An aerosol generator is a self contained extinguishing unit that contains an aerosol forming compound which, during a controlled combustion process within the generator, produces an ultra-fine aerosol extinguishing agent that is significantly more effective than currently available alternatives. The units are constructed of stainless steel components, are listed for both area and volumetric coverage, and require no piping, nozzles, or other distribution equipment. In effect, the generator acts as its own storage, production and delivery device.
No. The units are designed for single use only. After discharge turn around time is minimized as re-connection of a new generator is quickly and easily accomplished.
A highly stable solid charge of the aerosol forming composition is contained within the sealed generator. Upon activation of the initiator, the charge begins a controlled burn producing an ultra-fine aerosol, which is ten times as effective as any agent currently on the market. The effective aerosol passes through a series of oxidation and cooling filters, where the temperature of the aerosol is rapidly reduced before it escapes through the discharge ports of the generator at low pressure. Generator placement within the hazard area provides proper flow and distribution of the highly effective aerosol within the protected volume.
No, oxygen levels are not affected.
Unlike other agents that work by reducing oxygen levels or by cooling, the aerosol extinguishes by chemical interaction with the free radicals that fuel the growth of the fire — in the same manner as halon did. The aerosol stream contains ultra-fine (1-2 micron) particles of potassium compounds that provide a large surface area interaction with the fire. In the fire zone the free potassium radicals bind with the free radicals of the fire (O, OH, H) to rapidly slow and extinguish the fire.
Stat-X is extremely effective. Tests on class B fires have shown it to be 5 times more effective than halon and 10+ times more effective than other currently available halon alternatives. This dramatically reduces weight and space requirements.
Stat-X is an aerosol and shares many of the flow characteristics of a gas. It is suitable for use in un-occupied and normally occupied enclosed volumes and has the added advantages of extended hold times and less susceptibility to leakage. In addition, Unlike HFC's, which can break down and produce deleterious compounds such as hydrofluoric acid when exposed to elevated temperatures, Stat-X does not break down when exposed to a fire.
Yes. Stat-X has no global warming potential and no ozone depletion potential.
Yes. Stat-X has been approved for sale and use in unoccupied and normally occupied spaces by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The aerosol, itself, consists of solid and gas combustion products. The solid phase is composed of highly dispersed particles that present insignificant health hazards for humans at normal design concentrations. The gas phase may contain very small amounts of carbon monoxide CO, carbon dioxide CO2, nitrogen oxides NOx, and ammonia NH3. Production of these gases is minimal in the case of Stat-X due to its patented construction, chemical formulation, and its manufacture in the United States using only technical and reagent grade chemicals. In tests conducted by a certified, accredited testing facility in the United States, Stat-X generators were shown to produce gas levels several orders of magnitude less than the standard allowed for automobile airbag systems for passenger vehicles.
While the components of the aerosol are not considered toxic at normal concentration levels, ingestion of the ultra-fine particulate may cause short-term discomfort and unnecessary exposure should be avoided. Exposure to the aerosol is generally of less concern than is exposure to the decomposition products of a fire. Accidental exposures under ten minutes are normally considered safe. There is a high obscuration factor with the aerosol and a 30 second time delay and system lock out switch should be used whenever personnel may be present in the protected space.
The term "clean agent" has traditionally referred to gases. The term itself is inaccurate as all agents may pose post discharge issues. The Stat-X aerosol does contain ultra-fine suspended particulate which is buoyant and hangs in suspension for extended periods. Because of this, settling is minimal and removal of the aerosol can be accomplished easily by venting. While the aerosol itself is quite "clean", environmental factors are also a consideration. The unknown, and potentially harmful, by-products of an actual fire pose the biggest risk to sensitive equipment. Because unknown products from the fire itself may be present or because of unwanted environmental conditions, it is always recommended that the area is thoroughly cleaned to insure that no unwanted products are present. For example, on site maintenance and housekeeping may have been lax allowing accumulation of dirt in the enclosure. During discharge, any dirt within the enclosure will be blown around and then deposited as unwanted residue throughout the area.
Also, in rare cases, unit orientation may have been altered improperly or equipment may have been re-oriented within the protected enclosure resulting in an improper discharge directly onto a wall or equipment surface. This could result in the deposit of small, localized areas of highly concentrated agglomerated particulate on that surface. If left untended, an agglomerated mass may take on moisture and may cause non-progressive surface discoloration (copper, bronze) of unprotected metal surfaces. It is therefore, important that any agglomerated particulate be cleaned up with a water/acetic acid solution no later than 24 hours following a discharge.
Stat-X are designed by trained, certified, and authorized distributors using a computer aided design program that uses data on dimensions, areas of leakage and location of un-closeable openings, fire class, and other factors to arrive at a system tailored to the clients specific requirements. The design methods of calculation are part of our listing.
The generators are small, self-contained, and mounted at ceiling height. They do not take up valuable floor space as conventional systems do.
No. Stat-X systems are extremely cost effective. While actual costs will vary based on the size of the enclosure, leakage, and class of hazard, in general, an installed system will be significantly less expensive than alternatives. This is due to the small amount of agent required and the fact that installation costs are dramatically reduced because of the elimination of distribution manifolds, piping, and nozzles. Stat-X thermal units, where appropriate further reduce costs due to the elimination of detection and releasing devices.
The service life of Stat-X generators is fifteen (15) years+.
Stat-X thermal units are suitable for small enclosed spaces such as electronic enclosure, hazmat storage, switchgear cabinets, etc. The units are self contained and utilize a patented thermal detector that is integral to the generator — eliminating the need for ancillary detection and releasing devices. Units are available in several temperature settings to insure applicability to the hazard being protected.
Utilities
Power Generation
Energy Battery Storage (ESS)
Energy Battery Storage Systems (BESS)
Transportation — Bus
Transportation — Rail
Transportation & Mobility
Manufacturing Machines
Manufacturing
Buildings
Laboratories
Oil & Gas
Marine
Maintenance costs related to the generators themselves are minimal and involve only periodic visual examination of the generators and protected space to insure that the generators have not been damaged and that the system installation and space remains in the same configuration as that originally designed. Electrically activated systems require a regular check of the detection and control system, including all ancillary devices.
Yes. The aerosol extinguishing systems are covered by NFPA 2010 Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems, 2020 Edition.
Yes. Electric operated Stat-X condensed aerosol systems are currently listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) and Underwriter’s Laboratories of Canada (ULC). Also both electric and thermal/manual operated systems are approved by the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) in UK, CSIRO/ActivFire in Australia, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), European Control Board (ECB), and many more. In addition, it has been approved for sale by the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in many areas of the world including Asia, the Pacific Rim, the Middle East, South and Central America, Europe, the United States, and Canada. Other listings around the world are currently in process and will be completed shortly.
Yes. We have had a number of successful incidents particularly with CNC machines where a relatively small investment in a Stat-X system has saved high value ($250K - $500k) equipment with minimal downtime. We have also saved high value mining equipment and Stat-X is installed on several thousand military vehicles serving in Afghanistan where reliable fire protection is mission critical.
a. Stat-X has been tested by UL to ANSI/UL standard UL2775, the same total flooding test protocols as for clean agent systems such as Novec 1230 (UL2166) and Inergen (UL2127). UL does not have specific test protocols for combustion enclosures however the aerosol and clean agent UL listing do cover applications such as combustion enclosures.
b. Stat-X has been tested by:
i. TUV/DMT (Germany) and an OEM of industrial gas turbines. A full mock-up of a gas turbine enclosure and adjoining auxiliary mechanical room (complete with actual leakage openings) was constructed, and both full scale fire tests and corrosion/contamination tests were conducted.
ii. The OEM also conducted full scale fire tests with Stat-X units injecting aerosol into gas turbine bearing tunnel fires (as alternative to carbon dioxide systems) via piping.
iii. An OEM of aeroderivative gas turbines performed live discharge tests on production gas turbine enclosures.
iv. The US Navy Naval Research Labs on an actual gas turbine enclosure in use by the LCAC fleet.
c. Furthermore NFPA 2010 ed. 2020 Standard for Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems is referenced in NFPA 850 ed. 2020 Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations, ICC 2018 International Fire Code and ICC 2018 International Building Code.
a. FM Approvals does not have an FM standard nor test protocol for Condensed Aerosol fire suppression systems. Until such a standard is published by FM standards, FM Approvals will not accept RFPs from manufacturers to type test condensed aerosol fire suppression systems.
b. FM Approvals have type approved a number of FACP fire alarm control panels for use with Stat-X condensed aerosol systems.
a. Aerosols consist of fire suppressant micro-particles and self-generated inert gases as propellant gases. A total flooding discharge in a sealed enclosure or an enclosure with limited leakage will result in airborne micro-particles (by weight) with a significant hold time and maintaining a density above the minimum fire extinguishing level. Unlike in the case of gas extinguishing systems, leakage of fresh air into the enclosure does not dilute the density of the airborne fire suppressant aerosol micro-particles. Leakage of enclosure air out of the enclosure will only deplete the internal aerosol density if there is a pressure differential between the enclosure and outside atmospheric pressure (entrained micro-particles in leaked air will be limited).
b. UL listed Stat-X aerosol systems have a methodology (in accordance with NFPA 2010) to compensate for known unclosable openings based on overdosing an enclosure to achieve the minimum actual density following discharge of the aerosol system. As the initial aerosol quantity is adjusted, the aerosol continues to provide total flooding protection for a minimum holding time of 10 minutes. Note that the aerosol particles can remain airborne for 60+ minutes making them ideal for the protection of combustion enclosures that leak.
c. When leakage is severe, a reserve condensed aerosol system on a separate releasing circuit can be installed. Some fire alarm control panels will have the capability to automatically trigger a secondary group of aerosol generators by means of an internal delay counter. Also, a pair of FACP releasing panels can be hooked up in the master/slave arrangement where there master FACP triggers the primary aerosol group of generator units and the slave FACP will only trigger the secondary group of generators based on permissives (such as a separate set of fire detection devices or a time delayed signal from the primary FACP to the secondary FACP).
a. The design calculation methodology is clearly defined in the UL listed design manual and is relatively simple. Fireaway has a design calculation program that can print a report that can be verified by the project authority having jurisdiction.
b. Application rates in use by the calculation program automatically includes a 30% safety factor.
c. All Stat-X distributors are required to take a Stat-X design training course and pass a certification test. The certificate is valid for a maximum of 3 years.
a. See previous question, "Does Stat-X have the capability for extended discharge? If so how would that be done?" answer a. Fresh air does not dilute nor deplete the aerosol density (by weight).
b. Aerosol density is not as sensitive to volumetric gas mixing as in the case of clean agent gas systems. The flooding behavior of condensed aerosols is similar to that of high-pressure water mist systems.
a. Fireaway is a manufacturer and does not offer field installation nor commissioning services. The condensed aerosol system is only a subsystem of an integrated fire detection and suppression system and requires the system design and installer to be both trained, certified, and in some cases licensed separately for the OEM fire detection system and the Stat-X fire suppression system.
b. Stat-X distributors must be trained and certified for the design and installation of Stat-X systems.
a. Yes, but we may not disclosure whom due to NDA agreements.
b. The US Navy is currently using Stat-X to protect propulsion gas turbine enclosures in amphibious air cushion landing craft based on successful NRL full scale fire testing. The US Navy has also approved the use of Stat-X for the protection of diesel engine rooms and flammable liquid storage rooms on naval fleet vessels.
c. However, attached are brochures in the public domain.
The Stat-X First Responder® is a hand held unit with a pull actuator designed to be tossed into an enclosed space with an active fire to provide immediate fire suppression.
ENERGY
Scenario A: The worst case — fire erupts in a manhole with worker stuck in the manhole and either incapacitated or unable to escape though the flames. A co-worker immediately deploys a Stat-X First Responder® and tosses it into the manhole away from the trapped worker. It will suppress/extinguish the fire, buying valuable time for evacuation or power shutdown.
Scenario B: Underground transformer fire, or any below grade enclosed space fire. Just twist and pull the ring, toss the Stat-X First Responder in. Deploy another as necessary to suppress/extinguish the fire reducing damage and downtime.
FIRE FIGHTER
Scenario A: Firefighter arrives at the scene of an early stage fire. After evacuating people and before additional resources arrive at the scene, toss a Stat-X First Responder into the rooms which are involved with the fire. This will buy time for further rescue and for firefighters to lay hose.
Scenario B: Firefighters are concerned about potential flashover from a fire down a hall and water isn’t available yet. Toss a Stat-X First Responder ahead of the firefighters to eliminate many of the contributing factors of a flashover.
Scenario C: A firefighter is trapped or can’t get to a victim due to an intense area of fire. Toss a Stat-X First Responder into the flame area for immediate fire suppression.
POLICE
Scenario A: Police arrive at a vehicle fire as a result of an accident. There are occupants trapped in the burning vehicle and the fire department has not yet arrived. Break a window, toss The Stat-X First Responder into the vehicle to knock down the fire and remove the occupants.
Scenario B: SWAT arrives on site and must deploy "flash bangers" into an area to stun criminals. These flash bangers often ignite combustibles. Toss a Stat-X First Responder into the flame area for immediate fire suppression for entry or to suppress fire while awaiting the arrival of the fire department.
Scenario C: Police arrive on the site of a structure (house) fire, in advance of the fire department. Occupants can be seen or heard in the fire area. Deploy The Stat-X First Responder to possibly attempt rescue or at least suppress and hold the fire in check until the fire department arrives.
The units are 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs), 8.1 cm in diameter (3-3/16th inches), and 17.75 cm high (7 inches).
The Stat-X compound is the most effective fire extinguishing agent currently available — many times more effective than conventional agents by mass. The Stat-X First Responder contains the same compound used in our UL and ULC listed fixed fire extinghishing units. However, due to the tremendous variability of conditions in a firefighting situation, the purpose of the Stat-X First Responder is, first and foremost, for use as an extremely effective tool to suppress and limit the growth of fires until other traditional methods are available to put out the fire — any extinguishment is a bonus.
This is, of course, subject to the class of materials involved, leakage, and other factors. Tests have shown significant suppression effects up to an 8 ft high 10 ft x 10 ft room — around 20 cubic meters. More units would be required for a larger volume or spaces with excessive leakage. The aerosol flows and spreads rapidly throughout the volume rapidly - in a manner similar to a gas. However, since the aerosol is buoyant, more is required in a high ceiling situation. The Stat-X First Responder is most effective when thrown directly at or near the fire.
No, the unit remains fully intact and sends out an aerosol stream in a circular discharge pattern around the base of the unit. Discharge time is around twenty (20) seconds.
No, there is no oxygen depletion or reduction. The Stat-X First Responder stops fire by interfering with the chemistry underlying fire — not by changing the atmosphere.
The aerosol will be the least of their problems. While the aerosol may cause minor mucous membrane irritation at high concentrations (over 100g/m3) or if there is long exposure, the combustion products and heat of a fire can be, and often are, deadly. In a real world fire scenario the by-products and composition of the aerosol are insignificant relative to those of a fire. At a 100g/m3 density the gas products of the aerosol are many orders of magnitude less than that allowed for automobile airbag systems. However, the Stat-X First Responder should not be thrown close to the victim as it emits a hot cloud of aerosol close to the unit.
The unit is NOT pressurized prior to activation. When activated, a controlled burning reaction of the solid aerosol forming compound inside the Stat-X First Responder converts the solid to an aerosol composed of 30% carrier gases (primarily nitrogen and small amounts of water vapor) and 70% ultra-fine particulate (potassium compounds in the 1-2 micron range). The unit operates at relatively low pressure.
The compound is made of a patented mixture of Potassium Nitrate, Dicyandiamide, and an organic binder. This is the same compound used in the entire line of Stat-X UL and ULC Listed products and is in use world-wide. The compound has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
Yes, there is a cooling bed inside the unit composed of loosely packed spherical material to allow for aerosol flow while at the same time providing a cooling mechanism. This is normal.
The aerosol has a long hang time providing extended protection — up to an hour in a truly sealed, confined space with no airflow. However, in real world deployments the aerosol will typically escape through doors, windows, or other openings. But as long as the aerosol cloud is present, it will be continue to provide suppression.
Absolutely! Each fire situation is unique and conditions may warrant the use of multiple units. If human exposure is not a concern, there is no downside to the use of additional units.
Stat-X have a shelf life of over ten (10) years when stored at temperatures of -54°C (-65°F) to +54°C (+130°F).
No. The Stat-X First Responder® unit remains hot after use and sends out a stream of hot gases in the immediate vicinity (2 foot radius) of the unit during discharge. In Stat-X® fixed units additional coolant is used to reduce the exit temperature to low levels, but the coolant has been reduced in the Stat-X First Responder — to reduce weight and facilitate an effective handheld unit. This is for professional use only in the presence of actual fire conditions.
The aerosol dissipates rapidly outside due to its ultra-fine particle size. Unlike an ammonium phosphate extinguisher there is no coating effect, nor is there a cooling effect like water, so while there may a short term reduction in flame, a conventional extinguisher would be better. The aerosol is most effective when used in a relatively closed space.
The compound inside the unit is somewhat insulated and has a high auto ignition temperature of 300°C (572°F). In full scale bonfire testing it takes several minutes of exposure to intense heat before the Stat-X First Responder actives and operates normally. In the real world, it is highly unlikely that a firefighter could endure, for a sufficient period of time, temperatures high enough to active the unit.
We would not recommend attempting this.
The Stat-X First Responder® is truly a new innovation. It took more than two (2) years to get from prototype to a finished product. The first live demo samples shipped July 1, 2006 with commercial product shipping in September 2006. There are no similar products.
They are sold in a carton of four. They are packaged in a divided storage box. Each unit is protected by a clear plastic sleeve.
Contact us at info@statx.com or call us at 952-935-9745.