4.1 Hardware Checkout after Installation
The following checkout procedure applies to the Unique Fire furnished HFC-227ea hardware only. Automatic detection, releasing control panel, the associated devices (alarms, pull stations, etc.) along with their associated control functions are required to be checked in accordance to this manual and the NFPA 2001 (latest edition).
NOTE: All detection devices, auxiliary alarms, and control devices must be electrically compatible with each other. They must be UL Listed by the authorities having jurisdiction. The control panel must be UL Listed for releasing device service and electrically compatible with the Unique Fire electrical components.
4.1.1 Electric Solenoid
During Electric Solenoid maintenance or inspection, always comply with the following precautions to avoid unwanted discharge of HFC-227ea clean agent:
CAUTION:
1. DO NOT disconnect solenoid coil from the solenoid body.
2. DO NOT remove the Zip-Tie (Tamper Seal) from Electric Solenoid. Inspect the Zip-Tie (Tamper Seal) to confirm that it is intact at all times.
3. When the Electric Solenoid needs to be replaced or repaired, always disable the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (SYSTEM DISABLED condition). Always replace Zip-Tie (Tamper Seal) whenever it is broken. The Zip-Tie must be tightly fit when installed to avoid the removal of Solenoid Coil.
4. During inspection or maintenance, always DISABLE the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (SYSTEM DISABLED condition) and ENABLE (SYSTEM NORMAL condition) after the inspection or when the maintenance works are completed.
5. During the Electric Solenoid coil function test, Releasing Circuit Disable Switch must be in the SYSTEM NORMAL condition.
4.1.1.1 Electric Solenoid Coil Function Test
The Electric Solenoid checkout process consists of the following steps: (see also Figure 4-1)
1. DISABLE the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch to cut the electricity flowing through the electric solenoid.
2. Cut the zip-tie.
3. Remove coil from the solenoid assembly by removing the retaining nut and sliding the coil off of the shaft.
4. ENABLE the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch to enable the flow of electricity through the electric solenoid.
5. Insert the test dowel (Part Number: UFI 50310) into the coil.
6. Energize the coil by cycling the control panel. A magnetic field will be formed by the functioning of the coil and will grasp and hold the test dowel.
7. After the function test, ensure that the Zip-tie (P/N: UFI 70253) is being REPLACED with a new one from Unique Fire.
4.1.2 Local Manual Control
The Local Manual Control (Part Number: UFI 61033) checkout process consists of the following steps: (see also Figure 4-2). Remove the Local Manual Control from the Top Plug Adapter.
1. Remove the pull-pin.
2. Operate the lever and observe the lock-pin full travel across the top of the control handle.
3. Reset by pulling out the lock-pin, and at the same time, pulling up on the control handle. Replace the pull-pin and reseal with the breakaway plastic seal.
4. Replace the Local Manual Control onto the Top Plug Adapter.
4.1.3 Piston Actuator
The Piston Actuator (Part Number: UFI 61041) checkout process consists of the following steps: (see also Figure 4-3)
1. Detach the 1/4” flex hose or 1/4” copper tubing from the top of the Piston Actuator.
2. Remove the Piston Actuator from the Top Plug Adapter.
3. Attach a regulated nitrogen source of 20-25 psi to the top of the Piston Actuator.
4. Apply 20-25 psi pressure to the top of the Piston Actuator. The piston rod must travel a full stroke, as seen by the piston going flush with the top of the lower piston body.
5. Relieve pressure to the top of the Piston Actuator. After the test, the piston must be manually pushed to the top of the piston body. Do not return the piston actuator to the Top Plug Adapter without resetting the piston.
5. Once the piston is reset, return the piston actuator to the Top Plug Adapter.
6. Re-assemble the 1/4” flex hose or 1/4” copper tubing to the top of the Piston Actuator.
4.2 Regular Maintenance
Unique Fire systems shall be maintained in accordance to the NFPA 2001 (latest edition) and this manual.
4.2.1 Weekly
The owner or designated personnel are suggested to perform the following checks:
1. Check the pressure gauge(s) on the cylinder valve(s). If the pressure is 10 % below the pressure required for the temperature of the cylinder at the time of inspection, the cylinder must be serviced by an authorized Unique Fire distributor. It is recommended that a copy of Table 4-1 made with all the pertinent information filled-in and located in the vicinity of the cylinder location.
2. Check for physical damage or missing parts from the HFC-227ea system hardware.
3. Check the orientation and tightness of the discharge nozzles.
4. Check for obstructions that would interfere with the nozzle discharge pattern or mechanical operation of the system.
5. Check that all tamper seals are still intact and secure. (refer to page 120)
4.2.2 Semi-Annual
The semi-annual maintenance must be performed by an authorized Unique Fire distributor.
NOTE:
1. Repeat the weekly inspection
2. At least semi-annually, the quality of the agent and the pressure of refillable containers shall be checked. If a container shows a loss in net weight of more than 5% or a loss in pressure (adjusted for temperature) of more than 10%, it shall be refilled or replaced. Inspection of the 20lb, 35 lb, 70 lb and 100 lb cylinders has to be weighed. The 150 lb, 250 lb, 375 lb, 560 lb, 650 lb, 800 lb, 1000 lb and the 1200 lb cylinder can be inspected using the Liquid Level Indicator on a weighing scale.
Note: Operation of Liquid Level Indicator
Level readout is obtained by simply removing the protective cap and pulling out a calibrated tape until the magnetic interlock with the float is felt. With the tape in this position, the reading is obtained at the point where the tape emerges from the unit housing. With the graph (one per cylinder size), the tape reading is converted to lbs. (or kg) of Clean Agent in the cylinder. Graph data is collected for 70˚ F (21.1˚ C) operations. From the reading in Y axis (in inches or cm), go over to the line and drop down to the X axis for the reading in lbs. (or kg) of agent in the cylinder. Tolerance of the unit is ±2.5% of cylinder fill weight.
3. Perform functional test to all components of the entire system (e.g. Discharge Valve etc.) (see “Hardware Checkout after Installation”)
4.3 System Checkout after Discharge
Before entering the enclosure after a HFC-227ea discharge, ventilate the enclosure thoroughly. The HFC-227ea does not leave a residue, thus, there are no clean-up operations resulting from the HFC- 227ea discharge. An authorized installer or system designer must be consulted after the system has discharged. The cylinder must be removed from the bracket to be recharged with the HFC-227ea and re-pressurized with nitrogen from authorized Unique Fire agents with listed filling stations.
1. Disable the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (Part Number: UFI 88205) (SYSTEM DISABLED condition) to deactivate electronically the Electric Solenoid/system.
2. When the piston actuators are being used, no venting of the actuator tubing is required.
3. Remove all pressure actuating tubes from the cylinder adapters.
4. Remove all pressure actuating tubes and the piston actuators from the top plug adapters. The pistons are to be manually pushed back to the top of the piston actuators.
CAUTION: Failure to reset the piston actuator before returning it to service will result in an unwanted discharge of the system.
5. Remove all Local Manual Controls from the cylinder adapters. The Local Manual Control is reset by pulling out the lock-pin, and at the same time, lifting the handle. The pull-pin and the plastic seal must be in place at all times when the control is not in use. See Figure 4-2.
CAUTION: Failure to reset the Local Manual Control before returning it to service will result in an unwanted discharge of the system during installation.
6. Remove the cylinder piping from cylinder valves.
7. Attach the anti-recoil plugs on all cylinders.
8. Loosen the cylinder brackets and remove the cylinders.
9. Have all cylinders recharged only by a qualified Unique Fire HFC-227ea recharge facility.
NOTE: Only Unique Fire qualified HFC-227ea recharge personnel shall inspect the cylinder, valve, and controls for nicks, corrosion, and impairment of parts.
10. Replace all parts as necessary (e.g. valve service kit). Check the nozzles for any damages, misalignment or foreign matters. After the system discharges through a shuttle valve, functionally test the shuttle valve for free movement. Follow all instructions on the cylinder nameplate. If the valve is to be disassembled to lubricate the “O” ring, make sure the pressure within the cylinder is at ZERO psig. To make sure there is no residual pressure within the cylinder, install the anti-recoil fittings on the discharge outlet, and actuate the cylinder valve.
CAUTION: DO NOT BREATHE IN THE GAS VENTING FROM THE ANTI-RECOIL.
Only the bore of the valve and the piston “O” ring shall be greased with the Unique Fire UFI 50172 grease. The seating surface in the valve and the rubber piston seat shall NOT be greased. Only the Unique Fire UFI 50172 grease shall be used.
11. After the recharging has been completed, replace the cylinders in brackets and re-fasten the brackets.
12. Remove the anti-recoil plugs.
13. Re-connect the discharge piping.
14. Reset the control panel.
15. Reconnect all mechanical controls.
16. Enable the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (Part Number: UFI 88205) (SYSTEM NORMAL condition) to activate electronically the Electric Solenoid/System. Check that the Tamper Seal (Part Number: UFI 70253) if it is intact.
17. Reconnect all pressure actuators and the pressure actuation tubing.
18. Follow the instructions given in “Hardware Checkout after Installation”.