Progress Under the Next-Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program (NGP) in 1999.
Progress Under the Next-Generation Fire Suppression
Technology Program (NGP) in 1999.
(1117 K)
Gann, R. G.
Halon Options Technical Working Conference.
Proceedings. HOTWC 2000. Sponsored by: University of
New Mexico, Fire Suppression Systems Assoc., Fire and
Safety Group, Great Lakes Chemical Corp., Halon
Alternative Research Corp., Hughes Associates, Inc.,
Kidde Fenwal, Inc., Kidde International, Modular
Protection, Inc., Next Generation Fire Suppression
Technology Program, Sandia National Laboratories, Summit
Environmental Corp., Inc. and 3M Specialty Materials.
May 2-4, 2000, Albuquerque, NM, 3-14 pp, 2000.
Available from:
For more information contact: Center for Global
Environmental Technologies, New Mexico Engineering
Research Institute, University of New Mexico, 901
University Blvd., SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-4339 USA.
Telephone: 505-272-7250,
Fax: 505-272-7203. WEB:
http://nmeri.unm.edu/cget/confinfo.htm
Keywords:
halon alternatives; fire suppression; halon 1301; flame
suppression; aerosols; fuel tanks; halons
Abstract:
Halon 1301 (CF3Br) has long been the choice for fire
extinguishment in most weapon systems and
mission-critical facilities. It is also a potent
depleter of stratospheric ozone. As part of its effort
to eliminate its dependence on Halon 1301, in FY 1997
the Department of Defense (DOD) initiated its
Next-Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program
(NGP). Originally a broad-based effort, the scope of the
NGP has recently been narrowed: "to develop and
demonstrate, by 2005, technology for economically
feasible, environmentally acceptable and user-safe
processes, techniques, and fluids that meet the
operational requirements currently satisfied by Halon
1301 systems in aircraft." Candidate technologies must
do well in the following: fire suppression efficiency
and reignition quenching, ozone depletion potential,
global warming potential, atmospheric lifetime,
electrical conductivity, metals non-corrosivity and
polymeric materials compatibility, long-term storage
stability, low toxicity of the chemical and its
combustion and decomposition products, speed of
dispersion, safety and occupational health requirements,
and compatibility with the host design of the platform.
Support for the NGP comes from DOD funding and cost
sharing from the participating laboratories. Most of the
DOD support has come from the Strategic Environmental
Research and Development Program, with additional
support from the Army Tank and Automotive Command. The
NGP has just completed its third year of research. This
paper highlights the new knowledge gained from the NGP
research and the progress made towards the NGP Goal.
Much of the NGP findings have appeared in the current
and prior HOTWC Proceedings. Additional references
appear at the end of this paper and at the NGP website:
www.dtic.mil/ngp/.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899