\

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless, electrically non-conductive inert gas

that is a suitable medium for extinguishing fires. Liquid carbon dioxide forms solid ice (“snow”)
when released directly to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide gas is 1.5 times heavier than air.
Carbon dioxide extinguishes fire by reducing the concentrations of oxygen, the vapor phase of
the fuel, or both in the air to the point where combustion stops. - NFPA 12: 1-5.1

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is effective in areas where flammable solids, liquids, and
vapors are present. Fires in these hazards spread very rapidly. Deep-Seated fires associated
with hazards such as; electrical equipment, bulk record storage, dust collectors, and ductwork,
are equally well protected with Carbon Dioxide. A fixed pipe Carbon Dioxide system, engineered
specifically for a particular hazard and actuated automatically, assures early detection and rapid
extinguishment.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) systems can be actuated automatically, pneumatically, or
manually. Automatically operated systems incorporate the use of smoke, thermal, or flame
detectors connected to a system control panel to actuate electrical solenoids; thus releasing the
carbon dioxide from the cylinders. Pneumatically operated systems utilize nitrogen cylinders and
release valves located at the main exit(s) from the hazard to open the valves on the Carbon
Dioxide cylinders pneumatically. Manually operated systems utilize cable pull boxes connected
to the emergency lever actuators mounted on the discharge valves.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extinguishes fire by reducing the oxygen content of the
protected space and/or local flame front to a point where it will no support combustion. Oxygen
reduction below 16% by volume will extinguish most fires. SURFACE or “FLASH” type fires (e.g.
oils, paints, etc.) are quickly extinguished. DEEP-SEATED or “SMOLDERING” type fires (e.g.
paper, baled cotton, clothing, etc.) are extinguished by the prolonged action of a high
concentration of Carbon Dioxide. Retaining the agent within the protected space reduces the
fire’s ability to re-ignite. In addition, Carbon Dioxide has a cooling effect on the surrounding
atmosphere that has been found to be a benefit to fire extinguishment.
* FACT: “Carbon Dioxide is normally present in the atmosphere at about 0.03% by volume. Carbon Dioxide is instrumental
in controlling respiration and other vital responses in animals and humans, but it WILL NOT support life.
\ #$ % & ' $

Carbon Dioxide fire extinguishing systems are useful within the limits of this
standard in extinguishing fires involving specific hazards or equipment in the follwing occupancies:

(1) Where an inert electrically nonconductive medium

is essential or desirable
(2) Where clean-up of other media presents a problem
(3) Where they are more economical to install than
systems using other media

Some types of hazards and equipment that Carbon Dioxide systems can
satisfactorily protect include the following:

(1) Flammable liquid materials

(2) Electrical hazards such as transformers, switches, circuit
breakers, rotating equipment, and electronic equipment
(3) Engines utilizing gasoline and other flammable liquid fuels
(4) Ordinary combustibles such as paper, wood, and textiles
(5) Hazardous solids

! Carbon Dioxide will not extinguish fires where the following materials are
actively involved in the combustion process:

(1) Chemicals containing their own oxygen supply, such as

cellulose nitrate
(2) Reactive metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium,
titanium, and zirconium
(3) Metal hydrides

"
Extinguishing concentrations of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) create a health hazard to area
personnel. High concentrations of carbon dioxide will cause suffocation. In addition, fogging
during and after discharge can limit visibility in protected areas. Carbon Dioxide does NOT
contain Oxygen in any form or quantity and WILL NOT sustain life. The following human
reactions to carbon dioxide have been documented:
a) At concentrations of 3 to 4% by volume in the atmosphere, the breathing
rate increases and headaches may occur.
b) At concentrations exceeding 9% by volume, personnel can lose
consciousness within TEN MINUTES. This is generally preceeded by
disorientation, visual disturbance, ringing in the ears, tremors, etc.
c) At concentrations GREATER THAN 20% by volume, DEATH IS LIKELY.

The above effects are important to note as inexperienced personnel may fail to
think clearly and take proper action if suddenly exposed to relatively low
concentrations of Carbon Dioxide.
\ ($ & &) $

" * +, $( -
Carbon Dioxide cylinders are spun steel containers finished with a
red gloss, baked enamel paint. Cylinders are available in 100 lb.
(45.4 kg).
Carbon Dioxide cylinders are equipped with a siphon tube to
provide a complete discharge of the cylinder contents. Carbon
Dioxide cylinders must be floor mounted, with the discharge valve in
the vertical (up) position. Horizontal mounting of cylinders IS NOT
allowed. Each cylinder is factory-filled to capacity, the partial fills are
never allowed. The cylinders may be used in single or multiple
applications as needed.
NFPA 12: 1-9.4 Storage Containers. Storage containers and accessories shall
be so located and arranged to facilitate inspection, maintenance, and re
charging. Interruption to protection shall be held to a minimum.
NFPA 12: 1-9.4.1 Storage Containers shall be located as near as possible to
the hazards they protect, but they shall not be located where they will be
exposed to a fire or explosion in these hazards.

" . . "
Carbon Dioxide cylinders are equipped with a cylinder valve designed
to hold the Carbon Dioxide agent in the cylinder until actuated, either
automatically or manually. All cylinders are shipped from the factory
with the valves configured as “Slave” valves. The valves can later be
converted to a “Master” valve configuration by removing the two (2)
pipe plugs installed in the actuation/fill port and the pressure port
located on the top of the valve. The conversion is completed by
installing a solenoid valve actuation kit consisting of an electric solenoid
(12 or 24 VDC), and an emergency manual lever actuator.

/ 01 / - . .
The Flexible Discharge Bend is used to provide the
interconnection between the Carbon Dioxide cylinder and the
distribution piping and/or discharge manifold. The discharge
bend has built-in check valve to prevent the discharge of
Carbon Dioxide, and one (1) is required for each cylinder.

" . . #
The Master Cylinder Actuation package is available in two (2)
operating voltages; 12VDC & 24VDC & consist of the ff:

12 or 24 VDC explosion-proof Solenoid Valve

Manual Lever Actuator
2 Braided steel Flexible Hoses
2 - ¼”Ø NPT X 90O brass Elbows & brass Tee

* NOTE: Carbon Dioxide Systems with two (2) cylinders or less require ONE (1) 24VDC SOLENOID ACTUATOR. Systems
with three (3) or more cylinders require two (2) 12 VDC SOLENOID ACTUATORS (NFPA 12: 1-7.3.6)
\ ($ & &) $

" -
Cylinder Racking is designed to restrain the cylinders, provide
for cylinder weighing, and offer a place for the discharge
manifold piping to be installed and securely fastened. The
racking components are fabricated from Uni-Strut channel and
brackets that have a galvanized finish. The cylinder saddles and
fabricated from cold-rolled steel and also have a galvanized
finish to protect against corrosion.

"
Cylinder Straps are used to secure single cylinders inplace
per requirements of NFPA, OSHA, DOT, etc. The cylinder
straps may be secured to any structurally solid surface.
However, anchoring into plaster or any other facing materials
is NOT acceptable. Cylinder Straps are made of steel and
painted with red gloss enamel for corrosion resistance.

/ - . .
The Check Valve is used to isolate the “Main & Reserve”
supplies in the Carbon Dioxide system. The Check Valve
prevents pressurization of the “Reserved Bank” of CO2
cylinders by blocking the flow of the agent from the “Main”
system discharge piping. This allows a common discharge
manifold and nozzle piping network to be used on “Main &
Reserve” system installations.
/ "
The Header Safety Relief is a pressure relief device that is
designed to prevent the entrapment of liquid Carbon Dioxide
in sections of closed piping in accordance with NFPA 12: 1-
9.2.2. The Header Safety Relief is fabricated from brass
stock and is installed in a ½” NPT tee or coupling. A
pressure increase to 2,650 – 3,000 PSI will cause the
internal disc to rupture, thus venting the pressure to
atmosphere.

/ . #
The Header Vent Plug is a pressure relief device that is
designed to vent small amounts of leakage from a closed
manifold and piping configuration on accordance with NFPA
12: 1-9.2.2. This prevents pressure from building within the
closed manifold and pipe section that could subsequently
provide enough back pressure to open the discharge
valves. The Header Vent Plug is a ½” NPT bras pipe plug
with 0.031” (0.8mm Ø) bleed hole drilled through.
\ ($ & &) $

0 / "
The Weigh Beam Scale assembly allows the weigh of the
Carbon Dioxide in a cylinder to be determined without
removing the cylinder from the rack. The assembly is a
one-piece device that includes a lifting yoke, weigh beam,
and dial scale.
To use the Weigh Beam Scale assembly, the CO2
cylinders must be located in a cylinder rack that has a
weigh rail attached, the lexible discharge bend(s) must be
removed from the valves, and the cylinder clamps must be
loosened to allow the cylinders to move vertically.

22
The Baffle Nozzle is used for total flooding applications. Each
nozzle provides a 180O discharge pattern that makes them suitable
for location around the perimeter of the hazard. The Baffle Nozzle
is made of brass and is available in a ½” NPT size with discharge
orifice codes. Nozzle strainers are required on any nozzle with as
orifice code.

22
The Radial Nozzle is used for total flooding applications. The 180O
nozzles can be located around perimeter of the hazard, and the
360O nozzles can be located at the centre. Radial Nozzles are
machined from brass and are available in ½”, ¾”, and 1” NPT
sizes. Nozzle discharge orifice codes are dependent on the nozzle
size and flow rate required. Nozzle Strainers are required for any
nozzle.
. 22
The Vent Nozzle is used for total flooding applications protecting
ductwork, electrical compartments, collecting bins, or any other
application that requires direct mounting of the nozzle and a narrow
discharge pattern. The Vent Nozzle is made of brass and is
available in ½” NPT size with discharge orifice codes. Nozzle
Strainers are required for any nozzles.

3 4 " 22
The “S” Type Nozzle can be used for Local Application and Total
flooding systems. The “S” Type Nozzle is made of zinc-plated steel
and brass nozzle orifice insert. The nozzle is available in a ½” NPT
size with orifice codes. Nozzle Strainers are required on any
nozzles. Nozzle Flange Mounting Kit is a available as an option for
mounting directly to the surface of an enclosure, hood, ductwork,
etc.
\ $5 )), '*6

1 # " A Total Flood Carbon Dioxide

System can be defined as follows: A fixed supply of CO2 agent discharging through
piping and nozzles into a permanent enclosure that is capable of containing the CO2
agent. Therefore, an extinguishing concentration of CO2 can be established and
maintained for a specific period of time. Surface Fires involving flammable liquids,
gases, and solids are extinguished by introducing CO2 into the enclosure quickly,
and in a sufficient quantity to reduce the oxygen concentration to a point where the
fire can no longer exist.

/ 2 . # Determine the volume of the hazard by multiplying (LENGTH) X

(WIDTH) X (HEIGHT). For Total-Flood applications, the volume can be reduced to exclude
any permanent, non-removable, or impermeable structures from the overall volume of the
protected space (NFPA 12: 2-3.3.1).

# The minimum extinguishing

concentration required for Surface Fires is 34% by Volume. To determine the base
Carbon Dioxide agent requirement, multiply the hazard volume by the flooding factors in the
following table (NFPA 12: Table 2-3.3):

Table 2-3.3(a) Flooding Factors

(C)
(A) (B) Volume Factor
Calculated
Volume of Space
Quantity (lb)
(ft3) ft3/lb CO2 lb CO2/ft3
(Not Less Than)
Up to 140 14 0.072 —
141-500 15 0.067 10
501-1600 16 0.063 35
1601-4500 18 0.056 100
4501-50,000 20 0.05 250
Over 50,000 22 0.046 2500
Table 2-3.3(b) Flooding Factors (SI Units)
Table 2-3.3(a) Flooding Factors
(C)
(A) (B) Volume Factor
Calculated
Volume of Space
Quantity (lb)
(ft3) ft3/lb CO2 lb CO2/ft3
(Not Less Than)
Up to 3.96 0.86 1.15 —
3.97-14.15 0.93 1.07 4.5
14.16-45.28 0.99 1.01 15.1
45.29-127.35 1.11 0.9 45.4
127.36-1415.0 1.25 0.8 113.5
Over 1415.0 1.38 0.77 1135

* NFPA 12: 2-1.3. Total flooding systems shall be designed, installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with the
applicable requirements in the previous chapter and with additional requirements set forth in this chapter.
\ $5 )), '*6

!" # $%&' $! % %!
1) ( ) * It is recommended to shutdown and/or damper the ventilation system for the CO2
system discharges in accordance w/ NFPA 12: 2-2.2.2. When ventilation system cannot be shutdown
prior to the CO2 system discharge, additional agent must be added to compensate for the volume
expressed as cu. Ft. per min. (cfm) leaving enclosure. This information is variable and will depend
upon the type and capacity of the air handling system(s) present.
2) ) ) + * All uncloseable openings in a protected hazard must be
compensated for by providing additional CO2 in a accordance with NFPA 12: 2-3.5.1. The additional
quantity of CO2 must equal the total anticipated quantity of CO2 agent that will be lost through the
openings during the required agent hold time. Exception: If the opening(s) is in the side wall(s) only,
the area of the wall openings can be divided by two (2)- NFPA 12:A-2-5.2).
3) , + ) ) * Some products
and/or materials required a higher extinguishing concentration of CO2 due to their specific chemical
characteristics. Therefore, the design concentration must be adjusted by a “Material Conversion
Factor” if any of these materials are present (Refer to NFPA 12: Table 2-3.4).
4) + * High Temperatures – When protecting hazards
O O
where the normal operating temperature is greater than 200 F (93.3 C), the amount of CO2 required
O O O
must be increased. For every 5 F above 200 F (93.3 C), an additional one percent (1%) increase in
the calculated quantity of CO2 agent must be provided (NFPA 12: 2-3.5.3); Low Temperatures –
O O
When protecting hazards has a operating temperature of less than 0 F ( -17.8 C), the amount of
O O O
CO2 agent required must be increased. For every 1 F below 0 F (-17.8 C), an additional one
percent (1%) increase in the calculated quantity of CO2 agent must be provided (NFPA 12: 2-3.5.4).
5) ) + * The CO2 cylinders must be located / installed
in an area that falls within the temperature limitations for each system type. Where storage
temperatures fall outside of the ranges stated, additional measures such as enclosures, heating, or
cooling shall be provided (NFPA 12: 1-8.5.5). For TOTAL FLOODING: the cylinder(s) must be stored
O O O O
within a temperature range of 0 F to 130 F (-18 C to 54 C). For LOCAL APPLICATION: the
O O O O
cylinder(s) must be stored within a temperature range of 32 F to 120 F (0 C to 49 C).
6) + - . ) * All electrical power & fuel sources must be
shutdown prior to CO2 system discharge. This is to remove any ignition source(s) and the potential of
re-flash within the hazard(s) being protected (NFPA 12: 1-7.3.8).
7) % % % $/ &"0 % . " &$ %" &##'%$& %! * For Surface-type applications,
the calculated agent quantity must be discharged within one (1) minute. This includes any
compensation made for materials, temperature, and /or uncloseable openings. (NFPA 12: 2-5.2.1).
8) + ) ) 1 * If a hazard contains a liquid having an auto ignition temperature below its
boiling point, (e.g. paraffin wax, and cooking oils), the CO2 concentration shall be maintained for a
period sufficient for the liquid temperature to cool below its auto ignition temperature. In this
circumstance, the minimum liquid discharge time shall be three (3) minutes (NFPA 12: 2-3.5.6 & 3-
3.3.2).

* NFPA 12: 2-3.5.6. Under normal conditions, surface fires are usually extinguished during the discharge period. Except for
unusual conditions, it will not be necessary to provide extra carbon dioxide to maintain the concentration.
\ $5 )), '*6

1 " Deep-Seated hazards are

those which the materials involved are subject to smoldering fire conditions.
Generally, this involves “Class A” products such as wood, paper, cloth, or any similar
material that leaves a carbon ash residue. The quantity of CO2 necessary for a Deep-
Seated hazard is based on tight enclosures. After the design concentration is
reached, the concentration shall be maintained for a substantial period of time; but
not less than twenty (20) minutes. Any possible leakage shall be given special
consideration since no allowance is included in the basic flooding factors (NFPA 12:
2-4.1).

/ 2 . # Determine the volume of the hazard by multiplying (LENGTH) X

(WIDTH) X (HEIGHT). For Total-Flood applications, the volume can be reduced to exclude
any permanent, non-removable, or impermeable structures from the overall volume of the
protected space (NFPA 12: 2-3.3.1).
The flooding factor used for
a system design is based on the specific hazard being protected. To determine the base
Carbon Dioxide agent requirement, multiply the hazard volume by the flooding factors in the
following table (NFPA 12: Table 2-4.2.1):

Table 2-4.2.1 Flooding Factors for Specific Hazards

Design
ft3/lb CO2 m3/kg CO2 lb CO2/ft3 kg CO2/m3 Specific Hazard
Concentration

Dry electrical hazards in general

50% 10 0.62 0.100 1.60
[Spaces 0-2000 ft3 (56.6 m3)]
0.083 1.33 Dry electrical hazards
50% 12 0.75 (200 lb) (91 kg) [Spaces greater than 2000 ft3 (56.6
minimum minimum m3)]
Record (bulk paper) storage, ducts,
65% 8 0.50 0.125 2.00
covered trenches

75% 6 0.38 0.166 2.66 Fur storage vaults, dust collectors

!" # $%&' $! % %!
1) ( ) * It is recommended to shutdown and/or damper the ventilation system for the CO2
system discharges in accordance w/ NFPA 12: 2-2.2.2. When ventilation system cannot be shutdown
prior to the CO2 system discharge, additional agent must be added to compensate for the volume
expressed as cu. Ft. per min. (cfm) leaving enclosure. This information is variable and will depend
upon the type and capacity of the air handling system(s) present. The additional agent is supplied
through the regular piping distribution system, and the amount must be determined by multiplying
the volume moved (cfm) during the required holding period by the flooding factor used to
determine the base quantity required. This amount must also be multiplied by the conversion factor
when the design concentration for the protected space is greater than 34% (NFPA 12” 2-3.5.2).
2) ) ) + * All uncloseable openings in a protected hazard must be
compensated for by providing additional CO2 in a accordance with NFPA 12: 2-3.5.1. The additional
quantity of CO2 must equal the total anticipated quantity of CO2 agent that will be lost through the
openings during the required agent hold time.
 $5 )), '*6

3) , + ) ) * Some products
and/or materials required a higher extinguishing concentration of CO2 due to their specific chemical
characteristics. Therefore, the design concentration must be adjusted by a “Material Conversion
Factor” if any of these materials are present (Refer to NFPA 12: Table 2-3.4).
4) + * High Temperatures – When protecting hazards
O O
where the normal operating temperature is greater than 200 F (93.3 C), the amount of CO2 required
O O O
must be increased. For every 5 F above 200 F (93.3 C), an additional one percent (1%) increase in
the calculated quantity of CO2 agent must be provided (NFPA 12: 2-3.5.3); Low Temperatures –
O O
When protecting hazards has a operating temperature of less than 0 F ( -17.8 C), the amount of
O O O
CO2 agent required must be increased. For every 1 F below 0 F (-17.8 C), an additional one
percent (1%) increase in the calculated quantity of CO2 agent must be provided (NFPA 12: 2-3.5.4).
5) ) + * The CO2 cylinders must be located / installed
in an area that falls within the temperature limitations for each system type. Where storage
temperatures fall outside of the ranges stated, additional measures such as enclosures, heating, or
cooling shall be provided (NFPA 12: 1-8.5.5). For TOTAL FLOODING: the cylinder(s) must be stored
O O O O
within a temperature range of 0 F to 130 F (-18 C to 54 C). For LOCAL APPLICATION: the
O O O O
cylinder(s) must be stored within a temperature range of 32 F to 120 F (0 C to 49 C).
6) + - . ) * All electrical power & fuel sources must be
shutdown prior to CO2 system discharge. This is to remove any ignition source(s) and the potential of
re-flash within the hazard(s) being protected (NFPA 12: 1-7.3.8).
7) . ) - * Deep-Seated hazard systems are discharged at
a slower flow rate and for a longer duration to counter-act the characteristics of a smoldering fire. For
Deep-Seated fires, the design concentration shall be achieved within seven (7) minutes, but a flow
rate that will provide a concentration of 30% within two (2) minutes. To calculate the minimum
flowrate for a 30% concentration, multiply the hazard volume by 0.043 (0.688 for metric calculations).
This will determine the amount of CO2 to be discharged within two (2) minutes. Dividing the resultant
quantity of CO2 by two (s) provides the required flow rate in pounds (kg) of CO2 per minute (NFPA
12: 2-5.2.3).

* NFPA 12: 2-2.3.2. For Deep-Seated fires, the required extinguishing concentration shall be maintained for a sufficient
period of time to allow the smoldering to be extinguished and the material to cool to a point at which re-ignition will not
occur when the inert atmosphere is dissipated. In any event, it is necessary to inspect the hazard immediately thereafter to
make certain that extinguishment is complete and to remove any material involved in the fire.
 $5 )), '*6

" A Local Application System consists of a

fixed supply of Carbon Dioxide agent permanently connected to a system of fixed
piping with nozzles designed to discharge the CO2 directly into the fire for the
protection of a specific piece of equipment or surface. Flammable liquids, gases, and
shallow solids may be protected where the hazard is not enclosed, or where leakage
prohibits the use of a Total Flooding System. Some examples of such hazards are dip
tanks, quench tanks, spray booths, oil-filled transformers and hydraulic
pump/reservoir systems.

Local Application Systems are divided into TWO (2) design

Classifications, depending upon method of application required:
• Rate-by-Area Method Systems – is used to protect two dimensional, horizontal
surfaces and low level objects. The hazard can consist of a flammable solid, a liquid
surface, or a coated surface.
• Rate-by-Volume Method Systems – is used to protect three (3) dimensional
hazards that are NOT enclosed, or those hazards that have too high a leakage rate to
protect with a Total Flood / Surface Type system. The total flow rate requirement for the
system will be based upon an “Assumed Enclosure” volume that surrounds the hazard.

1) ) 1 * Local Application Systems shall be designed, installed, tested,

and maintained in accordance with applicable requirements in NFPA12, chapter 3. The Hazard must
be isolated from other hazards and combustibles in order to keep a fire from spreading outside the
protected area. All areas that may become coated by combustible liquids due to spillage, leakage, or
splashing, are considered to be part of the hazard; as well as all associated materials that may
extend into, or out of, the protected (NFPA 12: 3-2.1).
2) 1 * Refer to NFPA 12: 1-5, 1-7.5, A-1-5 regarding hazards to
personnel due to obscuration of vision and reduction of oxygen concentration below that which will
support; not only in the immediate area of discharge, but in adjacent areas into which the CO2 gas
may migrate.
3) 1 * When designing a Local Application
System, the minimum effective discharge time used for computing Carbon Dioxide agent
quantity shall be Thirty (30) seconds. This shall be increased to compensate for any additional
hazard condition(s) that would require a longer cooling period to assure complete extinguishment of
the fire (NFPA 12: 3-3.3).
4) 1 * The storage requirement is the quantity of CO2 required for a
Local Application System. This quantity is based on the discharge flow rate required to blanket the
“Hazard Area” of “Assumed Volume” being protected. Since flow rate is calculated in terms of
Lbs./min; the required discharge time is thirty (30) seconds, the flow rate must be multiplied by 0.5
minutes (30 seconds). Furthermore, since the hazard is not totally enclosed in the case of Local
Application Systems, only the LIQUID PORTION of the discharge may be considered to be effective.
Therefore, the quantity of CO2 agent supplied for a Local Application System shall also be
increased by 40% (multiplied by 1.4), to compensate for the ineffective vapor portion of the
discharge (NFPA 12: 3-3.1.1).

* NFPA 12: 3-6.1 The system shall be designed to provide an effective discharge of CO2 promptly before excessive
amounts of heat can be absorbed by materials within the hazard. The CO2 supply shall be located as near as practicable
and yet not exposed to fire, and the pipeline shall be as direct as practicable with a minimum number of turns in order to
get CO2 to the fire promptly.
 ) 5 $ , 7+ ($ &

Pipe and fittings shall be of metallic, not combustible, materials having

physical and chemical characteristics such that their deterioration under stress can be
predicted with reliable. Where piping systems are installed in severely corrosive
atmospheres, special corrosion-resistant materials or coatings shall be used (NFPA 12: 1-9).

Pipe used in Carbon Dioxide systems shall be black or galvanized steel pipe
conforming to ASTM A-53, seamless or electric welded, Grade A or B; or ASTM A-106,
Grade A, B, or C. ASTM A-120 pipe and ordinary cast-iron pipe shall not be used. Stainless
steel pipe shall be Type 304 or Type 316 for threaded connections, or Type 304, 316, 304L
or 316L for welded connections. Pipe that is ¾” NPT and smaller shall be permitted to be
Schedule 40. Pipe that is 1” through 4” NPT shall be Schedule 80 (NFPA 12: 1-9.1). (Note:
while the use of flexible system components is not recommended, it is allowed.
Flexible piping system components shall be used only when there is no alternative
method of installation. All flexible piping system components shall have a minimum
burst pressure of 5,000 psi (34,474 kPa) – NFPA 12: 1-9.1).

Class 300 malleable iron and / or ductile fittings shall be used for all nominal
sizes through 2”, and forged steel fittings shall be used for all larger sizes. Flanged joints
upstream of stop valves shall be Class 300. Stainless Steel fittings shall be Type 304 or 316,
wrought/forged (per ASTM A-182); Class 3000, threaded or socketweld, for all sizes 1/8”
through 4” (NFPA 12: 1-9.1.2). (Note: Class 150 Lbs. malleable iron and ordinary cast
iron fittings, shall not be used.)

/ . Welded joints, screwed, or flanged fittings

(malleable or ductile iron) may be used. Mechanical grooved joint fittings may only be
used if they are specifically listed for CO2 service. Flush bushings shall not be used
(NFPA 12: 1-9.1.3).

# The piping system shall be securely supported with due allowance for
CO2 agent thrust forces, thermal expansion / contraction, and shall not be subject to
mechanical, chemical, or other damage. Where explosions are possible; the piping system
shall be provided with hangers or supports that are least likely to be displaced. (NFPA 12: 1-
9.2.1).

2 Prior to performing a CO2 calculation, the piping system’s

required pipe sizes can be estimated by using the table below. However, this table contains
“estimated” sizes only and flow calculation must be performed prior to the installation of any
piping or discharge nozzles:

Pipe Size Estimating Table

Pipe Size (Schedule) Average Flow Rate
US Lbs / min. Kg. / min.
1/2"Ø 12 - 100 6.8 - 45.4
3/4"Ø 101 - 200 45.8 - 90.7
1"Ø 201 - 350 91.2 - 158.8
1 1/4"Ø 351 -700 159.2 - 317.5
1 1/2"Ø 701 - 1000 318 - 453.6
2"Ø 1001 - 1600 454 - 725.8
2 1/2"Ø 1601 - 2500 726.2 - 1134
3"Ø 2501 - 4000 1134.5 - 1814.4
$* 88' +$ ' 8$
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &
'& )8 , 78 &