NOVEC 1230 (also known as FK-5-1-12 or Fluoroketone) is an innovative, environmentally friendly fire suppression agent manufactured by 3M. It is a clean agent that is used in various fire protection systems to safeguard sensitive equipment and critical infrastructure in the event of a fire.

Key Characteristics:

Chemical Composition:
NOVEC 1230 is a fluorinated ketone compound, specifically known as C6HF11O. Unlike traditional halon-based fire suppressants, NOVEC 1230 has a low environmental impact, with a significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP), making it a much safer alternative for the environment.

Fire Suppression Mechanism:
NOVEC 1230 works primarily by heat absorption. When released into a fire, it absorbs the heat from the flames, lowering the temperature below the combustion threshold and extinguishing the fire. It does this without displacing oxygen, making it a safe option for occupied spaces.

Environmentally Friendly:

Low GWP: NOVEC 1230 has a GWP of just 1, compared to traditional fire suppression agents like halons, which have much higher GWP values.
Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): NOVEC 1230 does not contribute to ozone layer depletion.
Short Atmospheric Lifetime: It has an atmospheric lifetime of just 5 days, meaning it does not persist in the atmosphere for long periods, further reducing its environmental impact.

Safety for Occupants:
NOVEC 1230 is non-toxic at typical concentrations used in fire suppression systems (usually around 4-5% concentration in air). Unlike certain traditional fire suppression systems that may pose risks to human health due to oxygen displacement, NOVEC 1230 can be used in occupied spaces with minimal risk to human life when discharged.

Effectiveness:
NOVEC 1230 is highly effective in protecting electrical and electronic equipment, data centers, telecommunication facilities, and other areas where traditional water-based or foam systems would be damaging. It is especially effective in confined spaces, as it can quickly suppress fires without leaving residue.

Applications:

   Data Centers: Protecting servers and networking equipment from fire damage.
   Telecommunications: Safeguarding sensitive telecom equipment and infrastructure.
   Museums and Archives: Preserving valuable collections, documents, and artifacts from fire.
   Industrial Facilities: Protecting critical assets like control rooms, electrical panels, and other sensitive areas.
   Marine: For ships and offshore platforms where traditional suppression systems may be impractical.

   Benefits:

   No Residue: Unlike foam or water-based systems, NOVEC 1230 leaves no residue, eliminating the need for cleanup after discharge.
   Minimal System Maintenance: It does not require extensive maintenance or annual servicing like some traditional suppression systems.
   Wide Acceptance: Approved by major fire protection standards and regulatory bodies like UL, FM, and NFPA.