Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program: FY2002 Progress.
Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program:
FY2002 Progress.
(323 K)
Gann, R. G.
NIST SP 984; June 2002.
Halon Options Technical Working Conference, 12th.
Proceedings. HOTWC 2002. April 30-May 2, 2002,
Albuquerque, NM, Gann, R. G.; Reneke, P. A.,
Editor(s)(s), 1-12 pp, 2002.
Available from:
Both the presentations and the papers are available on
the HOTWC web site:
http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/HOTWC/HOTWC2002/index.htm
Keywords:
halons; halon alternatives; fire suppression
Abstract:
This paper summarizes the accomplishments and new
knowledge from NGP research. The paper concludes with an
indication of the program direction for FY2003 and
beyond. The Department of Defense's Next Generation Fire
Suppression Technology Program (NGP) has completed its
fifth year of research. Initiated in 1997, the NGP goal
is to "Develop and demonstrate 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." Fires and explosions
continue to be among the greatest threats to the safety
of personnel and the survivability of military aircraft,
ships, and land vehicles in peacetime and during combat
operations. However, over the past five years, research
to identify replacement fire suppressants has declined
considerably, within the NGP, domestically and
internationally, despite the continuing need. To date no
commercial or military aircraft have had their halon
1301 systems replaced, while new systems are being
installed in the cargo bays of commercial jetliners.
Meanwhile, the international community is continuing to
cast an eye on the necessity of maintaining the large
halon 1301 reserves and even considering the requirement
of a total phaseout. Thus, the demands on research to
identify new approaches to aircraft fire suppression are
unabated, nor have the demands on the new technologies
lessened. The NGP participants have generated
unparalleled contributions to the published literature,
all of which can be obtained via the NGP web site, which
has moved to www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/NGP. Much of the most
recent progress is being reported at this Conference.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899