Presented to:

By:

Date:

Federal AviationAdministrationClass C Cargo

Compartment ULD Suppression Agent Penetration Test

Second IMLBTCMAudience>

Harry Webster, FAA Fire Safety Br.

September 9, 2014

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Purpose

• To determine the infiltration rate of Halon 1301 into a standard LD3 ULD.

• “Quick Look”, more rigorous tests to follow

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Background

• Halon 1301 has been shown to be effective in suppressing the electrolyte fire associated with lithium-ion cells in thermal runaway.

• Halon 1301 has been shown to be an effective explosion suppressant.

• The effectiveness of the agent is predicated on the agent concentration and proximity to the fire.

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Why this is an issue

• Lithium-ion battery fires originating in ULD’s may not be exposed to the full concentration of Halon 1301.

• Potential for the explosive build up of unburned electrolyte gases.

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Test Setup

• Measure Halon concentration – Inside the environmental chamber– Inside the closed LD3– 20” above the floor

• Volumes– Chamber volume: 284 cubic feet– LD3 volume: 160 cubic feet

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Test Setup

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Results

• Test 1– Initial chamber concentration: 12.33%– Time to 5% concentration in LD3: 7:11 minutes

• Test 2– Initial chamber concentration: 8.93%– Time to 5% concentration in LD3: 11:04 minutes

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Additional Tests• Tests will be

conducted to measure the ability of Class C cargo compartment fire suppression agent to penetrate into standard AKE cargo containers.

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Additional Tests

• Aluminum AKE containers with flexible door coverings have been ordered. These types of containers are typical of what is used in many Class C cargo compartments.

• FE25 (HFC-125) will be used as a surrogate gas for Halon 1301. Gas concentrations will be measured in the compartment outside of the containers and within the containers

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Additional Tests

• Variables include– Container loading– Simulated battery fire

• Pressure pulse• Temperature

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Questions?

Contact Information

Harry Webster

FAA William J Hughes Technical Center

Atlantic City, NJ

609-485-4183

Harry.Webster@faa.gov

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