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IS 15220:2002 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for halogenated hydrocarbons - halon 1211 and halon 1301 - fire extinguishing media. This standard specifies the quality requirements for Halon 1211 and Halon 1301, used as fire extinguishing media. It defines the necessary purity levels, maximum allowable impurities (like water and acidity), and methods for testing and sampling. The use of these substances is heavily restricted due to their ozone-depleting properties under the Montreal Protocol.
Specification for Halogenated hydrocarbons - halon 1211 and halon 1301 - fire extinguishing media
! Halons are ozone-depleting substances and their production for non-critical use is banned globally. This standard is now relevant only for quality control of recycled halon or for maintaining legacy critical-use systems (e.g., aviation).
! Halon 1211 is a liquid streaming agent primarily for portable extinguishers, while Halon 1301 is a gaseous agent for total flooding systems.
! Modern fire suppression systems use environmentally friendly 'clean agent' alternatives like HFCs (IS 15517), FK-5-1-12 (IS 16018), or inert gases.
ISO 7201-1:1989ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
HighWithdrawn
Fire protection — Fire extinguishing media — Halogenated hydrocarbons — Part 1: Specifications for halon 1211 and halon 1301
Directly specifies the physical and chemical properties for both Halon 1211 and Halon 1301, serving as a primary source for the IS code.
ASTM D5632 - 13(2018)ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Halon 1301, Bromotrifluoromethane (CF3Br)
Covers the specification for Halon 1301 only, which is one of the two agents covered by IS 15220.
ASTM D7674 - 10(2021)ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Halon 1211, Bromochlorodifluoromethane (CF2ClBr)
Covers the specification for Halon 1211 only, the other agent covered by IS 15220.
Key Differences
≠IS 15220 combines specifications for both Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 into a single standard, similar to the withdrawn ISO 7201-1, whereas current ASTM standards (D5632 and D7674) address each agent separately.
≠The Indian Standard specifies a maximum non-volatile residue of 0.02% by mass for Halon 1301, which is stricter than the 0.05% by weight limit in the equivalent ASTM D5632 standard.
≠For Halon 1211, IS 15220 allows a maximum water content of 20 mg/kg, whereas the corresponding ASTM D7674 standard is stricter, allowing only 10 ppm (mg/kg) by weight.
≠IS 15220 references Indian Standard (IS) test methods for determining properties (e.g., IS 2263 for water content), while international standards reference their own respective methods (e.g., ASTM E203).
Key Similarities
≈The minimum purity requirement for Halon 1301 is identical across IS 15220, ISO 7201-1, and ASTM D5632, all specifying 99.6% minimum.
≈The maximum allowable acidity for Halon 1301 is consistent, set at 3.0 ppm (mg/kg) expressed as HBr in both IS 15220 and ASTM D5632.
≈The maximum water content for Halon 1301 is identical in both IS 15220 and ASTM D5632, specified at 10 ppm (mg/kg) maximum.
≈All standards cover the same core set of technical requirements for the extinguishing media, including purity, acidity, moisture content, non-volatile residue, and suspended matter to ensure agent quality and system integrity.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Purity (Halon 1301)
99.6% by volume, Min
99.6% by mole, Min
ASTM D5632
Water Content (Halon 1301)
10 mg/kg, Max
10 ppm by weight, Max
ASTM D5632
Acidity, as HBr (Halon 1301)
3.0 mg/kg, Max
3.0 ppm by weight, Max
ASTM D5632
Non-Volatile Residue (Halon 1301)
0.02% by mass, Max
0.05% by weight, Max
ASTM D5632
Purity (Halon 1211)
99.0% by mass, Min
99.0% by weight, Min
ASTM D7674
Water Content (Halon 1211)
20 mg/kg, Max
10 ppm by weight, Max
ASTM D7674
Fixed Gases in Vapour Phase (Halon 1301)
1.5% by volume, Max
1.5% by volume, Max
ASTM D5632
Non-Volatile Residue (Halon 1211)
0.05% by mass, Max
0.05% by weight, Max
ASTM D7674
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Purity of Halon 121199.5 % by mass
Maximum Water Content for Halon 12110.001 % by mass
Maximum Acidity for Halon 12113.0 ppm by mass
Minimum Purity of Halon 130199.6 % by mass
Maximum Water Content for Halon 13010.001 % by mass
Maximum Acidity for Halon 13013.0 ppm by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Physical and Chemical Requirements for Halon 1211
Table 2 - Physical and Chemical Requirements for Halon 1301
Key Clauses
Clause 4 - Requirements for Halon 1211 (Bromochlorodifluoromethane)
Clause 5 - Requirements for Halon 1301 (Bromotrifluoromethane)
Clause 6 - Packing and Marking
Annex A - Method for Determination of Purity
Annex B - Method for Determination of Water Content
No, the production and new installation of Halon systems are banned under the Montreal Protocol. This standard is for quality assurance of existing or recycled Halon for critical applications only.
What is the minimum required purity for Halon 1301?+
99.6% by mass, as specified in Table 2.
What is the key difference in application between Halon 1211 and 1301?+
Halon 1211 is a liquid streaming agent used in portable extinguishers, whereas Halon 1301 is a gaseous agent used in fixed total-flooding systems for unoccupied spaces.
What test is used to determine water content?+
The Karl Fischer method is specified in Annex B for determining water content.