Fire suppression systems play a critical role in protecting valuable assets and ensuring safety across various sectors, from data centres to healthcare facilities. Traditionally, these systems relied on gases like FM200 (or HFC227ea to give it its chemical name), which, while effective, continue to have significant environmental impacts. Today, however, we are witnessing a shift towards more carbon-neutral solutions, with FK-5-1-12 gas emerging as a key player in this evolution.
The Problem with older systems
FM200 (HFC227ea), a widely used fire suppression agent, has been a staple for many years. It is known for its quick and efficient fire suppression capabilities, but there’s a growing concern about its environmental footprint. When released, FM200 (HFC227ea) contributes to global warming at a much higher rate than newer alternatives. A suppression system containing FM200 (HFC227ea) releases large amounts of CO2 equivalent if discharged, making it increasingly problematic in a world focused on sustainability and greener solutions.
Carbon-Neutral Alternatives
FK-5-1-12, commonly marketed as NOVEC 1230 TM or Fluoro-K™, is a new-generation fire suppressant that addresses both the need for safety and environmental responsibility. This gas has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of less than 1. Additionally, it has a short atmospheric lifetime of only 3 to 5 days, making it far less harmful to the environment compared to FM200.
One of the most notable features of FK-5-1-12 is that it is stored as a liquid and released as a gas. It works by absorbing heat from the flame, effectively suppressing the fire without damaging sensitive equipment or leaving any residue behind. The result? A clean, efficient solution that minimises downtime and eliminates the need for costly clean-ups.
Practical Benefits of FK-5-1-12
Not only is FK-5-1-12 environmentally friendly, but it’s also highly effective in protecting a wide range of facilities, including data centres, hospitals, and manufacturing plants.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- Environmentally Responsible: With its low GWP and non-inclusion in the European F-Gas Regulation, FK-5-1-12 offers a greener alternative to older gases.
- No Residue: The gas discharges cleanly, making it ideal for environments with sensitive electronic equipment.
- Cost-Effective: FK-5-1-12 systems are designed with smaller storage and weight requirements, reducing installation and maintenance costs.
- Fast Acting: Reaching extinguishing concentrations in under ten seconds, FK-5-1-12 is designed to suppress fires quickly, limiting potential damage.
Simple to upgrade
Switching from FM200 (HFC227ea) systems to FK-5-1-12 is a relatively straightforward process. In most cases, no electrical changes are needed, and only minor modifications are required for the discharge pipework. This makes FK-5-1-12 an ideal choice for upgrading existing systems, especially in environments like server rooms where space is limited and extensive installation work would be disruptive. These smooth upgrades ensure that even facilities with full server setups can upgrade without major alterations.
Case Study
Recently, we have been working with a university to replace their outdated FM200 system with a new FK-5-1-12 system. Their old system contained 116 kg of FM200 gas, which, if released, would have discharged the equivalent of 373.5 tonnes of CO2, and had a significant environmental impact. By switching to FK-5-1-12, they are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also ensuring that their valuable assets are protected with a more reliable and efficient fire suppression solution.
Conclusion
The adoption of FK-5-1-12 as a fire suppression agent represents a significant step forward for businesses looking to modernise their fire safety systems while also committing to sustainability.
By reducing global warming potential and eliminating harmful environmental impacts, this new generation of cleaner alternatives offers a future-proof solution. As more organisations, upgrade from FM200, recognising the dual benefits of enhanced safety and environmental responsibility, these carbon-neutral systems are poised to become the preferred choice for responsible fire protection.
If you’re considering an upgrade to a more sustainable fire suppression system in your data centre, or want to learn more about how FK-5-1-12 can benefit your organisation, contact Secure IT Environments today. Our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your data centre’s fire safety needs.
