Introduction
The Unique Fire Engineered HFC-227ea Systems, as outlined in this manual, are those that are intended to be designed and installed to protect single or multiple hazards within the limitations tested by a recognized testing agency as stated in this manual ONLY. Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) should follow the information specified by the Standard on Clean Agent Extinguishing Systems NFPA 2001. The equipment described in this manual is listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. in accordance to the Standard for Halocarbon Clean Agent Extinguishing System Units (UL 2166). Our total flooding fire extinguishing systems are the first and only one in the world that are UL listed to utilize the HFC-227ea from Unique 227® (Unique Fire), Orient 227® (Orient Corporation) FE-227/FM- 227 (Dupont) and Chemori 227® (Chemori LLC) under UL File EX 27051.
Cylinders
The Engineered Clean Agent System Cylinders are available in the following capacities: 20 lb., 35 lb., 70 lb., 100 lb., 150 lb., 250 lb., 375 lb., 560 lb., 650 lb., 800 lb., 1000 lb. and 1200 lb. Each of the basic sizes can be filled with one pound increment to meet the exact amount of HFC-227ea required, within their fill ranges (Table 2-1). refer to page 23
Cylinder Valves
The cylinder valves are back pressure type valves. A piston in the valve is equipped with a rubber seal that keeps the HFC-227ea Clean Agent under pressure within the cylinder. A small hole in the piston allows cylinder pressure to be equalized on both sides of the piston. Since the area at the top of the piston is greater than the area at the bottom of the piston, the net force seals the piston against the valve discharge outlet. When the cylinder pressure on the top of the piston is relieved by means of automatic or manual actuation, there is only cylinder pressure acting against the piston seal, and the piston slides to its full open position, allowing cylinder discharge through the distribution network. Unique Fire offers valves in two materials, Stainless Steel and Brass. The functions of both valves are identical. refer to page 26
CAUTION: All cylinder valves are factory equipped with anti-recoil device. The anti-recoil device MUST be attached to the valve outlet at all times, unless the outlet is connected to the discharge piping or recharge adapter.
NOTE: ‘P’ represents the port for Pressure Supervisory Switch. ‘E’ represents the port for Electric Solenoid. ‘G’ represents the port for Pressure Gauge. ‘M’ represents the port for hose connection to Pneumatic Piston Actuator or Pressure Operated Switch.
Attached to the bottom of the cylinder valve is the siphon tube, which is straight and runs from the top of the cylinder to the bottom of the cylinder. The cylinders must be installed in an upright position (valve on top).
Port P – 1/8” or 1/4” NPT
Located on the cylinder valve is a 1/8” or ¼” NPT outlet stamped “P”. The outlet transmits cylinder pressure to an optional low pressure supervisory switch, which monitors the internal pressure of the cylinder. The low pressure supervisory switch is installed into the port marked “P”. In order to install the pressure switch, the cylinder must be emptied with no pressure. This is done at the factory before filling and pressurizing.
Port M – 1/8” NPT
Another 1/8” NPT outlet stamped “M” on the cylinder valve is available for use as a pressure source to drive the piston actuators on a multiple cylinders system or to actuate a pressure operated switch in the event of the cylinder discharge. The 1/8” NPT plug used for port “M” can be removed at any time. It will not see pressure until the system is discharged.
Cylinder Brackets
The cylinder brackets are manufactured from galvanized steel band. They are formed to the diameter of the cylinder body with flanges for bolting and to continuous slot metal framing channel (12-gauge steel with corrosion-resistant paint or galvanized 1100 H Unistrut). The channel is to be supplied by the installer. The cylinder bracket must be secured to a surface such that the bracket will withstand a load up to 5 times of the cylinder weight. This precaution is to have the bracket safely supports the weight of the cylinder and the reaction force of the HFC-227ea Clean Agent when it discharges.
One cylinder bracket is required for the 20 lb, 35 lb, 70 lb, and 100 lb, 150 lb, and 250 lb cylinders. For the 375 lb, 560 lb, 650 lb, 800 lb, 1000 lb and 1200 lb cylinders, two bracket straps should be used. All cylinders must be mounted vertically only, with valve up, resting firmly on the flat surface of the floor, as shown Figures 2-11 and 2-12. The dimensions of the cylinder brackets are given Table 2-4. refer to page 29
Pressure Gauges
Pressure gauge mounts directly to the NPT outlet stamped “G” on the cylinder and is used to monitor the internal pressure of the cylinder. They are available in 360 psig.
Pressure Gauge Guard (P/N: UFI 70198-3) is offered in order to protect pressure gauge (M10 thread) during assemblies, installations, services and maintenances. refer to page 32
Cylinder Valve Controls
The 11 Watts Electric Solenoid, the Local Manual Control, and the Piston Actuator can be used for the 1”, 1 ½”, 2 ½” and 3” valves. The 4” Valve requires the 15 Watts Electric Solenoid (Figure 2-14). refer to page 33
Electric Solenoid
The Electric Solenoid valve is normally closed, and the valve requires electrical energy to remain open. It is used to vent the pressure from the top of the piston in the cylinder valve, allowing the piston to slide upward and commence cylinder discharge. The Electric Solenoid valve is available in 24 VDC (see Table 2-6). The source of the electrical energy will determine the number and rating of the electrical solenoids used. refer to page 33
The Electric Solenoid is added with a tamper indicator as shown in Figure 2-16 which uses a Zip-tie (Part Number: UFI 70253) around the valve coil and vent solenoid to secure it mechanically. Unless the zip tie is cut, the solenoid coil cannot be removed. The Tamper Seal shall be permanently installed at all times. For Servicing and Maintenance of the Electric Solenoid, refer to Chapter 4.1.1 for detailed instructions.
NFPA 2001 (Latest Edition) requirements to avoid unwanted system operation or unwanted discharge of an electrically actuated clean agent system are compulsory to follow:-
1. A supervised disconnect switch shall be provided.
2. The disconnect switch shall interrupt the releasing circuit to the suppression system.
3. The disconnect switch shall cause a supervisory signal at the releasing control unit.
4. The disconnect switch shall be located inside a lockable fire alarm control panel, inside a lockable enclosure, or require a key for activation of the switch.
5. When the disconnect switch requires a key for activation, the access key shall not be removable while disconnected so the suppression system can be quickly returned to the operational condition in the event of fire.
The Electric Solenoid is coupled to the Releasing Circuit Disable Switch (Part Number: UFI 88205). For details, refer to Section 2.8.1.4.
Prior to wiring the solenoid to the actuation circuit, ensure that the solenoid rating matches the actuating circuit voltage. Connect solenoid pigtails to the actuation circuit wires with wire nuts within a junction box or by means designated by the authorities having jurisdiction.
Whenever the Electric Solenoid is used as sole means of actuation, a top plug must be used to seal the top of the cylinder valve. Otherwise, a top plug adapter must be applied. See Figure 2-17 for details.
The discharge valve equipped with a solenoid valve is actuated from the UL Listed Control Panel for releasing device service and is compatible with the Unique Fire equipment. A suitable Control Panel shall be specifically UL Listed for releasing device service and/or approved for use with the Electric Solenoid releasing device for Unique Fire discharge valves. For FM applications, the control panel must have FM Approval. The Control Panel shall be provided for supervision of the releasing circuits per NFPA requirements. In addition, 24-hour batteries backup power supply as well as both manual and automatic releasing capabilities shall be provided per latest edition of NFPA requirements.
Local Manual Control
The Local Manual Control (Part Number: UFI 61033) features a local lever driven push rod that depresses a Schrader Valve, thereby venting the pressure from the top of the piston in the cylinder valve. This allows the piston to slide upward and commence cylinder discharge. The Local Manual Control mounts directly to a top plug adapter, which is located on top of the cylinder valve. Unique Fire also offers a plunger type of Local Manual Control (Part Number: UFI 61033-P). refer to page 36
CAUTION:
1. Be sure that the safety pull-pin is installed in the control/operating lever of the cylinder at all times. Ensure that the safety pull-pin is correctly installed until the system is activated by use of the local manual control.
2. When reinstalling the Local Manual Control back onto the Top Plug Adapter, please ensure that the lock-pin is reset with the handle in the upward position. Failure to reset the local manual control before installation will result in the unwanted discharge of the system during installation. Pulling out the lock-pin, and at the same time, lifting the handle to reset it. The pull-pin and plastic seal should be in place at all times when the control is not in use.
Piston Actuator
The Piston Actuator (Part Number: UFI 61041) features a pneumatically driven piston that depresses a Schrader Valve, thereby venting the pressure from the top of the piston in the cylinder valve, allowing the piston to slide upward and commence cylinder discharge. The pneumatic pressure required to operate the Piston Actuator is obtained from the “M” port of the master cylinder. The Piston Actuator mounts directly to a Top Plug Adapter, which is located on top of the cylinder valve.
Multiple cylinders equipped with Piston Actuators can be activated from one master cylinder using 1/4” copper tubing (installer furnished) or 1/4” metal flex hose. The type K copper tubing that has an O.D. of 1/4” and a nominal I.D. of 1/8˝I.D. is acceptable and adherence to the ASTM-280. The maximum number of Piston Actuators that are allowed for manifold applications is provided in Table 2-7 and Figure 2-20. refer to page 37