Halon gases are highly effective for fire protection and safety yet they are also powerful ozone-depleting substances. How can these gases be effectively recovered and recycled for continued “critical uses” while reducing the environmental impact and managing costs? MSA provides an excellent solution with the Model H1301 Halon Recycling System, which has been used for over 20 years by a wide range of customers.

Halon gases such as Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are highly effective for fire protection applications in occupied spaces and critical operations. In aviation, Halon 1211 is used for cabin handheld portable fire extinguishers and Halon 1301 for engine nacelles/auxiliary power units, and cargo compartments.

Unfortunately, Halon gases are also powerful ozone-depleting chemicals and are tightly controlled under the Montreal Protocol. In many cases, Halon applications have switched to alternative gases although there are a number of noteworthy exceptions: aviation, military applications, nuclear power stations, and the petrochemical industry. These exceptions continue to use Halon until the agreed decommissioning deadline based on the system type and specific application:

Critical use Type of extinguisher Type of halon Decommissioning deadline
To protect normally unoccupied cargo compartments Fixed system 1301, 1211 2040
To protect cabins and crew compartments Portable extinguisher 1211, 2025
To protect engine nacelles and auxiliary power units Fixed system 1301, 1211 2040
For the inerting of fuel tanks Fixed system 1301 2040
To protect dry bays Fixed system 1301, 1211 2040

Original Source: Critical uses of halons (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/critical-uses-of-halons)

In 1994, production ceased in compliance with the Montreal Protocol and the US Environmental Protection Agency. Additionally, the import of virgin halons was phased out in the United States. Since then, recovered and recycled halons have been the only supply for “critical use” applications. The shortage of supply means the increased cost for use in industry.

One solution to the increasing cost and scarcity of halon gas is to employ a halon recovery system. The MSA Model H1301 Halon Recycling System, powered by Neutronics Technology, is compact, self-contained, and one of the least expensive high-capacity Halon recycling machines available today. What’s more, the Model H1301 is capable of extracting Halon 1301 or 1211 from high pressure vessels, purifying it to ASTM- D5632 or MIL-DTL-38741A specifications, then pumping the purified Halon into storage containers.

The Halon Recycling System not only helps reduce the environmental impact of Halon but also provides cost savings for aviation applications as the expense of purchasing and retrofitting new fire suppression systems can be delayed. Additionally, the recovery and recycling of Halon also helps prevent its release into the atmosphere, which is a serious environmental and safety concern.

By utilizing a Halon Recycling System, airports and airlines can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, while also helping protect the safety of their passengers and personnel in the event of a fire.

Aviation Halon Recycling

Halon Recycling System

The Model H1301 Halon Recycling System is the smallest, fastest, and lowest cost complete Halon recycling machine available on the market. The H1301 is capable of extracting Halon from high-pressure vessels, purifying it to MIL-M-12218C or ISO 7201, and pumping the purified Halon into storage containers.

Halon Recycling System

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