Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program: FY2004 Progress.
Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program:
FY2004 Progress.
(384 K)
Gann, R. G.
Halon Options Technical Working Conference, 14th.
Proceedings. HOTWC 2004. Sponsored by: 3M Specialty
Materials, Boeing, Chemical Development Studies, Inc.,
DuPont Fire Extinguishants, Halon Alternative Research
Corp., Hughes Associates, Inc., Kidde-Fenwal, Inc.,
Sandia National Laboratories, SEVO Systems, Next
Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program. May
4-6, 2004, Albuquerque, NM, 1-13 pp, 2004.
Keywords:
halon alternatives; halons; fire suppression; droplets;
wind tunnels; fire protection
Abstract:
Initiated in 1997, the Department of Defense's Next
Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program (NGP) has
completed its seventh year of research. 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 six 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. NGP technology is already having
an impact on aircraft fire suppression systems, and NGP
research has generated unparalleled contributions to the
published literature, all of which can be
obtained via the NGP web site:
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