Total flooding fire suppression tests of pure argon (IG-01) and an inert gas mixture (IG-541) were conducted in a 121 m3 compartment with simulated electronic-cabinet fires, wood-crib fires, liquid-pool fires and spray fires. Both agents extinguished the test fires by reducing the oxygen concentration in the compartment. Small fires were challenging to extinguish while large fires were easier to extinguish. The oxygen concentration in the compartment fell to below 10% in some of the tests with large test fires. IG-541 was uniformly distributed throughout the compartment during the tests. The distribution of argon became stratified during the tests.
Grosshandler, W.L., Gann, R.G. and Pitts, W.M. (eds), Evaluation of Alternative In-Flight Fire Suppressants for Full-Scale Testing in Simulated Aircraft Engine Nacelles and Dry Bays, NIST SP 861, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 1994.
2.
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3.
Tatem, P.A., Gann, R.G. and Carhart, H.W., “Pressurization with Nitrogen as an Extinguishant for Fires in Confined Spaces: II. Cellulosic and Fabric Fuels,”Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 9, 1974, pp. 255–259.
4.
Gann, R.G., Stone, J.P., Tatem, P.A., Williams, F.W. and Carhart, H.W., “Suppression of Fires in Confined Spaces by Nitrogen Pressurization: Extinction Limits for Liquid Pool Fires,”Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 18, 1978, pp. 155–163.
5.
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6.
Carhart, H.W., “Why Not Nitrogen? An Environmentally Benign Alternative to Halons,”Proceedings of 1994 International CFC and Halon Alternatives Conference, Washington, DC, 1994, pp. 405–413.
7.
Nicholas, J.S., “The INERGEN Approach,”Proceedings of Halon Alternatives Technical Working Conference, Albuquerque, NM, 1993, pp. 369–405.
8.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Questions and Answers on Halons and Their Substitutes, Rev. 14, April, 1999.
9.
Moore, T.A., Weitz, C.A. and Tapscott, R.E., “An Update on NMERI Cup-Burner Test Results,”Proceedings of Halon Options Technical Working Conference, Albuquerque, NM, 1996, pp. 551–564.
10.
NFPA2001, Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems, 1996 Edition, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 1996, pp. 1–80.
11.
Moore, T.A. and Yamada, N., “Nitrogen Gas as a Halon Replacement,”Proceedings of Halon Alternatives Technical Working Conference, Albuquerque, NM, 1998, pp. 330–338.
12.
Laursen, T., “Overview of Toxicity/Effectiveness Issues,”Proceedings of Halon Alternatives Technical Working Conference, Albuquerque, NM, 1993, pp. 357–367.
13.
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA Regulated Hazardous Substances, Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, NJ, 1990.
14.
Purser, D.A., “Toxicity Assessment of Combustion Products,”SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering, ed. DiNenno, P.J., Beyler, C.L., Custer, R.L.P., Walton, W.D., Watts, J.M., Jr., Drysdale, D. & Hall, J.R., Jr., 2nd edn., Section 2, Chapter 8, National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA, 1995.
