12--Extinguisher, Fire

Sources Sought - Request For Information (RFI) - Requirements FOR EXTINGUISHER, FIRE, (AGENT TO BE DETERMINED), PORTABLE, WITH MOUNTING BRACKET, FOR AVIATION USE 1. SCOPE. The following criteria for identifying industry capabilities covers one type of portable, fire extinguisher (non-refillable/non-rechargeable is preferred), containing (an agent meeting the criteria within the following) and its mounting bracke t. The intended use of this fire extinguisher assembly is to extinguish an ordinary combustible material (wood, cloth, paper, rubber and most plastics), petroleum and/or electrical fires in crew and passenger compartments of aircraft, particularly tactic al military aircraft (helicopters), and for general use outside the aircraft (remote tactical landing locations). In addition, the assembly must possess gunfire and crash integrity. This extinguisher will be used as a replacement for the current 2.75-pou nd Halon 1301 extinguisher used in Army Aviation weapon systems. 2. REQUIREMENTS. 2.1 Material. 2.1.1. Cylinder. The cylinder must be a Department of Transportation (DOT) specification cylinder authorized for use as a fire extinguisher in accordance with Section 173.309(b) of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). Additional cylinder requirements for extinguishing agents can be found in Nation Fire Protection Association Standard 10 and in the appropriate Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) Standa rd for the agent used. NOTE: A UL Standard may not exist for recently developed agents. Newly developed agent fire extinguishers, not having a UL standard, will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, if one is identified. 2.1.1.1 Mounting bracket. Th e mounting bracket material is not limited; however, the final design shall meet all performance requirements specified in this survey. 2.1.1.1.1 The bracket design shall permit flush mounting against the mounting surface. 2.1.1.1.2 When properly inst alled in the mounted bracket, the cylinder shall not contact the mounting fasteners. 2.1.1.1.3 The final mounting bracket design shall be capable of having the same mounting hole pattern as the current design. (Use of the current bracket design would b e preferred.) 2.2 Design and construction. Unless otherwise specified herein, the fire extinguisher assembly design and construction shall conform to the appropriate Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) Standards for the agent used. 2.3 Assembly. 2.3.1 Maj or Components. The assembly shall consist of the extinguisher cylinder, contents, delivery system, horn, identification and instruction labels, and mounting bracket. 2.3.1.1 Dimensions. The fire extinguisher cylinder plus head assembly shall not exceed 13.5 inches in height. The fire extinguisher cylinder shall exceed not 3.5 inches in diameter. The fire extinguisher assembly shall be designed so that it is as compact as possible to minimize snag hazards in the cockpit. 2.3.2 Cylinder contents. The cylinder shall contain an extinguishing agent that is considered 'clean' National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 2001, paragraph 1-3.8. Sufficient agent should be stored within the cylinder to allow the extingu isher to meet a performance equivalent to A:2B:C for non-professional, A:5B:C for a professional, as defined by UL Standard 711. Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Dry Powders, Mixtures possessing dry powders and any Class I or II Ozone Depleting Chemicals (ODCs) will not be authorized for use in the portable extinguisher application identified in this survey. 2.3.3 Mounting Bracket Latch. The bracket holding the extinguisher shall have no more than one latch. The latch design shall be such that the extinguisher ca n be removed from any mounted position when the latch is released within 3 seconds of initiating the removal action. 2.3.3.1 Unlatching Process. The unlatching process shall not require more than two motions and one hand to release the extinguisher from the fastening me chanism. 2.3.3.2 Interference. Once unfastened, the bracket parts shall not interfere with the removal of the extinguisher from any position. 2.3.3.3 Removal. The overall assembly design shall permit the operator to remove the extinguisher by liftin g the cylinder not more than ½ inch away from the bracket base and then away from the bracket. 2.3.3.4 Latch Retainer. The latch-retaining pin shall be attached to the bracket latch mechanism in a manner that will not interfere with extinguisher latch ing operation and in a manner that will not pose foreign object damage to the aircraft. 2.3.4 Discharge indicator. The fire extinguisher shall be equipped with a visual device to notify the user that the extinguisher contents have been exhausted (this d evice will provide a notification mechanism of unserviceability). The indicator device shall be securely fastened to the extinguisher and shall not be susceptible to accidental activation. Indication of discharge shall be extinguishable from the other e xtinguisher components. 2.3.5 Weight. Fully charged, the fire extinguisher assembly (i.e. cylinder/bracket) shall weigh no more than 7.5 pounds. 2.3.6 Components. 2.3.6.1 Puncturing Mechanism. The parts of the puncturing/agent activation mechanism, with the exception of unexposed springs and pins, shall be made of nonferrous material or corrosion-resistant stainless steel. 2.3.6.2 Operating Mechanism. The operating mechanism(s) of the extinguisher shall include a safety device to prevent unintent ional discharge. This device should be made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. This safety device shall be connected to the extinguisher in a manner to ensure this device does not pose foreign object damage to the aircraft. 2.3.6.3 Valve/Nozzle As sembly. The hand-portable extinguisher shall have a self-closing valve for intermittent discharge and a nozzle to direct the discharge. 2.3.6.3 Siphon Tube. If applicable to the manufacturers design, the siphon tube shall be constructed of a material t hat is compatible with the extinguisher agent with which it is to be used. 2.3.6.5 Handle. The hand portable extinguisher shall have a carrying handle. The handle shall be made of nonferrous metal, austenitic stainless steel, carbon steel protected against corrosion, or a polymeric material capable of complying with aging tes ts for polymeric materials. 2.3.6.6 Expellant Gas. If applicable to the manufacturer's design, the expellant gas used in a stored-pressure extinguisher shall be nitrogen and have a dew point of minus 70 degree Fahrenheit (56.7 degree Celcious). The nit rogen shall meet industry standards for dry nitrogen in accordance with Commercial Item Description (CID) A-A-59503. 2.3.6.7 Safe Design 2.3.6.7.1 Maximum Handling Temperature The extinguisher (cylinder or any external component) shall not pose a temperature hazard to the user. This excludes external extinguisher component temperature resulting from the exposure to heat within the area f or which it is used and/or mounted. During sustained operation (a period of over 3 seconds or more) of the extinguisher, the cylinder or any external part of the assembly shall not exceed 120F as referenced in MIL-STD-1472F. 2.3.6.7.2 Stress Corro sion A material for an extinguisher part, the deterioration of which results in the extinguisher becoming inoperable or could result in risk of injury to personnel, shall not be susceptible to stress corrosion. 2.3.6.7.3 Safe to Handle The extinguisher assembly, including items such as the valve, cap, straps, hose, cylinder, handle, mounting device, and similar items, shall be free sharp edges and sharp surfaces that could possibly injure personnel during maintenance or use. 2.4 Cylinder retention and fragmentation resistance. Every cylinder shall have the capability to remain unshattered and in one piece, and every bracket shall retain the cylinder, when subjected to ballistics testing. Deta ils for specific of ballistics testing is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.5 Crash and Flight Load Retention. 2.5.1 Crash Retention The fire extinguisher and mounting hardware shall remain intact during crash conditions. Details for the crash reten tion testing is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.5.2 Flight Load Retention The fire extinguisher and mounting hardware shall not cause structural degradation to existing aircraft structures under normal flight conditions. NOTE: Structural analysis of the airframes shall be conducted for new design extinguisher assemblies. Details of this structural analysis are beyond the scope of this survey. 2.6 Performance 2.6.1 Operation. The fire extinguisher shall be capable of being removed from its bracket, and be operated while its user is wearing heavy gloves, arctic mittens and/or Mission-Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) gear. 2.6.2 Discharge Range. The hand-held extinguisher shall be capable fully discharging it contents from any orientation ranging from 80 degree to -80 degree from the vertical position at a range of not less than 4 feet. 2.6.3 Discharge time. The discharge time for expelling the contents of the extinguisher shall be a minimum of 8 seconds and a maximum of 30 seconds, at a n air temperature of 68 degree ±3 degree Fahrenheit. 2.6.4 Extinguishment. The extinguisher should possess the capability for two successive extinguishments during the 70 degree Fahrenheit tests referenced in UL Standard 711. No more than five extinguishing attempts shall be allowed to demonstrate the two successive extinguishments. The pan size for extinguishing tests, after expos ure to rough usage and during low temperature extinguishing, shall be not less than 2 square feet. The extinguisher shall be able to meet hidden fire test results comparable to those of Halon 1301. Hidden fire test criteria is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.6.5 Performance Rating. The fire extinguisher shall have a performance rating of A:2B:C class, in accordance with UL 711. 2.6.6 Climatic extremes. For this survey, the fire extinguisher shall function properly at temperatures between -65 degree Fahrenheit to +160 degree Fahrenheit. In addition, the fire extinguisher shall be capable of meeting the performance requirements of 2.6 after the fire extinguisher has been subjected to the following conditions : a. Exposure to temperatures of -65 degree ±3 degree Fahrenheit for not less than 16 hours. b. Exposure to temperatures of +175 degree ±3 degree Fahrenheit for not less than 4 hours. There shall be no leakage from the extinguisher during the cond itioning cycles. NOTE: Additional temperature related testing is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.7 Corrosion Resistant. The extinguisher assembly and its components shall be corrosion free for the entire service life. Manufacturers may use salt f og as an accelerated corrosion test for the purpose of lifetime corrosion prediction. Corrosion testing per ASTM-B117 shall be conducted with a minimum exposure of 500 hours for two extinguisher assemblies. After the completion of the salt fog exposure, one extinguisher shall be disassembled and its components visually examined by the naked eye for any corrosion or color change. The assembly finish shall not show any blistering, uplifting, softening, nor exhibit substrate corrosion or color change. The other extinguisher shall be tested for meeting all of the requirements of paragraph 2.6. 2.7.1 Exterior surfaces. All exterior metal surfaces (if applicable) shall be suitably treated to resist atmospheric corrosion. Coatings containing cadmium, lead, or hexavalent chromium shall not be used. The cylinder shall be red, conforming FED-STD-595, color number 11105. All other surfaces shall be matte black. 2.7.2 Agent Compatibility. The manufacturers design of the extinguisher, valve and siphon tube sh all be constructed of a material that is resistant to any corrosive effects, internal to the extinguisher bottle, caused by the extinguishing agent with which it is to be used. 2.8. Vibration testing. Vibration shall not degrade the performance of the Extinguisher and shall be tested accordingly. The extin guisher and bracket shall be capable of meeting performance criteria of 2.6 when subjected to vibration testing. Specific vibration test criteria is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.9 Rough usage. The extinguisher shall be capable of meeting performa nce criteria of 2.6 when subjected to rough usage. Specific rough usage test criteria is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.10 Identification and instructions. Exact instructions to be placed on this labeling will be addressed once a replacement agent is identified and selected. 2.11 Cylinder labeling. The permanent label(s) that shall be affixed to the cylinder should be capable of withstanding rough usage where instructions cannot be easily made illegible. Specific test criteria for this requireme nt is beyond the scope of this survey. 2.12 Environmental. A prospective extinguishing agent shall be approved or capable of being approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program. The manufacturing process of this agent should not pose harmful effects to the environment. This agent must have zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and no global warming potential (GWP). Disposal of unused agents, after its useful life, should not have harmful effects on the environment. This agent must meet international environmental laws. 2.13 Compatibility. A prospective agent (in it's neat state) shall be compatible with materials used in the construction and operation of rotorcraft. Examples of these materials are: Aluminum Alloys, Magnesium, Composites (Fiberglass, Kevlar, Graphite), Avionic Materials, Weapons and Energetic Materiels. Additionally, possible decomposition product(s) for an agent must be compatible with these same materials at the estimated concentration(s) to be produced when subjected to a fire. 2.14 Mission Effect After Discharge. The fire extinguishing agent shall be a clean agent. 2.14.1 Non-Residue Agent The fire-extinguishing agent shall not leave a residue on equipment (such as flight instrumentation and/or electronics) after discharge. 2.14.2 Visual Obscuration The fire-extinguishing agent, after discharge, shall not obscure the vision of the pilot and crewmembers. 2.15 Maintainability. The agent and delivery system shall require minimal maintenance over its useful life, other than periodic inspections. The manufacturer shall provide maintenance instructions. A technical data package including a spare parts list shall be provided from the manufacturer. Useful life would be the 12 year test interval outlined in Section 180.209(j) of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). NOTE: The maintenance instructions provided by the manufacturer shall be capable of providing information such as required torques where applicable for specific extinguisher items. As applicable, the ma nufacturer shall be capable of providing detailed information regarding extinguisher components such as the cylinder shell, siphon tube, cylinder seal assembly, seal disk, cylinder seal washer, cylinder head assembly, cylinder head gasket, threaded swivel nut, grip, valve, safety pin, swivel arm, discharge orifice bushing, horn, etc. 2.15.1 Maintenance Inspection Minimal maintenance would include, but shall not be limited to, a 6 month visual inspection of the extinguisher for discharge, damage, leaks an d review initial DOT inspection date, weighing, checking torques and adequate removal from and placement into the bracket. 2.16 Toxicity. The agent must be authorized for use in occupied spaces. The design concentration for the agent for extinguishmen t of class A and B fires must be below the No-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) for that agent. Safety guidance for some agents is provided in NFPA 2001, although no agents listed in this standard look to be feasible for this application. The agent (neat state and byproducts) shall be capable of meeting the toxicity requirements o f the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM). Therefore, agents selected for further review, as a result of this survey, will require a Health Hazard Assessment in accordance with Army Regulations. 2.17 Operation. 2.17 .1 Method of Operation The construction of the extinguisher should be such that the method of operation should be obvious. The construction of the extinguisher should be such that after the discharge of the agent is initiated, the operator of the extingu isher is not required to take further manual actions to maintain the maximum possible flow of the agent. The extinguisher shall be usable by one operator without the assistance from a second individual. 2.17.2 Discharge Effort. The amount of force requ ired to actuate a full and complete discharge of the agent shall not exceed the grip strength of 37 pounds for a momentary duration (a period of up to three seconds) or 22 pounds for a sustained duration (a period over 3 seconds) for the operator as outlin ed in MIL-STD-1472F. 2.18 Humidity Exposure. A single extinguisher assembly shall be subjected to humidity exposure at 120 +/-2 degree Fahrenheit and 95% to 100% relative humidity for a minimum of 1000 hours. After the exposure, the assemblies shall be visually examined by the naked eye. Structural deformation, composite delamination, leakage, color change, or corrosion is not allowed. The extinguisher shall be then tested per paragraph 2.6 for meeting the performance requirements. REFERENCES: 1. MI L-E-52031D, EXTINGUISHER, FIRE, VAPORIZING LIQUID, CF3BR, 2-3/4 POUND, WITH BRACKET, 5 SEP 79. 2. BB-E-2879A Amend 1, EXTINGUISHER, FIRE, CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2), PORTABLE, WITH MOUNTING BRACKET, FOR AVIATION USE, 01-OCT-2001. 3. DOT/FAA/AR-01/37, Develop ment of a Minimum Performance Standard for Hand-Held Fire. Extinguishers as a Replacement for Halon 1211 on Civilian Transport Category Aircraft, August 2002. 4. Underwriters Laboratory Standard 711. 5. National Fire Protection Association Standards 1 0 and 2001. 6. Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) 49. 7. MIL-STD-1742F. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE DESIGN CRITERIA STANDARD, Human Engineering, 23 August 1999. For further information contact Forrest Baker at +1 (555) 000-0000 or Tim Helton at +1 (555) 000-0000.