Fire Suppression System Offers Alternative Sources, Improved Performance

Photo Credit: Firetrace International

Firetrace International’s alternative FK-5-1-12 agent, indirect low-pressure (ILP) fire suppression systems mitigate the risk of a lack of supply of chemical clean agents by using alternatively sourced FK-5-1-12 agent. The system comes in three versions — 5, 10 and 20-lb systems.

With the development of the AIM Act phasing down the usage of HFCs — including FM-200, a common fire suppression agent, and 3M announcing it will cease production of Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid by 2025— the company responded by drastically enhancing and improving its ILP offerings using FK-5-1-12. The three FK-5-1-12 ILP systems offer a significant performance improvement over its Novec 1230 ILP systems and carry the UL listing and FM approval. This brings the performance in-line with its FM-200 ILP systems to ensure the same protection for high-risk equipment.

In updating the system to enable the use of other sources of chemical agent, the latest design provides continuity to the fire suppressions systems in the market, and brings more flexibility and strength to the supply chain. As part of the upgrade, Firetrace has redesigned the system and introduced features that will enable the protection of larger areas, simpler installations and easier maintenance. These upgrades include a new 20-lb system, the redesign of the valve assembly, single nozzle features and cylinder changes.

“We prioritize our partners and are dedicated to protecting their interests and on ensuring business continuity no matter what happens in the wider market,” says Safiyyah Khan, Marketing Firetrace International vice president. “In response to the AIM Act and 3M’s announcement, we have kicked into high gear to innovate and provide a solution for our customers, which is not only an improvement over our previous system but is more feasible and flexible as the industry moves forward.”

The company supports the goal of the AIM Act to facilitate environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of low GWP alternatives. “Our new system enables us to provide an immediate solution to our customers to ensure there is no disruption to fire protection, but we are continuing to look into alternative technologies that are effective and affordable to ensure we are providing the industry with the best solutions possible,” Khan adds.

The 20-lb FK-5-1-12 ILP product enables Firetrace to offer its global customers in manufacturing, machining and clean energy, a system that is UL Listed and FM Approved, to protect larger enclosures for CNC machines and electrical cabinets and components.