1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane
Encyclopedia
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane, also called heptafluoropropane, HFC-227 or HFC-227ea (ISO name), is a colourless, odourless gaseous halocarbon
commonly used as a gaseous fire suppression
agent.
s in data processing and telecommunication facilities, and in protection of many flammable liquids and gases. HFC-227ea falls in the category of Clean Agents and is governed by NFPA 2001 - Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Effective fire suppression requires introducing a concentration of the HFC-227ea agent between 6.25% and 9% depending on the hazard being protected. Its NOAEL level for cardiac sensitization is 9%. The United States Environmental Protection Agency
allows concentration of 9% volume in occupied spaces without mandated egress time, or up to 10.5% for a limited time. Most fire suppression systems are designed to provide concentration of 6.25-9%.
The HFC-227ea fire suppression agent was the first non-ozone depleting replacement for Halon 1301. In addition, HFC-227ea leaves no residue on valuable equipment after discharge.
HFC-227ea contains no chlorine or bromine atoms, presenting no ozone depletion
effect. Its atmospheric lifetime is approximated between 31 and 42 years. It leaves no residue or oily deposits and can be removed by ventilation of the affected space.
As an aerosol
propellant
, HFC-227ea is used in pharmaceutical metered dose inhalers such as those used for dispensing asthma
medication.
. This is observable as presence of sharp, pungent odour, which can be perceived in concentrations far below a dangerous level. Other decomposition products include carbon monoxide
and carbon dioxide
. Prior to re-entry of a room where HFC-227ea system has been activated to suppress a fire, the atmosphere should be tested.
Contact with liquid HFC-227ea may cause frostbite
.
Halocarbon
Halocarbon compounds are chemicals in which one or more carbon atoms are linked by covalent bonds with one or more halogen atoms resulting in the formation of organofluorine compounds, organochlorine compounds, organobromine compounds, and organoiodine compounds...
commonly used as a gaseous fire suppression
Gaseous fire suppression
Gaseous fire suppression is a term to describe the use of inert gases and chemical agents to extinguish a fire. Also called Clean Agent Fire Suppression. These Agents are governed by the NFPA Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems - NFPA 2001 in the USA, with different standards and...
agent.
Chemistry
Its chemical formula is 3-CF-CF3, or C3HF7. With a boiling point of -16.4 °C, it is a gas at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water (260 mg/L).Use
HFC-227ea finds use in fire suppression systemFire suppression system
Fire suppression systems are used in conjunction with smoke detectors and fire alarm systems to improve and increase public safety. Suppression systems are governed by the codes under the NFPA 13 handbook.-Types:...
s in data processing and telecommunication facilities, and in protection of many flammable liquids and gases. HFC-227ea falls in the category of Clean Agents and is governed by NFPA 2001 - Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Effective fire suppression requires introducing a concentration of the HFC-227ea agent between 6.25% and 9% depending on the hazard being protected. Its NOAEL level for cardiac sensitization is 9%. The United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Environmental Protection Agency
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States charged with protecting human health and the environment, by writing and enforcing regulations based on laws passed by Congress...
allows concentration of 9% volume in occupied spaces without mandated egress time, or up to 10.5% for a limited time. Most fire suppression systems are designed to provide concentration of 6.25-9%.
The HFC-227ea fire suppression agent was the first non-ozone depleting replacement for Halon 1301. In addition, HFC-227ea leaves no residue on valuable equipment after discharge.
HFC-227ea contains no chlorine or bromine atoms, presenting no ozone depletion
Ozone depletion
Ozone depletion describes two distinct but related phenomena observed since the late 1970s: a steady decline of about 4% per decade in the total volume of ozone in Earth's stratosphere , and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth's polar regions. The latter phenomenon...
effect. Its atmospheric lifetime is approximated between 31 and 42 years. It leaves no residue or oily deposits and can be removed by ventilation of the affected space.
As an aerosol
Aerosol spray
Aerosol spray is a type of dispensing system which creates an aerosol mist of liquid particles. This is used with a can or bottle that contains a liquid under pressure. When the container's valve is opened, the liquid is forced out of a small hole and emerges as an aerosol or mist...
propellant
Propellant
A propellant is a material that produces pressurized gas that:* can be directed through a nozzle, thereby producing thrust ;...
, HFC-227ea is used in pharmaceutical metered dose inhalers such as those used for dispensing asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
medication.
Safety
At high temperatures, heptafluoropropane will decompose and produce hydrogen fluorideHydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound with the formula HF. This colorless gas is the principal industrial source of fluorine, often in the aqueous form as hydrofluoric acid, and thus is the precursor to many important compounds including pharmaceuticals and polymers . HF is widely used in the...
. This is observable as presence of sharp, pungent odour, which can be perceived in concentrations far below a dangerous level. Other decomposition products include carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
and carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
. Prior to re-entry of a room where HFC-227ea system has been activated to suppress a fire, the atmosphere should be tested.
Contact with liquid HFC-227ea may cause frostbite
Frostbite
Frostbite is the medical condition where localized damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with large exposed areas...
.
Tradenames for HFC-227ea used as fire suppression agent
- FE-227 FM-200 (Dupont)
- Solkaflam 227 (Solvay Fluor)
- MH-227 (Shanghai Waysmos)
- NAF S 227 (Safety Hi-Tech)
See also
Other fire suppression agents:- HFC-125
- ECARO-25
- ArgoniteArgoniteArgonite is a name brand and registered trademark owned by Ginge-Kerr for a mixture of 50% argon and 50% nitrogen . It is an inert gas used in gaseous fire suppression systems. Ginge-Kerr is part of United Technologies Fire & Security...
- FE-13
- Novec 1230Novec 1230Novec 1230, C6F12O, fluid is an environmentally friendly Halon replacement for use as a gaseous fire suppression agent. Novec 1230 is manufactured by 3M. It is generally used in situations where water from a fire sprinkler would damage expensive equipment or where water-based fire protection is...
- Halon 1211
- Halon 1301
- InergenInergenINERGEN is a blend of inert atmospheric gases that contains 52% nitrogen, 40% argon, 8% carbon dioxide, used for fire suppression system agent. It is considered a clean agent for use in gaseous fire suppression applications. Inergen does not contain halocarbons, and has no ozone depletion...
- FS49C2Fire suppression agent FS 49 C2®Fire suppression agent FS 49 C2® is an environmentally engineered, human safe, fast extinguishing Clean Agent fire extinguishing gas for gaseous fire suppression installed in a suited fire suppression system....