Preliminary Screening Procedures and Criteria for Replacements for Halons 1211 and 1301 (NIST TN 1278)

Published

August 1, 1990

Author(s)

Richard G. Gann, J D. Barnes, S Davis, J S. Harris, Richard H. Harris Jr., J T. Herron, Barbara C. Levin, F I. Mopsik, Kathy A. Notarianni, Marc R. Nyden, M Paabo, Richard E. Ricker

Abstract

The current halogenated fire suppressants, halons 1301 and 1211, are among the compounds whose production is restricted by the Montreal Protocol of 1987. The objective of this project is to facilitate identification of alternative chemicals by developing quick, inexpensive screening procedures for characterizing nine critical properties: fire suppression efficiency, ozone depletion potential, global warming potential, residue level, toxicity, long-term storage stability, metals corrosion, electrical conductivity, and compatibility with plastics. We have construced and exercised such a series of tests that can be used to make decisions to pursue particular chemicals further. The procedures are straightforward to conduct, require about 5 moles of chemical, and can be performed in about 8 days for less than $15k. Lower costs would result for concurrent testing of many chemicals. The results are reported in classes that relate to the performance of halons 1211 and 1301. Examples of testing sequences are provided. Interpretation of the results requires expert judgment since weak performance in a test may not be the basis for rejecting a chemical. These methods and performance classes have been developed for screening purposes only and should not be used for final selection, procurement or regulation without more extensive evaluation.

Citation

Technical Note (NIST TN) - 1278

Report Number

1278

NIST Pub Series

Technical Note (NIST TN)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

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DOI Link

Keywords

halon 1211, halon 1301, electrical resistivity, corrosion, residues, compatibility, plastics, fire suppression, halons, ozone, storage stability, toxicity

Citation

Gann, R. , Barnes, J. , Davis, S. , Harris, J. , Harris, R. , Herron, J. , Levin, B. , Mopsik, F. , Notarianni, K. , Nyden, M. , Paabo, M. and Ricker, R. (1990), Preliminary Screening Procedures and Criteria for Replacements for Halons 1211 and 1301 (NIST TN 1278), Technical Note (NIST TN), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.TN.1278 (Accessed October 13, 2025)