6-3.3 Charging Procedure - Kidde Fire Systems ECS Manual

Post-Discharge Maintenance
6-3.3 Charging Procedure
Recharge HFC-227ea cylinder and valve assembly as follows:
Note: HFC-227ea cylinder received from Kidde Fire Systems may be pressurized per the par-
tial fill tag.
1. Check the cylinder for the last hydrostatic test date. Perform any required Department of
Transportation (DOT) requalification tests or examinations.
2. Check the cylinder and valve assembly for physical defects. If you find any of the following,
do not charge the cylinder: cracks of any kind, elongated pits of any length, inclusions of
any size, pitting, bulging, dents, corrosion, fire damage, mechanical defects, scratches,
nicks or gouges if more than superficial in nature. These defects shall be cause for rejection.
3. Weigh the cylinder/valve assembly to verify the quantity of agent in cylinder. Ensure that
no more than 10 PSIG (0.7 bar) of nitrogen is in cylinder before beginning fill procedures.
HFC-227ea is a colorless, odorless gas, low in toxicity, and is an extremely
effective fire suppression agent. HFC-227ea can be liquefied by compression,
and is normally shipped and stored in this condition. Being a liquefied
compressed gas, HFC-227ea is stored and handled under saturated conditions
(that is, the liquid and vapor coexist in equilibrium). A reduction in pressure,
without a corresponding reduction in temperature, will cause the liquid to
CAUTION
flash into vapor with accompanying refrigeration effects. By understanding
the physical properties of HFC-227ea and its safe handling techniques, the
agent may be transferred from shipping cylinders to the desired end use
container safely.
4. Connect the HFC-227ea supply and return lines to the HFC-227ea storage container valves.
5. Close all valves in the charging system.
6. Set the 3-way valve (Item 9 in Figure 6-8) to allow flow from the HFC-227ea supply to the
cylinder.
7. Open the HFC-227ea supply valves (Items 19, 21, 10, 11, 8 and 27). DO NOT open the
return line valve (Item 22) at this time.
The pressure gauge (Item 28) should indicate supply pressure.
8. Crack the vent valve (Item 30) until HFC-227ea liquid is present, then close the valve (Item
30).
9. Turn the 3-way valve (Item 9) to the return line position.
10. Open the valve (Item 24).
11. Crack the vent valve (Item 23) until HFC-227ea liquid is present. Then, close the valve
(Item 23).
12. Open the return line valve (Item 22).
The charging system is now ready for use.
13. Position the HFC-227ea cylinder/valve assembly (Item 26) with safety cap and pilot actu-
ation port protection cap in place and properly connected on the weigh scale (Item 3).
Note: The empty weight of the cylinder assembly and the HFC-227ea weight must be stamped
on the cylinder valve nameplate.
14. Remove the safety cap and immediately connect the cylinder assembly to the charging sys-
tem by assembling the recharge adapter with o-ring packing (Item 1) to the cylinder valve
outlet port.
Note: When approximately 10 PSIG (0.7 bar) differential exists at the outlet port, the main
piston in the cylinder valve assembly will unseat, permitting flow into the assembly.
Valve seating occurs with the removal of pressure from the valve outlet port and sub-
sequent momentary application of 450 to 600 PSIG (31 to 41 bar) of nitrogen as dis-
cussed below.
October 2014 6-10 06-236115-001