Bromotrifluoromethane

Bromotrifluoromethane, also known by the trade name Halon 1301, is an organic halide with the chemical formula CBrF3.

Uses
It was introduced as an effective gaseous fire suppression agent in the 1960s, and was used around valuable materials, such as aircraft, mainframe computers, and telecommunication switching centers, usually in total flooding systems. It was also widely used in the maritime industry to add a third level of protection should the main and emergency fire pumps become inoperable or ineffective.

This is a volatile extinguishant that should be used only with a breathing apparatus (when volume exceeds 5%). In higher concentrations it causes giddiness and mildly impaired perception. There is also a risk of toxic and irritant pyrolysis products, hydrogen bromide and hydrogen fluoride.

Due to lessons learned in the Vietnam War, the use of Halon 1301 began in the F-16 fighter aircraft to prevent vapors in the fuel tanks from becoming explosive. Upon entering areas with possible unfriendly fire, Halon 1301 is injected into the fuel tanks for one-time use. Due to environmental concerns, trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) is being considered as an alternative.

Alternatives


Alternatives to Halon 1301 in fire extinguishing systems are being deployed. Most installations can be converted to fire sprinklers. In other cases, different total flooding agents can be used. The alternatives for normally occupied areas include C4F10 (PFC-410 or CEA-410), C3F8 (PFC-218 or CEA-308), HCFC Blend A (NAF S-III), HFC-23 (FE 13), HFC-227ea (FM 200), IG-01 (argon), IG-55 (argonite), HFC-125, or HFC-134a. For normally unoccupied areas, the alternatives include carbon dioxide, powdered Aerosol C, CF3I, HCFC-22, HCFC-124, HFC-125, HFC-134a, gelled halocarbon/dry chemical suspension (PGA), blend of inert gas and powdered aerosol (FS 0140), and IG-541 (Inergen).