FireBag® Thermal Activated Shutoff Device

Improves Fire Safety for Natural Gas, Propane and Butane Gas Lines

FireBag® thermal activated shutoff devices shut off gas supply when ambient temperatures reach 212ºF, preventing the spread of fire which can lead to gas explosions. According to the NFPA, the U.S. fire departments face 2,110 home fires a year where natural gas is the first material ignited, and 1,170 home fires a year where LP-gas is involved with the start of a fire. Most home gas fires originate in the kitchen at the stove or gas range.

TECO Americas has sold fire safe valves and actuators to manufacturers, chemical manufacturers, HVAC and contractors, and gas utilities worldwide for over 25 years and is introducing the FireBag® to North America. Manual shutoff at the source of an appliance gas fire is simply too dangerous. Typically, the fire department manually shuts gas off from the street-side main shutoff valve using a special wrench. The elapsed time between when the fire is detected, the fire department contacted, and their arrival can lead to excessive property damage and raises the potential for gas explosions.

“In the absence of any readily accessible US standard for the certification of thermally actuated shut off devices for natural gas, propane and butane we analyze how the API607 standard may provide some guidance in the selection of such devices” reports Bill Farrell, president of Assured Automation. “In addition, we encourage and continue to contribute to the discussion that will lead to the development of U.S. standards as comprehensive as those used in Europe,” he adds.

API Standard 607 defines the Fire Test for Soft Seated Quarter Turn valves; it defines the test and the methods for testing. Since it is a well-known standard, the API607 is often used as an acceptable criteria for devices that are not covered by the standard. “In other words, we need the device to meet API607 even though it cannot possibly meet the API607 standard” Farrell points out. The FireBag® will meet the temperature and leakage requirements of ANSI/API 607 for natural gas, propane and butane.

When the outside temperature reaches 203-212ºFF (95-100ºFC) metal alloy in the FireBag® that keeps plug and cartridge together melts and the spring pressure pushes the plug against the gas opening to close it completely. Once triggered, the shutoff device works up to 1,697ºFF (925ºFC) for one hour. No fire or heat detectors are required to automatically intercept gas flow.

National and International Certifications

The FireBag conforms to both AGA and CGA specifications. The more rigorous European UNI EN 1775 Standard requires all indoor gas pipelines be designed, built and protected to prevent explosions in the case of fire as well as spreading of the fire itself. The FireBag® meets the following standards:

• European UNI EN 1775 Standard for indoor gas installations
• European Directive 90/396/CEE certification for durability in mechanical or thermal stress
• German DVGW TRGI 86/96 Standard for thermo-activated locking systems on gas heaters, water heaters & domestic gas fittings
• German Standard Muster-Feuerverordnung (FeuVo v. 02/95 – edition 09/97) for thermal-activated devices
• Italian UNI 7129 Ed 2001 Standard for fire protection & gas supply line components

Safety Features

The FireBag® is compatible with other safety devices (e.g. gas leak detectors) as it works even when the cause of the fire is not inside the system.

• The FireBag is virtually maintenance-free.
• It does not require regular inspections like active safety devices.
• It is not affected by external factors and works even during servicing operations.

Usage

FireBag can be used to protect internal pipes in gas installations such as:

• Domestic gas installations supplied by a distribution system
• GPL domestic (or similar) installations not supplied by a line
• Gas fittings used in professional or community kitchens
• Installations supplying individual gas radiators
• Industrial installations supplying hot air generators
• Thermal stations for the production of hot water
• Varnishing booths
• Baking ovens
• Gas engine supply lines for the production of electric power

Features

The FireBag thermal shutoff device features include:

• Maximum Allowable Operating Pressure (MAOP): 100 PSIG
• Working temperature: -40ºF to +140ºF (-40ºC to + 60ºC)
• FireBag® set-off temperature: 203-212ºF (95-100ºC)
• FireBag® heat resistance: 1,697ºF (925ºC) for 60 minutes
• Material and finishing Zinc-plated steel