Episode #48: Foam, HFCs, & 3M Novec 1230 | The Fire Protection Podcast

Regulation and new technology have, in tandem, created some new opportunities in fire protection as of late. Firefighting foam, HFCs, and other clean agents are being scrutinized for their harmful effects on humans and the environment. In the last few years, foam protection schemes have drastically changed with the banning of PFOS / PFOA products. These foam agents were tremendous at putting out high-challenge fires. What do we do now??? The new technology of electric transportation is everywhere these days. Newer technology allows trains, planes, and automobiles to be powered by cleaner / greener solutions. With the advent of newer batteries and energy storage solutions come the challenges we see in fire protection from these technologies. Every day there is a video or story with a lithium-ion battery in thermal runaway, resulting in an almost insuppressible fire. Transportation and aviation are areas of significant growth and newly created avenues for fire protection. With electric airplanes and helicopters, there will be charging stations and new hangars and heliports to protect. Technology opens doors in our industry. Foam regulation, coupled with the 85% phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2035, means the industry needs alternatives to cleaner and safer firefighting technologies. Sevo IFP is at the forefront of new suppression technology for aviation fire protection eliminating the need for foam fire protection. Fluorinated keytones, such as 3M™ Novec™ 1230, are the suppression agent of choice. It is very exciting to see a potential replacement for firefighting foam technology and an even better way to save an aircraft from being ruined by a false activation. In Episode #48, Drew speaks with Todd Stevens of Industrial Fire Protection (IFP), a division of SEVO Systems.