The tube-type FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) fire suppression system is a passive, high-precision automatic fire extinguishing system that combines the highly efficient and clean FK-5-1-12 extinguishing agent with fire tube (or tubular) detection technology.
It integrates fire detection and fire suppressant delivery functions through a pressurized thermal sensing tube. When the heat source locally softens and ruptures the tube, the internal pressure drops sharply, driving the fire suppressant to spray precisely from the breach, directly extinguishing the initial fire.
Core Advantages
The system has become an ideal choice for precision equipment and high-risk scenarios, primarily due to the following key advantages:
Environmentally friendly and clean fire suppressant: FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) is internationally recognized as an eco-friendly alternative to halons and certain hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). With an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0 and extremely low global warming potential (GWP), it leaves no residue after discharge. Its fire suppression mechanism primarily relies on a combination of heat absorption and cooling (approximately 80%) and chemical inhibition (approximately 20%).
Integrated Detection and Fire Suppression: The fire detection tube serves as both a detection component and a conduit for delivering extinguishing agents. During a fire, the tube can accurately rupture at the point of highest heat exposure, enabling “point-to-point” suppression without the need for complex electrical detection equipment.
Pure mechanical, passive operation: The system functions without external power in standby mode, relying on physical principles (pressure changes). This ensures immunity to power outages, electromagnetic interference, and other factors, delivering exceptionally high reliability.
Rapid response, efficient fire suppression: The system can swiftly react to specific fire sources. For instance, studies have shown that in lithium-ion battery fires, it can effectively control the fire within 5.6 seconds after ignition. It is effective against Class A (solids), Class B (liquids), Class C (gases), and electrical fires.
Maintenance-free and wide-temperature application: The main components of the system are designed with a long service life, enabling maintenance-free operation for up to 5 years and stable performance within a wide temperature range of -30°C to +80°C.
Typical application scenarios
With the above advantages, this system is particularly suitable for the following situations that have extremely high requirements for safety, cleanliness, and space:
Electrical and electronic equipment: electrical cabinets, distribution cabinets, server cabinets, data centers, CNC machine tools, etc.
New Energy and Transportation: Lithium ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Electric Vehicle Battery Pack, Vehicle Engine Compartment, etc.
Special and high-value facilities: commercial kitchen exhaust hoods, wind turbines, museums, precision instrument rooms, etc.
System composition and working principle
A standard tubular FK-5-1-12 fire extinguishing device mainly consists of the following components:
Fire extinguishing agent bottle set: a pressure vessel for storing liquid FK-5-1-12 fire extinguishing agent.
Fire detection tube (detection tube): The core component is a special thermosensitive hose filled with pressure.
Container valve and nozzle: a valve installed on the bottle group to control the release of fire extinguishing agent.
The workflow is as follows:
Detection: Fire detection tubes are arranged in the protected area. When a fire occurs, flames or high temperatures cause the fire detection tube to soften and rupture under the influence of hot spots.
Start: The pressure inside the pipe drops instantly, triggering the opening of the container valve of the fire extinguishing agent bottle group.
Release: Under pressure, liquid FK-5-1-12 fire extinguishing agent is precisely released from the rupture or nozzle to the ignition point through a ruptured fire detection tube or dedicated pipeline.
Fire extinguishing: The fire extinguishing agent quickly vaporizes and extinguishes the flame within seconds through heat absorption, cooling, and chemical suppression.
Please note that although 3M announced the discontinuation of Novec 1230 at the end of 2022, there are already numerous reliable FK-5-1-12 alternative products in the market with consistent performance parameters that can fully meet the application needs of existing systems.
In summary, the FK-5-1-12 tubular fire extinguishing device is an efficient, intelligent, environmentally friendly, and highly reliable active firefighting equipment. It combines advanced clean fire extinguishing agents with precise tube detection technology to nip fires in the bud at the source of ignition, providing highly targeted protection for modern industry and high-value assets.
