Latest Technology in Fire Protection Systems Hamilton Safety Council Hamilton, OH November 3, 2010

1. Latest Technology in Fire Protection Systems Hamilton Safety CouncilHamilton, OHNovember 3, 2010  Presented by Andy Hebert, CPCU, ARM, CFPS Senior Consultant, Property Loss Control Tokio Marine Management, Inc.

2. Outline 1. Review Recent Changes and New Developments in Fire Protection Equipment 2. Review Recent Changes in Codes and Standards 3. Review Recent Hazards Introduced Into Industrial Settings 4. Review Recent Trends to Reduce Property Exposures in Industrial Occupancies

3. Recent Changes and New Developments in Fire Protection Equipment Water Mist Systems Hybrid Systems Video Smoke and Fire Detection Mass Notification Alarm Systems Larger K Factor Sprinklers Fire Pump and Pump Controller Developments Gaseous Fire Extinguishment Systems Update Fire Alarm Systems

4. NFPA 750 - US standard Conventional Water Mist Established in the marketplace, but… Limited applications Not highly accepted High Pressure Water Mist Significant growth Expanded applications Gaining momentum with AHJs Water Mist A little background ... water mist is not brand new technology. It began to have commercial use in the US market in the 80’s and 90’s and often was seen as a potential replacement for Halon 1301 systems. NFPA introduced a standard for the water mist product called NFPA 750 in 1996. The writers of NFPA 750 understood that not all water mist is the same, and defined three distinct classes of Water Mist according to the size of the water droplet. Class 1 (largest droplets), Class 2 (smaller droplets) and Class 3 (smallest droplets). What I am calling “conventional” water mist falls into the Class 1 and 2 categories and traditionally is a lower pressure system generating larger droplet sizes. These “conventional” type of water mist became established in the marketplace, but was only being used in limited “niche” applications (turbine generator enclosures, small confined industrial machinery spaces, etc.) I think most would agree that even by the late 1990’s, it still had not gained a lot of acceptance and was not often being chosen by building owners. But around 6-7 years ago, a new type of water mist system emerged ... the Marioff HI-FOG system. This Class 3, high pressure system opened the door for greater use of water mist including applications such as museums, hotels and even data centers. Over the past few years Orr Protection Systems has experienced significant growth in water mist installations ... and more and more AHJs are accepting water mist in lieu of traditional sprinkler systems. In 2007, even the City of Chicago granted one of Orr’s client’s approval to install a water mist system in lieu of the required sprinkler system required by their building code. Similar actions are happening in NYC, Washington DC and elsewhere. A little background ... water mist is not brand new technology. It began to have commercial use in the US market in the 80’s and 90’s and often was seen as a potential replacement for Halon 1301 systems. NFPA introduced a standard for the water mist product called NFPA 750 in 1996. The writers of NFPA 750 understood that not all water mist is the same, and defined three distinct classes of Water Mist according to the size of the water droplet. Class 1 (largest droplets), Class 2 (smaller droplets) and Class 3 (smallest droplets). What I am calling “conventional” water mist falls into the Class 1 and 2 categories and traditionally is a lower pressure system generating larger droplet sizes. These “conventional” type of water mist became established in the marketplace, but was only being used in limited “niche” applications (turbine generator enclosures, small confined industrial machinery spaces, etc.) I think most would agree that even by the late 1990’s, it still had not gained a lot of acceptance and was not often being chosen by building owners. But around 6-7 years ago, a new type of water mist system emerged ... the Marioff HI-FOG system. This Class 3, high pressure system opened the door for greater use of water mist including applications such as museums, hotels and even data centers. Over the past few years Orr Protection Systems has experienced significant growth in water mist installations ... and more and more AHJs are accepting water mist in lieu of traditional sprinkler systems. In 2007, even the City of Chicago granted one of Orr’s client’s approval to install a water mist system in lieu of the required sprinkler system required by their building code. Similar actions are happening in NYC, Washington DC and elsewhere.

5. High Pressure Water Mist (consider passing around sample nozzle) So here is the basic principle of what makes something a water mist ... Water is discharged at high pressures through specially designed nozzles ... that results in very small water droplets discharged at a high speed. It literally floods the space with a mist ... or maybe better described as a fog of water. (consider passing around sample nozzle) So here is the basic principle of what makes something a water mist ... Water is discharged at high pressures through specially designed nozzles ... that results in very small water droplets discharged at a high speed. It literally floods the space with a mist ... or maybe better described as a fog of water.

6. “Hybrid” Defined Hybrid Fire Extinguishing System Defined by FM Approval Standard (Class 5580) Water droplets < 1,000 micron Water + Inert Gas Both are critical to fire extinguishment mechanism Incorporates the beneficial features of: Water Mist (NFPA 750) Clean Agent (NFPA 2001) Victaulic introduces first system VictaulicVortex™ FM and UL tested/approved

7. Both Elements at Work The Inert Gas at work Nitrogen gas actively dilutes the oxygen level Quickly suppresses small fires Even in large rooms Yet room integrity is not required The Water Mist at work Atomized water absorbs heat from the fire to vaporize as steam Flame is cooled while steam displaces oxygen at fire Effective on large fuel-based fires Equal Performance to High-Pressure Water Mist systems Yet no high pressure pumps are required

8. Hybrid vs. Clean Agents

9. Hybrid vs. HP Water Mist

10. Video Image Smoke and Fire Detection VISD and VIFD cameras can monitor large spaces like warehouses, arenas, atriums Can see smoke, flames or motion at great distances within a few seconds Cameras can send live video to remote locations, record what is happening and be interlocked to activate fire alarm systems and protection systems

11. How HP Water Mist works... So, how does it work? How does it extinguish the fire? Well all of you are familiar with the fire triangle – it takes all three sides of the triangle for a fire to exist 1.) a fuel source (something to burn), 2.) heat and 3.) oxygen (air). We know that if we remove any one side of the triangle, then the fire will go out. Well, with water mist, a combination of three distinct extinguishing mechanisms are at play: 1.) Cooling, 2.) Radiant Heat Absorption and 3.) Oxygen Depletion. Let’s take a minute to look at how water mist accomplishes each one of these.So, how does it work? How does it extinguish the fire? Well all of you are familiar with the fire triangle – it takes all three sides of the triangle for a fire to exist 1.) a fuel source (something to burn), 2.) heat and 3.) oxygen (air). We know that if we remove any one side of the triangle, then the fire will go out. Well, with water mist, a combination of three distinct extinguishing mechanisms are at play: 1.) Cooling, 2.) Radiant Heat Absorption and 3.) Oxygen Depletion. Let’s take a minute to look at how water mist accomplishes each one of these.

12. Mass Notification Systems Mass Notification Systems (a.k.a. Emergency Communication Systems) provide real-time information to building occupants or emergency response personnel in a building, across multiple buildings, on a campus or even across a larger area like a city during emergency situations like fire, weather, civil disturbance, etc.

13. Mass Notification Systems Benefits: 1. In past had separate fire alarm and general PA systems and now can have one 2. Can cover multiple buildings across a large area and since have life voice and up-to-minute information can address numerous types of event 3. Better notification to disabled people since not just relying on usual horn and strobe fire alarm signals

14. Larger K-Factor Sprinkler Heads 1. In past sprinkler systems limited to traditional ½” or 17/32” orifice heads, then came ESFR’s in late 1980’s (started with K14) 2. In 1990’s and up through present developed many types of large orifice sprinklers for many different applications 3. Newer larger K factor heads often can eliminate in-rack sprinklers or fire pumps

15. Fire Pump Advancements Variable speed diesel engine drivers from Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc. Have both a suction control and discharge control version. - The suction control version allows the minimum pressure control to be set between 5 and 30 psi.  The engine’s rpm’s are slowed down, thus reducing delivered pressure, so that the incoming water pressure does not fall below the set pressure - The discharge control version allows the pressure to be set between 100 and 350 psi.  The engine’s rpm’s are slowed down thus reducing the pressure delivered to the system.  

16. Fire Pump Controller Advancements Operator Interface Fire Pump Controllers (available in Jan., 2011, from TornaTech, Inc. USA) Color Graphics - (Intuitive graphics with immediate visual status of Fire Pump System) Touch Screen 3.5G User Memory (Event Data is unparalleled) Create Pump Curve(s) in Field (Both manually/automatically, Pump OEM Test/Commissioning. Flow Test… store/compare/transmit) Power Curve in Field (Measure Amps/Volts and each flow point and create history of motor operation/degradation…) Embedded Webpage (Simple Cat. 5/6 connection. View anywhere in world) Service Alarm Page – (Service contact information and time setting for future “Service Alarms” to show on screen… Ex: In 12 months alarm on screen for service/flow test with contact information…) (Benefits above are from ViZi Touch technology Courtesy of TornaTech Fire Pump Controllers, Inc.)

17. Gaseous Fire Extinguishment Systems Update Status of Halon Clean Agents Chemical Agents Inert Gas Agents

18. Halon 1301 – Current Status 1. No ban on use and no pending ban 2. Manufacturing of Halon after 12/31/93 was banned by most countries 3. In the U.S. you cannot buy foreign-made Halon that was made after 12/31/93 4. Exemptions for DoD, DoE, Airline Industry

19. Halon 1301 - Availability Agent is abundantly available. Limited Hardware Availability (Manufacturers have little or no stock) RE: Technical Support: Software – DOS based. Data - not published anymore. Technical Assistance - ?

20. The “Clean” Agents Chemical Clean Agents HFC-227 ea (FM200®, FE227®) HFC-125 (FE-25®, ECARO 25®) HFC-23 (FE-13®) FK-5-1-12-mmy2 (Novec 1230®, Sapphire®) Inert Gases IG-541 (Inergen®) IG-55 (Argonite®, ProInert®) IG-01 (Argotec®) Clean agents break into two categories, chemical and inert.. They have street names , but they are referred to by there chemical name in NFPA Clean agents break into two categories, chemical and inert.. They have street names , but they are referred to by there chemical name in NFPA

21. Chemical Agents Extinguish by Cooling Extinguish by Chemical Reaction 10 second Discharge/Suppression Life Sustaining Electrically Non-Conductive Non-Corrosive No Residue Chemical agents work by cooling breaking the chemical chain, they are non conductive non corrosive and leave no residue Chemical agents work by cooling breaking the chemical chain, they are non conductive non corrosive and leave no residue

22. Inert Gas Agents Extinguishes by Oxygen Deprivation 60 second Discharge/Suppression Life Sustaining Electrically Non-Conductive Non-Corrosive No Residue Work by lowering the O2 level so that fire cannot exist, but leave enough to breath. Requires a 60 second discharge to slowly pressurize the room. Work by lowering the O2 level so that fire cannot exist, but leave enough to breath. Requires a 60 second discharge to slowly pressurize the room.

23. Physical Comparison So what gas to choose.. Well there are a few reasons to choose one agent over another. Lets look at some comparisons. So what gas to choose.. Well there are a few reasons to choose one agent over another. Lets look at some comparisons.

24. Physical Comparison Inert Gases Better retention time No clouding Agent less expensive Chemical Agents Less storage space Venting normally not required Hardware less expensive If you look at some the PRO’s you could determine that Inert gases provide ….. And Chemical agents provide ….. If you look at some the PRO’s you could determine that Inert gases provide ….. And Chemical agents provide …..

25. Environmental Impact Comparison So, lets compare the environmental impact since that is a concern today…. Again by comparison look at Halon…… The GWP is benchmarked at CO2 with a factor of 1. which is dimensionless. Look at ….. So, lets compare the environmental impact since that is a concern today…. Again by comparison look at Halon…… The GWP is benchmarked at CO2 with a factor of 1. which is dimensionless. Look at …..

26. Recent Changes and Improvements With Fire Alarm Systems Technology developments have led to improved system reliability Technology improvements have led to systems and panels capable of handling more points and doing more things (i.e. Mass Notification Systems) Systems monitoring new things (gases, flames, video smoke and flame) vs. “traditional” items of the past Devices smaller, portable, wire-less,

27. Recent Changes in Codes and Standards Recent Changes to: NFPA 13 NFPA 72 NFPA 25 FMDS 8-9 FMDS 3-26

28. Changes to Density/Area Design Curves in NFPA 13, Sprinkler Systems, 2010 Edition, for Storage Occupancies Miscellaneous storage up to 12 ft high Class I – IV commodities stored palletized, piled, in bin boxes or on shelves up to 20 ft high (either ordinary or high-temp. rated sprinklers) Are fewer points on design curves and go to 3,000 sq. ft maximum design area

29. Recent Changes in Other NFPA Standards NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code, 2010 Edition added chapter on Emergency Communication Systems (AKA Mass Notification Systems) NFPA 25, Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Fire Protection Systems, 2011 Edition, changed frequency for electric motor driven fire pump churn testing from previous weekly to monthly (requirement for diesel driven fire pumps still weekly)

30. Recent Changes to Factory Mutual Data Sheets FMDS 8-9, storage, March, 2010, incorporated following changes: All ceiling-level sprinkler protection options for a given commodity and storage arrangement are listed in a single protection table. All ceiling-level sprinkler protection options are based on a single design format (i.e., number of sprinklers @ minimum operating pressure). The following parameters are no longer considered when determining protection options: • Storage height • Aisle width • Favorable and Non-Favorable factors

31. Changes to FMDS FMDS 3-26, fire protection for non storage occupancies, March, 2010 changes: 1. Hazard Category definitions and classification changes 2. New density requirements for certain hazard occupancies

32. Recent Hazards Introduced Into Industrial Settings Plastic tote storage Plastic Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC’s) with combustible or flammable liquids High Velocity Low Speed (HVLS) fans, like the BAF type, and general ceiling ventilation issues in storage occupancies

33. Notes on Plastic Storage … Plastic is harder to start on fire than cardboard or paper, but once it is on fire it releases 3-4 times the Btu’s of that of paper or cardboard (plastic like 10,000 - 15,000 Btu’s) and thus requires a lot more water to cool a fire and control or extinguish it A lot of manufacturing areas have sprinklers designed for metal machining operations and not plastic storage, so if plastic totes introduced the sprinklers likely not adequate Exterior storage bad since likely no sprinkler protection and is susceptible to vandals or arson

34. Notes on IBC’s … Plastic containers easier to breach then metal drums IBC’s typically hold 275 – 330 gallons; up to 6 times that of common 55 – gallon metal drum Liquid pool from an IBC can be up to 1,000 sq. ft and if on fire will challenge most sprinkler systems Exposure fire easily breach a plastic IBC Containment pallets commonly used do not provide adequate containment protection as liquid can shoot outward a few inches beyond footprint of containment

35. Ceiling Ventilation Issues In Suppression-Mode Sprinklered Occupancies Ventilation exceeding 5 ft/sec at ceiling can delay sprinkler operation Blades of large diameter fans can be obstructions to suppression-mode sprinklers Recent testing inconclusive and additional testing needed, but in meantime is best to eliminate the HVLS and high velocity ventilation systems from storage areas with suppression-mode sprinklers

36. Review Recent Trends to Reduce Property Exposures in Industrial Occupancies More focus on business continuity and disaster recovery plans (BCP’s and DRP’s). More attention from and involvement by insurance companies loss control staff (even at smaller facilities not getting that service in the past). More creative underwriting by insurance companies (deductibles, coverages, exclusions, multi-year deals, etc.). Insureds doing more self insurance or raising own risk retention and having own loss control staff.

37. Loss Limiting Factors Properly designed, maintained and tested automatic protection Trained Emergency Organization Coordination with fire department Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Recovery Planning (DRP)

38. Questions?Comments?

39. Contact Information Thank you for your time and attention. If any questions in the future please feel free to contact me at: Andy Hebert, CPCU, ARM, CFPS Senior Consultant, Property Loss Control Tokio Marine Management, Inc. (513) 262 – 1406 andy.hebert@tokiom.com