Halocarbon Installation, Commissioning-Gielle PDF
Halocarbon Installation, Commissioning-Gielle PDF
Halocarbon Installation, Commissioning-Gielle PDF
CONTENTS
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
SECTION 3: INSTALLATION
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 About this manual
This manual is intended for fitters, maintainers and users of the Halocarbon gas fire extinguishing systems
manufactured by GIELLE, Via Ferri Rocco, 32, 70022, Altamura (BA), Italy. It contains the instructions for the
proper installation, commissioning, use and maintenance of the system.
2. BASIC ISSUES
The systems manufactured and designed by GIELLE for fire extinction by means of Halocarbon gas are
conceived to be solid, reliable and easy to assemble, thus allowing the checking of their operative status by
means of easy check operations included in this manual.
However GIELLE wishes to explain the following issues:
Every single person who deals with the start-up, inspection, checking and maintenance of the
systems must be well trained in order to perform the different checks. GIELLE always recommends
the adoption of safety work practices according to the legislation in force on health and safety
procedural issues. It is also advisable for the personnel in charge of the installation and maintenance
of the fire extinguishing system to receive some training on the safety area as well as to carry out
both a complete and careful reading of this manual before engaging into any of the described
operations.
Every single person who works in a monitored zone protected by Halocarbon gas must be informed
of the fire extinguishing agent properties and its possible effects both on people and protected
goods. The personnel who work in the monitored zone must be instructed on how to proceed in the
event of a possible alarm and in the different types of systems activation.
Throughout the installation and maintenance operations the workers must wear industrial clothing
and safety footwear. When necessary a helmet and gloves must also be worn. Whenever the workers
are to drill holes for the pipe supports or for the positioning of the cylinder racking brackets, it is also
compulsory the use of safety goggles or a mask. This protection is also applicable when some
operations are to be carried out which may cause shedding of particles.
Due to possible false alarms of the detection system (if any) produced by the dust or the smoke
caused by installation works, the detection system of the area shall be either isolated or disconnected
before and during the assembly operations.
The whole equipment and piping network must be installed according to the project design. Any
modification of the design must be approved in writing by the client and the responsible engineering
company. The construction drawings must be corrected. The corrections to be submitted shall
include the modifications in the project.
When moving the cylinder make sure that the valve protection cap is always firmly and tightly
secured.
Use one or some of the following materials as thread sealing elements: Thread sealing compound for
0.4 mm clearance, Teflon tape.
Regardless of the sealing element used do not ever cover the first two screw threads in order to assure the
cleaning of the inside part of the piping network.
Rev. 01:2016 ~Page 4 / 56 ~ Code: HalocarbonMan.B
HALOCARBON GAS ENGINEERED SYSTEM
TOTAL FLOODING Installation, commissioning
FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS www.gielle.it & maintenance
3. Installation
During the assembly of the system it is advisable to always use the installation drawings supplied with the
delivery of components.
All of these drawings describe the GIELLE Halocarbon Gas standard rack system. In these plans it is possible
to see the layout of the system cylinder rack, the connection of the simple release system and the layout of
the standard support systems. The drawings are included only as an example, therefore those facilities to
have specific drawings should be guided by their own ones.
Proceed to check against the plans and the materials lists whether all of the components have been supplied.
Check also whether any of the components are damaged. Any defective component must be replaced.
Examine the position of the cylinders and the pipe sections in the drawings and check that no physical barriers
are to be found which require some modification of the cylinders, the brackets or the pipe sections. The
project engineer must be informed of any deviation with respect to the drawings.
Previous to begin to the assembly of the installation verify the position of the battery (it is usually indicated
in the plans). The most advisable position of the battery is the nearest room, although it should be away from
the protected risk. It should also be large enough to house the equipment as well as to make possible the
assembly and maintenance operations. The equipment must not be exposed to severe climatologically
conditions, direct action of the flame or to a too humid environment. It must be located away from
unauthorized handling and mechanical or chemical aggressions.
Note: in order to carry out the equipment assembly at least two workers will be necessary.
In the following sections you shall find both a description of the components to each system and the
explanation on how to perform their assembly. The order in which the components are described is also the
order in which they must be installed.
Figure 1
Mounting of brackets
Figure 2
For the assembly of the brackets and the position of the manifold follow these steps:
Place the two line of top and bottom brackets (1 & 2 - fig. 2 )on the floor, touching fixing wall, and in
their working position according to foreseen positions in fig. 3. In case of cylinder banks comprising
7 or more cylinders using several transverse brackets (1 & 2), join one after the other to determine
distance between cylinders at end of cylinder bank and manifold;
Place straps (3) on cylinders at ends of cylinder bank located onto the brackets (the shorter threaded
end is mounted on the transverse bracket). In the case of cylinder banks comprising more than 7
cylinders and using several transverse brackets (1 & 2), also place at least rods of 1 cylinder for each
set of transverse brackets.
Figure 3
Place cylinders located at manifold ends. In the case of cylinder bank of more than 7 cylinders (1 &
2) place at least 1 cylinder for each set of transverse brackets.
Raise transverse brackets up to the height indicated in sketch (fig. 3);
Tighten firmly straps (3 – fig. 2) in such a way that transverse brackets and cylinders make up a solid
assembly;
Lean assembly on wall, checking accurate position for connection to manifold outlet elbow;
Mount manifold, check valves pertaining to cylinders placed on brackets. To mount, add sealing
compound or Teflon tape to manifold pipe thread connection where the check valve is fitted. Do not
apply same to the first threads. Place check valve onto manifold taking care that check valve arrow
points at manifold, never at cylinder. Tighten union firmly using a fixed spanner;
Place discharge hose (10), pertaining to cylinders mentioned above, onto check valves mounted
previously. Tighten with a fixed wrench. Connection between discharge hose and check valve
requires Teflon tape;
In accordance to a drawing data, fix manifold seats to wall (4) using metallic or chemical plug;
Raise discharge manifold and place onto manifold seats (4). Fix using manifold “U” fixation (5). Do
not tighten. Allow manifold free movement. In the event of cylinder banks comprising a large number
of cylinders and one single manifold, the latter shall be of a large diameter. Mechanical help shall be
necessary for its mounting. Use pulleys or any other type of crane required by such operations;
Remove cylinder protection caps;
Connect discharge hoses to cylinder valve. Now manifold is accurately positioned in relation to
cylinders;
Check position of all elements: cylinders, discharge hose, manifold, brackets, elbow and pipeline
system. Arrange position of components prior to final bracket fixation.
Fix discharge manifold (8) into its seats (4) and butt tighten manifold “U” fixation (5);
Mark transverse anchored points on the wall. It is possible to drill using as a guide mechanized fixing
drills on back transverse bracket. Fix bracket into its final position. High-power chemical or metallic
fixing plugs shall be used for fixation. Do not use plastic plugs.
NOTE: Valve protection cap must always be installed whenever a cylinder is being transported.
Valve installed directly onto bank cylinders. In the event of cylinder banks, activation may only be pneumatic
requiring a resource of external pressure (pilot cylinder).
Differential opening valve. Mounted on cylinders of 50, 75, 100, 120 and 134 liters capacity. Pneumatic
activation subject to pneumatic release cone connected to port (at the same place of the plug 15 – fig. 4).
Supplied with a pressure gauge that fulfils EN 837 (14 – fig. 4) is incorporated.
To prevent uncontrolled accidental discharges during installation or maintenance operations or handling of
valve, remove head cap (7 – fig. 4) and place plug on outlet port (33 – fig. 4). This simple operation prevents
risks, such as in case of accidentally discharge, orifice will drive gas from cylinder to environment in a
controlled way, instead of through valve outlet. Safety disk cap (8 – fig. 4) is also perforated thus allowing
controlled gas discharge in case over pressure bursts safety disk.
Mounting:
Valve is delivered mounted onto auxiliary cylinder. Do not try to dismantle any of incorporated accessories.
Mounting of elements associated (discharge hose and release device shall be installed later, following the
order they are described).
Note: Valve union with pressure gauge and pressure switch is fixed. Dismantle is not allowed. Never try to
dismantle same.
Note: For any installation and maintenance operation, valve head cap must remain dismantled as a safety
measure. When any mounting, maintenance or test operation is finished, do not forget to replace head cap,
hand tighten, check that head cap “O” ring is mounted in its interior.
Dimension
Valve gas inlet: 2 ½” 12 UN
Valve gas outlet: 1 ½” BSPP
Height: 180 mm
Weight: 6,5 Kg.
Pressure switch connection thread: M.10 x1-6h
Pilot pressure connection: M.30x1,5-6h
Solenoid connection: M.36x1,5-6g
Free flow cross sectional area: 904,77 mm2
Maximum working pressure: 88 Bar
Containers
VGL040 valve can be used in the following containers:
Container volume Fill ratio (Min and Max)
[l] [Kg./m3]
214 Kg./m3 ≤ (Novec 1230) ≤ 1480 Kg./m3
214 Kg./m3 ≤ (FM-200) ≤ 1230 Kg./m3
50, 75, 100, 120, 134 214 Kg./m3 ≤ (HFC-125) ≤ 929 Kg./m3
25 Bar at 20 °C / 42 Bar at 20 °C
Figure 5
Figure 7
Figure 9
Figure 12
Description:
1 VGL040 discharge valve;
2 Manual release
3 Solenoid valve
Mounting:
Check that the seal (3 – Fig. 13) are not damaged. Check that “O” ring (4 – Fig. 13) is in its location.
Put the manual lever release on VGL040 valve on connection port indicated in Figure 5 as pilot pressure.
Tighten union firmly using a fixed spanner. Do not apply sealing compound to threaded union as a sealing is
achieved by “O” ring (4 – Fig. 13).
Manual actuation devices shall be installed at normal operating height, at highly visible locations. They shall
be protected against being tripped accidentally. Each lever manual release device shall be clearly marked
indicating the protected zone it serves.
Figure 13
Manual actuator for a single cylinder (Part. No. MNL000)
Note: Prior to installing the manual release onto the valve check that piston is deep seated inside its hosing,
by pushing down with a screwdriver.
Figure 14
Electrical actuator for a single cylinder Electrical actuator for a multiple cylinders
(Part. No. SOL000) (Part. No. SOL001).
The electrical actuator incorporates a connection
for the pneumatic pilot signal output used for
multiple container operation.
Mounting:
Solenoid valve is delivered mounted on pilot cylinder valve. Do not perform electrical connection until
pneumatic mounting for all the installation is completed. In case of having to disassemble for operation test,
remove connector (4 – Fig. 15), loosen nut (2 – Fig. 15) and remote coil (3 – Fig. 15).
Note: GIELLE does not recommend you to remove solenoid valve from pilot cylinder, in case of malfunction,
send valve + cylinder + solenoid valve to GIELLE.
If for any reason or breakdown, it is essential to remove solenoid valve from pilot cylinder valve, firstly,
disconnect valve pressure gauge. When you disconnect the pressure gauge, pressure supply to solenoid valve
is shout-off. This operation should be performed under great precaution and operate carefully to prevent
false operations. Therefore, the operator shall stand sideways to prevent a pressure gauge violent explosion.
Discharge of pilot cylinder may be produced and cause discharge on cylinder bank. To prevent this, dismantle
head cap of pilot cylinder valve. Next, dismantle connector (4 – Fig. 15), nut (2 – Fig. 15) remove coil (3 – Fig.
15) and last loosen fixing nut (1 – Fig. 15) with a rounded shape wrench.
Figure 16
Now it is possible to remove the rest of the solenoid valve. Mounting is performed by reversing disassembly
procedure.
Prior to mounting a solenoid valve check that there is no leakage by applying soapy water to all solenoid
valve body, previously removing connector and coil. Check likewise for leakage on valve head (head orifice).
Figure 17
Figure 18
Mounting:
Pneumatic actuator is delivered mounted on cylinder valve. Otherwise, insert the protractor needle (1 – Fig.
18) into the cone body until it butts. Mount the pneumatic actuator to the VGL040 valve and tighten the
screw (2 - Fig. 18). Do not forget to insert the “O” ring (3 – Fig. 18) on the pneumatic actuator body.
Note: Prior to mounting the pneumatic actuator on the VGL040 valve, it is important to check that the
protractor needle (1 – Fig. 18) is completely retracted inside the cone, by pushing down with a screwdriver.
Protractor needle shall never stick out from cone or otherwise a cylinder accidental discharge may be
produced.
Figure 19
Put the pneumatic actuator on VGL040 valve on connection port indicated in Figure 5 as pilot pressure,
located on the opposite side to valve outlet. Use a rounded shape wrench for tightening. Do not apply sealing
compounds to threaded union as sealing is by “O” ring. Repeat operation till all cylinders are fitted with a
pneumatic actuator.
Figure 20
Locate pneumatic actuator on each cylinder in accordance with sketch for cylinder bank mounting and
tighten.
Note: Burt disc, burst disc fixer and protractor needle SHALL be replaced by new ones after each single
actuation of the system.
Figure 22
Figure 23
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Assembly of pipe and fittings which drive gas discharge from cylinders to protected zone.
Pipe and fittings
Pipes shall be installed in accordance with isometric drawing accompanying the project. Measures,
dimensions and pipe quality indicated in the drawing are to be comply with, as any modifications related to
pipe dimensions or measures would impair system operation. In case of requiring any modification, the
engineering department responsible for system design shall be notified as appropriate.
Pipe system shall comply with pressure requirements. Schedule 40, A105 ASA 3000 grade B steel pipe is
recommended.
Pipe painting shall be red (RAL 3000).
3.1.3.7 Supports
Every installation shall have a minimum of two supports to hold pipe system.
Maximum distance between two supports along pipeline shall never exceed the following values:
Nominal diameter Maximum distance
Nominal diameter [mm]
[inches] between supports [m]
10 3/8 1.0
15 1/2 1.5
20 3/4 1.8
25 1 2.1
32 1 1/4 2.4
40 1 1/2 2.7
50 2 3.4
65 2 1/2 3.5
80 3 3.7
100 4 4.3
Whenever pipeline is more than 2 inches (DN 50) and table distances cannot be adhered to because of
building designs, these distances may be raised to 6 m between supports, if pipeline is provided with double
supports.
Pipeline supports shall be located next to pipe unions, to elbows and pipeline reverse changes.
Supports shall connect pipe system directly to building structure and shall not be used to support other
objects. Parts of the building where supports are fixed shall be strong enough to take the load (see table for
design charge). Otherwise, additional straps shall be fixed to other resistant elements. Only pipes with
nominal diameters less than or equal to 50 mm may be attached to metallic structures in the shape of trusses
or concrete slabs (design shall be approved by the authorities). Fastening plugs in concrete slabs shall be
located at least 150 mm away from edge of slab.
Distance between nozzle and its support shall be the shortest possible:
For pipelines with a smaller or equal diameter to 25 mm, maximum distance from support to nozzle
shall be 0.1 m.
For pipelines more than 25 mm diameter, maximum distance from support to nozzle shall be 0.25 m.
Supports type hangers or manifold "U" fixation are recommended. Pipe brackets and other fittings for holding
pipes, shall completely surround the pipe and close.
Supports shall comply with the following minimum requirements for sectional areas and depth anchoring:
Minimum depth of
Pipe nominal Design Support minimum Thread size
anchoring for fastening
diameter charge [N] section [mm] [metric]
plugs in concrete [mm]
Between DN 50 (2”)
3500 50 10 40
and DN 100 (4”)
Between DN 100
5000 70 12 40
(4”) and DN 150 (6”)
Between DN 150
8500 125 16 50
(6”) and DN 200 (8”)
3.1.3.8 Nozzles
Halocarbon gas is distributed within the protected area by the discharge nozzle which is sized to ensure the
correct flow of agent for the risk. Nozzles are available with four or eight ports to allow for 180o or 360o
horizontal discharge patterns. Ports are drilled in 0.1 mm increments to the specified system design.
Aluminum nozzles are supplied as standard with Brass and Stainless Steel as optional.
Mounting
Apply thread sealing compound or Teflon tape to distribution pipeline thread. Connect nozzle and tighten
using a fixed wrench.
Dimensions:
Part. no. Size Material
NZL010 10 mm. Brass
NZL015 15 mm. Brass
NZL020 20 mm. Brass
NZL025 25 mm. Brass
NZL032 32 mm. Brass
NZL040 40 mm. Brass
NZL050 50 mm. Brass
Figure 24
Note: fixing of nozzles is very important. It is also important that nozzle orientation shall never point at false
ceilings or mobile parts as gas discharge could raise ceiling slabs or drag objects. Discharge nozzles shall never
be located directly on valve discharge orifice.
To prevent errors during installation, all nozzles shall incorporate legible and long lasting inscriptions
indicating diaphragm calibrated diameter and identification of its location in the drawing with reference to
project and system hydraulic calculations. Usually GIELLE performs a mechanic engraving (punched) of above
mentioned inscriptions on nozzle bodies.
Figure 25
Figure 26
Notices shall be firmly affixed and visible onto fixed elements, resistant to climatic and environmental
conditions which they may be exposed to (dust, dirt, humidity, etc.).
Remove all nozzles comprising the system to be blown out. To perform nozzle reconnection, it is very
important to have available isometric drawings or project document where location of each nozzle
is specified, as internal bores are different.
Plug all free pipe ends/terminals, except one.
Open nitrogen cylinder valve and keep blowing out for 15 seconds approximately.
Note: pressure escape by free end is dangerous. Check that there are no persons inside the room and
evacuate or fix elements which could be hurled by the effect of the pressure.
Performance of this test may produce clouds of dust. Through free outlet liquid and solid residues may be
hurled.
Repeat the operation freeing a different pipe end each time and plugging the rest of them until all
pipe ends are completed.
Remove all plugs and replace nozzles into their original position.
Disconnect nitrogen cylinder and reconnect pressure switch with lacking device.
Replace auxiliary cylinder valve head caps.
Limitations: lf pipe temperature undergoes variations above 10 °C during the 10 minute test, results of such
test will not be reliable.
Remove auxiliary cylinder valve head caps;
Remove manifold pressure switch with locking device;
On manifold, connect a nitrogen cylinder to pressure switch port (nitrogen or any other suitable gas)
with regulated outlet of 3-5 bar. Insert a "T'' fitted with a sphere valve (relief)
Disconnect all nozzles comprising the system. To perform nozzle reconnection, it is very important
to have available isometric drawings for pipe system or project document where location of each
nozzle is specified, as there are different models;
Plug all free pipe ends, except one;
Connect to free end a 0-10 bar pressure gauge or a pressure recorder device. Pressure recording may
be continuous or performed only at beginning or end of test;
Pressurize pipe slowly at 3 - 5 bar. Wait for 10 minutes and register initial pressure value. Shut off
pressure supply, keeping pressurization for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, register pressure again.
Disconnect discharge valve release cones. Holding the cone in your hand, remove the piston-
punch/needle assembly by pushing down with a screwdriver onto the narrower side of the cone.
Overturn the piston-needle assembly and reinsert it in the cone until it butts, punch pointing to the
narrower side of the cone. Reinstall cones on valves with piston overturned.
Apply a source of pressure of 8-10 bar onto free end of flexible hose line (<= in the figure). A nitrogen
cylinder is recommended, provided with a hand reducer, inserting a “T” fitted with a ( 1/2" or 1/4"
PN-16) relief valve.
Pressurize the line. Check with soapy water for flexible hose tightness. Check that there is no gas
leakage through the head orifice of the valve without a head cap.
Depressurize and replace each cone piston-punch assembly into initial position.
Note: prior to mounting cone on valve it is very important to check that the piston is completely retracted
inside the cone, by pushing down with a screwdriver. Protractor needle shall not exceed the nut.
Reconnect the first bank cylinder to the line coming from the pilot bottle;
Replace auxiliary cylinder valve caps.
Remove solenoid coil nut and pull coil out of its housing on its center stem. Remove all solenoid valve
coils pertaining to one release system. It is most important to ensure that they are all out of their
housing so as to avoid an accidental discharge during the test.
Repeat operation with each of the solenoid valves in one release system.
To prevent accidents, prior to replacing each coil onto its stem, (it is vital not to muddle each coil
position) using same metallic object check for remains of magnetism through the coil orifice which
may activate the valve.
Important: It is advisable that the length of the cable for solenoid valves shall be such that it will not be
possible to mix up their position (the long cable for the solenoid valve which is further away and the shorter
cable for the one that is nearer).
Slowly place coil onto center stem. lf there is any magnetism left, controlled leakage will take place
through the top of pilot cylinder main valve. lf so, remove coil quickly to interrupt leakage. Such
leakage shows that solenoid valve is still being fed. Shut off that supply.
In the event of controlled leakage through the top of pilot cylinder main valve with the result that it
will be difficult to eliminate, to prevent slow discharge of cylinder, proceed to perform 2 or 3 rapid
placements with the excited coil (pulses not to exceed 1 second) on its stem to stop leakage. lf
leakage is uncontrolled; contact the Technical Service of GIELLE - [email protected] .
Once coil is replaced onto its stem, replace the hexagonal nut which was removed in step 3.
Note: For whatever reason you decide to separate a pilot valve body from a solenoid valve stem it is
imperative to disconnect pilot cylinder main valve gauge first. This operation shuts off pressure supply to
solenoid valve.
Caution: cylinder is charged at 25 or 42 bar.
In case of malfunction, GIELLE recommends not to dismantle stem but submit pilot cylinder + solenoid +
valve assembly to the technical service.
Standards NFPA 200, ISO 14520 and ISO 15004 specify Door Fan Test as an enclosure integrity test (unless
Authorities Having Jurisdiction say otherwise). CEA and Cepreven specify flooding test for rate of maintained
time, except when any other procedure may be used. GIELLE has available means and qualified personnel to
perform any of these two tests.
4.2 Maintenance
Halocarbon gas fire extinguishing systems shall be subject to a preventive maintenance program ensuring
proper operation in case of fire. This program and maintenance operations shall comply with regulations
applicable in the country or region where the system is installed. Herein Italian Law applicable is taken as a
base for installation maintenance. As manufacturer, GIELLE advises all system owners and final users to
demand, as a minimum, execution of maintenance operations described in this manual.
Safety manager as well as personnel in charge of maintenance shall be properly trained in system operation,
required safety conditions for the maintenance and Halocarbon gas effects on persons and property. They
shall also know and have access to system connection drawings, design project, maintenance and inspection
files, including reception inspection.
lf Halocarbon gas system is projected to include a release abort system (GIELLE Maintenance Box) prior to
each operation set such system in "MAINTENANCE" position. This valve position directs pilot cylinder
discharge towards a system external escape. Thus preventing cylinder bank actuation. Outlet for escape track
shall be installed in a reliable zone outside storage area. When you finish maintenance operations, do not
forget to reset release abort valve to its stand-by position.
Regulatory requirements for maintenance of Halocarbon gas installation.
The last person responsible for installation maintenance is the final user or owner of same.
In all cases, installation maintainer as well as user or owner, shall keep written proof of compliance
of preventive maintenance program, indicating, as a minimum, operations performed, results of
verifications and tests and replacement of detective elements carried out. Annotations shall be up
to date and shall be at the disposal of pertaining official inspection services.
GIELLE has performed a maintenance program in compliance with all Regulatory specifications for Fire
Fighting installations and Apparatus, including other maintenance operations recommended by GIELLE as
manufacturer. This program specifies the following terms and operations:
Quarterly:
Check general condition of the installation using a checklist for Halocarbon gas fire extinguishing
installations.
Check that installation identification notices, use and warning signs as well as cylinder adhesive labels
are in their appropriate location.
Safety apparel far system handling and maintenance in perfect condition.
Annually:
Nozzles: in dusty atmospheres check that discharge orifices are not obstructed;
Releases: Perform operating test far solenoid valves. Test described in this manual.
Alarms: check electric alarm devices far audible and visual operations. Give instructions from control
station. Check pressure switch with locking device far operation according to the test described in
this manual.
Any repair or maintenance operation performed in addition to those mentioned above shall be done with
the approval of routine inspection.