Halotron I Explained

Halotron I is a fire extinguishing agent based on the raw material HCFC-123 (93%) mixed with tetrafluoromethane and argon as propellants.

Global emission concerns

It was originally introduced in 1992 to replace the severely ozone-depleting Halon 1211 (bromochlorodifluoromethane). Halon 1211 has a global warming potential of 2,070,^[1] whereas Halotron I's GWP is 77, a 96 percent reduction.^[2]

Performance

In December 2011, Halotron I was tested against "hidden fires", spurred by the effectiveness its predecessor demonstrated on an in-flight fire aboard a Delta L-1011 flight on March 17, 1991. The test was conducted at UL, and demonstrated similar effectiveness as Halon 1211, with significantly less human and global harm.^[3] Although the fire extinguishing effectiveness is similar, Halotron I requires a larger chemical volume to get the same ratings as Halon 1211.

DOT classification

UN1956, Compressed Gases, N.O.S., Nonflammable Gas. IMCO CLASS: 2.2

Notes and References

1. Hodnebrog. Øivind. Åmås. Borgar. Fuglestvedt. Jan. Marston. George. Myhre. Gunnar. Nielsen. Claus Jørgen. Sandstad. Marit. Shine. Keith P.. Wallington. Tim J.. Updated Global Warming Potentials and Radiative Efficiencies of Halocarbons and Other Weak Atmospheric Absorbers. Reviews of Geophysics. July 9, 2020. 58. 3.
2. Web site: Sixth Triennial International Fire & Cabin Safety Research Conference. 24 April 2023. fire.tc.faa.gov. 2010.
3. Web site: R0201336.pdf. NIST.gov. December 23, 2017.