HFA227ea

HFA-227ea, commonly known by its trade name FM-200, is a clean agent used in total flooding fire suppression systems. It is a halogenated firefighting agent designed to suppress fires by absorbing heat rather than displacing oxygen, allowing it to protect occupied spaces with minimal residue or downtime for sensitive equipment.

As a fluorinated hydrocarbon, HFA-227ea is stored and delivered as a pressurized liquid that rapidly vaporizes to fill a room and reach the concentration needed to interrupt the combustion process. When discharged, it cools the flames and interrupts the chemical reactions occurring in the flame, providing rapid fire suppression while leaving no dangerous residue that might damage equipment or require extensive cleanup.

HFA-227ea was developed as a replacement for ozone-depleting halons and has been marketed since the late 20th century as a lower-odor, low-toxicity option for protecting data centers, telecommunications facilities, museums, archives, and other sensitive environments. It is typically installed in fixed, pre-engineered piping networks designed to distribute the agent evenly throughout a space.

Environmental and safety considerations include zero ozone depletion potential and a relatively low global warming potential compared with earlier halogenated extinguants, though it is still a greenhouse gas and its emissions are subject to regulation. The agent is generally considered suitable for occupied spaces when design concentrations are properly specified, but as with any clean-agent system, occupants should be evacuated during discharge and maintenance should be conducted by trained professionals in accordance with applicable standards (such as NFPA 2001).

See also: FM-200, HFC-227ea.