Analysis of Fire Suppression Agents, Refrigerants, and Blowing Agents in Polyurethane and Polystyrene Insulation Foams
As a contract testing laboratory, Butterworth can undertake work from a wide range of industries. While we have tended to work with Pharmaceutical companies, we have developed extensive experience analysing important materials from many industries, ranging from fire suppressants, refrigerants and blowing agents in insulation foams, to recent propellants used in pMDI inhalers.
As seen in the table below, many of these substances have applications across these industries. The majority of substances noted for fire suppression and medical propellants are considered critical-use substances and are exempt from control under the Montreal Protocol. For example, while the non-critical use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) was completely banned by 2000 under the protocol schedule, the last use as medical propellants in the UK was in 2010, and it is still used for this purpose in some developing countries.
| Structural Formula | Fire Suppressants | Refrigerant/Blowing Agent | Medical Propellant |
| CBrF3 | Halon 1301 | – | – |
| CCl2F2 | CFC 12 | R 12 | P 12 |
| CF3CHFCF3 | HFC 227ea (FM 200) | R 227ea | HFA 227ea (Apaflurane) |
| CF3CH2F | – | R 134a | HFA 134a (Norflurane) |
| CF3CH2CF3 | HFC 236fa (FE 36) | R 236fa | HFA 236fa |
| trans-CHFCHCF3 | – | R 1234ze | HFO 1234ze(E) |
| CBrClF2 | Halon 1211 | – | – |
| CCl3F | CFC 11 | R 11 | P 11 |
| CBr2F2 | Halon 1202 | R12B2 | – |
| CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2 | FK-5-1-12 (Novec 1230) | – | – |
| CH2BrCl | Halon 1011 | R 40B1 | – |
| CBrF3 | Halon 1301 | – | – |
If we consider 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF3), it is interesting that if you had one person from each of these areas of application, then it is reasonably certain that the firefighter would talk about FM 200, the refrigeration/polymer engineer would talk about R 227ea, the medical device manufacturer would talk about Apaflurane, and that all three may not realise that they are all talking about the same substance. Butterworth conducts QC purity testing of this material regularly
Examples of sample types include:
- Fire Suppression: We provide certification for the full testing requirements for Halon 1211, Halon 1301, HFC 227ea and FK-5-1-12 to support compliance with ASTM, ISO and BS EN standards.
- Insulation Foam Blowing Agents: We can confirm whether Polyurethane or Polystyrene insulation foam contains the CFC-11 blowing agent and therefore requires specialist end-of-life destruction, or whether it contains a non-ozone-depleting blowing agent such as pentane and can be sent to landfill.
- Development of procedures for analysing pMDI propelants.
- In addition to the materials tabulated above, we can test recent industry trend materials, such as carbon dioxide and ammonia.
Why Butterworth:
Butterworth has developed expert analytical expertise in fire suppression and blowing agents analysis, and our certification is highly regarded within the industry. We also have the capabilities to identify ‘unknown’ sample materials. Over the past 30 years, we have developed extensive experience in the analysis of gases and extremely volatile liquids
Frequently asked questions:
Yes, we have a stock of 500 mL ISO gas sampling bombs with Swagelok fittings.
Yes, including national carriers.
Yes. We are happy to discuss the development and validation of analytical procedures for new materials and applications, including pMDI propellants and other specialist products.
Turnaround times depend on the testing requirements and sample type. We will provide an estimated completion date when your enquiry is reviewed. We can also provide a quote for a 5-day or even 3-day service, where technically possible.
Sample requirements vary depending on the material and analysis required. Please contact us with details of your sample, and we will advise on the quantity needed.
To help us provide an accurate quotation, please include details of the sample type, suspected composition, number of samples, required testing, applicable standards, and any reporting or certification requirements.
