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September 2004
Argonite
®
Engineered Fire Suppression System
38-KFSARG-000
1-1.1
Introduction
The interest in inert gas blends continues to increase due to the phase out of Halon
systems in accordance with the Montreal Protocol and the growing interest in meeting
the intent of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Kidde Fire Systems Argonite fire extinguishing system utilizes a 50/50 mixture of
pure Nitrogen and Argon. Both gases are naturally occurring substances and present in
the atmosphere, and as such, have no ozone depletion potential and no direct global
warming risk.
There are no toxicological factors associated with the use of Argonite and Argonite will
not decompose or produce any by-products when exposed to a flame from
a fire condition. However, heat and by-products of the fire itself can still be substantial
and could make the area untenable for human occupancy until the enclosure has been
properly vented.
Argonite is stored in high-pressure cylinders at a nominal pressure of 2900 PSI
(200 bar) at 70°F (21.1°C). Safety and exposure guidelines, including concentration
levels, as established by NFPA 2001,
Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing
Systems
, should be followed.
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USE AND LIMITATIONS
Argonite fire extinguishing systems are primarily used as total flooding systems for protection
of self-enclosed equipment or enclosed hazards to contain the extinguishant.
1-2.1
Use
Argonite systems operate safely in temperatures from -20°F to 130°F (-29°C to 54°C).
Argonite will not cause fogging during a discharge, a condition caused by the supercooling
of the water content in the air. The density of Argonite in air is similar to that of atmospheric
air, which greatly improves the holding time after a release compared with other heavier/
lighter agents.
Argonite is electrically nonconductive and therefore suitable for use to extinguish fires in
electric and electronic equipment, such as that found at electronic data processing and
telecommunication facilities. Argonite is also useful for extinguishing fires:
Involving flammable and combustible liquids and gases
In subfloors and other concealed spaces
In tape file storage areas
Involving delicate artifacts and high-value assets
In places where other extinguishing media could be directly destructive.
Deep-seated fires in solid material require that the Argonite atmosphere be maintained
for an extended period of time (holding time) to achieve total extinguishment.
Argonite does not leave any hazardous substances after a release. Since cleanup after a
fire will only involve items damaged in the fire, downtime and secondary damage can
therefore be kept to a minimum.
