Reflex fire detection and extinguishing system charged with Novec 1230 extinguishing agent Installation, operation and maintenance instructions document number: 0224.321 revision: 0:01-06-2018
table of contents 1. Your Reflex fire extinguishing system... 3 2. Safety, health and environmental protection... 5 2.1 Safety... 5 2.2 Health... 5 2.3 Environmental protection... 6 3. Selection of your Reflex system... 7 3.1 Fire class... 7 3.2 Determination of the protected volume... 8 3.3 System selection... 8 3.4 Retention of the extinguishing agent concentration... 9 3.5 Situations for which the Reflex system is not suitable... 9 3.6 Additional detection... 9 3.7 The importance of alarm transfer... 10 4. The installation of your Reflex system... 11 4.1 Choose the right place... 11 4.2 Installing the system... 11 4.3 Connecting the pressure switch... 12 4.4 Fitting the warning labels... 12 4.5 Installation and connection of the electrical actuator kit... 13 5. Operating instructions... 14 5.1 Automatic discharge... 14 5.2 After a fire... 14 5.3 Cylinder replacement... 14 5.4 Trouble shooting... 15 6. Maintenance... 16 6.1 User maintenance... 16 6.2 Technical maintenance (yearly)... 16 6.3 Extended technical maintenance (every five years)... 17 6.4 Overhaul (every ten years)... 17 6.5 Reject criteria... 17 7. Decommissioning and removal of the system... 18 Appendix: technical information... 19 This manual is published by: Saval B.V. Huifakkerstraat 22 NL 4815 PN Breda - The Netherlands tel. +31-76 - 5 487 000 fax +31-76 - 5 417 922 www.saval.nl Whilst every care has been taken in the publication of this manual to describe our products accurately, Saval B.V. cannot be held responsible for any damage, resulting from errors or omissions. We reserve the right to make any alterations without prior notice. Please contact us in case of questions or difficulties: your comments enable us to continuously improve our products. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 2
1. Your Reflex fire extinguishing system The Saval Reflex fire detection and extinguishing system is a modular fire safety system, intended for automatic detection and extinguishing of fires in small enclosed objects, such as: motor and generator enclosures small engine rooms (recreational crafts) metal working machines electrical cabinets chemical storage cabinets computers network cabinets The Reflex system consists of the following main components: cylinder filled with the required mass of Novec 1230 extinguishing agent patented Reflex extinguishing valve with temperature-sensitive detection element cylinder bracket with safety strap pressure switch this instruction manual a product safety datasheet for the extinguishing agent Novec 1230 a warning label electric actuator (optional) detection-element Reflex extinguishing valve pressure gauge pressure switch extinguishing agent cylinder 1-2 kg 3-12 kg 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 3
Before installation, check if the correct system is delivered (see chapter 3) and if the system is complete. The Reflex detection and extinguishing system is filled with Novec 1230 clean extinguishing agent. This extinguishing agent interferes with the fire reaction directly and it will extinguish the fire within 10 seconds when correctly designed. The agent has no asphyxiating effects on humans or animals; special safety measures in the protected area are therefore not required. In case of a fire, the heat of the flames is reflected in the special parabolic mirror behind the detection element. The concentrated heat causes this element to burst and the extinguishing agent is then released immediately. Within seconds, the fire will be extinguished. Reflex systems are fitted with a detection element with an activation temperature of 79 C. The Reflex detection and extinguishing system can be ordered with a pre-fitted pressure switch. This switch can be used to start an alarm, to stop engines and ventilation systems and to transfer an alarm to a fire or burglar alarm system. The connection details of the pressure switch are explained in chapter 4. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 4
2. Safety, health and environmental protection 2.1 Safety The Saval Reflex detection and extinguishing systems are delivered completely assembled, filled and pressurized to approx. 14 bar. These systems are only suitable for fixed installation; they cannot be used as a portable extinguisher. For your own safety, always follow these advices: read these instructions carefully before installing the system always wear gloves and eye protection when working with pressurized extinguishing agent cylinders keep the Reflex extinguishing agent cylinder in its protective carton box and keep the box closed until you start the installation work always use the original cylinder bracket and close the safety strap immediately after placing the cylinder in the bracket. never detach parts of the extinguishing agent cylinder never punch or drill holes in the cylinder protect the heat sensitive detection element against damages protect the system against direct sun radiation never throw the cylinder in the fire keep the Reflex system out of reach of children. The Reflex system can be shipped by road or rail in its original carton box without further protective measures. Consult a specialized transport company for sea and airfreight. Empty cylinders can be returned to your supplier for recycling. Damaged cylinders that are still pressurized must not be transported, but depressurized on location by a pressure cylinder expert. 2.2 Health The extinguishing agent Novec 1230 in a properly designed system and application does not cause asphyxiation. At higher concentrations, the agent can cause temporary alteration of the heartfunction with irregular pulse, palpitations or inadequate circulation. Always choose the right system charge to avoid health risks. Refer to chapter 3 for more details on system design. In case of a fire, people in the protected area will be in contact with toxic smoke, the extinguishing agent and decomposition products of the agent. In a fire, the highly irritating gas HF is formed. Therefore, all people shall leave the area immediately in case of a fire, even when the fire is extinguished quickly by the Reflex system. They may re-enter the area only after thorough ventilation to remove all remaining extinguishing agent and hazardous combustion products. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 5
After the system is installed, the following safety procedures shall be followed: make sure that each user of the protected object knows that the Reflex system is installed and knows how the system works during an extinguishing action, the extinguishing agent is released within 10 seconds. The agent release causes a loud noise. in case of a fire, everyone shall leave the protected area immediately make sure that the warning signs are present and legible after a fire, the protected area may only be entered after thorough ventilation. This ensures that remaining extinguishing agent and hazardous combustion products are removed. The extinguishing agent Novec 1230 is released as a liquid and evaporates immediately, without leaving any residue. In case of contact with skin: flush with lukewarm water In case of contact with eyes: flush with lukewarm water for a prolonged time and seek medical assistance. For further information please check the product safety datasheet that is supplied with each Reflex system. 2.3 Environmental protection The extinguishing agent Novec 1230 does not deplete the ozone layer (ODP=0). Novec 1230 is regarded, due to its very short atmospheric lifetime, to be negligibly contributing to the greenhouse effect. Reflex systems with Novec 1230 extinguishing agent must however be installed properly to avoid leaks and unwanted discharges. Live system tests must be avoided. Reflex systems must be checked yearly in accordance with the manufacturers maintenance instructions. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 6
3. Selection of your Reflex system The effectiveness of the extinguishing agent depends on the quantity of extinguishing agent per m 3 of protected volume. If the quantity is too low, the fire will be extinguished very slowly or, in worst case, not be extinguished at all. If the agent quantity is too high, the health of the people in the protected area may be damaged. Follow the steps below to select the right Reflex system for your application. determine the predominant fire class determine the nett volume of the protected object choose the right Reflex system from the table 3.1 Fire class The required quantity of extinguishing agent depends on the expected fire type: the fire class. The Reflex system can extinguish the following fire classes, in accordance with EN2: Class A: solid combustibles If the protected volume only contains solid combustible materials, then the predominant fire class is class A. Examples of Class A risks: computer rooms, electrical cabinets, archives, living areas. Class B: liquid fuels If the protected volume contains more than 1 litre of liquid fuels, then the predominant fire class is class B. Examples of Class B risks: ships' engine rooms, engine enclosures of building and mining equipment, generator enclosures, fume hood boxes, chemical storage cabinets. Class C: combustible gases Combustible gases (Class C) are a special risk. In case of a gas fire, the gas supply shall always be disconnected or closed. Then the fire will stop quickly. If a gas fire can occur in the protected volume, the extinguishing agent for Class B fires shall be chosen. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 7
3.2 Determination of the protected volume To determine the exact volume of the object to be protected, first measure the object minutely. Calculate the cubic metres of volume, this is the gross volume. Now measure the fixed obstacles in the protected object. Fixed obstacles are objects that are permanently attached within the protected space and cannot be penetrated by the extinguishing agent. Examples of fixed obstacles: diesel engines, closed water tanks. Deduct the volume of the fixed obstacles from the gross volume; the result is the nett volume of the protected space. 3.3 System selection Select the right Reflex system in the table below, based on the predominant fire class and the nett volume of the protected space. The table specifies the minimum and maximum size of the protected volume for each agent quantity. fire class: extinguishing concentration* 4.0% 4.5% amount extinguishing agent Novec 1230 (kg): min. m 3 max. m 3 min. m 3 max. m 3 1 0.6 1.7 0.6 1.5 2 1.2 3.4 1.2 3.0 3 1.9 5.1 1.9 4.5 4 2.5 6.9 2.5 6.1 5 3.2 8.6 3.2 7.6 6 3.8 10.3 3.8 9.1 7 4.5 12.0 4.5 10.6 8 5.1 13.8 5.1 12.2 9 5.8 15.5 5.8 13.7 10 6.4 17.2 6.4 15.2 11 7.1 18.9 7.1 16.7 12 7.7 20.7 7.7 18.3 *in accordance with 14520-5:2006 (20 C) The design concentration for Class B fires is based on the design rules for oil, gasoline and comparable liquids. If your Reflex system is designed to extinguish other liquids such as alcohols, acetone etc., a higher quantity of agent may be required. Consult your supplier if necessary. Before installation, check if your Reflex system is filled with the right quantity of extinguishing agent. You can find the quantity on the yellow filling label, placed at the right-hand side of the instruction label. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 8
3.4 Retention of the extinguishing agent concentration For a reliable extinguishing action, the extinguishing agent concentration must be maintained for a prolonged period. Therefore, the protected volume must always be closed during normal operation. Ventilation openings shall be closed in case of fire and ventilators must be stopped. The extinguishing agent Novec 1230 is heavier than air and it will sink to the floor level of the protected volume. Permanent openings in the floor are therefore not allowed. Openings in the walls of the protected volume, that cannot be closed in case of fire, may have a open surface of max. 0,1% of the total vertical wall surface. 3.5 Situations for which the Reflex system is not suitable The Reflex detection and extinguishing system with the extinguishing agent Novec 1230 shall not be used in one of the following situations: if the protected space is not closed, or if the protected space has larger ventilation openings than specified in 3.4 if strong air drafts are present in the protected space if the normal air temperature in the protected space is higher than 65 C if the fire risk contains combustible metals, oxidizing agents such as peroxides or explosive materials if the fire risk contains oil in cooking appliances (class F). Reflex systems with pressure switch and/or electrical actuator shall not be installed in areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere. 3.6 Additional detection The Reflex detection and extinguishing systems are activated by means of a temperature sensitive detection element. This implies that the extinguishing action is only started when the protected volume has reached a certain temperature for a prolonged time. The fire is then developed to the open flame stage and materials within the protected volume may already be damaged by the fire. The Reflex system will extinguish the fire quickly and prevent the fire from developing further or outside the protected volume. If the protected volume contains valuable or irreplaceable materials or equipment, it may be necessary to install smoke detection besides the Reflex system. With a special electrical activation kit, the Reflex system can be connected to your electronic detection system. Consult your detection supplier for further advice. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 9
3.7 The importance of alarm transfer In case of a fire, it is important that the flames are extinguished and that further development of the fire is stopped. But it is equally important that the people and animals in and around the protected area are evacuated and that the cause of the fire is removed. Therefore, Saval strongly advices to connect each Reflex system to an acoustic alarm, and to transfer each alarm through a fire or burglar alarm system if the protected object is also energized during night or weekend hours. Each Reflex system is fitted with a pressure switch. This pressure switch can be connected to any alarm system. Only install a Reflex system without acoustic alarm or alarm transfer if the users of the protected object can hear the sound of an extinguishing action, recognise it and know how to act in case of a fire. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 10
4. The installation of your Reflex system 4.1 Choose the right place The Reflex detection and extinguishing system is normally installed at the side wall of the protected space. The extinguishing agent is released in a horizontal pattern of approximately 90 wide and therefore the cylinder can also be fitted in a corner of the room. Install the cylinder as high as possible in the protected room. Keep approximately 5 cm free space between the top of the extinguishing valve and the ceiling. The extinguishing agent cylinder must always be installed upright, with the discharge valve at the top side. For the fastest detection and extinguishing action, the centre of the Reflex valve shall be aimed at the principal fire risk in the protected area. Make sure that there are no obstacles in front of the discharge opening of the Reflex valve. Make sure that no direct sunlight is caught in the parabolic mirror behind the thermal detection element. note: The valve of the Reflex system shall not be turned. To aim the valve outlet, mount the complete system in the right direction. 4.2 Installing the system After selecting the cylinder location, the cylinder bracket can be fitted in place. Leave the cylinder in the original packaging until the bracket is installed. Always use fasteners suitable for the weight of the system. When installing the bracket, also mount the safety strap. After installation of the bracket, the cylinder can be placed in the bracket. Immediately adjust and close the safety strap. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 11
4.3 Connecting the pressure switch If the system is fitted with a pressure switch, this can now be connected. The pressure switch contains one voltage-free changeover contact and has a detachable connection plug. The plug is secured with a screw at the back side. The switch contact is suitable for switching 250VAC / 5A. connection example: note: when the system is pressurized, the contact between C and NO is closed! note: do not change the orientation of the pressure switch! The cable entry position of the pressure switch can be changed by turning the cap of the cable connector 90 or 180 : 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 12
4.4 Fitting the warning labels It is very important that the users of the protected object are aware of the presence of the Saval Reflex fire protection system. The following warning label shall be attached near each entrance to the protected area: 4.5 Installation and connection of the electrical actuator kit With each electrical actuator kit, a separate installation and connection instruction is packed. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 13
5. Operating instructions The Saval Reflex fire detection and extinguishing system is ready for operation immediately after installation. 5.1 Automatic discharge The Saval Reflex system is a completely autonomous detection/extinguishing system. Fires are detected and extinguished automatically. Fires are extinguished within seconds after the discharge has started. The extinguishing agent Novec 1230 does not asphyxiate, but health risks can occur when people reside in the released extinguishing agent for a longer period. All personnel must leave the area within one minute after the start of the discharge of the extinguishing agent. 5.2 After a fire After a fire, the protected volume will contain hazardous fumes, extinguishing agent residue and thermal decomposition products of the extinguishing agent. The protected object may only be inspected when it is certain that the fire is extinguished and when it is ventilated thoroughly. In case of a fire involving solid fuels (class A), the glowing embers can cause re-ignition for a prolonged time. Always wear suitable protection and keep a portable fire extinguisher at hand when entering the protected volume after a fire. Never inspect the room alone, make sure that a second person is available to intervene when an unexpected dangerous situation might occur. If the Reflex system was activated without a fire, the protected volume can be entered after it is ventilated thoroughly. 5.3 System replacement After a discharge, the Reflex valve cannot be re-used. Therefore the Reflex system shall not be refilled, but replaced completely. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 14
5.4 Trouble shooting Fault: small pressure loss at low temperatures The Reflex system is pressurized with nitrogen. At low temperatures, the storage pressure will decrease. When the temperature rises again, the system will reach its initial pressure again. Fault: small pressure loss at normal operating temperatures Between the yearly maintenance inspections, a small loss of pressure may occur. As long as the pointer remains in the green area, no corrective action is required. During the yearly maintenance inspection, the service engineer pressurizes the system to the required storage pressure. Fault: large pressure loss If the pointer of the pressure indicator is outside the green area, the system must be checked as soon as possible. If the pressure loss is too large, there may be a loss of extinguishing agent. Fault: pressure too high At higher temperatures, the pressure in the system will increase. When the temperature decreases, the system pressure will return to the normal level. Fault: the pressure switch does not operate Make sure the pressure switch is screwed into the indicator connection completely. Check if the contacts of the pressure switch are connected correctly. Check the electrical circuit to which the switch is connected and check the electrical power supply. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 15
6. Maintenance A Saval Reflex system that has been installed properly, is very reliable and requires only a minimum of maintenance to guarantee trouble-free operation for many years. The maintenance schedule contains user maintenance (every three months) and technical maintenance (yearly). 6.1 User maintenance Every three months, the following items must be checked by the user of the system. 1. Check if the Reflex extinguishing agent cylinder is placed in the cylinder bracket and ensure that the safety strap is closed. 2. Check the Reflex extinguishing valve, the detection element and the extinguishing agent cylinder for damages, dirt and corrosion. Clean if necessary. 3. Check the pressure indicator on the Reflex valve. The pointer of the pressure indicator must be in the green area. Contact your system supplier for maintenance or refilling if the pointer is in the red area. 4. Check if the warning signs near the entrance to the protected volume are present and clearly legible. In case of doubt or defects, contact your system supplier. 6.2 Technical maintenance (yearly) The yearly technical maintenance must be executed by a properly trained and experienced engineer, working for a certified fire safety maintenance company. The yearly maintenance consists of the following actions. 1. Check the Reflex extinguishing valve, the detection element and the extinguishing agent cylinder for damages. Carefully clean the parabolic mirror behind the detection element if necessary. 2. Check the pressure indicator on the Reflex valve. The pointer of the pressure indicator must be in the green area. In case of small pressure deviation (within the green area), the system must be repressurized with nitrogen. In case of a large pressure loss (outside the green area) the system must be checked for leaks and if necessary replaced. 3. Carefully remove the Reflex cylinder from its bracket and weigh it. Compare the filled weight with the nominal weight indicated on the filling label. When a deviation >5% is observed, check and refill the cylinder. 4. Reinstall the cylinder in its bracket and close the strap of the bracket securely. 5. Check if the warning signs near the entrance to the protected volume are present and clearly legible. 6. Remove the old maintenance label and attach a new, completed maintenance label. During the yearly maintenance, the service engineer must check if the installed agent quantity is sufficient for the protected volume and the expected risk, and if the protected volume is sufficiently closed. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 16
6.3 Extended technical maintenance (every five years) Every five years, the extended technical maintenance must be executed. The extended technical maintenance consists of all actions as described in 6.2. Furthermore, measure the actual storage pressure in the extinguishant cylinder with a calibrated pressure gauge and compare the pressure with the value as indicated by the pressure indicators. If a deviation >10% is observed, the system must be replaced. 6.4 Overhaul (every ten years) After ten years of operation, the electrical activation kit (if installed) must be replaced. note: the electrical activation kit is only installed if the system can be activated by an automatic detection system or by means of an extinguishing push button. The activation kit is screwed inside the top end of the extinguishing valve. The pressure switch, fitted in the side connection of the discharge valve, does not need to be replaced during overhaul. pyrotechnic actuator Reflex extinguishing valve Furthermore, execute the yearly maintenance according to 6.2; attach a maintenance label and an overhaul label. 6.5 Reject criteria reject, repair allowed: small defects on the paint layer of the cylinder surface corrosion on the extinguishant cylinder as long is no reduction of wall thickness is observed small pressure losses reject, repair not allowed: surface corrosion on the extinguishant cylinder with reduction of wall thickness any dents in the pressure retaining part of the cylinder dents >15 mm in the footring of the cylinder In case of doubt, contact your system supplier or Saval B.V. The Reflex system contains no exchangeable parts. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 17
7. Decommissioning and removal of the system When the Reflex system is taken out of operation, the following decommissioning procedure must be followed: disconnect the cable plug of the pressure switch, if installed disconnect the electrical actuator, if installed. Connect the two wires of the actuator (short-circuit) to avoid unwanted activation. remove the cylinder from its bracket and pack it in a suitable box or crate. Send the charged cylinder, properly protected against transport damage, to a recognized waste removal company. The extinguishing agent shall be collected and processed in an environmental friendly way, or reused. Your system supplier can also collect the extinguishing agent. Please note that processing costs will be invoiced! All materials can be recycled or reused. 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 18
Appendix: technical information general system charge: 1-12 kg. clean extinguishing agent Novec 1230 design standard: EN-ISO 15004-2:2008 / ISO 14520-5:2006 detection principle: temperature detection with glassbulb detection-element cylinder type: CE marked in accordance with 2014/68/EU (PED) cylinder bracket with safety strap is supplied with each system pressure switch: SPDT 250VAC / 5A optional: system approval: materials cylinder: discharge valve: cylinder bracket: electrical actuator kit Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EU EN-ISO 9094 Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU steel, polyester powder coating RAL3000 brass nickle plated steel galvanized sizes and weights system charge kg cylinder diameter mm width* mm height** mm weight charged kg 1 85 141 345 2,3 2 110 153 365 3,8 3 162 181 400 6,7 4 162 181 400 7,7 5 162 181 525 8,7 6 162 181 525 9,7 7 190 195 550 11,6 8 190 195 550 12,6 9 190 195 550 13,6 10 190 195 635 15,3 11 190 195 635 16,3 12 190 195 635 17,3 * including pressure switch ** excluding electrical actuator 0224.321 rev. 0:01-06-2018 19