HFC227EA Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing System

What is FM-200®?

FM-200® is a clean fire suppression agent scientifically known as HFC-227ea (heptafluoropropane, chemical formula C₃HF₇). It is widely used in total flooding fire protection systems to protect high-value assets and critical environments.

HFC-227ea is a colourless, odourless gas stored as a liquefied compressed agent within pressurised cylinders. Upon discharge, FM-200® is released rapidly and absorbs heat from the fire, interrupting the combustion process and extinguishing flames effectively. The agent is electrically non-conductive, does not impair visibility, and leaves no residue, making it well suited for the protection of sensitive electronic equipment and mission-critical facilities.

FM-200® (HFC-227ea) suppresses fire primarily by removing heat rather than reducing oxygen levels. This allows it to be safely applied in normally occupied spaces when used at approved design concentrations. It offers a wide margin of safety for human exposure and is suitable for areas where personnel may be present at the time of discharge.

When properly designed and installed, FM-200® (HFC-227ea) causes no damage to protected equipment, materials, or furnishings. It provides fast and effective fire suppression without cleanup requirements, ensuring minimal downtime and no harm to occupants or valuable assets during fire protection operations.

Extinguishing Method - FM-200®, HFC-227ea

FM-200® (HFC-227ea) extinguishes fire primarily by absorbing heat as the agent is discharged and rapidly transitions from a liquefied state to a gas. This heat absorption lowers the temperature of the fire below the level required to sustain combustion.

In addition to cooling, FM-200® (HFC-227ea) interferes with the chemical chain reaction of the fire, further enhancing its extinguishing effectiveness. The combined cooling and chemical interruption allow for fast and efficient flame suppression.

FM-200® (HFC-227ea) does not rely on oxygen depletion to suppress fire. As a result, it is suitable for use in normally occupied areas when applied at approved design concentration

Why FM-200®, HFC-227ea?

FM-200® (HFC-227ea) is an ideal fire suppression solution where rapid response, asset protection, and operational continuity are critical. Its fast-acting discharge quickly suppresses fires, minimising potential damage and reducing downtime.

The system requires minimal floor space for storage, preserves visibility during discharge, and leaves no residue, making it well suited for protecting sensitive equipment and occupied environments.

Typical Areas of Fire Protection

Clean agent FM-200 (HFC-227ea) Fire Extinguishing Systems is suitable for a variety of fire hazard areas including spaces with class A, B, and C fire hazards.

Typical areas that can be protected by an HFC-227ea system are detailed below; the list is by no means exhaustive:

  • Server Rooms
  • Data Centres
  • Communication Rooms
  • UPS Rooms
  • Archieve Rooms
  • Transformers Rooms
  • Generators Rooms
  • Manufacturing
  • Industrial Processes
  • Electrical Switch Cabinets
  • Boat Engine Rooms
  • Battery Rooms
  • Control Rooms
  • Medical Facilities

FM-200 Suppression Systems

FM-200® (HFC-227ea) clean agent fire suppression systems are among the most widely installed halocarbon gaseous fire protection solutions worldwide. Renowned for their effectiveness, these systems suppress fires rapidly by absorbing heat and interrupting the combustion process at a molecular level.

This fast and efficient suppression minimises fire damage and prevents harm to sensitive and high-value equipment. FM-200® (HFC-227ea) systems leave no residue, maintain visibility during discharge, and support rapid system recovery, making them ideal for critical environments where continuity and asset protection are essential.

Features and Benefits

  • Safe for human occupancy.
  • Colourless, odorless, liquefied compressed gas
  • Stored as a liquid
  • Electrically non-conductive
  • Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
  • Low global warming potential
  • Short atmospheric lifetime
  • Discharges as a gaseous vapor (due to its relatively low boiling point)
  • Discharge in 10 seconds or less to extinguish fires rapidly, minimising damage to high-value assets
  • Electrically non-conductive, prevent residue and clean-up after fire
  • Require minimal container storage space
  • Minimises down time of vital system operations
  • Reduces loss and damage due to fire and helps ensure business continuity
  • Best warranty in the fire protection industry
  • Appears on US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) list
  • Active Fire Listing, FM and UL Approved
  • Marine system with USCG and ABS approvals also available

Structure and Function

Advanced TFP FM-200® (HFC-227ea) fire suppression systems can be engineered as single-zone systems to protect an individual hazard area, or as multi-zone systems capable of safeguarding multiple protected spaces from a common agent supply. 

In addition to conventional clean agent system operating pressures of 25 bar and 42 bar, Advanced TFP offers FM-200® (HFC-227ea) systems designed for 50 bar operating pressure, providing enhanced system performance and design flexibility. This higher-pressure configuration allows systems to be customised and optimised to suit the specific layout and risk profile of each protected area. 

Fire protection standards for clean agent systems require the protected enclosure to be fully flooded within 10 seconds. The use of 50 bar technology enables longer and more complex pipe networks compared to lower-pressure systems, allowing greater freedom in system design. As a result, FM-200® (HFC-227ea) agent cylinders can be located remotely, outside the protected space, without compromising discharge performance.

Typical Single Zone Manifold System

The extinguishing agent is stored in liquid form in special cylinders, where a nitrogen cushion is superimposed over the extinguishing agent and thus generates the operating pressure of 25 or 42 or 50 bar. Typical manifold system for single area protection. For single area system, the solenoid actuator will act to open the master cylinder after getting the instruction from control panel, and then the gas from the master cylinder will open the slave cylinders.

Manifold System for Single
Area System

No. Part Name:

1. Cylinder
3. Fix Steel Channel
5. Bleed Valve
7. Discharge Hose
9. Manifold
11. Manifold Safety Valve
13. Electrical Actuator
2. Mounting Bracket
4. Container Valve
6. Pneumatic Actuator
8. Manifold Check Valve
10. Pilot Hose
12. Discharge Pressure Switch
14. Nozzle
2. Mounting Bracket
4. Container Valve
6. Pneumatic Actuator
8. Manifold Check Valve
10. Pilot Hose
12. Discharge Pressure Switch
14. Nozzle

Services

We provide comprehensive FM-200® (HFC-227ea) fire suppression solutions, designed and delivered in full compliance with NFPA 2001, BS EN 15004, and ISO 14520 standards.

Our services include: 

  • Engineered system design using HFC-227ea clean agent, tailored to the specific risk and enclosure requirements 

  • Pipework layout based on approved hydraulic calculations using UL-listed and FM-approved components, including precise nozzle selection 

  • Preparation of detailed AutoCAD layouts and isometric drawings 

  • Supply and preparation of FM-200® cylinders and original system components in the required quantities 

  • Cylinder refilling services and replacement of system components when required 

  • Turnkey installation of FM-200® gas fire suppression systems, including ongoing inspection, servicing, and periodic maintenance

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