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Specification for Halogenated hydrocarbons - halon 1211 and halon 1301 - fire extinguishing media

IS 15220:2002 specifies the requirements and testing methods for halogenated hydrocarbons Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 used as fire extinguishing media. These halons are effective for fires involving flammable liquids, gases, electrical equipment, and combustible materials, especially where non-conductive extinguishing agents are essential. The standard covers purity, physical properties, packaging, marking, and restrictions aligned with environmental protocols, targeting fire safety professionals and manufacturers.

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2002Edition
Fire FightingCategory
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What This Standard Covers

IS 15220:2002 specifies the requirements and testing methods for halogenated hydrocarbons Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 used as fire extinguishing media. These halons are effective for fires involving flammable liquids, gases, electrical equipment, and combustible materials, especially where non-conductive extinguishing agents are essential. The standard covers purity, physical properties, packaging, marking, and restrictions aligned with environmental protocols, targeting fire safety professionals and manufacturers.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Fire Safety Engineers
  • Fire Protection Equipment Manufacturers
  • Industrial Safety Officers
  • Electrical Safety Consultants
  • Facility Managers in Critical Infrastructure
  • Regulatory Compliance Specialists
  • Environmental Safety Officers

Key Topics Covered

Specifications for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301
Purity and Chemical Composition Requirements
Physical and Chemical Properties
Packaging and Cylinder Standards
Marking and Labeling Requirements
Methods of Testing (Purity, Acidity, Water Content, Residue)
Electrical Conductivity and Fire Extinguishing Effectiveness
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance (Montreal Protocol)
Restrictions on Production and Use
Handling and Storage Guidelines
Prohibition of Non-standard Halon Extinguishers
Phasing Out and Essential Use Criteria

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 15220 - Scope: Physical Properties of Halon 1211 and Halon 1301

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Critical volume (m³/kg)0.001410.00134
Critical density (kg/m³)713745
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60 °C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20 °C (kg/m³)18301575
Saturated vapour density at 20 °C (kg/m³)17.4115.6
Specific volume of superheated vapour at 1.013 bar and 20 °C (m³/kg)0.1450.159

Notes:

  • All numerical values should be rounded as per IS 2:1960.
  • 1 bar = 10^5 Pa.

This table defines the essential physical properties for design and compliance related to Halon 1211 and 1301 as per IS 15220, Clause 4.2.

flowchart LR
    A[Halon Type] --> B[Physical Properties]
    B --> C[Relative Molecular Mass]
    B --> D[Boiling & Freezing Points]
    B --> E[Critical Properties]
    B --> F[Vapour Pressure]
    B --> G[Density & Volume]

This scope ensures correct selection and

2Definitions

IS 15220: Definitions & Key Physical Properties of Halons 1211 and 1301

Key Definitions (Clause None)

  • Values for tests or analysis results must be rounded per IS 2:1960, maintaining the same significant figures as specified.

Physical Properties (Clause 4.2, Table 2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Critical volume (m³/kg)0.001410.00134
Critical density (kg/m³)713745
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60 °C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20 °C (kg/m³)18301575
Saturated vapour density at 20 °C (kg/m³)17.4115.6
Specific volume of superheated vapour at 1.013 bar & 20 °C (m³/kg)0.1450.159

Notes:

  • 1 bar = 10^5 Pa
  • These properties are essential for design, safety, and handling of Halon-based fire suppression systems.
flowchart LR
    A[Halon 1211] -->|Boiling Point| B(-4°C)
    A -->|Critical Pressure| C(42.06 bar)
    A -->|Liquid Density| D(1830 kg/m³)
    E[Halon 1301] -->|Boiling Point| F(-57
3Requirements

IS 15220 — Key Requirements for Halons 1211 & 1301

1. Purity & Quality (Table 1, Clause 4.1)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Purity (mol/mol), Min99.0%99.6%
Acidity, ppm (max)3.03.0
Water content, ppm (max)2010
Non-volatile residue (% m/m, max)0.010.01
Halogen ionPasses testPasses test
Suspended matter or sedimentNon-visibleNon-visible

2. Physical Properties (Table 2, Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Critical volume (m³/kg)0.001410.00134
Critical density (kg/m³)713745
Vapour pressure at 20°C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60°C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20°C (kg/m³)18301575
Saturated vapour density at 20°C (kg/m³)17.4115.6
Specific volume of superheated vapour at 1.013 bar and 20°C (m³/kg)0.145
4Physical Properties

IS 15220 - Physical Properties of Halons 1211 & 1301 (Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Critical volume (m³/kg)0.001410.00134
Critical density (kg/m³)713745
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60 °C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20 °C (kg/m³)18301575
Saturated vapour density at 20 °C (kg/m³)17.4115.6
Specific volume of superheated vapour at 1.013 bar and 20 °C (m³/kg)0.1450.159

Additional Notes:

  • 1 bar = 10⁵ Pa
  • Purity and quality requirements are in Table 1 (Clause 4.1), e.g., minimum purity 99.0% for Halon 1211 and 99.6% for Halon 1301.
  • These properties are essential for design, handling, and safety assessments of Halon-based fire suppression systems.
flowchart LR
    A[Halon Physical Properties] --> B[Critical Properties]
    A --> C[Vapour Pressure]
    A --> D[Density]
    B --> E
5Methods of Test

IS 15220 - Methods of Test: Key Specifications & Tables

1. Rounding Off (IS 2:1960)

  • Final test values must be rounded to the same significant figures as specified in the standard.

2. Table 1: Chemical Requirements for Halons (Clause 4.1)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Purity (mol/mol, Min)99.0%99.6%
Acidity (ppm by mass, Max)3.03.0
Water content (ppm by mass, Max)2010
Non-volatile residue (% m/m, Max)0.010.01
Halogen ionPassPass
Suspended matter/sedimentNon-visibleNon-visible

3. Table 2: Physical Properties of Halons (Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Critical volume (m³/kg)0.001410.00134
Critical density (kg/m³)713745
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60 °C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20 °C (kg/m³)18301575
Saturated vapour density at 20 °C (kg/m³
6Packaging and Filling

IS 15220 Key Points: Packaging and Filling of Halons

Packaging:

  • Halon 1211: Filled in gas cylinders conforming to IS 3196 (Part 2).
  • Filling ratio: Filled to 75% (v/v) of the cylinder volume.
  • Halon 1301: Due to high pressure liquefiable nature, filled in cylinders conforming to IS 7285.

Physical Properties (Table 2 Summary):

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point (°C)-4.0-57.8
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Vapour pressure at 20°C (bar)2.5314.63
Vapour pressure at 60°C (bar)7.2034.58
Liquid density at 20°C (kg/m³)18301575

Marking Requirements (Clause 7.1):

  • Manufacturer’s name/trademark
  • Manufacture date (month/year)
  • Product name ("Halon 1211" or "Halon 1301")
  • Cylinder source, manufacture year, test pressure
  • Empty and filled mass of cylinder

Summary Formula for Filling Volume:

[ \text{Filling volume} = 0.75 \times \text{Cylinder internal volume} ]


flowchart TD
    A[Start: Select Halon Type] --> B{Halon 1211?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Use IS 3196 (Part 2) cylinder]
    B -- No --> D[Use IS 7285 cylinder (Halon 1301)]
    C --> E[Fill to 75% volume]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Mark cylinder per Clause 7.1]
    F --> G[Ready for use]

This ensures safe packaging and filling per IS 15220.

7Marking

IS 15220 - Marking Requirements (Clause 7.1 & 7.1.1.1)

Each Halon container must be legibly and indelibly marked on the outside with:

  • Manufacturer's name and trade-mark
  • Month and year of manufacture
  • The words "Halon 1211" or "Halon 1301" prominently
  • Source, year of manufacture of the cylinder, and its test pressure
  • Empty mass of the cylinder
  • Filled mass of the cylinder

The use of the Standard Mark is regulated by the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986.


Physical Properties of Halons (Table 2, Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point at 1.013 bar (°C)-4.0-57.8
Freezing point (°C)-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature (°C)153.867.0
Critical pressure (bar)42.0639.6
Liquid density at 20 °C (kg/m³)18301575
Vapour pressure at 20 °C (bar)2.5314.63

Notes:

  • Marking ensures traceability & safety compliance.
  • Follow IS 2:1960 for rounding off numerical values.
  • For licensing and Standard Mark use, contact Bureau of Indian Standards.
flowchart TD
    A[Manufacturer] --> B[Mark container]
    B --> C{Marking includes}
    C --> D[Name & Trade-mark]
    C --> E[Month & Year of Manufacture]
    C --> F["Halon 1211" or "Halon 1301"]
    C --> G[Source, Year & Test Pressure]
    C --> H[Empty Mass]
    C --> I[Filled Mass]
    B --> J[Standard Mark License]
    J --> K[BIS Act 1986
8Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

IS 15220: Environmental & Regulatory Considerations for Halons 1211 & 1301

Key Specifications (Clause 4.1 & 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Purity (mol/mol, min)99.0%99.6%
Acidity (ppm max)3.03.0
Water content (ppm max)2010
Non-volatile residue (% max)0.010.01
Halogen ionPasses testPasses test
Suspended matterNon-visibleNon-visible

Physical Properties (Table 2, Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point @ 1.013 bar, °C-4.0-57.8
Freezing point, °C-160.5-168.0
Critical temperature, °C153.867.0
Critical pressure, bar42.0639.6
Vapour pressure @ 20 °C, bar2.5314.63
Vapour pressure @ 60 °C, bar7.2034.58
Liquid density @ 20 °C, kg/m³18301575

Environmental Notes:

  • Halons have ozone depletion potential; use is regulated.
  • Ensure compliance with local environmental regulations for handling and disposal.
  • Purity and contaminant limits ensure safe and effective use.

Summary Diagram: Halon Physical Properties

graph LR
A[Halon 1211] --> B(Boiling Point: -4°C)
A --> C(Critical Temp: 153.8°C)
A --> D(Vapour Pressure @20°C: 2.53 bar)

E[Halon 1301] --> F(Boiling Point: -57.8°C)
E --> G(Critical Temp: 67°C)
E --> H(Vapour
9Restrictions and Phase-out Guidelines

IS 15220: Restrictions and Phase-out Guidelines for Halons 1211 & 1301

Key Specifications (Clause 4.1 & 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Purity (mol/mol), Min99.0%99.6%
Acidity (ppm by mass), Max3.03.0
Water content (ppm by mass), Max2010
Non-volatile residue (% m/m), Max0.010.01
Suspended matterNon-visibleNon-visible

Physical Properties (Table 2, Clause 4.2)

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Relative molecular mass165.38148.93
Boiling point (°C)-4.0-57.8
Vapour pressure @ 20°C (bar)2.5314.63
Liquid density @ 20°C (kg/m³)18301575

Phase-out & Restrictions

  • Government of India mandates strict compliance with phase-out programmes for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).
  • Availability of Halons will be restricted progressively.
  • Users must follow detailed government instructions for transition to alternative agents.

Summary Diagram: Phase-out Process

flowchart LR
    A[Current Halon Use] --> B[Government Phase-out Notification]
    B --> C[Compliance with Testing & Purity]
    C --> D[Restricted Availability]
    D --> E[Switch to Alternatives]
    E --> F[Complete Phase-out]

Note: Always refer to the latest government notifications for updated timelines and compliance requirements.

Annex ACommittee Composition

IS 15220: Committee Composition Summary

Committee: Fire Fighting Sectional Committee, CED 22
Composition details: Provided in Annex A (Foreword)


Key Points from Annex A:

  • Chairman: Shri Om Prakash (Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi)
  • Members represent diverse organizations including:
    • Airport Authority of India
    • Andhra Pradesh Fire Services
    • Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
    • Bombay Fire Brigade
    • Central Building Research Institute
    • Central Industrial Security Force
    • Defence Research and Development Organization
    • Various Fire Services and Safety Companies
    • Industry representatives and personal capacities
    • BIS Directorate General (Ex-officio)

Specifications:

  • The committee includes senior officials, fire safety experts, engineers, and industry representatives.
  • Alternate members are nominated for many organizations ensuring continuity.
  • The committee ensures comprehensive expertise covering government, industry, research, and fire safety.

Visual: Committee Structure (Simplified)

graph TD
    A[Chairman: Ministry of Home Affairs] --> B[Government Agencies]
    A --> C[Fire Services]
    A --> D[Research Institutes]
    A --> E[Industry Representatives]
    A --> F[BIS Directorate General]

    B --> B1[Airport Authority of India]
    B --> B2[Central Industrial Security Force]
    C --> C1[Andhra Pradesh Fire Services]
    C --> C2[Delhi Fire Service]
    D --> D1[Central Building Research Institute]
    D --> D2[Defence R&D Organization]
    E --> E1[Fire and Safety Appliances Co.]
    E --> E2[Mather and Platt Ltd.]

For detailed member names and organizations, refer to Annex A of IS 15220.

Popular Questions About IS 15220

?What are the minimum purity requirements for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301?

According to IS 15220 Clause 4.1, Table 1, the minimum purity requirements for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are:

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301
Purity (mol/mol), Min99.0%99.6%

Additional related quality limits include:

  • Acidity: Max 3.0 ppm by mass
  • Water content: Max 20 ppm (Halon 1211), Max 10 ppm (Halon 1301)
  • Non-volatile residue: Max 0.01% (m/m)
  • Suspended matter: Non-visible

These purity levels ensure effective fire extinguishing performance and chemical stability.


Summary:

  • Halon 1211 purity ≥ 99.0%
  • Halon 1301 purity ≥ 99.6%

This is critical for compliance and safety in fire suppression systems.

?Which types of cylinders are specified for packaging Halon 1211 and Halon 1301?

According to IS 15220:

  • Halon 1211 must be packed in gas cylinders conforming to IS 3196 (Part 2). The filling ratio is 75% by volume.
  • Halon 1301, being a high-pressure liquefiable gas, must be packed in cylinders conforming to IS 7285.

Key points:

Gas TypeCylinder StandardFilling Ratio
Halon 1211IS 3196 (Part 2)75% (v/v)
Halon 1301IS 7285As per high-pressure requirements

Marking requirements (Clause 7.1):

  • Manufacturer's name/trademark
  • Month/year of manufacture
  • Gas type ("Halon 1211" or "Halon 1301")
  • Cylinder source, manufacture year, test pressure
  • Empty and filled mass of the cylinder

This ensures safe containment and traceability of Halon gases during storage and use.

?How does IS 15220 address the environmental impact of halons?

IS 15220 addresses the environmental impact of halons by aligning with the Montreal Protocol's mandate to phase out ozone-depleting substances:

  • Halon Classification: Halons 1211 and 1301 are recognized as Group II ozone-depleting substances.
  • Phase-out Timeline: India, as a signatory since 1992, committed to phase out halons by 1 January 2010.
  • Regulatory Measures:
    • Halons are restricted to essential uses only—critical fire/explosion risk areas where no alternatives exist.
    • Use beyond essential applications has been prohibited since 1 January 2001.
  • Environmental Protection Focus: The standard emphasizes minimizing halon use to prevent ozone layer depletion, promoting alternative fire suppression methods wherever possible.

This ensures compliance with international environmental treaties while safeguarding critical infrastructure and safety.

Loading diagram...
?What testing methods are prescribed to verify the quality of halon fire extinguishing media?

According to IS 15220, the quality verification of Halon fire extinguishing media (Halon 1211 and 1301) involves testing the following properties as per Clause 4.1 and Table 1:

PropertyHalon 1211Halon 1301Method Reference
Purity (mol/mol), Min99.0%99.6%Clause 5 (Methods of Test)
Acidity (ppm by mass), Max3.03.0Clause 5
Water content (ppm by mass), Max2010Clause 5
Non-volatile residue (% m/m), Max0.010.01Clause 5
Halogen ionPasses testPasses testClause 5
Suspended matter or sedimentNon-visibleNon-visibleVisual inspection

Key Testing Methods (Clause 5):

  • Gas chromatography for purity.
  • Titration or ion chromatography for acidity and halogen ions.
  • Karl Fischer titration for water content.
  • Gravimetric analysis for non-volatile residue.
  • Visual inspection for suspended matter.

These ensure compliance with the standard's stringent quality requirements for effective fire suppression.

Loading diagram...
?Are there restrictions on the use and production of halons under this standard?

According to IS 15220, the use and production of halons are strictly regulated:

  • Production of halons in India was stopped from 1 January 2001.
  • Use of halons is restricted to "essential uses" only, specifically for protecting critical fire/explosion risk areas where failure would seriously impair essential services or pose unacceptable threats to life, environment, or national security.
  • All other fire protection measures must be implemented before resorting to halons.
  • Availability of halons is limited, emphasizing conservation and careful application.

Summary:

AspectRestriction/Requirement
ProductionStopped in India since 01-01-2001
UseOnly for essential, critical risk areas
AvailabilityRestricted and controlled
Alternative MeasuresMust be exhausted before halon use

This aligns with global environmental concerns over halons' ozone-depleting potential.

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