Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program (NGP): Technical Highlights.
Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program
(NGP): Technical Highlights.
(771 K)
Gann, R. G.
Halon Options Technical Working Conference.
Proceedings. HOTWC 1999. April 27-29, 1999,
Albuquerque, NM, 87-94 pp, 1999.
Available from:
FOR MORE INFORMATION and PUBLICATIONS CONTACT: Next
Generation Fire Suppression Technology Program (NGP)
Website: http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/866/NGP
Keywords:
halon alternatives; fire suppression; fire research;
halons
Abstract:
The Department of Defense (DOD) is entering the third
year of its Next Generation Fire Suppression Technology
Program (NGP). The NGP goal is to demonstrate, by 2005,
retrofitable, economically feasible, environmentally
acceptable and user-safe processes, techniques, and
fluids that meet the operational requirements currently
satisfied by Halon 1301 systems in aircraft, ships, land
combat vehicles, and critical mission support
facilities. If successful, the NGP could eliminate DoD
dependence on a harmful substance no longer in national
production, minimize any readiness impacts that could
result if Halon 1301 use restrictions were imposed in
the future, and achieve these at greatly reduced cost.
The potential fire locations for which alternatives to
Halon 1301 are sought include aircraft engine nacelles,
dry bays, cargo bays, and fuel tanks; ground vehicle
crew compartments; and shipboard machinery spaces and
storage compartments. The hazards to be avoided include
harm to people, thermal damage, post-fire corrosion,
loss of visibility, and over-pressure. Successful
candidates must thus do well in the following: the fire
suppression efficiency and reignition quenching, ODP,
GWP, atmospheric lifetime, suppressant residue level,
electrical conductivity, metals non-corrosivity and
polymeric materials compatibility, long-term storage
stability, low toxicity of the chemical and its
combustion and decomposition products, speed of
dispersion, safety and occupational health requirements.
To be cost-effective, the suppressant and
storage/delivery system must be of light weight and low
volume, as well as compatible with the host designs of
existing platforms. Points of contact and additional
information on the strategy and status of the NGP can be
found at the NGP web site: www.dtic.mil/ngp/
