GA 498-2004

GA 498-2004 Restaurant fire suppression device

GA 498-2004 Introduction

GA 498-2004 standard in Chapter 5 and Chapter 7 is mandatory, the rest is recommended.

The standard has been advanced by Fire Fighting Bureau of Ministry of Public Security.

GA 498-2004 standard is under administration of Second Technical Committee of National Technical Committee of Fire Protection Standardization（CSBTS/TC113/SC2）.

GA 498-2004 standard was drafted by Tianjin Fire Protection Research Institution Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China.

Chief draftsmen included: Wang Shuyan, Dong Haibin, Zhao Yongshun and Ma Jianming

Restaurant Fire Suppression Device

1 Scope

GA 498-2004 standard prescribes the model, basic parameter, requirements, experimental method, test rules, package, transportation, storage and the requirements for operation manual preparation.

GA 498-2004 standard is applicable to restaurant fire suppression device.

2 Normative documents quoted

Articles in the following documents are quoted in the standard. As for documents with date, all amending lists (not including error correction) or revisions are not applicable to the standard. However, discussion between agreeing parties on whether to apply these documents is encouraged. As for documents without date, their latest version is applicable to the standard.   

GB5099－1994 seamless steel gas cartridge

GB5100－1994 welded steel gas cartridge

GB5135.1 automatic sprinkling fire system   Part I: sprinkler nozzle

GB9969.1 operation instructions for industrial products   General

GA400－2002 performance requirements and experimental methods for gas fire-extinguishing system and its components

3 Terms and definitions

The following terms and definitions are applicable to the standard.

3.1 Restaurant fire suppression device

This is a box-shaped fire suppression device, which can automatically detect and put out fire, often installed in moist and high temperature environment such as restaurant, consisting of agent storage container assembly, Stored pressure or expellant gas cartridge assembly, pipeline, nozzle, valve, valve actuator, fire detector and control devices.

3.2 Gas shutoff valve, installed on kitchen stove gas pipeline, can shut off the valve right away if fire suppression device is started. 

3.3  Water , installed on pipeline of fire suppression device and connected with water source, can be opened immediately after the device has been started and fire extinguishing agent has been completely discharged.  

3.4 Agent storage container assembly, used for sealing and packaging pressurized (or not) fire extinguishing agent, consisting of agent storage assembly, container valve, siphon, etc. 

3.5 Expellant gas cartridge assembly, used for sealing and packaging actuator gas, consists of gas storage container and container valve, etc. 

3.6 Operate pressure

GA 498-2004 a balanced pressure reached under 20℃ after the stored-pressure agent storage container assembly and the expellant gas cartridge assembly are charged at given pressure ratings.

3.7 Maximum working pressure

a balanced pressure reached at the max working temperature after the stored-pressure agent storage container assembly and expellant gas cartridge assembly are charged at given rating pressure.

3.8 Discharge rate, the agent mass sprayed from sprinkler nozzle per time unit, kg/s.

4 Model compiling and basic parameters

4.1 Model compiling

GA 498-2004 device models are compiled according to the following rules.

8 sprinklers used to extinguish flue fire with foam agent.

4.2 Basic parameters

4.2.1 Wording temperature range

working temperature range: 0 ℃～55 ℃

GA 498-2004 if the designed working temperature of the product exceeds the above limit, a distinct and permanent mark shall be indicated on the product label.

4.2.2 Working pressure

The product manufacturer shall indicate the working pressure of stored-pressure device or gas storage cartridge-actuated device according to storage type of fire agent.

5 Requirements

5.1 Appearance and quality

5.1.1 Components of the device should have no obvious processing defect or mechanical damage, outside surface should have been anti-corrosion treated, anti-corrosion coat and plating film should be complete and even, fasteners should have no slackness. 

5.1.2 Name, weight and period of validity of fire agent should be marked on face of fire agent storage container, with distinct and clear wording.

Name of actuator gas should also be indicated on actuator cartridge.

5.1.3 GA 498-2004  nameplate of the device should be firmly fixed in conspicuous position of the device, with product name, model, standard code, agent stored-pressure or actuator cartridge stored-pressure, agent load amount, working temperature range, manufacturer and manufacture date, etc.

5.2 Material

5.2.1 Material of seamless steel container should comply with provisions regulated in Chapter 5 GB5099, material of welded steel container should comply with provisions regulated in Chapter 5 GB5100.

5.2.2 Container valve, water , pressure reducing valve, nozzle should be made of stainless steel, or copper alloy, gas valve should be made of copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or other metals with strength not less than those materials  mentioned above.

5.2.3 GA 498-2004 elastic gasket, sealant and relative components should be made from materials that will not be damaged or deformed through prolonged contact with fire agent.

5.2.4 Link pipe should be made from media corrosion resisting materials, for instance, high pressure soft tube, or metal tube with high resistance to pressure, impact and vibration.

5.2.5 Seamless steel tube with corrosion resistance can be used for pipeline. Tubes should be made of corrosion resisting metal material instead of cast iron. 

5.3 Startup modes

5.3.1 The device should have automatic, hand-operated and/or mechanic emergency startup function.

5.3.2 Hand-operated startup and mechanic emergency startup should have safe guard device which can prevent operation by mistake, handling instructions should be indicated with words or symbols, its tripping force should be greater than 20N and less than 100N.

5.3.3 Operation force of mechanical emergency operation mechanism should meet the following requirements:

a）hand-operated operation force should be less than 150 N；

b）finger pulling operation force should be less than 50 N；

c）finger pushing operation force should be less than 10 N；

d）all displacement by hand operation will be less than 300 mm。

5.4 Effective function

5.4.1 GA 498-2004 when the device starts in different modes; its operation should be correct, reliable and free of malfunction.

5.4.2 When the device starts up, the gas valve should be able to shut off immediately. 

5.4.3 After the device starts up and fire agent has been completely sprinkled, water  should start to sprinkle water at once. (Device with water cooling function)

5.4.4 Control panel should display working status of the device correctly, giving fire suppression instructions.

5.4.5 Leakage in any sealed up position should be avoided.  

5.5 Fire suppression performance

5.5.1 Fire suppression performance for deep frying pan and cooking pan

GA 498-2004 when a fire suppression performance test to put out a cooking oil fire according to test requirements and methods specified in 6.4.3、6.4.4 is carried out, fire should be completely put out by agent sprinkled by the device. Fire will not re-burn in 20 minutes after it is extinguished, or the oil temperature in the pan should be lower than 33 ℃ which is self-ignite point of oil.   

5.5.2 GA 498-2004 fire suppression performance for smoke hood and smoke exhaust pipe

When a fire suppression performance test to put out a fire according to test requirements and methods specified in 6.4.5、6.4.6, fire should be completely put out by agent sprinkled by the device. The temperature in smoke exhaust pipe should decrease quickly, and never to rise up again. If there remains little flame, you don’t need to use fire agent, it will turn out itself.  

5.6 Splash performance

5.6.1 Splash performance when putting out a fire

Carry out a splash performance test according to requirements and methods specified in 6.5.2. When the device starts up and sprinkle agent is sprayed, no flaming oil should splash out, that is to say, no burning oil should be found outside cooking pot. 

5.6.2 GA 498-2004 splash performance at cooking temperature

Carry out a splash performance test at cooking temperature according to methods specified in 6.5.3, no oil drop with more than 4.8 mm diameter should splash out.  

5.7 Shake resistance

Carry out a shake test according to methods given in 6.6, any components of container assembly should have no structure damage found; the net loss of agent in the storage container assembly should be less than 0.5% of total agent load; internal pressure loss of stored-pressure agent container assembly and expellant gas cartridge assembly should not be greater than 1.5% of the full pressure; alarming and fire control function of the control panel should comply with those specified in 5.15.2 and 5.15.3.

5.8 Corrosion resistance

5.8.1 Salt mist resistance

Carry out salt mist resistance test methods specified in 6.7.1, the container valve, water , gas valve, pressure reducing valve, sprinkler nozzle, temperature sensor and their accessories should have no obvious corrosion resulted. The sealing up performance of container valve, water , gas valve, pressure reducing valve should comply with those specified in 5.10.1, the valves should be opened freely and correctly. Operating temperature of the temperature sensor should comply with those specified in 5.13.1.

5.8.2 Ammonia stress corrosion resistance

Carry out an ammonia stress corrosion resistance test according to methods given in 6.7.2, the container valve, gas valve; pressure reducing valve, sprinkler nozzle and their accessories should not have cracks or damage. The strength of container valve, water , gas valve, pressure reducing valve after test should comply with those given in 5.10.2.

5.8.3 Medium corrosion resistance

Storage agent container should receive internal corrosion test according to test methods specified in 6.7.3, the inside coat of the container should not have any falling off, crack or bubble; if no internal coat, there should be no visible rust speckles; and the color of the fire agent should have no significant change. 

5.9 High or low temperature resistance

GA 498-2004 the device under normal working condition should receive highest or lowest working temperature test for 24 hours according to regulations given in 4.2.1, and then test it with startup operation, the result of the second test should comply with regulations in 5.4.1. The alarm and fire control function of the control panel should comply with regulations in 5.15.2 and 5.15.3.

Sprinkler nozzles should have high temperature test according to methods given in 6.8.2, there should not be any deformation, crack or damage.

5.10 Strength and seal performance

5.10.1 Seal performance

GA 498-2004 when stored-pressure agent storage container assembly, expellant gas cartridge assembly, container valve, gas valve and pressure reducing valve receive air tightness test according to the methods stipulated in 6.9.1.1, the containers should not have any leakage. The container valve should not have any air bubble leakage in shut off state; In the open state, the air leakage at every seal up position of the container valve should not exceed 10 bubbles per minute. There should be no air bubble leakage from gas valve and pressure reducing valve.

Non-stored-pressure agent storage container assembly, water  and connecting pipe should receive hydraulic pressure seal test according to the methods stipulated in 6.9.1.2, no leakage or visible deformation should be discovered. The test pressure should be the max working pressure; the test time should be 5 minutes.

5.10.2 Strength performance

GA 498-2004 when the agent storage container, expellant gas cartridge, container valve, gas valve, pressure reducing valve and connecting pipes receive hydraulic pressure sealing according to the methods given in 6.9.2, the container should have no leakage, and the volumetric residual deformation rate should not exceed 3%. Container valve, gas valve, pressure reducing valve, connecting pipes and their accessories should have no leakage, deformation or damage. 

GA 498-2004 the test pressure should be 1.5 times the max working pressure; the pressure retaining time should be 5 minutes. 

5.10.3 Overpressure function

When agent storage container assembly, expellant gas cartridge assembly, gas valve and pressure reducing valve receive overpressure hydraulic pressure test according to regulations in 6.9.3, there should be no crack.  

GA 498-2004 the test pressure should be 3 times the max working pressure; the pressure retaining time should be 5 minutes. 

5.11 Operation reliability

Operation reliability test should be carried out according to test methods specified in 6.10, the operation of container valve and its accessory control actuator device, water and gas valve should be quick and reliable, no malfunction or structure damage is permitted (except for normal damage in routine operation), the seal performance of every valve after test should comply with regulations in 5.10.1.

5.12 sprinkler nozzle

5.12.1 Structure

GA 498-2004 sprinkler nozzle should have protection cap to prevent it from being blocked by alien substance and the sprinkling should not be affected.

5.12.2 Shock resistance

Mechanic shock test should be carried out applying methods specified in 6.11, no deformation, crack or damage of the nozzle is allowed.  

5.13 Temperature sensor

5.13.1 Operating temperature

The nominal operating temperature of the temperature sensor should comply with regulations in GB5135.1; the operating temperature test should be carried out applying methods specified in 6.12.1 within the following range:

5.13.2 Thermal stability

When the temperature sensors receive a thermal stability test with methods given in 6.12.2, they should not operate.

5.14 Actuator

5.14.1 Requirements for driving force

At the lowest working temperature, the driving force output by air actuator should not be less than twice of the operating force needed under the condition of the max load.

Electromagnetic actuating force should not be less than twice of the operating force needed under the condition of the max load.

Within the validity period of detonating components, the driving force output by the detonating actuator should not be less than three times of the operating force needed under the condition of the max load.

1. d) The driving force output by mechanic actuator should not be less than twice of the operating force needed under the condition of the max load.

5.14.2 Requirements for working reliability

When working reliability test is carried out according to test methods specified in 6.10.4, actuator operation should be quick and correct, there should be no malfunction or structural damage(except for allowed damage in routine operation). The decrease of the driving force after the test should not exceed 10% of that before the test.

5.15 Control panel If it is applicable

5.15.1 Power source requirements There are systems without power source, as a mechanical or pneumatic system. Must be micro switch output from the system that can be connected to a control panel.

The main power source of control panel should reliably work under voltage of 220 V±33V，50 Hz.

The capacity of the control panel backup power source should provide power for 24 hours under normal monitor state, enough for the device to start up smoothly, both the main and backup power source should have operation indicator.

5.15.2 Alarm function

GA 498-2004 control panel should be able to receive fire alarm signal sent by temperature sensor, and sent out sound and light alarm signal. Under the working voltage ratings, the sound pressure level (A weighted) 1 meter from the control panel should be over 65dB and 85dB, and below 115 dB.

GA 498-2004 control panel should have alarming function against malfunction that happens to the panel itself (including detection and control loop)

5.15.3 Control function

5.15.3.1 The control panel should be able to turn on the fire suppression device automatically or hand-operated; the automatic and hand-operated molds should be conspicuously marked and can switch over to each other. No matter the control panel is in automatic or hand-operated mode, the hand-operated function should be available all the time. 

5.15.3.2 The control panel should have delay startup function with startup time delay adjustable from 0 to 30 seconds.

5.15.3.3 The control panel should have “emergency halt” control with buttons being positioned properly to ease the operation.

5.15.3.4 The control panel should be able to display the feedback signal and the fuel valve shutoff signal after the fire suppression device is started.

5.15.3.5 The control panel should have contact points used for controlling the external devices.

5.15.4 Voltage withstanding capability

GA 498-2004 the voltage withstanding capability between connector of control panel and the outer casing should be tested using the methods specified in 6.14.3; there should be no arc spot, sweep discharge, electric cornona or break down.

When the rated voltage is higher than 50 V, the test voltage should be 1500 V（virtual value），50 Hz；

When the rated voltage equals to or is less than 50 V, the test voltage should be 500 V（virtue value），50 Hz。

5.15.5 Insulating requirements

Under normal atmosphere condition, the insulation resistance between exterior connection terminal and outside casing should be higher than 20 MΩ, the insulation resistance between the power terminal and the outside casing should be higher than 50 MΩ.

5.15.6 Moisture-thermal properties

In the state of normal monitoring, the control panel should work properly at a temperature of 40 ℃±2 ℃, with relative humidity of 90％～95％ for 24 hours. The alarm and control function of the control panel after the test should comply with regulations stipulated in 5.15.2 and 5.15.3.

5.16 Pressure reducing performance of pressure reducing valve

According to test methods stipulated in 6.15, the deviation value between the pressure reducing performance measured in the specified flow and the nominal value by the manufacturer should not exceed ±10％ of the nominal value

6 Test methods

GA 498-2004 when you test the device and its components, you should base the test on their design and relative technical conditions, you should follow the specified test methods.   

Air tightness test of any component should be carried out after hydraulic pressure test.

GA 498-2004 unless specified otherwise, all tests should be done under normal atmosphere condition, which means:

Environmental temperature：15 ℃～35 ℃；

GA 498-2004 relative humidity：45%～75%；

Atmosphere pressure：86 kPa～106 kPa。

6.1 Appearance Examination

6.1.1 Referring to the design drawing and relevant technical data, examine the appearance visually or by measuring tools. The model and the basic parameters such as working temperature range should conform to regulations stipulated in Chapter 4.

6.1.2 Examine the content of the device label, component mark, processing quality and coat visually to see if they conform to regulations stipulated in 5.1.

6.2 Hand operation test

When the examined valve bears the largest working pressure, the precision of the ergometer should be no lower than level 2.5.

Connect the mechanical emergency operation organ of the examined valve with ergometer, start the valve using the ergometer and record the maximum operation force, measure and record the maximum operation stroke. The test result should comply with regulations stipulated in 5.3.

6.3 Chain reaction test

The test should be carried out in a environmental temperature of 20 ℃±5 ℃, make sure that the tested device is sound and proper before the test, assembly a device consisting of all components according to design drawing  provided by the manufacturer.

6.3.1 Chain reaction test in auto control mode

Send fire alarm signal to temperature sensor until the control panel gives order for fire suppression, so that the control panel automatically starts the actuator of the fire suppression device, agent storage container valve will be opened and fire agent will be sprinkled out. 

During and after the test, examine the device, the examination results should conform to regulations stipulated in 5.4. This test may be carried out together with the splash test explained in 6.5.

6.3.2 Chain reaction test in hand operated mode

Turn the mode switch on the control panel from “automatic” to “hand-operated”, send fire alarm signal to temperature sensor for 1 minute until the control panel gives order for fire suppression. The actuator of the fire suppression device will not automatically startup, unlesss you push down the hand-operated button to start the actuator, then the agent storage container valve will be opened and the fire agent will be sprinkled out. 

During and after the test, examine the device, the examination results should conform to regulations stipulated in 5.4. This test may be carried out together with fire suppression test explained in 6.4 or the splash test explained in 6.5.

6.3.3 Chain reaction test under mechanical emergency operation

Startup the mechanical emergency operation organ to make the agent storage container valve sprinkle the fire agent.

During and after the test, examine the device, the examination results should conform to regulations stipulated in 5.4. This test may be carried out together with fire suppression test explained in 6.4 or the splash test explained in 6.5.

6.4 Fire suppression test

6.4.1 Test preparation

1. a) Test should be carried out inside the door, the environmental temperature should be between 0 ℃～55 ℃。
2. b) The agent storage container assembly, which is charged with fire agent and working pressure loaded with rated amount, and the expellant gas cartridge assembly must be placed in the lowest storage temperature for at least 16 hours before the test.
3. c) All the device pipelines, pipes, fire agent load, layout, number and height of sprinkler nozzles should be in conformity with the design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
4. d) Sprinkler nozzles should be installed at the highest and most unfavorable position as permitted by the design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer.
5. e) The test should be carried out under the condition of the maximum pipe diameter, maximum branches and the longest pipes allowed by the design drawing.
6. f) The test pan should be positioned under the most unfavorable sprinkler nozzle, that is to say, under the sprinkler nozzle with the minimum sprinkling rate.
7. g) The temperature measurement should be completed by the thermocouple immersed in the oil.

6.4.2 Test of sprinkling rate of the sprinkler nozzle

Install the device according to the design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer, put a container below every nozzle to collect sprinkled agent, start the device, weigh every agent collecting container, the nozzle facing the container which collected the least agent has the least sprinkling rate; the one facing the container with the most agent has the biggest sprinkling rate. This test can be carried out at the same time with chain reaction test.

6.4.3 Deep frying pan fire suppression test

6.4.3.1 The size of test pan should meet the requirement of design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer, the depth of the pan should be no less than 230mm；Heating source should be gas stove or propane stove; the burning medium should be edible oil with self-ignition temperature not less than 357℃.

6.4.3.2 Pour the edible oil into test pan until the oil surface rises up to the level 76 mm below the pan edge (oil level should be measured at the time when oil has been heated to 288 ℃～315 ℃); Then put the thermocouple 25 mm below the oil surface and 76 mm away from the edge of the pan , turn on the ergometer, and keep the meter at proper working condition. Turn the heating source to the maximum to make sure the temperature rising rate no lower than 7 ℃/min，and continue heating the oil until it ignites itself, start the timing when the temperature of the burning oil exceeds 363℃, turn off the gas valve after 2 minutes, and startup the hand-operated fire suppression device to put out the fire.

6.4.3.3 Observe and record the temperature variation of the cooking oil in the pan; the delay period and sprinkling period of the fire suppression device; time used to extinguish the fire; the test results should comply with regulations given in 5.5.1.

6.4.4 Cooking pan fire suppression test

6.4.4.1 The test pan should be maximum and minimum two pans( determined by product design provided by the manufacture); heating source should be gas stove or propane stove; burning medium should be cooking oil with a self-ignition temperature of no lower than 357 ℃.

6.4.4.2 Put the smallest pan on the stove where is the most disadvantageous position for the fire suppression device to put out a fire, put the biggest pan next to the smallest.

6.4.4.3 Pour cooking salad oil into the two test pans until the oil surface rises up to the level 76 mm below the pan edge, and the distance from the pan bottom should not be less than 25 mm (oil level should be measured at the time when oil has been heated to 288 ℃～315 ℃); Then put the thermocouple 13 mm down the oil surface and 76 mm from the edge of the pan , turn on the ergometer, and keep the meter at proper working state. Turn the heating source to the largest, continue to heat up the oil until it self-ignites, begin to time when the temperature of the burning oil rises above 363℃, turn off the gas valve after 2 minutes, and startup the hand-operated fire suppression device to put out the fire.

6.4.4.4 GA 498-2004 observe and record the temperature variation of the cooking oil in the pan; the delay period and sprinkling period of the fire suppression device; time used to extinguish the fire; the test results should comply with regulations given in 5.5.1.

6.4.5 Smoke hood and smoke exhaust pipe fire suppression

6.4.5.1 The structure and size of smoke hood and smoke exhaust pipe should be given by the design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer. The largest value should be chosen when implementing a test.

6.4.5.2 This test should be done together with deep frying pan fire suppression test. After arrange the pipeline and sprinkler nozzle according to the design drawing and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer, spray or apply the test fuel(oil or grease) evenly on the interior surface of the smoke hood (filter) (1.5kg/m2) and smoke exhaust pipe(3.7kg/m2).

6.4.5.3 GA 498-2004 set up two thermocouples in the smoke exhaust pipe, keeping them in the centre of pipe section and connected to the ergometer, turn on the meter, and keep it at proper working state.

6.4.5.4 While lighting the oil in the deep frying pan, light the smoke jack and smoke exhaust pipe with portable gas burner or propane burner, meanwhile, turn on the fan to assist burning. If the temperature of the thermocouple excels 871℃, the lighting succeeds. Turn off the lighting source right away after the fuel is lighted, and turn off the fan at the same time.

6.4.5.5 GA 498-2004 when the temperature of the thermocouple inside the smoke exhaust pipe remains above 482℃, shut off the end of the smoke exhaust pipe and begin to time, at this point the deep frying pan is filled with flame, startup the fire suppression device with your hand after 30 seconds. The test results should comply with regulations stipulated in 5.5.2.

6.4.5.6 Repeat tests 6.4.5.1～6.4.5.4, when the temperature of the thermocouple inside the smoke exhaust pipe remains above 482℃, keep the end of the smoke exhaust pipe open all the time and begin to time, at this point the deep frying pan is filled with flame, startup the fire suppression device with your hand after 30 seconds. The test results should comply with regulations stipulated in 5.5.2.

6.4.6 Fire suppression test by ventilating the smoke hood and smoke exhaust pipe

Carry out a ventilating fire suppression test based on the above test conditions, open the end of the smoke exhaust pipe and connect it with the fan. Turn on the fan, keep the air flow speed inside the pipe at 152m/min～305m/min. When the air flow speed reaches highest and the flames on the smoke hood (filter) increases to the maximum, startup the fire suppression device with your hand. The test results should comply with regulations stipulated in 5.5.2.   

6.5 Splash test

6.5.1 Test preparation

Test should be carried out indoors.

1. b) The agent storage container assembly and the expellant gas cartridge assembly that are filled at operate pressure with rated filling volume should be placed at highest storage temperature for least 16 hours before testing.
2. c) Testing should be carried out under the condition of smallest pipe diameter, least branches and shortest pipeline that are permitted by the design of the extinguishing device.
3. d) Testing cooking appliances should be placed under the nozzles which can provide the largest discharge rate, i.e. under the nozzles of largest discharge rate.

Temperature measuring is performed by the thermocouple dipping into the oil grease.

6.5.2 Splash test at fire extinguishing

Testing cooking appliances, fuel media, heating source, fuel temperature measuring, thermocouple layout, etc should be in accordance with 6.4.3.1 and 6.4.3.2. Observing of the fire extinguishing agent spraying after devices initiated should be in accordance with 5.6.1.

6.5.3 GA 498-2004 splash test at cooking temperature

6.5.3.1 Testing cooking appliances, fuel media, heating source should be in accordance with 6.4.3.1.

6.5.3.2 Pour the cooking oil into the testing pan till the oil level is 76mm below the pan edge (oil level measuring at oil temperature of 177℃~191℃); then place the thermocouple into the position that is 25mm under the oil level and 76mm to the pan side, open the temperature measuring meter and make sure it is working in good condition. Place a metal plate with the width of more than 762mm in front of and at the side of the testing pan, the plate is evenly covered with dry baking soda powder whose thickness is less than 1.6mm. Ignite the heating source, and heat the oil pan to 177℃~191℃, then shut off the gas shutoff valve, and initiate the fire extinguishing device manually. Stop the spraying 3s~5s after fire extinguishing agent spraying start, the test result should be in accordance with 5.6.2.

6.6 Vibration test

6.6.1 Vibration test for agent storage container assembly and expellant gas cartridge assembly

Agent storage container assembly is filled with agent of max designed filling volume, and charged to storage pressure in case of stored pressure type. The expellant gas cartridge assembly is filled with expellant gas of max designed filling pressure.

The min. division value of the weighing test equipment should be less than 1/3 of the upper limit of the allowable loss of the sample agent.

When the criterion is set based on pressure lose, the sample should be equipped with examination oriented accurate pressure gauge.

The test is carried out on vibrating table by means of changing the vibrating directions in sequence of X,Y, Z axial lines, which are perpendicular to one another.

Testing is carried out with the amplitude of 0.8mm, with the frequency of 20Hz, and vibrating duration 2h for each direction.

After testing, weighing examination should be carried out for non-stored pressure type fire agent storage container assembly, while the interior pressure examination should be carried out for agent storage container assembly and expellant gas cartridge assembly. The result should be in accordance with 5.7.

6.6.2 Vibrating test for control panel

GA 498-2004 the test is carried out on vibrating table, on which the sample is fixed according to working position.

Within the frequency range of 5Hz~60Hz~5Hz, a frequency sweeping cycle should be carried out at the speed of one Octave per minute with the amplitude of 0.19mm. The resonance frequency should be observed and recorded.

In case of the resonance frequency is not found, the constant frequency vibrating test should be carried out under the condition of 60Hz with the amplitude of 0.19mm for the duration of 10min±0.5min.

In case of resonance frequency is found for less than four hours, at each resonance frequency, the constant frequency vibrating test should be carried out under the condition of 0.19mm amplitude for the duration of 10min±0.5min.

In case of resonance frequency is found for more than four hours, two sweeping cycle tests should be carried out with the amplitude of 0.19mm, the sweeping speed of one Octave per minute, within the frequency range of 5Hz~60Hz~5Hz.

The above tests should be carried out in the X,Y, Z axis of the sample in sequence. Test result should be in accordance with 5.7. 

6.7 Corrosion resistance test

6.7.1 Salt fog corrosion test

The test is carried out in the spray type salt fog corrosion box. The testing salt solution has a mass concentration of 20%, density of 1.126g/cm3~1.157g/cm3.

Clean the sample from grease, and block the inlet and outlet of the valve type or similar components to prevent the testing salt fog from coming into the inner

chamber. The sample is hanged in the middle of the test box work room according to normal operation position. The work room temperature is controlled within 35℃±2℃. Solution dropped from the test objects shall not be used circularly. There should be at least two positions in the work room to collect salt fog, in order to regulate the spraying speed and salt solution concentration during the testing. The collection of every 80 cm2 area in continuous 16 hours should be 1.0ml~2.0ml per hour with a mass concentration of 19%~21%.

Testing period is 10 d, with continuous spraying. After the test is finished, the sample should be cleaned with fresh water and placed 7 d in the circumstance of 20℃±5℃ with relative humidity not more than 70% for dry. The corrosion result of the sample should be in accordance with 5.8.1.

6.7.2 Ammonia stress corrosion test

GA 498-2004 the test should be carried out in chemical gas corrosion testing device. A flat-bottom wide-mouth vessel should be placed at the bottom of the work room, and filled with ammonia water with a specific gravity of 0.94. The filling shall be made by 0.01 ml ammonia water for every 1 cm3 testing volume, resulting in humid ammonia-air mixture in the work room thoroughly through natural

volatilization. The composition of mixture shall be approximately: 35% ammonia, 5% vapor, 60% air.

Clean the sample from grease and hang it in the middle of the work room according to its normal utilizing position, the work room temperature should be controlled within 34℃±2℃ for a testing period of 10 d.

GA 498-2004 when the test is finished, examine the sample after cleaning and drying, the result should be in accordance with 5.8.2.

6.7.3 Corrosion test

6.7.3.1 Place the agent storage container into the test box and test it for eight test cycles with the test temperature and duration as shown in Table 1.

6.7.3.2 When the test duration comes to the end, spray out the fire agent in the container and observe if there is any color change of the fire agent. Observe the interior after split the container into two sections. The result should be in accordance with 5.8.4.

6.8 High-low temperature test

6.8.1 Device high-low temperature test

The test should be carried out in the temperature test box. The test box has a temperature accuracy of ±2℃, the test time should not be calculated until the set temperature is reached.

The sample shall be placed for 24 h at the temperature of 55 ℃±2 ℃ and 0 ℃±2 ℃ respectively。(the above-mentioned temperature test shall be carried out at the recommended max. and min. working temperature, in case of the manufacturer company recommended working temperature range is beyond the above

temperature limit). Then the test would terminate after the sample being placed 24 d in the circumstance of 25 ℃±5 ℃. After the test, initiate the device in automatic mode, the test result should be in accordance with 5.4.1. The warning and fire extinguishing control function of the control panel should be in accordance with 5.15.2 and 5.15.3.

6.8.2 Nozzle high temperature test

Place the nozzle into the high temperature box of 800 ℃±20 ℃ for duration of 15 min, and dip it immediately into the water of 15 ℃±2 ℃, examine the nozzle after it is cooled, the result should be in accordance with 5.9.

6.9 Strength seal test

6.9.1 Seal test

6.9.1.1 Air seal test

6.9.1.1.1 Air pressure seal test device, of which the air pressure source meets the adjustable pressure rise rate of 0～0.5 MPa/s, utilizes nitrogen or compressed air, and the pressure measuring gauges have the accuracy of not less than Class 1.5.

Leakage test water temperature should not be less than 5 ℃.

6.9.1.1.2 Connect the stored pressure type agent storage container assembly and expellant gas cartridge assembly with air pressure supply, increase the pressure to test pressure at the pressure rise rate of not more than 0.5 MPa/s. Dip the sample into water till the sample is 0.3m below the water level, examine the sample leakage during the given pressure holding time. The result should be in accordance with 5.10.1.

6.9.1.1.3 Repeat the above test for the container valve, gas shutoff valve and pressure reduction valve in the case of the valve body closed and opened respectively. The test result should be in accordance with 5.10.1.

6.9.1.2 Water pressure seal test

6.9.1.2.1 Water pressure seal test utilizes water as the media, the water temperatures should not be less than 5 ℃. The accuracy of pressure measuring gauges should not be lower than Class 1.5. The construction of the test equipment should be such that the gas cylinder is free of external force.

6.9.1.2.2 Water pressure test should be carried out for non stored pressure type agent storage container assembly, water , connection pipes and other parts respectively. First raise the pressure to the max working pressure and then release the pressure. Repeat these steps for several times to remove air in the water. Then, raise the pressure slowly and evenly to the given pressure and hold for 5 min and observe carefully. The test result should be in accordance with 5.10.1.

6.9.2 Strength test

6.9.2.1 Hydraulic supply source for hydraulic strength test equipment should have the function of pressure equalizing to eliminate pressure pulse. The accuracy of pressure measuring gauge should not be less than Class 1.5. The pressure rise rate of the testing equipment should be adjustable within the range of 0～0.5 MPa/s.

6.9.2.2 For samples that are qualified by the seal test, raise the pressure slowly and evenly at the speed lower than 0.5 MPa/s to the test pressure, and release pressure after holding for 5 min, then examine the sample. The result should be in accordance with 5.10.2.

6.9.3 Overpressure test

6.9.3.1 Test equipment shall be the same as 6.9.2.1.

6.9.3.2 Connect the inlet of the sample with testing equipment, and make sure the container valve, gas shutoff valve, pressure reduction valve are open, and water  is forward direction open. Close all outlets of the sample after remove the air in the connection pipes and inner chamber of the sample. Raise the pressure slowly at the speed of not more than 0.5 MPa/s to the test pressure, and release pressure after holding for 5 min, then examine the sample. The result should be in accordance with 5.10.3.

6.10 Operation reliability test

6.10.1 Operation reliability test of the container valve

6.10.1.1 The operation reliability test of the container valve should be carried out on special test equipment. The pressure supply shall be water or compressed air (depending on the media of the container); the capacity of the special test container and the working condition of the expellant cartridge should meet the requirements that the valve should be able to open completely after initiated.

6.10.1.2 Place the test valve on the special test container, connect the control actuating device properly and make sure it is working in given conditions. Then carry out the following procedure:

Charge the pressure of the test valve to the nominal operation pressure P, hold pressure for not less than 5 s;

Initiate the control actuating device to open the test valve;

Close the test valve when the pressure inside the special test container reduces to less than 0.5 MPa;

Charge pressure to the test valve and proceed to the next cycle.

Replace the parts of the test valve timely after each test cycle that are allowed to be damaged during normal working operation.

6.10.1.3 Repeat the above test cycle for 100 times at the ordinary temperature (20 ℃±5 ℃). Place the test equipment and sample into the temperature test box and carry out the test for 10 times at high and low working temperature respectively. The storage time of the sample in testing environment before test should not be less than 2 h for the first test. Make sure the temperature of the sample and temperature of the test box are well balanced for the remaining tests.

Test result should be in accordance with 5.11.

6.10.2 Operation reliability test of water

Test should be carried out at ordinary temperature. Connect the forward direction of the water with hydraulic supply, and charge water pressure to the nominal operate pressure. The expellant air supply should be compressed air or nitrogen in case that the water is driven with air. Charge air pressure reversely to water open pressure, make sure the valve is completely open Then, reduce the pressure to 0 and the water will close under the water pressure. Repeat the open-close cycle test for100 times. In respect of the electromagnetic water, repeat the test 5 times under the condition of additional ±15％ rated working voltage respectively after 100 tests under rated working voltage. The result should be in accordance with 5.11.

6.10.3 Operation reliability test of gas shutoff valve

Test should be carried out at ordinary temperature; the air supply utilizes compressed air or nitrogen. Mount the test valve to special test table and connect the control actuating devices properly, make sure it is working in given conditions before carrying out the following procedures:

a）Charge the test valve which is in open condition to nominal operate pressure and keep the pressure for not less than 5 s;

b）Initiate the control actuating devices to close the test valve;

c）Open the test valve when the pressure in the special test container reducing to less than 0.5 MPa;

d）Charge the test valve with pressure again and proceed to the next cycle.

Repeat the above tests 100 times and the result should be in accordance with 5.11.

6.10.4 Operation reliability test of expellant cartridge

6.10.4.1 The test condition, test procedure and test times requirements of the expellant cartridge are the same as 6.10.1.

6.10.4.2 Adjust the expellant cartridge to the max load value. When the operation reliability test of expellant cartridge and the operation reliability test of the container valve are carried out simultaneously, choose the valve which requests the largest expellant force in case the expellant cartridge sample could be used for the expellant of different valve types and sizes.

6.10.4.3 The PQ value of expellant pressure of the air powered expellant cartridge should be provided by manufacturer. The control accuracy of the pressure during test should not be less than ±5%. The min value should be chosen for testing when a pressure range of the PQ valve is provided.

6.10.4.4 In respect of the electromagnetic type expellant cartridge, 100 reliability tests should be carried out at ordinary temperature under rated working voltage, 10 tests are required for lowest temperature and highest temperature respectively. In respect to the 10 tests for lowest and highest temperature respectively, 5 tests under ±15% rated working voltage are requested for lowest temperature and highest temperature respectively.

6.10.4.5 In respect of the ordinary temperature working reliability test of detonating type expellant cartridge, 80 tests are requested at rated working voltage while 10 tests are requested at ±15% rated working voltage condition respectively. In respect of the double detonating type expellant cartridge, only one electric detonating element shall be replaced in turn for each test.

6.10.4.6 The reliability test of mechanical expellant cartridge at ordinary, lowest, highest working temperature should be carried out manually or with the assistance of auxiliary tools, the initiating frequency should not be more than 6 times/ min.

6.10.4.7 The actuation quality assessment and counting should be made for each test cycle during expellant cartridge reliability tests. The test result should be in accordance with 5.14.2.

6.11 Nozzle impact test We don’t know this test, also why impact test? It is a fixed system!

Nozzle impact test should be carried out according to the methods in GA400－2002 6.20, and test result should be in accordance with 5.12.2.

6.12 Temperature detector test

6.12.1 Operating temperature test of temperature detector

6.12.1.1 The test should be carried out in liquid bath. The test for detector which has a operating temperature below 79℃ should be carried out in water bath (Distilled water is preferred), the test for detector which has a operating temperature over 79℃ should be carried out in oil bath (proper oil). The temperature of test liquid bath should be evenly distributed with the temperature difference less than 0.5℃ in the testing area. The measuring of detector operating temperature is carried out by Class II standard glass thermometer.

6.12.2.2 Place at least two detectors into the test liquid bath, increase the room temperature to rated operating temperature 20±2℃ with the temperature rise rate less than 20℃/min, and keep the temperature for 10min. Afterwards increase the temperature at the rate of（0.5±0.1）℃/min till the detector operates. The recorded temperature operating temperature should be in accordance with 5.13.1.

6.12.2 Thermal stability test of temperature detector

6.12.2.1 Place two detector samples in the environment of （20±5）℃ for not less than 30 min.

6.12.2.2 Dip the detectors into liquid bath with a temperature of（16±2）℃ that is lower than the detector operating temperature, and the temperature deviation in the testing area of liquid bath should not be more than ±1℃. Move the detectors out of the liquid bath after 5min and dip them into the liquid bath of（10±1）℃. The result should be in accordance with 5.13.2.

6.13 Testing of the expellant cartridge power

Depending on the structure features and expellant method of air powered, electromagnetic, detonating and mechanic expellant cartridges, proper dynamometers such as electronic dynamometer or mechanic dynamometer are utilized to make the comparison between expellant force and announced design value, under the normal working position and working condition of the expellant cartridge. The result should be in accordance with 5.14.1.

The accuracy of dynamometer should not be less than ±5%.

6.14 Control panel test If it is applicable

6.14.1 Power supply test of the control panel

6.14.1.1 Connect with adjustable power supply after making sure the test control panel is under normal surveillance condition; charge with the backup power supply before coming to normal working condition.

6.14.1.2 Adjust the power supply voltage to rated working power ±15%, 50 Hz. Examine the working condition after making sure that all circuits are in warning and expellant spraying condition.

6.14.1.3 Turn off the main power supply and set the backup power supply in the normal surveillance condition for 24 h. Then, make sure the control panel is in warning and expellant spraying condition, and examine the working condition.

Test result should be in accordance with 5.15.1.

6.14.2 Examination of control, warning function

Make sure the test control panel is in normal surveillance condition, and make visual examination with general measuring tool comparing with design pattern and technical documents. The control, warning function of the control panel should be in accordance with 5.15.2, 5.15.3.

Utilize handheld sound level meter for acoustic test.

6.14.3 Voltage resistance test

Voltage resistance testing device, which has continuous adjustable testing voltage of 0 V～1500 V, is utilized. After being set, test voltage increases automatically at rise rate of 100 V/s ～500 V/s with timing 60 s±5 s. Voltage decreases after the setting time is reached. The test result should be in accordance with 5.15.4.

6.14.4 Insulation resistance test

Insulation resistance testing device (Mega ohmmeter or megohm meter could also be possible) is utilized for this test with a test voltage of 500 V.d.c and a test range of 0 MΩ～500 MΩ.

Make sure the contact points are working reliably and the insulation resistor are powerful enough between testing lead wires. The test result should be in accordance with 5.15.5.

6.14.5 Damp heat test

Damp heat test of the control panel should be carried out in the damp heat box. The control device works in normal surveillance condition. Increase the temperature of the damp heat box slowly to 40 ℃±2 ℃, after the test sample temperature is balanced, increase the humidity to given relative humidity and then start the test for 24 h duration. Carry out the function test as soon as the test is finished. The result should be in accordance with 5.15.2, 5.15.3.

6.15 Pressure reduction characteristics test of the pressure reduction valve

Test media should be nitrogen or compressed air, the flow volume measuring is carried out near to the nozzle, the inlet pressure and outlet pressure of the reduction valve and the front pressure of the nozzle are all measured automatically. The accuracy of the recording gauges should not be less than Class 1.5. The capacity of the air pressure supply should meet the spray time requirement for testing parameters.

Mount the pressure reduction valve in the test system according to the working position; adjust the system pressure to storage pressure of the expellant container. Open the control valve of the test system, measure and record the pressure value of each point. The result should be in accordance with 5.16.

7 Inspection regulations

The manufacturer should organize production according to the pattern and technical document approved by regulation program. The quality system should ensure the quality conformity of each batch of products, and the quality should be in accordance with this standards.

7.1 Inspection classification and items

7.1.1 Type test

7.1.1.1 Type test shall be necessary in case of one of the following happens:

Type evaluation of new product trial production;

In case of great changes, that may effect the performance of the product, happened in terms of the product structure, material, workmanship, process method of key procedure after the formal production starts;

In case of severe quality accident happened;

d）Resume production after production stopping more than one year;

e）Requested by quality surveillance organizations;

1. f) Normal production has proceeded for more than 3 years.

7.1.1.2 The inspection items of product type test should be carried out according to Table 2.

7.1.2 Exfactory test

Product exfactory test should be carried out according to Table 2.

7.1.3 Test program should be carried out according to Table 3.

7.2 Sampling method

Device utilizes single round random sampling. Sample quantity should be in accordance with Table 3.

7.3 Evaluation on test result

7.3.1 Type test

The product will be deemed unqualified in case of one of the following happened to type test items

Class A items are unqualified;

The failure number of Class B items is greater than or equal to 2;

The failure number of Class C items is greater than or equal to 4;

The failure number of Class C items is greater than or equal to 2 in case of one Class B item failed.

7.3.2 Exfactory test

This batch of devices is qualified in case all test items in the exfactory test are qualified.

This batch of devices is unqualified in case one of the Class A item is not qualified. Additional sampling is allowed in case Class B or C item is unqualified, but this batch of devices is deemed to be unqualified if unqualified still happens.

Requirement for operation manual compiling

The operation manual should be compiled according to GB 9969.1, with the following contents included as a minimum:

Device brief introduction (The majority of which concerns with philosophy);

The main performance parameters;

Device sketch;

Operation procedure of the device;

Parts names, type and specification, main performance parameter, instruction of installation, operating, maintenance and caution;

Filling method of fire agent;

After sale serve;

Name of the manufacturer, address, postcode and telephone number;

1. i) Standards of compliance.