Halon Recovery and Reclaim Technology

by

Steve Waters

With the recent demise of Halon 1301 production, there is a critical need to maintain a bank of Halon 1301 for recharging existing systems until alternate agents or technology can be provided. While many companies advertise the capabilities to recover and reclaim Halon 1301, many are simply moving the agent from container "A" to container "B". The recovery and reclamation process must include the reconditioning of Halon 1301 to its pure state as originally manufactured.

After reviewing this current situation, coupled with our company's desire to maintain Halon 1301 availability, the most practical and economical way for Automatic Suppression Systems, Inc. to provide this service was by establishing an in-house reclaim and recycling system.

Our first concern with this type of system was to maintain stable pricing for our Halon 1301 customers. In reviewing our customers needs, it became obvious that many of them would be unable to immediately replace all the Halon 1301 systems with alternate agents or alternate methods of protection. While preparing for future installations with alternative agents, these customers need to maintain existing Halon 1301 systems that are critical to their operations.

Another consideration was the verification that the incoming cylinders did indeed contain Halon 1301, and not some other product. Therefore, it was necessary for us to incorporate cylinder testing procedures. After reviewing various instruments available to the industry, we purchased a unit that could detect whether the incoming cylinders contained Halon 1301, Halon 1211, Halon 122, or other agents by analyzing a sample of the cylinder contents. In addition, this particular unit is portable, enabling our technicians to test in the field.

Next, we needed to obtain a holding tank, or what is commonly referred to as a "blow-down tank", for the incoming Halon 1301 systems cylinders that are still contaminated with nitrogen and other elements. We chose a 1,000-pound blow-down tank in which to discharge the cylinder contents before discharging it through our recycling system.

With the blow-down tank full, the recycling process begins. Again, in studying the various recycling systems available, it was imperative that we found a system that would meet the necessary mil specifications for the purity of Halon 1301. While some manufacturer's equipment may meet ASTM specifications, this does not mean the equipment removes all of the nitrogen and other foreign elements.

With our new system, it was time to incorporate our holding tank "concept" utilizing three, 560 pound containers to hold the "pure" Halon 1301 before releasing it into our "minibulk" tank. These three tanks were manifolded and valved to be able to fill or discharge from any of them separately or simultaneously.

Part of the reason for setting up the holding tank concept was for third-party testing and certification of our reclaimed Halon 1301. By manifolding the piping and valve arrangements in such a manner, we could fill one tank and extract a sample from either of the two other tanks at the same time, for random sample testing. Once the third party testing has verified that the halon meets the mil. spec., the Halon 1301 is ready to be discharged into the 24,000 pound "mini-bulk" tank.

Still a viable fire protection product, Halon 1301 should be handled with proper safety precautions. We have gone to great lengths to make sure that safe handling of Halon 1301 is adhered to within our company, and that all documented safety and OSHA standards are complied with. All system cylinders are equipped with safety discs, shipping caps and safety plugs. When dealing with the transfer of Halon 1301, it is necessary that all operators wear the proper safety glasses, safety shoes and adhere to all safety regulations.

When shipping Halon 1301, either interstate or intrastate, DOT requirements need to be studied and followed religiously. All shipping containers must be marked with the proper warning label (green label for compressed gas non-flammable) and proper safety plugs. Shipping caps must also be used.

I would like to emphasize that the halon recovery and reclaim technology used by our company is only to maintain a supply for our customers to recharge existing Halon 1301 systems. In reviewing our customers' future needs, we are certainly recommending the new alternative agents that are acceptable to EPA and comply with NFPA 2001. We are also reviewing substitute engineering methods of fire protection to eliminate the hazards if possible. Overall, Automatic Suppression Systems, Inc. is concerned with the environment and is doing its part in providing safe and proper fire protection methods.

Reprinted from Firewatch!