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July, 2002
For Immediate Release
3M Passes IMO Testing for New Halon Alternative
System Performs Well, is Safe in Confined Spaces, is Easily Recharged and Requires Minimal Space
London, ON - 3M Specialty Materials have recently announced 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid,
a halon alternative, successfully completed the test protocol of IMO Maritime Safety Committee Circular 848. The completion of the
International Maritime Organization (IMO) testing opens the door for administration and certification agencies to approve
commercialization of the fire protection system for marine applications. Novec 1230 fluid performs well, is safe in confined
spaces, is easily recharged and requires minimal space making it ideal for marine applications.
The test was witnessed by agents from Underwriters Laboratories representing the U.S. Coast Guard and
representatives from Lloyd's Register and the United Kingdom's Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Conducted on the USS State of
Maine, a U.S. Coast Guard training ship converted into a test vessel, the protocol tested the ability of the system to
effectively extinguish a variety of fires in total flooding applications. The witnessed tests were conducted in the 500 cubic
meter test enclosure on board that simulates machinery and pump rooms.
"To date, an in-kind, sustainable halocarbon replacement product has not been available for halon.
Passing the IMO test protocol puts 3M a step closer to supplying a halon replacement that offers a sustainable solution in
marine applications," said Ken Symns, 3M Canada business manager. "Because Novec 1230 fluid is a low vapour pressure liquid,
it takes up less system storage space than a high vapour pressure inert gas. This allows a Novec 1230 fluid system to be easily
fit in engine and equipment rooms where space is at a premium, such as on pleasure and high-speed crafts. In addition, Novec 1230
fluid's use concentration is much lower than its NOAEL (No Observable Adverse Effects Level), so it offers the widest margin of
safety of any viable halon replacement."
Novec 1230 fluid is designed to balance the need for extinguishing performance, human safety and low
environmental impact. With a zero ozone-depletion potential, an atmospheric lifetime of just five days and a global
warming potential of one, Novec 1230 fluid is uniquely positioned to meet current halon replacement regulations and those of
the foreseeable future. Novec 1230 fluid is not included in the basket of greenhouse gasses identified by the
Kyoto Protocol.
Novec 1230 fluid can be shipped safely by air in bulk quantities without additional regulations or
restrictions. Because it is a non-pressurized liquid, refilling systems after discharge can often be simpler and faster
than with other agents. In addition, Novec 1230 fluid can be used in streaming and flooding applications, localized
flooding systems and directional spray type applications.
For more information about 3M™ Novec™1230 Fire Protection Fluid, visit
www.3M.com/novec1230fluid or
call 888-364-3577.
Contact 3M Canada PR department.
3M and Novec are trademarks of 3M. Used under license in Canada |
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