by Brianna Crandall — February 1, 2017 — A new ASTM International standard helps ensure quality of a new fire-fighting agent known as 2-BTP, which could be used in fire extinguishers on airplanes and elsewhere and could serve as a replacement to halon 1211, which was was phased out of production in developed countries in 1994 under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer international treaty.
The new standard, ASTM D8060-16, Standard Specification for 2-Bromo-3,3,3-Trifluoro-1-Propene (CF3CBr=CH2), was developed by ASTM’s committee on halogenated organic solvents and fire extinguishing agents (D26).
The new specification provides the requirements for 2-BTP in regards to assay, acidity, water content, and more. According to ASTM member Bradford Colton, research engineer at American Pacific Corporation, the standard covers procedures for quality analysis to help with the purchase of new extinguishing agent or recycled agent.
In addition, the standard meets U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) requirements for halon alternatives and clean fire extinguishing agents. Colton notes that this new fire-fighting agent, based on its performance advantages over other approved options, should be capable of replacing a larger share of the halon 1211 still used in handheld fire extinguishers in what is typically weight and volume sensitive areas onboard aircraft.
As a companion to the D8060 specification, ASTM D8061-16, Standard Practice for Handling, Transportation, and Storage of 2-Bromo-3,3,3-Trifluoro-1-Propene (CF3CBr=CH2), has also been developed and provides additional guidance for handling bulk agent.
To purchase the new ASTM standards, click on the links above. For more news in this sector, visit ASTM’s Chemicals site.
