HFC-125, also known as pentafluoroethane, is a cleaning agent that works by absorbing heat energy from a fire faster than it can be produced. When HFC-125 changes from liquid to vapor during discharge, it absorbs heat and disrupts the combustion reaction. HFC-125 also forms free radicals that interfere with the chain reaction of the combustion process.
HFC-125 is often used in business-critical areas to protect assets such as servers from fire damage. When used with a fire detection system, it can also aid in early detection and evacuation. HFC-125 is safe for humans and will not damage equipment because it does not displace oxygen. It also leaves no residue and is environmentally friendly, with a global warming potential (GWP) of only 3.
HFC-125 fire suppression agent is an environmentally acceptable replacement for Halon 1301. HFC-125 has a zero ozone depleting potential, a low global warming potential, and a short atmospheric lifetime. It is particularly useful where an environmentally acceptable agent is essential, where clean-up of other media presents a problem, where weight versus suppression potential is a factor, where an electrically nonconductive medium is needed, and where people compatibility is an overriding factor. HFC-125 can be used to protect a wide range of applications from sensitive electrical equipment to industrial applications.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
• Colorless, odorless, compressed gas
• Stored as a liquid
• Electrically non-conductive
• Discharges as a gaseous vapor (due to its relatively low boiling point)
• Zero ozone depleting potential
• Low global warming potential
• Leaves no residue
• Included on the U.S. EPA Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) rules
EXTINGUISHING METHOD
HFC-125 HFC-125 extinguishes a fire primarily through Heat Absorption that occurs as the agent changes from a liquid to a vapor during discharge. In addition, HFC-125 also disrupts the combustion reaction which aids in the extinguishment of a fire. It is important to note, HFC-125 does not use the depletion of oxygen to extinguish a fire.
USE AND LIMITATIONS
HFC-125 HFC-125 system shall be used on the following Class of Hazards:
Class A & C: Electrical and Electronic Hazards Telecommunications Facilities High value assets, where the associated down-time would be costly
Class B: Flammable liquids and gases HFC-125 systems shall "NOT" be used on fires involving the following materials: Chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that are capable of rapid oxidation in the absence of air. (Examples include: Cellulose Nitrate and Gunpowder Reactive metals such as Lithium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Titanium, Zirconium, Uranium, and Plutonium) Metal hydrides such as Sodium Hydride and Lithium Aluminum Hydride Chemicals capable of undergoing auto-thermal decomposition. (Examples: Organic Peroxides and Hydrazine)
Here are some other ways HFC-125 works:
1.put out fire
HFC-125 can extinguish fires that are obscured or obstructed.
2.fill shell
HFC-125 provides uniform distribution of extinguishing agent and suppresses fires.
3.Reduce the number of medications
HFC-125 has a lower vapor density than HFC-227ea, resulting in a 20% reduction in agent dosage.
4.Increase the retention time of medicines
HFC-125 has a lower vapor density than HFC-227ea, which increases agent retention time by approximately 19%.
