Kidde Fire Systems Argonite User manual

Argonite®
Engineered Fire
Suppression Systems
Design, Installation, and
Maintenance Manual
P/N 38-KFSARG-000
September 2004
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APPROVED
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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: (508) 881-2000
Fax: (508) 881-8920
FOREWORD

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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
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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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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
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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

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September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Title Page
4-1 Piping and Instrumentation Diagram for Single Hazard Argonite System ................................................ 4-2
4-2 Piping and Instrumentation Diagram for Multi-Hazard Argonite System (Two Hazards Shown) .............. 4-3
6-1 Cylinder Assem lies ................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6-2 Argonite Cylinder Valve, P/N 06-220015-001 ............................................................................................ 6-2
6-3 Primary Completer Kit ................................................................................................................................ 6-3
6-4 Standard Primary and Slave Completer Kit ............................................................................................... 6-4
6-5 Solenoid Wiring Diagram ........................................................................................................................... 6-4
6-6 One Row Manifold Example ....................................................................................................................... 6-5
6-7 Two Row Manifold Example ....................................................................................................................... 6-5
6-8 Check Valve, P/N 38-509833-001 ..............................................................................................................6-6
6-9 Typical Selector Valve System Arrangement ............................................................................................. 6-7
6-10 Non-Return (Check) Point for Pilot Lines, P/N 38-509832-001 ................................................................ 6-7
6-11 Selector Valve Pressure Regulator Kit, P/N 38-509803-001 ..................................................................... 6-8
6-12 Selector Valve (Typical) ..............................................................................................................................6-9
6-13 Selector Valve Solenoid Wiring Schematic................................................................................................6-9
6-14 Detail, Selector Valve Assem ly (Typical) .................................................................................................. 6-10
6-15 Isolation (Lockout) Valve, Typical ............................................................................................................... 6-12
6-16 Pressure Relief Valve, P/N 38-509836-001 ............................................................................................... 6-13
6-17 Threaded Restrictor .................................................................................................................................... 6-14
6-18 Flanged Restrictor Assem ly ..................................................................................................................... 6-15
6-19 Discharge Nozzles ......................................................................................................................................6-16
6-20 15.9 L Cylinder Mounting Bracket .............................................................................................................. 6-17
6-21 66.7 and 80 L Cylinder Wall Mount Rack Kit and Wall Mount Brackets for Manifold ...............................6-17
6-22 One Row/One Side Cylinder Rack (10 Cylinder Rack Assem ly Shown) ................................................ 6-19
6-23 One Row/Two Sides Cylinder Rack (24 Cylinder Rack Assem ly Shown) ............................................... 6-22
6-24 Two Rows/One Side Cylinder Racks ......................................................................................................... 6-24
6-25 Two Rows/Two Sides Cylinder Rack .......................................................................................................... 6-26
7-1 360° Nozzle Determination ........................................................................................................................ 7-13
7-2 Nozzle Location .......................................................................................................................................... 7-14
7-3 Exit Warning Sign, P/N 38-509859-001 ..................................................................................................... 7-21
7-4 Entrance Warning Sign, P/N 38-509860-001 ............................................................................................ 7-21
8-1 Argonite Cylinder Valve Assem ly ............................................................................................................. 8-3
8-2 Pressure Gauge with Supervisory Pressure Switch .................................................................................. 8-4
8-3 Solenoid Valve Assem ly with Gauge and Supervisory Pressure Switch ................................................. 8-4
9-1 Argonite Cylinder Valve ..............................................................................................................................9-3
9-2 Filling Adapters ........................................................................................................................................... 9-4
9-3 Filling Argonite, By Pressure ...................................................................................................................... 9-6
9-4 Filling Argonite, Nitrogen First .................................................................................................................... 9-7
9-5 Filling Argonite, Argon First ........................................................................................................................9-8
9-6 Argonite Compressed Gas La el, P/N 38-509863-001 ............................................................................. 9-10
9-7 Cylinder Filling La el, P/N 38-641000-001 (80 L Cylinder Shown) ........................................................... 9-11

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Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
6-1 Cylinder Assem ly Specifications .............................................................................................................. 6-1
6-2 Primary Completer Kit Information ............................................................................................................. 6-3
6-3 Slave Completer Kit Information ................................................................................................................ 6-4
6-4 Pressure Regulator Kit ............................................................................................................................... 6-8
6-5 Selector Valve Assem lies .........................................................................................................................6-9
6-6 Selector Valve Dimensions......................................................................................................................... 6-11
6-7 Selector Valve Assem ly Replacement Parts ............................................................................................ 6-11
6-8 Isolation (Lockout) Valve Assem lies ........................................................................................................ 6-12
6-9 Threaded Restrictor Details ........................................................................................................................ 6-14
6-10 Flange Restrictor Assem ly Details ........................................................................................................... 6-15
6-11 Discharge Nozzle Description .................................................................................................................... 6-16
6-12 Wall Mount 1-Row Rack Kit Ordering Information ..................................................................................... 6-18
6-13 Wall Mount Brackets for Discharge Manifold Ordering Information .......................................................... 6-18
6-14 Rack Information ........................................................................................................................................ 6-20
6-15 Cylinder Rack Kits, One Row/One Side ..................................................................................................... 6-21
6-16 Rack Information ........................................................................................................................................ 6-22
6-17 Cylinder Rack Kits, One Row/Two Sides ................................................................................................... 6-23
6-18 Rack Information ........................................................................................................................................ 6-24
6-19 Cylinder Rack Kits, Two Rows/One Side ................................................................................................... 6-25
6-20 Two Rows/Two Sides Cylinder Rack Information ...................................................................................... 6-27
6-21 Cylinder Rack Kits, Two Rows/Two Sides .................................................................................................. 6-28
6-21 Cylinder Rack Kits, Two Rows/Two Sides (cont.) ...................................................................................... 6-29
7-1 Properties of Argonite ................................................................................................................................. 7-1
7-2 Elevation Correction Factors ...................................................................................................................... 7-5
7-3 Total Flooding Quantities, Volume Requirements for ENVIRO-55 (Metric, Mx [kg/m3]) ........................... 7-6
7-4 Total Flooding Quantities, Volume Requirements for ENVIRO-55 (US Standard, Mx [kg/ft.3]) ................ 7-7
7-5 Minimum Electrical Clearance ....................................................................................................................7-8
7-6 Cylinder Content ......................................................................................................................................... 7-11
7-7 Cylinder/Volume Ratio, Class A and Class C Fires ...................................................................................7-11
7-8 Cylinder/Volume Ratio, Class B Fires (n-Heptane) ...................................................................................7-11
7-9 Estimating Pipe Sizes ................................................................................................................................. 7-15
7-10 Maximum Spacing Between Pipe Supports for Screwed, Welded or Grooved Pipe ................................ 7-17
7-11 Rod Size As Determined y Pipe Size for Fire Protection ........................................................................ 7-18
9-1 Gas Pressure/Temperature/Weight Chart .................................................................................................. 9-2
9-2 Filling ...........................................................................................................................................................9-3
9-3 Required Torque for Filling ......................................................................................................................... 9-4
9-4 Filling Check List ........................................................................................................................................ 9-5
9-5 Filling List .................................................................................................................................................... 9-9
9-6 Argonite Cylinder Filling La els ................................................................................................................. 9-10

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September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
SAFETY SUMMARY
Argonite® fire suppression systems use pressurized e uipment; therefore, personnel responsible for fire suppression
systems must be aware of the dangers associated with the improper handling, installation or maintenance of this
e uipment.
Fire suppression system service personnel must be thoroughly trained in the proper handling, installation and service
of Argonite e uipment and follow the instructions used in this manual and in the Safety Bulletin and cylinder name-
plate contained in this Appendix.
Kidde has provided warnings and cautions at appropriate locations throughout the text of this manual. These warn-
ings and cautions are to be adhered to at all times. Failure to do so may result in serious injury to personnel.
In addition, Material Safety Data Sheets for Argonite is provided. Personnel must also be familiar with the information
contained on these data sheets.
SAFETY BULLETIN 1, MARCH 2, 1987
SUBJECT: SAFE CYLINDER HANDLING PROCEDURES
WARNING
!
Press rized (charged) cylinders are extremely hazardo s and if not handled properly are capable
of violent discharge. This may res lt in serio s bodily inj ry, death and property damage.
Before handling Kidde system products, all personnel must be thoroughly trained in the safe handling of the contain-
ers as well as in the proper procedures for installation, removal, filling, and connection of other critical devices.
READ, UNDERSTAND and ALWAYS FOLLOW the operation and maintenance manuals, owners manuals, service manu-
als, etc., that are provided with the individual systems.
The following safety procedures must be observed at all times:
Moving Container. Containers must be properly secured in place. Containers must not be rolled, dragged or slid, nor
allowed to be slid from tailgates of vehicles. A suitable hand truck, fork truck, roll platform or similar device must be used.
Rough Handling: Containers must not be dropped or permitted to strike violently against each other or other surfaces.
Storage: If storing upright, containers must be stored where they are not likely to be knocked over, or the containers
must be secured.
For additional information on safe handling of compressed gas cylinders, see CGA Pamphlet PI titled Safe Handling of
Compressed Gases in Containers. CGA pamphlets may be purchased from The Compressed Gas Association, Crystal
S uare Two, 1725 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA 22202.
SAFETY BULLETIN , MAY 1, 1993
SUBJECT: SAFE CYLINDER HANDLING PROCEDURES FOR PRESSURIZED CYLINDERS
Press rized (charged) cylinders are extremely hazardo s and if not handled properly are capable of vio-
lent discharge. This will res lt in serio s bodily inj ry, death and property damage.
BEFORE handling Kidde system products, all personnel must be thoroughly trained in the safe handling of the contain-
ers as well as in the proper procedures for installation, removal, filling, and connection of other critical devices, such
as flexible hoses, control heads, and safety caps.
READ, UNDERSTAND and ALWAYS FOLLOW the operation and maintenance manuals, owners manuals, service manu-
als, and other information that is provided with the individual systems.
THESE INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE FOLLOWED IN THE EXACT SEQUENCE AS WRITTEN TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY,
DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
PROTECTIVE CAP
a. Each cylinder is factory e uipped with a protective cap installed on the cylinder. This device is a safety feature,
and will provide controlled safe discharge when installed if the cylinder is actuated accidentally.
b. The protective cap must be installed on the cylinder AT ALL TIMES except when the cylinders are connected into
the system piping or being filled.

xSeptember 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL FROM SERVICE
Refer to Paragraphs 8-4 and 8-5 in this manual.
DEFINITIONS
WARNING
!
Indicates an imminently hazardo s sit ation which, if not avoided, co ld res lt in death, serio s
bodily inj ry and/or property damage.
CAUTION
!
Indicates a potentiality hazardo s sit ation which, if not avoided, co ld res lt in property or
eq ipment damage.
ARGONITE MSDS SHEETS.
See Appendix A.

1-1September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
1 1 GENERAL
This technical manual pro ides the necessary information for the design, installation and
maintenance of a Kidde Fire Systems Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System. The content
should enable the reader to understand the operation of an Argonite Engineered Fire System for
industrial and offshore applications.
It has been assumed and intended in the preparation of the arious sections of this manual that
execution of its pro isions is entrusted to people appropriately qualified in the specification,
design, installation, operation and maintenance of Argonite systems and the associated
equipment. In addition, this manual does not eliminate the need for system design by trained
engineers/designers nor the use of competent engineering judgement.
This entire manual must be read and completely understood prior to the designing, installation
or maintenance of a Kidde Fire Systems Argonite Engineered Fire Suppression System.
The manual does not co er detection and control systems, which are to be designed and installed
in accordance with national codes and local requirements.
It is important that the fire protection of a building or plant be considered as a whole. Gaseous
extinguishing systems form only a part, though an important part, of the a ailable facilities. It
should not be assumed that using a gaseous agent system necessarily remo es the need to consider
supplementary measures, such as automatic fire detection, the pro ision of fire extinguishers, other
mobile appliances for first aid or emergency use, or to deal with special hazards.
For many years, gaseous extinguishants ha e been recognized as an effecti e medium for
extinguishing ordinary Class A fires, flammable liquid Class B fires, and electrical Class C fires.
Howe er, in the planning of comprehensi e hazard protection, it should not be forgotten that
there may be hazards for which these agents are not suitable, or that in certain circumstances
or situations there may be danger in their use requiring special precautions.
Care should always be taken to thoroughly e aluate and correct any factors that could result in
unwanted discharges. It is essential that fire extinguishing equipment be carefully maintained
to ensure instant readiness when required and that the owner be gi en detailed instruction
regarding the operation of the systems installed in his building/plant.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL INFORMATION

1-2 September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
1 1.1 Introduction
The interest in inert gas blends continues to increase due to the phase out of Halon
systems in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and the growing interest in meeting
the intent of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Kidde Fire Systems Argonite fire extinguishing system utilizes a 50/50 mixture of
pure Nitrogen and Argon. Both gases are naturally occurring substances and present in
the atmosphere, and as such, ha e no ozone depletion potential and no direct global
warming risk.
There are no toxicological factors associated with the use of Argonite and Argonite will
not decompose or produce any by-products when exposed to a flame from
a fire condition. Howe er, heat and by-products of the fire itself can still be substantial
and could make the area untenable for human occupancy until the enclosure has been
properly ented.
Argonite is stored in high-pressure cylinders at a nominal pressure of 2900 PSI
(200 bar) at 70°F (21.1°C). Safety and exposure guidelines, including concentration
le els, as established by NFPA 2001, Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems, should be followed.
1 2 USE AND LIMITATIONS
Argonite fire extinguishing systems are primarily used as total flooding systems for protection
of self-enclosed equipment or enclosed hazards to contain the extinguishant.
1 2.1 Use
Argonite systems operate safely in temperatures from -20°F to 130°F (-29°C to 54°C).
Argonite will not cause fogging during a discharge, a condition caused by the supercooling
of the water content in the air. The density of Argonite in air is similar to that of atmospheric
air, which greatly impro es the holding time after a release compared with other hea ier/
lighter agents.
Argonite is electrically nonconducti e and therefore suitable for use to extinguish fires in
electric and electronic equipment, such as that found at electronic data processing and
telecommunication facilities. Argonite is also useful for extinguishing fires:
In ol ing flammable and combustible liquids and gases
In subfloors and other concealed spaces
In tape file storage areas
In ol ing delicate artifacts and high- alue assets
In places where other extinguishing media could be directly destructi e.
Deep-seated fires in solid material require that the Argonite atmosphere be maintained
for an extended period of time (holding time) to achie e total extinguishment.
Argonite does not lea e any hazardous substances after a release. Since cleanup after a
fire will only in ol e items damaged in the fire, downtime and secondary damage can
therefore be kept to a minimum.

1-3September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
1 2.2 Use Limitations
Argonite should not be used to extinguish fires in ol ing:
Chemicals containing their own supply of oxygen and which are capable of rapid
oxidation in the absence of air, such as cellulose nitrate, gunpowder, etc.
Mixtures containing oxidizing materials, such as sodium chlorate or sodium nitrate.
Chemicals capable of undergoing autothermal decomposition, such as some organic
peroxides and hydrazine.
Reacti e metals, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium and zirconium.
Reacti e hydrides, or metal amides, some of which may react iolently with gaseous
extinguishants.
Note: This is not an inclusi e list of use limitations. If any uncertainty arises as to
whether Argonite is a suitable agent/system, contact Kidde Fire Systems.

1-4 September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
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2-1September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
2 1 INTRODUCTION
Argonite® systems extinguish fires by the following methods:
2 1.1 Total Flooding
Release of Argonite into an enclosure (total flooding) means that an inert atmosphere is
created within the entire room olume.
2 1.2 Selector Valves/Distribution System
If more than one room or hazard in a building is to be protected, a common Argonite
cylinder bank may be used. The capacity of the cylinder bank must be calculated for
protection of the largest room/ hazard and/or adjoining rooms/hazards that may be
in ol ed in a fire simultaneously. In most cases, Argonite selector al e systems reduce
the cost as compared to indi idual systems protecting the same hazards.
2 1.3 Modular System
In limited space areas where the authority ha ing jurisdiction will allow for a modular system,
cylinders located singly or in multiple units within the room may be used. The total quantity
of stored agent, the number of nozzles etc., shall be that as required for a central bank
system. Cylinders shall be connected either electrically or pneumatically, allowing for
simultaneous discharge. Each indi idual unit shall be treated as a separate system.
CHAPTER 2
FIRE EXTINGUISHMENT METHODS

2-2 September 2004
Argonite® Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
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