpretation of health risks at sub-atmo- of any means of fire protection, but the growth potential for spheric levels of oxygen and differ internationally. oxygen reduction system deployment within the United States For example, Germany has established four risk classes for lies in addressing the challenges identified in Table 1. reduced oxygen atmospheres. Each class requires employee awareness training. As oxygen concentration decreases, each Regulations increase in risk class requires reduced exposure durations.

The greatest challenge for oxygen reduction systems is that Below 13 percent O2, supplemental breathing apparatus are there is currently no installation standard in the United States. required. Fire protection engineers pursuing oxygen reduction fire protec- In the United States, OSHA maintains that an oxygen defi-

tion will need to rely on either VdS guidelines or the EN instal- cient atmosphere contains less than 19.5 percent O2 . In practice lation standard until a U.S. installation standard is developed. and for the indefinite future, installations in U.S. are likely to be Development of an installation standard in the United States limited to normally unoccupied spaces that require breathing is not yet underway. apparatus for entry, similar to the warehouse in Richland. UL issued a product safety certification document in January ADAM BAROWY is with UL 2016 for oxygen reduction systems titled as, UL 67377, Outline SCOTT CREIGHTON is with Womer & of Investigation for Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection System Associates. Units.[17] The UL certification document evaluates the capability of a system to develop and maintain a reduced oxygen

References 1. P. Clauss, “Fixed Firefighting Systems – Oxygen Reduction Systems: Active fire The greatest challenge for oxygen reduction prevention vs. passive fire protection,” in SUPDET, Orlando, FL, 2014. 2. Smithsonian Institution, “Visited the Star Spangled Banner,” 2015. [Online]. systems is that there is currently no installation Available: http://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/visit.aspx. 3. J. Harris, “Cold Front: Victory Unlimited is Building North America’s Largest standard in the United States. Refrigerated Warehouse,” Construction Today, no. January, pp. 152–163, Januar 2015 4. S. Ivanova and R. Lewis, “Producing Nitrogen via Pressure Swing Adsorption,” June 2012. [Online]. Available: www.airproducts.com/~/media/downloads/ atmosphere within an enclosure. The document includes re- article/P/en-producing-nitrogen-via-pressure-swing-adsorption-article.pdf. 5. C. Huggett, “Habitable Atmospheres Which Do Not Support Combustion,” quirements for fire, electrical, and mechanical safety of oxygen Combustion and Flame, no. 20, pp. 140–142, 1973. reduction system equipment, and uses a functional safety ap- 6. D. R. Knight, “The Medical Hazards of Flame Suppressant Atmospheres,” Naval proach to evaluating the reliability of the system control hard- Submarine Medical Research Laboratory, Bethesda, MD, 1991. 7. H. W. Wyeth, “Aircraft Fire Safety,” North Atlantic Treaty Organization, London, ware and software. 1982. Limited data is available for the ignition thresholds of 8. A. R. Smith and J. Klosek, “A review of air separation technologies and their materials.[16] In practice, this is not a significant challenge, as integration with energy conversion processes,” Fuel Procesing Technology, vol. 70, pp. 115–134, 2000. existing installation standards for oxygen reduction systems 9. VdS, “3527en : 2007-01 Inerting and Oxygen Reduction Systems, Planning and require that material test data form the basis for determina- Installation,” VdS, Köln, Germany, 2007. tion of the design oxygen concentration. This is similar to the 10. British Standards Institution, “PAS 95:2011 Hypoxic air fire prevention systems - Specification,” British Standards Institution, London, 2011. practice of commodity classification testing. However, Nilsson 11. Comité Européen de Normalisation, “Fixed firefighting systems - Oxygen and van Hees suggest further developments to the test meth- reduction systems - Design, installation, planning and maintenance,” Comité od currently used in Europe should be based on research into Européen de Normalisation, Brussels, May 2014. 12. J. Harris, “Cold Front: Victory Unlimited is Building North America’s Largest the dependency of ignition threshold oxygen concentration Refrigerated Warehouse,” Construction Today, vol. 2015, No. January, pp. on material orientation and reradiation.[16] Research data is 152–163, January/February 2015. also limited to the effect of reduced oxygen concentrations on 13. P. G. Levesque, J. R. DeEll and D. P. Murr, “Food Preservation by Modified Atmospheres Food Preservation by Modified Atmospheres,” HortScience, vol. 41, smoldering behavior and the production rates of pyrolyzates no. 5, pp. 1322–1324, 2006. and other gasses.[16] 14. VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, “Guidelines for Inerting and Oxygen Reduction Systems: Planning and Installation,” VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, Köln, Internationally, occupational safety and health regulations Germany, 2015. establish required oxygen concentrations within working en- 15. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “Respiratory Protection. - 1910.134,” 23 February 2016. [Online]. Available: www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/ vironments. These regulations determine whether an AHJ will owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=12716. permit employees to work within a reduced oxygen space. Reg- 16. M. Nilsson and P. van Hees, “Advantages and challenges with using hypoxic air ulations may require employees to wear supplemental breath- venting as fire protection,” Fire and Materials, vol. 38, pp. 559–575, 2014. ing apparatus or to take mandatory breaks within a normoxic 17. Underwriters Laboratories Inc., “UL 67377 - Outline of Investigation for Oxygen Reduction Fire Protection System Units,” Underwriters Laboratories Inc., environment. Regulations are based upon an occupational Northbrook, IL, 2016.

44 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 FLEXHEAD® DRY PIPE SYSTEM

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A NEW TECHNICAL REPORT from SP (Technical Institute of Sweden) presents the results of the development of water mist fire protection systems over the last few years. This report a) describes new technology and presents the results of confirmatory trials for various applications, b) describes installation regulations together with test methods and their applications; and c) presents exam- An ples of both good and bad experiences from real installations. Update on Water Mist Fire Protection Systems

46 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Figure 1 A high-pressure water mist nozzle of the antivandal type, it also activates if it is used as a fixing point for a rope or noose. Photo provided by Ultra Fog AB.

New Applications installed automatic systems and systems for manual firefight- Roadway tunnels are a particular application in which sprinklers ing. A problem specific to prisons is that of the risk of intention- are not, and have not been, particularly common. Increasing al damage to the nozzles, or of their potential use for securing traffic on the European road network, ever more tunnels, and, a rope or noose. Automatic nozzles (with glass bulb elements) not least, several serious tunnel fires, have paved the way for are available on the market for prison cells or areas where per- the use of sprinklers. Water mist systems have been launched sons might be suicidal or at risk of self harm. An example of as an alternative to traditional sprinklers or water spray sys- such a nozzle is shown in Figure 1. The design is such that it tems, and, in recent years, several largescale tests have shown is difficult to dismantle it. If the yoke carrying the glass bulb positive performance. is subjected to a load of about 150 Newton (about 15 kg), the A similar application can be found in multi-story parking nozzle will operate. This type of nozzle is suitable for wall or garages. A series of tests have shown that the performance of ceiling mounting. water mist is comparable with that of traditional sprinkler sys- The primary fire hazard in aircraft hangars is that of fuel tems, despite the fact that the distances between nozzles are spillage on the hangar floor. The use of high-expansion foam often greater, and the overall water delivery density is lower. systems is common, but their use necessitates filling the area Another application in which water mist fire protection sys- with foam. Another alternative is that of ceiling mounted tems can be used is that of subfloor and above ceiling areas, in foam-water spray or foam nozzles, but the presence of an which the primary fire hazard, and potential fire load, consists aircraft fuselage and wings screens the water spray from cov- of electric cables on cable trays. ering a burning fuel spill running underneath an aircraft. Sev- Prison cells represent a further application for which water eral manufactures, therefore, developed what are known as mist is particularly suitable, both in the form of permanently ‘pop-up’ nozzles for installation in the floor. In the interests of

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 47 Figure 2 A low-pressure water mist system for suppressing and extinguishing fuel spill fires in aircraft hangars. Photo provided by VID Fire-Kill ApS.

behave more like a gas, being carried by air currents and ca- As hangers are often large, the primary fire- pable of flowing around obstructions. Other systems combine suppression mechanism is therefore direct cooling water mist with an inert gas, usually nitrogen. The gas has several functions: of the fuel, rather than evaporation of the water 1 . compressed, it ejects the water from a pressure vessel into and internalizing the fire by water vapor. the system pipes; 2 . it breaks the water into very small droplets at the nozzle; and, 3 . finally, it assists fire suppression by reducing the oxygen concentration in the area. rapid activation, these systems often use flame detectors and Velocity through the nozzles is high, ensuring good mixing of are divided into zones, each representing a stand position for the mist with the air in the protected area. As the quantities of an aircraft. Service and maintenance of aircraft often require water are very low, the risk of water damage is reduced. electrical equipment, cables and connections to be directly exposed. Common aircraft fuels are JP8 or other hydrocar- Additives Can Improve Efficiency bons. As hangars are often large, the primary fire-suppression Although water is a very effective fire suppressant, the use mechanism is therefore direct cooling of the fuel, rather than of additives can considerably improve its performance. evaporation of the water and internalizing the fire by water Smaller-scale trials[1] with various additives have shown that vapor. In order to improve fire protection, end-users often alkali metal salts are very effective, even at low concentra- elect to install ceiling mounted nozzles over and around air- tions. Antifreeze additives are another application where craft stands. An example of a water mist system in operation the fears are instead that the additive will reduce the fire is shown in Figure 2. suppression performance. All antifreeze additives have both benefits and limitations. In some cases, the limitations are Smaller Water Droplets with New Technology such that some particular antifreeze additive at a particular New technologies available on the market include systems in concentration cannot be used in a water mist system. In other which the water droplets are generated by a patented method, of cases, it is the specific application and design of the system which one of the elements consists of an oscillating sheet. The that determines whether an antifreeze additive can be used. water droplets produced in this way are considerably smaller In general, antifreeze additives increase the density, viscosi- than those produced by a system depending on hydraulic at- ty, volumetric expansion and corrosivity in comparison with omization of the water, of the order of smaller than 10 μm, as those of pure water, as well as reducing the surface tension. compared with 50–150 μm. The result is that the water droplets Propylene glycol, glycerine, and betaine supply energy to a

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© 2016 Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. fire, thus increasing the heat release rate, while potassium Experience from Actual Installations acetate improves the fire suppression performance in com- The risk of clogging filters and nozzles was one of the fears to parison with that of pure water.[2] which particular attention was paid when the use of water mist systems began to be widely introduced in the early 1990s, and System Reliability in several cases, in Swedish on-shore installations, these fears The reliability of water mist type systems is often discussed, have been found to be partly justified. As a result, this calls for and there are extensive and detailed fault tree analyses that frequent inspection of nozzles, filters, and the water quality as provide at least an indication of the reliability of different sys- well as regular flushing of piping and water tanks. Another ex- tem designs. These analyses involve a number of simplifications perience is that system applications are sometimes not covered and assumptions. Although they use input data for components by the system’s certificate, or that one particular system design used in the systems, these data are taken from the components has been tendered, but a different one has been installed. Two when used in other applications. serious incidents show that closed areas with no direct access to the open air are unsuitable for storage of pressurized inert gasses used for the atomization or pressurization of water. If in- Errors with great impact on the probability of a stead, the area has a boundary with the open air, pressure relief system failure include; the water supply has no valves can be installed and would open in the event of an escape of gas and ventilate the area. Opening a door to the area also water, the pressure is too low in the drive gas assists ventilation when somebody needs to enter. reservoir, incorrect control settings, errors in the There are also examples from passenger ships of cases when automatic nozzles (i.e. with glass bulbs) have not oper- fire control panel or transmission errors, and ated when tested in the field. This underlines the importance closed water main valves of regularly testing the performance of all parts of the system (i.e. including the automatic nozzles). Traditional sprinkler systems in onshore installations are subject to a testing regime by An analysis performed by FM Global[3] shows that errors with which some sprinklers from each system are dismantled and great impact on the probability of a system failure include; the performance tested. Naturally, this should also be applied for water supply has no water, the pressure is too low in the drive water mist systems. gas reservoir, incorrect control settings, errors in the fire control panel or transmission errors, and closed water main valves. Hu- The SP Report man error, such as that the propellant or water tank is empty or This project was financed by the Swedish Fire Research Board, the control settings are set wrong, are common. with the results published in SP Report 2014:30, ‘Water mist fire Studies have also been conducted on the reliability of the protection systems—an updated state-of-the-art report, Swed- various fire suppression systems on ships[4]. The analysis shows ish Fire Research Board project no. 500-121’. The report is only that traditional automatic sprinkler systems on passenger ships available in Swedish. have high reliability. Water mist systems are judged to have an MAGNUS ARVIDSON is with SP Technical Research equivalent level of reliability if properly maintained. According Institute of Sweden. to the source, the strength of a fault tree analysis is that, in prin- ciple, it can be applied to any system, regardless of its com- plexity. Its weakness is that it does not consider the interaction between components or any domino effects. The reliability of References various components of a system is not necessarily determined 1. Joseph, Paul, Nichols, Emma and Novozhilov, Vasily “A comparative study of the effects of chemical additives on the suppression efﬁciency of water mist,” Fire by the components alone, as a fault in one component can carry Safety Journal, Volume 58, 2013, pp. 221-225. over to another. For this reason, a fault tree analysis presents 2. Connolly, Matthew S., Jaskolka, Stephen M., Rosen, Jeffrey S., Szkutak, Michael D., “Engineering Performance of Water Mist Fire Protection Systems with a result that is only an approximation of the real reliability of Antifreeze,” Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 26 April 2012. a system. Nevertheless, the methodology does yield useful re- 3. Xu, Shuzhen and Fuller, David, “Water Mist Fire Protection Reliability Analysis,” sults when no other source material is available. It is recom- FM Global. 4. Lohtmann, Phillip, Kar, Apurba, Breuillard, Antoine, “Probabilistic Framework for mended that results should be compared with those from trials Onboard Fire Safety—Reliability and Effectiveness Models of Passive and Active or historical data in order to verify the calculation model. Fire Safety Systems,” January 13, 2011.

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FPE_Zurn_8.5x10.875in_Jul2016_Ad2.indd 1 7/6/16 4:53 PM HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2016 Fire Protection Engineering Compensation and Benefits 2016 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING Report Compensation + Benefits Report ince 1976, SFPE has surveyed the fire protection industry on different aspects of their education, com- Spensation and other related employment questions and reported on the findings. In the spring of 2016, SFPE conducted its 18th survey and will publish a full report of the findings in September. A complimentary copy of the report will be provided to all survey participants. Those who did not participate in the survey will be able to purchase a copy of the report from the SFPE online store. The 2016 Fire Protection Engineering Compensation and Who participated? Benefits Report includes compensation data in relation to a ■■900 people from 38 countries completed this year’s survey. number of factors, including years of work experience, job ■■Ages of respondents ranged from 23 to 78, with a median age responsibility level, by industry sector (including consult- of 43. ing, government, engineering, insurance and other industry ■■While the majority of the report focuses on U.S. compensa- sectors), level of education, age, supervisory role and other tion levels because the majority of respondents were from the U.S., it does include median compensation data for Europe, factors. The survey included questions about education, ser- Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. vice time, age, gender, job level responsibilities, retirement intentions, total cash compensation and benefits, and the Show me the money! report includes an analysis of all findings. Whether you’re a ■■Based on data from respondent’s base salary and incentive fire protection engineer wondering what you’re worth or an compensation figures (bonuses, commission, etc.), the 2016 employer interested in what the current going rate for talent median annual salary for full-time employed individuals is $110,100, and the median total compensation is $119,500. is, this report includes 33 tables of data and analysis across a ■■On average, participants received a 3% increase in base salary number of different data points and is a must-have resource during the past year. for anyone involved in fire protection engineering. ■■Total cash compensation among SFPE Compensation Survey Here are some of the highlights: participants increased over the previous 2014 survey results.

52 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 SFPE Professional

How does experience/education correlate with Development Week 2016 salary? ■■As with previous SFPE surveys, the respondents are well-edu- Not able to make it to Denver this fall but need profes- cated — 1% have doctorates, 36% have master’s degrees and sional development hours? No problem! In November, 59% have bachelor’s degrees. SFPE will offer the same high-quality professional ■■It pays to be a P.E.! Survey data show that being a profes- development seminars available at our North America sional engineer (P.E.) has salary benefits. The median salary and Europe conferences in Gaithersburg, Maryland . for those with a P.E. is 21% higher than those without that Topics will include: designation. ■■Age appears to play a role in compensation levels. Introduction for Fire Risk Assessment This seminar is intended for fire protection engineers ■■The correlation between salary and work experience is statistically insignificant, indicating there are many other factors and individuals interested in the application of risk driving compensation that should be taken into consideration assessment in fire protection design. Those who would when establishing pay levels (role, responsibilities, industry, benefit from this seminar include fire protection and education, performance, geography, etc.). systems engineers, fire protection risk managers, insurance professionals, quality control engineers, What about benefits and incentive compensation? architects and others interested in preparing fire risk assessment reports for application to buildings designs ■■Incentive compensation has grown in importance as a part of the compensation reward picture. utilizing both performance-based and prescriptive code design methodologies. Experience in probability and ■■The report includes information on benefits for the U.S., Eu- rope, Sweden and Canada. In the U.S., the most widely re- statistics is not necessary, but helpful. ported benefits were 401(k) (90%), vacation/sick/holiday time Protecting Flammable and Combustible Liquids (95%) and dental insurance (89%); for Europe, Sweden and The objective of this seminar is to provide participants Canada, respectively, the top three reported benefits were with basic knowledge of protection options available in vacation/sick/holiday time (all three); pension/retirement NFPA 30—2015 edition and testing programs that may plan (Europe, Sweden) and dental insurance (Canada); and become the basis for future editions medical insurance (Europe, Sweden) and company paid proof NFPA 30. This seminar will give fessional dues (Canada). an overview of the latest NFPA 30 document, describe fire test results What is the outlook for opportunities in the fire that have become requirements protection engineering field? in NFPA 30, discuss current and Nearly a quarter of participants are planning to retire within future fire testing for protection of the next 10 years. With median base salary for fire protection flammable and combustible liquids, engineers at $110,100, incentive compensation growing, robust and describe how to apply NFPA 30 benefit packages, and almost a quarter of the current workforce requirements to two case studies planning to retire within the next 10 years, the 2016 Fire Protec- involving storage of flammable or tion Engineering Compensation and Benefits Report confirms combustible liquids. that fire protection engineering is an incredible field to be in, and one that those interested in an engineering career should strongly consider. To receive an email when the 2016 Fire Protection Engineer- ing Compensation and Benefits Report is available to purchase from the SFPE online store, visit http://bit.ly/2016CompReport For more information and to register, and enter your email address. Survey participants will receive visit SFPE.ORG/PDW2016 an email in August with information about how to obtain their complimentary copy of the report.

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 53 EVENTS RESOURCES

and weight matched controls without MS EVENTS WEBINARS to navigate a 48 m long path that includes To register for webinars, visit SFPE ORG/. 25–30 September five different door configurations with MemberWebinars 2016 SFPE North America Conference & various opening hardware and closure Expo: Engineering for Peak Performance August 29, 11 am–12 pm mechanisms, both before and after a Denver, Colorado Eastern Time six minute long simulated evacuation. Member Only Webinar: Biomechanical Persons with MS with moderately high Characterization of Persons with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) Movement Disorders during Simulated scores (average 5.2) show decreased walk- Evacuations ing speed (0.52 versus 1.63 meters/second) Presented by Richard Kesler, Research Scientist, Illinois Fire Service Institute and increased time to pass through each door (average 4.8 versus 1.4 seconds). Expedited evacuation of commercial and We will describe differences between residential structures in the event of an populations and the impact of simulated emergency may be more difficult for per- evacuation on biomechanics of movement sons with physical movement disorders. calculated from three-dimensional motion There is a need to better characterize the capture technology and an instrument- 1–17 November prevalence of such disorders and provide ed gait mat. Timing and biomechanical Certified Fire Protection Specialist movement data to improve evacuee and differences between populations and (CFPS) Online Prep Course responder safety. In this pilot study we the potential fatigue induced through an For more information and to register, visit investigate the ability of persons with extended evacuation can be used to better SFPE.ORG/CFPSPrepCourse Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and age, height, understand movement in the population

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54 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016

EVENTS RESOURCES

with disabilities, and incorporated into how people evacuated. Subjects were This webinar will discuss the fire protec- estimation of flow rates during evacuation. presented with instructions that included tion design requirements and why the the location of the fire (blocking certain installation of fire barriers is the least September 19, 11 am–12 pm exits) and steps to follow in order to safely likely to be installed properly. It docu- Eastern Time evacuate the building. Each subject went ments the experiences with the recent Member Only Webinar: Differences in Evacuation Responses from Word Choice through two evacuations: 1. Following a fa- construction of a local hotel. It includes Presented by Bryan L. Hoskins, Ph.D., miliar route and 2. Following a less familiar many photos that chronicle the con- Assistant Professor, Oklahoma State route. Across subjects, the variables that struction of a hotel and the multitude of University were tested for include: 1. Type of direc- problems that were encountered on the In the event of a fire, a poorly worded mes- tional words, 2. Number of repetitions, and project. It discusses why the installation of sage can lead to delays in evacuation or 3. Native language. There was a significant fire barriers is one of the most problematic people not knowing what they are expect- difference in the ability of the subjects to fire protection design issues. The lack of ed to do. This is especially true if the intent head to the correct exit for both the type of proper installation in new construction of the message is to direct people away directional words used and the number of or modifications to existing facilities is from the fire and/or toward underused repetitions. a significant issue which is documented in the presentation. The inspection and egress components. When developing October 31, 11 am–12 pm maintenance for existing fire barriers can emergency messages for buildings, the Eastern Time be a very costly program for corporations codes give little guidance about the impact Member Only Webinar: A Fire Protection of word choice on the ability of people to Engineering Nightmare: Fire Barriers which is overlooked or not funded. With follow instructions. This study examines Presented by Tom Christman, CSP, FSFPE, smaller facilities, maintaining fire barriers how the difference in word choice alters Fire Protection Consultant is not a priority. With the stroke of a pen,

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56 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 Sf PE Handbook of

Fire Protection EngineeringFIFTH EDITION

Revised and significantly expanded, the fifth edition of the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering offers both new and substantially updated information, and is available in electronic format for the first time. Over 130 eminent fire protection engineers and researchers contributed chapters to the book, representing universities and professional organizations around the world. With seventeen new chapters and over 1,800 figures, this new edition contains:

• Step-by-step equations that explain engineering calculations • Comprehensive revision of the coverage of human behavior in fire, including several new chapters on egress system design, occupant evacuation scenarios, combustion toxicity, and data for human behavior analysis SFPE Member Prices*: • Revised fundamental chapters for a stronger sense of context Hardcover ...... $299.00 • Added chapters on fire protection system selection and design, including eBook ...... $299.00 selection of fire safety systems, system activation and controls, and CO2 extinguishing systems Non-Member Prices: • Recent advances in fire resistance design Hardcover ...... $1,199.00 • New chapters on industrial fire protection, including vapor clouds, effects of eBook ...... $959.00 thermal radiation on people, BLEVEs, dust explosions and gas and vapor explosions • Added chapters on fire load density, curtain walls, wildland fires, and vehicle tunnels Join Sf PE today • Essential reference appendices on conversion factors, thermophysical property ° data, fuel properties and combustion data, configuration factors, and and save 75 /o ! piping properties

The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering remains the indispensable source for reliable coverage of fire safety engineering fundamentals, fire dynamics, hazard calculations, fire risk analysis, modeling and more. EngineeringA FireSafe World *Springer charges USD for US/Canada, and Euros everywhere else. Please check Springer website for current price in Euros.

� ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY AT SFPE.ORG HANDBOOK5THEDITION EVENTS RESOURCES

an engineer can designate a fire barrier; due to its capability of incorporating Fires that are located near a wall boundary however implementation in the field is unique aspects of a building’s architectural or near a corner may experience a reduced more than likely not to be adequate. Fire and mechanical features. The design fire air entrainment and a force imbalance on barriers are the weakest link in our fire needs to be carefully characterized in order the plume that tends to push the flames protection program. to ensure that the smoke control system against the boundary and increase plume provides tenable conditions to building temperatures. November 28, 11 am–12 pm occupants. This webinar will provide Eastern Time In practice, a fire location factor is used attendees an insight on the importance of Member Only Webinar: The Design Fire: when a fire is considered to be influenced Selection Fire Characteristics For A CFP evaluating the building use and fuel loads by a wall or a corner boundary to account Model that could be expected in a space. This is for such effects in the resulting tempera- Presented by David Stacy, Associate, Jensen accomplished through identifying fire char- tures. However, limited and/or conflicting Hughes; Adam Edwards, Sr. Consultant, acteristics specific to the project. guidance is currently available on when Jensen Hughes December 19, 11 am – 12 pm and how to apply such factors. Two spe- This webinar will examine the importance Eastern Time cific clarifications are necessary for plume of appropriately determining and charac- Member Only Webinar: Understanding temperature exposure analysis: 1) When terizing design fires for the use in computa- Wall and Corner Effects Using the Fire to use the fire location factor, and 2) What tional fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, such Dynamics Simulator value of the location factor to use. Presented by Francisco Joglar, Ph.D., P.E., as fire dynamics simulator (FDS). Design The first clarification refers to how far the Senior Consultant, Jensen Hughes; Justin teams are often able to decrease the re- fire needs to be from the wall surfaces for Williamson, Ph.D., Fire Protection Engineer, quired exhaust rate through CFD fire mod- the location factor to be applicable. The eling in lieu of algebraic hand calculations Jensen Hughes; Victor Ontiveros, Ph.D., Reliability Engineer, Jensen Hughes second clarification refers to the numerical

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58 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 value assigned to the fire location factor. 2015 North America Conference & Expo heart of the town of Lac Mégantic Québec. The research and guidance described in in Philadelphia, Penn. If you were unable The downtown area was immediately this report is intended to clarify the ques- to attend, now is your chance to find out engulfed in a massive fire that claimed the tion of when to apply locations factors and what all the buzz was about during this lives of 47 people who had no opportunity what value to use when determining fire annual member update. During the webi- to escape. This presentation tells the story plume temperatures. nar, Milosh Puchovsky, P.E., FSFPE, 2016 of the incident, with a focus on the risk SFPE President, Michael Madden, P.E., factors associated with the surface trans- ARCHIVED WEBINARS FSFPE, SFPE Immediate Past President portation of large quantities of highly flam- and Nicole Testa Boston, CAE, SFPE CEO, mable liquids, the chain of circumstances Missed a webinar? Archived webinars will recap their presentations from the that produced an almost unpredictable can be viewed on the SFPE website at Annual Business Meeting, summarizing event, the magnitude of the situation and SFPE ORG/WebinarArchives. (member the highlights of 2015 and laying out its consequences. The objective is to make login required) . plans for 2016. participants aware of the problem in all of Archived webinars for 2016 include: its dimensions. The Lac Mégantic Incident—A Worst Case The SFPE Annual Report Scenario Key Changes to the 2016 Edition of Presented by Milosh Puchovsky, P.E., FSFPE, Presented by J. Gordon Routley, Eng., NFPA 72 2016 SFPE President, Michael Madden, P.E., FSFPE, FIFireE, Division Chief, Montreal Fire Presented by Raymond A. Grill, PE, FSFPE, FSFPE, SFPE Immediate Past President and Department LEED AP, Principal, Arup Nicole Testa Boston, CAE, SFPE CEO Shortly after midnight on July 6, 2013 a Fire alarm technology continues to de- SFPE held their Annual Business Meeting, runaway freight train consisting of 72 tank velop and the newest edition of NFPA 72 November 8, 2015 prior to the start of the cars of Bakken crude oil derailed in the has incorporated requirements for current

MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND

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Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 59 2016 SFPE AWARDS

Congratulations! SFPE has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the fire protection engineering profession and the Society.

Since 1973, SFPE has recognized achievements for a broad range The David A. Lucht Lamp of The John J. Ahern The D. Peter Lund The Fire Protection Person Knowledge Award of fire protection engineering activities to elevate the general quality Award of the Year Award President’s Award New Zealand Fire of fire protection practice, establish a standard of excellence against Russell P. Fleming, P.E., FSFPE Guillermo Rein, Ph.D. John E. “Jack” Crowley Service Commission (NZFSC) which all fire protection engineers can measure performance, and inform the public of the breadth and value of their contributions. THE HAT’S OFF AWARD

Jason Butler, P.E. The 2016 award recipients will be honored September 26-27, at the Arthur E. Cote, P.E., FSFPE Denver Marriott City Center, in conjunction with SFPE North America Brian S. Donnelly, P.E. The Rolf H. Jensen Award for Paul M. Fitzgerald, P.E., FSFPE Conference & Expo in Denver, CO. Learn more about the SFPE Award The John L. Bryan The Harold E. Nelson Mentoring Award Service Award Outstanding Committee Service Ralph K. Foster, III, P.E. 2 0 16 and past award recipients at www.sfpe.org/awards. Endowed by JENSEN HUGHES Jack Poole, P.E., FSFPE Brian J. Meacham, Ph.D., P.E., FSFPE Frederick W. Mowrer, Ph.D., P.E., FSFPE Thomas A. Gray, P.E., FSFPE

2016 FELLOWS SFPE FOUNDATION AWARDS

The Arthur B. Guise Medal The Jack Bono Award for Engineering Communications The Student Endowed by R. Keith Guise Endowed by Underwriters Laboratories Scholar Award

Jesse J. Beitel, III Timothy A. DeRuyscher, P.E. Jason E. Floyd, Ph.D. David W. Frable James A. Milke, Ph.D., P.E., FSFPE Nils Johansson, Ph.D. Stefan Svensson Ph.D. Patrick van Hees Aoife Hunt, Ph.D.

AWARD FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE (ACE)

GOLD Carolinas Chapter Hawaii Chapter St. Lawrence Chapter Central Savannah River Area Chapter Mid-South Chapter Taiwan Chapter Central Virginia Chapter San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter Tennessee Valley Chapter Great Plains Chapter Southern Ontario Chapter

Daniel T. Gottuk, Ph.D., P.E. John T. Ivison, P.Eng. David J. Jacoby, P.E. Robert J. Keough, P.E. SILVER

Chicago Chapter New England Chapter Pittsburgh-Three Rivers Chapter Dallas-Ft. Worth Chapter New Jersey Chapter P.R. China Chapter Greater Atlanta Chapter New York Empire Chapter Rocky Mountain Chapter Houston Chapter Northern California – Nevada Chapter Spanish Chapter Middle Tennessee Chapter Oklahoma Chapter Swedish Chapter Mo-Kan Chapter Philadelphia-Delware Chapter U.K. Chapter

BRONZE

Arizona Chapter Columbia Basin Chapter Michigan Chapter Southern California Chapter Benelux Chapter French Chapter Minnesota Chapter Southern Nevada Chapter Central Gulf Coast Chapter Hong Kong Chapter National Capital Region Chapter Triangle-NC Chapter George H. McCall, P.E. Anthony J. Militello, P.E. Maurice M. Pilette, P.E. Carl D. Wren, P.E. Chesapeake Chapter Japan Chapter Northeast Ohio Chapter University of Queensland Student Chapter Utah Chapter

SFPE ▲ 9711 WASHINGTONIAN BLVD, SUITE 380 ▲ GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878 ▲ (301) 718-2910 2016 SFPE AWARDS

Congratulations! SFPE has a long tradition of recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in support of the fire protection engineering profession and the Society.

2016 FELLOWS SFPE FOUNDATION AWARDS

The Arthur B. Guise Medal The Jack Bono Award for Engineering Communications The Student Endowed by R. Keith Guise Endowed by Underwriters Laboratories Scholar Award

AWARD FOR CHAPTER EXCELLENCE (ACE)

Daniel T. Gottuk, Ph.D., P.E. John T. Ivison, P.Eng. David J. Jacoby, P.E. Robert J. Keough, P.E. SILVER

BRONZE

SFPE ▲ 9711 WASHINGTONIAN BLVD, SUITE 380 ▲ GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878 ▲ (301) 718-2910 EVENTS RESOURCES

technology to maintain the reliability of Systems Safety Approach to Evaluating was one of the first buildings designed and fire alarm systems. This presentation will of Fire Risk Assessments built following the performance calcula- review the key changes of the 2016 Edition Presented by Albert V. Condello III, Ph.D., tion methods of NFPA 92B, in the 1990s. of NFPA 72 and the rationale behind those CSP, CHMM, Lecturer / Visiting Associate The existing building included a 5 story changes. Professor, University of Houston Downtown atrium space that is open to each of the This webinar will assess the appropriate- museum levels. The new tower element Natural Ventilation—A Green Smoke ness and execution of a fire risk assess- will be open to the existing atrium space Control Approach Presented by Erik Anderson, P.E., Manager, ment for a given fire safety problem with on multiple floors, and will include addi- Koffel Associates, Inc. the 2013 NFPA 551. The application of fire tional atrium openings and open exit ac- risk assessment methods in developing fire cess stairs interconnecting the new levels. This webinar will be an overview on the and life safety solutions continues to in- The expanded atrium continues to follow use of smoke venting as a natural alterna- crease. NFPA 551: Guide for the Evaluation a performance based design approach to tive to mechanical smoke control. It uses of Fire Risk Assessments identifies various maintain protection for the egress paths a new facility as an example to illustrate types of fire risk assessment methods and open to the atrium. However, for the the code requirements, equations, models, describes the properties these meth- renovated and expanded building areas, and airflow characteristics employed to ods should possess. While the primary modern fire modeling tools were used to design a natural ventilation system. The audience is anticipated to be authorities evaluate smoke and heat spread based on system will be capable of venting smoke having jurisdiction, the Guide, will also design fires in the new and existing build- resulting from a fire within the facility be useful for others who review fire risk ing areas. The expanded atrium smoke building at a rate that protects occupants assessments, such as insurance company control system utilizes the existing atrium from smoke inhalation. representatives and building owners. smoke exhaust fans. This paper will outline Overcoming Cultural Differences in the the lessons learned in the application of San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Practice of Fire Protection Engineering A Case Study in Atrium Smoke Control early atrium design methods, and will Presented by Daniel Bak, Ph.D., P.E., FSE, compare the results of the original design Senior Forensic Fire Engineer, Scientific Design Presented by Brian Gagnon, P.E., Principal, calculations based on NFPA 92B with those Expert Analysis Limited The Fire Consultants from the CFD modeling completed for the Globalism is not systematic in every aspect The SFMOMA building is undergoing a new project. of fire and life safety practice. Even though transformation from a 5 story low-rise the intent of fire and life safety is universal, atrium building to a 10 story high-rise its application is not. One area that has for building, more than doubling the atrium a long time trailed, but was linked to the volume and height. The original design fire and life safety systems, is the application of the famous “American Disability Act” (ADA). Slowly but surely, ADA requirements found themselves in the American Building Codes. Even more slowly, these requirements also ended up, in various degrees, in regulations throughout the world. This presentation will demonstrate how one aspect of ADA was successfully accepted and implemented in a culturally very different environment.

62 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 PERSPECTIVE SPONSORED CONTENT

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WHEN YOU SPECIFY A FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM, you want to provide your customer with the best design for their needs—delivering a solution that serves them now and for years to come. However, the evolving regulatory landscape is an important consideration in order to choose a fire suppression system that will stand the test of time. Recent actions by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), General Services Administration (GSA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be carefully considered before specifying a fire suppression system.

In the Climate Action Plan, President Obama directed his Administration to purchase lower global warming potential (GWP) alternatives to high GWP hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) whenever feasible. The U.S. is making substantial progress in limiting use and reducing emissions of high GWP HFCs. Not only has the U.S. EPA recently changed the status of HFCs to “unacceptable” for certain uses under its Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, now the U.S. DoD, GSA and NASA have joined forces to better align with the President’s Climate Action Plan and move Protection Fluid. According to the Smart. Safe. Sustainable. toward using more sustainable substanc- rule, this amendment will allow agen- Fifteen years ago, 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire es. Effective June 15, 2016 the U.S. DoD, cies to better meet the greenhouse gas Protection Fluid revolutionized the fire NASA and GSA issued a final rule to emission reduction goals and reporting suppression market and now it is trusted amend their acquisition practices to meet requirements of the Executive Order in more than 50,000 system installations the plan’s goals. 13693 on “Planning for Federal Sustain- in over 90 countries. With the greatest This final rule impacts high GWP ability in the Next Decade”. Preceding the margin of safety of any clean agent and HFCs used in many common applications, U.S. DoD, GSA and NASA ruling, the U.S. low environmental impact, Novec 1230 including fire suppression. The amended EPA requested comments on total flood- fluid continues to move the industry Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clar- ing fire suppression uses of SF6, HFC-23 forward with the purpose of delivering ifies the definition of ‘‘high global warming and HFC-125, and on both total flooding a solution designed to work now and for potential hydrofluorocarbons’’ to mean and streaming fire suppression uses of years to come. 3M and Novec are trade- “any hydrofluorocarbon in a particular HFC-227ea. The agency desired com- marks of 3M Company. end use for which EPA’s SNAP program ments and updated information on the Revolutionizing the fire protection has identified other acceptable alternatives continued use of these high GWP HFCs market 15 years ago, 3M™ Novec™ 1230 that have lower global warming potential.” as well as the availability of substitutes or fluid helps protect people and the world SNAP has identified multiple sustainable alternative technologies or processes that they live in. There are 50,000 plus systems alternatives to HFCs in fire suppression, would obviate the continued use of such installed in 90 countries. www.3M.com/ including 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire high GWP HFCs. novec1230fluid HTTP://WWW.3M.COM/3M/EN_US/NOVEC/

Q3 2016 | magazine.sfpe.org | FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING 63 ADVERTISER INDEX 3M...... 33 JENSEN HUGHES ...... Cover 2 800.810.8513 | www.3m.com/novec1230fluid 410.737.8677 | www.jensenhughes.com/joinus

ACAF Systems...... 54 Kidde Fire Systems...... 11 410.828.9787 | www.pfs-fsg.com 508.881.2000 | www.kiddefiresystems.com

The Amerex Group...... 14 Koffel Associates, Inc ...... Cover 3 205.655.3271 | http://amerex-fire.com 410.750.2246 | www.koffel.com

Ames Fire & Waterworks...... 15 Mircom...... 29 800.767.1234 | www.go.AmesFireWater.com/Fire 888.660.4655 | www.mircom.com

Ferguson Fire ...... 7 ORR Protection Systems...... 31 817.276.7060 | fergusonfire.com 800.347.9677 | www.orrprotection.com

Fire Detection Devices Ltd...... 21 Potter Electric Signal Co ...... Cover 4 1.800.267.3473 | www.firedetectiondevices.com 800.325.3936 | www.PotterAquaN2.com

FireFlex Inc ...... 20 Protectowire Fire Systems ...... 58 450.437.3473 | www.fireflex.com 781.826.3878 | www.protectowire.com

Fire Suppression Systems Association ...... 13 SimplexGrinnell ...... 39 410.931.8100 | www.FSSA.net 800.746.7539 | www.TycoSimplexGrinnell.com

FireTrace International ...... 1 University of Maryland ...... 37 480.607.1218 | www.firetrace.com 301.405.1098 | www.advancedengineering.umd.edu/enfp001

FlexHead, a part of Atkore International ...... 45 Victaulic...... 17 800.829.6975 | www.flexhead.com 610.559.3300 | www.victaulicfire.com

Hochiki...... 9 Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc ...... 49 714.522.2246 | www.hochiki.com 847.272.7400 | wje.com/careers

HRS Systems, Inc ...... 27 Worcester Polytechnic Institute...... 56 931.659.9760 | www.hrssystems.com 508.831.5593 | http://www.wpi.edu/academics/fpe.html

Janus Fire Systems...... 19 Zurn Industries...... 5, 51 219.663.1600 | www.janusfiresystems.com 1.855.ONE.ZURN | www.zurn.com

SFPE is a global organization representing those practicing in the fields of fire protection engineering and fire safety engineering. SFPE members include fire protection engineers, fire safety engineers, fire engineers, and allied professionals, all of whom are working toward the common goal of engineering a fire safe world. SFPE offers a number of opportunities to connect with their membership, including:

■ Fire Protecting Engineering magazine For more information: ■ E-newsletters ■ www.sfpe.org/advertise ■ SFPE North American Conference & Expo ■ Brian Marks, Media and Event Sales at 410.316.9855 ■ Europe events ■ [email protected].

64 FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEERING | magazine.sfpe.org | Q3 2016 ¨

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