Landracing Forum
Tech Information => Technical Discussion => Topic started by: Jack Gifford on September 03, 2019, 12:35:08 AM
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My lakester has two 10 pound systems (engine and cockpit) made by FireBottle Inc. They are both active and in perfect condition, but date back to 2007. I now see that they are "Foam wetting agent". I would dread trying to exit the cramped cockpit filled with slippery foam! I'd like to recharge the cockpit bottle with a Halon-type medium, but FireBottle won't recharge a bottle after six years. Anybody know a cost-effective approach? Do all manufacturers' bottles have a male 1 3/16" x 20 thread on the top? If so, I would talk to other companies about their recharge policies.
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Jack:
I used to be a fire bottle dealer. I think the six year refill spec may be an SFI requirement not FIREBOLTLE's, see below. I don't know a company that will refill and certify a system that is not their own. BR
2.7 On Board Fire Suppression Systems shall be inspected for recertification at
least every two years after the date of original certification or as specified by
the certifying manufacturer. When a unit is determined to be acceptable for
continued service, a new conformance label marked with the inspection date
shall be used. In-field recertification is permitted, but ONLY by the original
manufacturer or its authorized agent. Mailing of certification labels to
customers is strictly prohibited. Systems shall have a maximum field service
life of 6 years from the original date of installation. At the end of the 6-year
period, all systems must be returned to the manufacturer or a certified
recycling service center for lawful disassembly, recycling and
SFI Specification 17.1 Page 3 Effective: April 20, 2018
decommissioning. No system may be refilled more than 6 times during its 6-
year field service life.
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What puzzles me is the requirement for re-certification of Halon systems- why is this necessary?
If the weight of the bottle and contents are within limits it should be OK. There is no internal corrosion, packing of powder, or pressure loss. What is it that limits a Halon system's ability to be re-filled after a certain date? I've read a study that reported many agencies (FAA, military, airlines, etc) are considering eliminating the required re-certification of Halon systems.
Can anyone explain this?
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
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What puzzles me is the requirement for re-certification of Halon systems- why is this necessary?
If the weight of the bottle and contents are within limits it should be OK. There is no internal corrosion, packing of powder, or pressure loss. What is it that limits a Halon system's ability to be re-filled after a certain date? I've read a study that reported many agencies (FAA, military, airlines, etc) are considering eliminating the required re-certification of Halon systems.
Can anyone explain this?
Regards, Neil Tucson, AZ
A field service life of 6 years how is that possible?
I wonder could it be were trapped in a market where the manufactures will make more sales if a perfect system though older is still fine but deemed in need of rectification with no logical proof as to why.
Im sure the SFI will be happy to explain maybe why after 6 years the system is now considered junk!
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Well let's see, the Manufacturer applies and meets SFI requirements. Then SFI issues SFI labels at a fee to the Manufacturer. So SFI is selling labels as a revenue stream for new Certs or Re-Cert.
Now don't get me wrong, SFI has done a lot to make everything we do safer and I am thankful there are there...but you can figure out the logic. Years ago we bought software... now we lease it. Re-Occurring revenue stream is the name of that game.
The other thing I learned is buy your new SFI equipment dated in Sept or Oct. Versus say July. Then you should get one more speedweek or WOS out of it before its required to be re-certified or replaced. Then you have all winter to send them back to the Manufacturer.
BR
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The six year rule is about hydrostat testing rule under the Feds DOT requirement. Some manufacturers will retest the bottles.
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Jack, give me a call at the shop at 772.210.2713.
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Thanks for the comments.
Joe- I'll be calling you.
The thread on the bottle might also be described as 30 x 1.25 mm. Only about 5 threads protrude, so i can't tell which thread pitch gauge is a closer fit- 20 tpi or 1.25 mm. Anybody know what thread size is used on some other manufacturers' bottles?
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Correction- my systems are from FireFox, not FireBottle. :oops:
I'm awaiting word from FireFox as to whether they can refill my bottles with Halon-like agent.
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Yes, FireFox will refill my bottles with FE-36, without regard to original date on the bottles. for a reasonable price. Another item to take care of this winter.
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Wow- that quote of my reply#9 made a strange substitution for "original date on the bottles". :roll:
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Jack, I'm thinking cauron is a spammer bot... if he does not explain himself on this thread soon, I will zap him to the cyber graveyard cromag
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And I back your thought Stainless. I thought a little earlier about turning him into Jon and then decided to let it go for a while.
Pete
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Thanks for "watching over" these forums!