Kidde Fire Systems Argonite User manual

Argonite®
Engineered Fire
Suppression Systems
Design, Installation, and
Maintenance Manual
P/N 38-KFSARG-000
September 2004
FM
APPROVED
LISTED

Argonite®
Engineered Fire
Suppression Systems
Design, Installation, and
Maintenance Manual
P/N 38-KFSARG-000
September 2004

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.

i
September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
This manual is written for those who are designing, installing or providing maintenance to a Kidde Fire Systems
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System.
IMPORTANT
Kidde-Fenwal assumes no responsibility for the application of any systems other than those addressed in this manual.
The technical data contained herein is limited strictly for information purposes only. Kidde-Fenwal believes this data
to be accurate, but it is published and presented without any guarantee or warranty whatsoever. Kidde-Fenwal
disclaims any liability for any use that may be made of the data and information contained herein by any and all other
parties.
Kidde Argonite Fire Suppression Systems are to be designed, installed, inspected, maintained, tested and recharged
by ualified, trained personnel in accordance with the following:
 Standard of the National Fire Protection Association No. 2001, titled Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems.
 All instructions, limitations, etc. contained in this manual, P/N 38-KFSARG-000.
 All information contained on the system container nameplate(s).
Storage, handling, transportation, service, maintenance, recharge, and test of agent storage containers shall be
performed only by ualified and trained personnel in accordance with the information in this manual and Compressed
Gas Association pamphlets C-1, C-6 and P-1:
 C-1, Methods for Hydrostatic Testing of Compressed Gas Cylinders.
 C-6, Standards for Visual Inspection of Compressed Gas Cylinders.
 P-1, Safe Handling of Compressed Gases In Containers.
CGA pamphlets are published by the Compressed Gas Association, Crystal S uare Two, 1725 Jefferson Davis High-
way, Arlington, VA 22202-4102.
Any uestions concerning the information presented in this manual should be addressed to:
Kidde-Fenwal Inc.
400 Main Street
Ashland, MA 01721
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
FOREWORD

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Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
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September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword .................................................................................................................................. i
List of Appendices ..................................................................................................................... vii
List of Illustrations ..................................................................................................................... viii
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................. x
Safety Summary ....................................................................................................................... xiii
Paragraph Title Page
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................................ 1-1
1-1 General .......................................................................................................................................................1-1
1-1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................1-2
1-2 Use and Limitations .................................................................................................................................... 1-2
1-2.1 Use .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1-2.2 Use Limitations ........................................................................................................................................... 1-3
CHAPTER 2 FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT METHODS .......................................................................................................2-1
2-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................2-1
2-1.1 Total Flooding ............................................................................................................................................. 2-1
2-1.2 Selector Valves/Distri ution System .......................................................................................................... 2-1
2-1.3 Modular System ..........................................................................................................................................2-1
CHAPTER 3 DESIGN GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................3-1
3-2 Design Standards ....................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-3 Personal Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
3-4 Release Time .............................................................................................................................................. 3-2
3-5 Temperature Considerations ...................................................................................................................... 3-2
3-6 Electrical Clearance ................................................................................................................................... 3-3
3-7 Automatic Detection and Control ............................................................................................................... 3-3
CHAPTER 4 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................... 4-1
4-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................4-1
4-2 Central Cylinder Bank ................................................................................................................................ 4-1
4-3 Selector Valve System/Distri ution System ............................................................................................... 4-1
4-4 Restrictor..................................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4-5 Release Modes ...........................................................................................................................................4-4
4-5.1 Automatic Release ..................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4-5.2 Manual Remote Release, Electrical ........................................................................................................... 4-4
4-5.3 Manual Emergency Release ...................................................................................................................... 4-4
4-6 Cylinders ..................................................................................................................................................... 4-4
4-6.1 Cylinder Valves ...........................................................................................................................................4-4
4-6.2 Pressure Monitoring ................................................................................................................................... 4-5
4-7 Selector Valves ...........................................................................................................................................4-5
4-8 Distri ution Pipe Network and Nozzles ...................................................................................................... 4-5
4-9 Flow Calculations ....................................................................................................................................... 4-5
4-10 Pressure Relief Venting .............................................................................................................................. 4-5
4-11 Service and Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 4-6
CHAPTER 5 SYSTEM BASICS ....................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................5-1
5-2 Extinguishing Effect ....................................................................................................................................5-2

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Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
Paragraph Title Page
CHAPTER 6 SYSTEM COMPONENTS ..........................................................................................................................6-1
6-1 Cylinders .....................................................................................................................................................6-1
6-2 Cylinder Valve ............................................................................................................................................. 6-2
6-3 Cylinder Release ........................................................................................................................................ 6-3
6-4 Electrical Activation .................................................................................................................................... 6-5
6-5 Manifolds .....................................................................................................................................................6-5
6-6 Selector Valve Systems .............................................................................................................................. 6-6
6-6.1 Pressure Regulator Kit, P/N 38-509803-001 ............................................................................................. 6-8
6-6.2 Selector Valve Assem lies .........................................................................................................................6-8
6.6.3 Isolation (Lockout) Valve Assem lies ........................................................................................................ 6-12
6-7 Restrictor/Orifice .........................................................................................................................................6-13
6-7.1 Flow Restrictor ............................................................................................................................................6-14
6-7.2 Orifice Plate Restrictor Assem lies ............................................................................................................ 6-15
6-8 Nozzles ....................................................................................................................................................... 6-16
6-9 Cylinder Racks ............................................................................................................................................ 6-17
6-9.1 Cylinder Mounting Bracket (P/N 38-109875-001) ...................................................................................... 6-17
6-9.2 Wall Mount Bracket Kit for 66.7L and 80L Cylinders with Manifold Mounting Brackets ........................... 6-17
6-9.3 Cylinder Rack Assem lies, Free Standing Racks ...................................................................................... 6-19
6-9.3.1 One Row/One Side Cylinder Racks ........................................................................................................... 6-20
6-9.3.2 One Row/Two Sides Cylinder Racks ......................................................................................................... 6-22
6-9.3.3 Two Rows/One Side Cylinder Racks ......................................................................................................... 6-24
6-9.3.4 Two Rows/Two Sides Cylinder Racks ........................................................................................................ 6-26
CHAPTER 7 SYSTEM DESIGN ......................................................................................................................................7-1
7-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................7-1
7-2 General .......................................................................................................................................................7-1
7-3 Physical Properties of Argonite .................................................................................................................. 7-1
7-3.1 Specification for Argonite AR/N2 50%/50% y Volume, Atmospheric ....................................................... 7-2
7-3.2 Purity of AR and N2 .................................................................................................................................... 7-2
7-4 Evaluation of Hazard/Risk ..........................................................................................................................7-2
7-5 Evaluation of Cylinder Storage Space ........................................................................................................ 7-3
7-6 Inerting ........................................................................................................................................................7-3
7-7 Extinguishing Values .................................................................................................................................. 7-4
7-7.1 Class A and Class C ................................................................................................................................... 7-4
7-7.2 Class B ........................................................................................................................................................ 7-4
7-7.3 Equation Formula for Specific Requirements ............................................................................................ 7-4
7-8 Design Concentrations ...............................................................................................................................7-4
7-8.1 NFPA Design Concentrations ..................................................................................................................... 7-4
7-8.2 ISO Design Concentrations ........................................................................................................................7-5
7-9 Design Factors............................................................................................................................................ 7-5
7-9.1 Effects of Altitude ........................................................................................................................................ 7-5
7-10 Design Considerations ............................................................................................................................... 7-8
7-10.1 Electrical Clearance ................................................................................................................................... 7-8
7-10.2 Leakage ......................................................................................................................................................7-9
7-10.3 Temperature Considerations ...................................................................................................................... 7-9
7-10.4 Flow Calculation ......................................................................................................................................... 7-9
7-10.5 Calculation of Room Volume ...................................................................................................................... 7-10
7-10.6 Quantity of Agent Calculation ..................................................................................................................... 7-10
7-10.7 Cylinder Content ......................................................................................................................................... 7-11
7-10.8 Cylinder/Volume Ratio, Class A and Class C Fires ...................................................................................7-11
7-10.9 Cylinder/Volume Ratio, Class B Fires (n-Heptane) ...................................................................................7-11
7-11 Cylinder Bank Installation ........................................................................................................................... 7-12
7-11.1 Location ...................................................................................................................................................... 7-12
7-12 Cylinder Valve ............................................................................................................................................. 7-12
7-13 Nozzles ....................................................................................................................................................... 7-12
7-13.1 Selecting Num er of Nozzles ..................................................................................................................... 7-12
7-13.2 Underfloor Nozzles ..................................................................................................................................... 7-14
7-13.3 Nozzle Location .......................................................................................................................................... 7-14
7-14 Distri ution Piping ....................................................................................................................................... 7-15

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September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
Paragraph Title Page
7-14.1 Selection of Piping Material ........................................................................................................................ 7-16
7-14.2 Estimating Pipe Sizes ................................................................................................................................. 7-16
7-15 Pipe Hangers and Supports ....................................................................................................................... 7-16
7-16 Cleaning of Pipe Network ........................................................................................................................... 7-18
7-17 Pressure Testing of Pipe Network .............................................................................................................. 7-18
7-17.1 Discharge Test ............................................................................................................................................ 7-19
7-18 Pressure Relief Venting .............................................................................................................................. 7-19
7-19 Pressure Relief Device Venting .................................................................................................................. 7-19
7-20 Safety Precautions, Occupied Spaces ....................................................................................................... 7-20
7-21 Signs and La eling ..................................................................................................................................... 7-21
7-21.1 Storage Room ............................................................................................................................................. 7-21
7-21.2 Argonite Cylinders ...................................................................................................................................... 7-21
7-21.3 Warning Alarms and Signs ......................................................................................................................... 7-21
7-21.4 Pressure Relief Vents (If Used) .................................................................................................................. 7-22
7-22 Alarm and Detection ................................................................................................................................... 7-22
CHAPTER 8 SER ICE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................................................................ 8-1
8-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................8-1
8-1.1 Cylinder Pressure ....................................................................................................................................... 8-1
8-1.2 Pressure Gauges ........................................................................................................................................ 8-1
8-1.3 Cylinder Valves ...........................................................................................................................................8-1
8-2 Preventive Maintenance, Test and Service Annually ................................................................................. 8-2
8-2.1 Hoses .......................................................................................................................................................... 8-2
8-2.2 Selector Valve (if used) ..............................................................................................................................8-2
8-2.3 Distri ution Pipe Network and Nozzles ......................................................................................................8-2
8-2.4 Protected Room .......................................................................................................................................... 8-2
8-2.5 Pressure Testing of Argonite Cylinders ......................................................................................................8-2
8-3 Argonite Cylinder Assem ly ....................................................................................................................... 8-3
8-4 Pressure Gauge Units ................................................................................................................................ 8-4
8-4.1 Pressure Gauge with Supervisory Pressure Switch Assem ly for Slave Cylinders ................................. 8-4
8-4.2 Solenoid Valve, Gauge and Supervisory Pressure Switch Assem ly for Pilot Cylinder(s) ....................... 8-4
8-4.3 Installation and Removal ............................................................................................................................ 8-5
8-4.3.1 Disassem ly ............................................................................................................................................... 8-5
8-4.3.2 Assem ly .................................................................................................................................................... 8-5
8-5 After System Release ................................................................................................................................. 8-6
8-5.1 Cylinder Replacement ................................................................................................................................8-6
8-5.2 Re-Installation ............................................................................................................................................. 8-6
8-6 Testing ......................................................................................................................................................... 8-7
8-6.1 Solenoid Valve, High Pressure ...................................................................................................................8-7
8-6.2 Pneumatically Operated Selector Valves ................................................................................................... 8-7
8-6.3 Pressure Regulator, Selector Valve Systems ............................................................................................ 8-7
8-7 Trou leshooting .......................................................................................................................................... 8-8
8-7.1 Low Pressure in Cylinder ........................................................................................................................... 8-8
8-7.2 Leaking Pressure Gauge Unit ....................................................................................................................8-8
8-7.3 Leaking Pressure Gauge/Solenoid Valve Unit ........................................................................................... 8-8

vi September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
TABLE OF CONTENTS (cont.)
Paragraph Title Page
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix Title Page
A Argonite Safety Data ................................................................................................ A-1
B Argonite Surface Fire Re uirements ............................................................................ B-1
CHAPTER 9 Filling Instructions ...................................................................................................................................9-1
9-1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................................9-1
9-2 Responsi ilities ........................................................................................................................................... 9-1
9-3 Specification for Argonite Ar/N2 50%/50% y Volume, Atmospheric ........................................................9-1
9-3.1 Purity of Gases ........................................................................................................................................... 9-1
9-4 General Filling ............................................................................................................................................ 9-2
9-4.1 Filling, Pressure Controlled ........................................................................................................................9-2
9-4.1.1 Filling: 2900 psi (200 Bar) Nominal ............................................................................................................ 9-2
9-4.2 Filling, Weight Controlled at 70°F (21.1°C) ............................................................................................... 9-2
9-4.2.1 Pressure/Temperature/Weight Relationship .............................................................................................. 9-2
9-4.3 Refilling After Discharge .............................................................................................................................9-2
9-5 Argonite Valve ............................................................................................................................................. 9-3
9-6 Filling ...........................................................................................................................................................9-3
9-6.1 Filling Through Discharge Port/Valve Outlet .............................................................................................. 9-4
9-6.2 Filling Check List ........................................................................................................................................ 9-5
9-7 Argonite Filling Ta les, Pressure/Temperature Relationship ....................................................................9-6
9-7.1 Filling Argonite, By Pressure ...................................................................................................................... 9-6
9-7.2 Filling Argonite, Nitrogen First .................................................................................................................... 9-7
9-7.3 Filling Argonite, Argon First ........................................................................................................................ 9-8
9-8 Filling List .................................................................................................................................................... 9-9
9-9 Letter of Conformity .................................................................................................................................... 9-10
9-10 Cylinder Transport La els .......................................................................................................................... 9-10