Unsupervised Carbon Dioxide DIOM Manual Rev01
Unsupervised Carbon Dioxide DIOM Manual Rev01
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
FOR
April 2007
P/N 800024
FM File
Telephone: 480-607-1218
Fax: 480-315-1316
Website: www.firetrace.com
Email: firetrace@firetrace.com
1.1 General
This manual is written for the fire protection professional that designs, installs, and
maintains Firetrace Pre-engineered Automatic High Pressure Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Extinguisher Units.
The following symbols are used throughout this manual. Always heed these precautions.
They are essential to the safe use of the equipment described in this manual.
DANGER:
This danger symbol identifies immediate hazards and provides specific
instructions or procedures, which if not correctly followed WILL result in
severe personal injury or death.
WARNING:
This warning symbol identifies specific instructions or procedures, which, if
not correctly followed, COULD result in severe personal injury of death.
CAUTION:
This caution symbol identifies specific instructions or procedures, which, if
not correctly followed, COULD result in minor personal injury or equipment or
property damage.
WARNING
Pressurized (charged) cylinders are extremely hazardous and if not handled
properly are capable of causing bodily injury, death or property damage.
1. Read and understand this manual and the other documents referenced herein.
2. The valve discharge outlet safety cap and filling port cap MUST be installed on the
cylinder valve at all times and only removed when connected into the discharge
tubing, or when performing testing, or salvaging operations in accordance with the
procedures contained in this manual.
3. Wear safety glasses when working with pressurized cylinders and charging
equipment. It is recommended to wear leather gloves to avoid any cryogenic burns if
CO2 is accidentally discharged on or near the skin.
4. Make sure that the ball valve (attached to the cylinder valve) is closed (lever is in
“OFF” position), the detection tubing has been removed from the cylinder valve; and
the safety caps installed, before removing the cylinder from the installation, and
before performing any charging, leak tests or salvage operations.
5. Follow all of the safety procedures included on the cylinder nameplate and in this
manual.
6. Never assume that a cylinder is empty. Treat all cylinders as if they are fully
charged.
Telephone: 480-607-1218
Fax: 480-315-1316
Email: firetrace@firetrace.com
The following web site should be visited for frequent technical announcements
www.firetrace.com
The following Firetrace High Pressure CO2 Automatic Fire Extinguisher Units are
approved with FM Approvals:
IHP 500
IHP 1000
IHP 2000 (With restrictions. See 4.3 Hazard Enclosure Volume Limitations)
These units are designed for total flooding using CO2, in accordance with NFPA-12,
Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems. 2005 Edition
The Firetrace Pre-Engineered Automatic High Pressure Units have been tested to limits
established by FM in compliance with the requirements detailed in this manual.
Each installed pre-engineered unit is equipped with its’ own detection and its own
discharge tubing and nozzles. The pre-engineered concept minimizes the amount of
engineering involved in the units design. When the discharge tubing and nozzles are
installed within the limitations stated in this manual, no hydraulic calculations are
required to determine pressure drop, agent flow or discharge time.
The hazard being protected can be any size, shape or volume, provided that the hazard
being protected is within the limitations described in this Manual. Each extinguisher unit,
when installed, is a self-contained unit, meaning that it is equipped with its own
automatic (non-electric) detection system, which when actuated, automatically releases
the suppression agent into the hazard area.
2.1.1 Cleanliness
CO2 is clean and leaves no residue, thereby minimizing any after fire clean up, along
with keeping expensive downtime to a minimum. Most materials such as steel,
aluminum, stainless steel, brass, as well as plastics, rubber and electronic components
are not affected by exposure to CO2. This agent is also environmentally friendly, having
an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of 0.00.
Each Firetrace CO2 storage cylinder has been designed for a maximum fill density as
shown in Table 3.1. It is important that these values not be exceeded.
Fill density and temperature significantly affect the pressure in the storage cylinder. At
elevated temperatures the rate of increase in pressure is very sensitive to fill density
(see Figure 2.1). If the maximum fill density is exceeded; the pressure will increase
rapidly with temperature increase so as to present a hazard to personnel and property.
Adherence to the limits on fill density and pressurization levels will prevent excessively
high pressures from occurring if the storage cylinder is exposed to elevated temperature.
This will also minimize the possibility of an inadvertent discharge of agent through the
cylinder pressure relief device, where provided. It is recommended to not mount the
cylinder in direct sunlight as this would create elevated cylinder temperatures.
160
140 o
130 F
120
Temperature
100
80
Service Pressure
60
Test Pressure
40
68% Fill Density
20
0
0 300 600 900 1200 1500 1800 2100 2400 2700 3000 3300
Pressure (PSIA)
Figure 2.1: Pressure vs. Temperature of CO2
3.1 General
The Firetrace CO2 Automatic High Pressure units are FM Approved in 3 sizes, namely:
These units are designed for use in Total Flooding applications where the hazard is not
occupiable by a human being. A lock-out valve shall be provided on all systems except
where dimensional constraints prevent personnel from entering the protected space.
The Firetrace CO2 units can be used, but are not limited, to protect the following:
CO2 should not be used where the following materials may be present.
• Pyrotechnic chemicals containing their own oxygen supply.
• Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium,
zirconium, uranium and plutonium.
• Metal hydrides.
• Chemicals capable of undergoing auto thermal decomposition, such as
certain organic peroxides and hydrazine.
For hazards beyond the scope described above, it is recommended that the designer
consult with Firetrace, NFPA-12, and the local authority having jurisdiction, as to the
suitability on the use of CO2 for a particular hazard, for personnel exposure effects from
the design concentration, and for installation requirements.
Once installed, the Firetrace Automatic High Pressure Unit becomes a self-contained,
self-actuating unit that does not require an external source of power or electricity.
The unit utilizes unique Firetrace flexible tubing that is attached to the cylinder valve.
This tubing is pressurized with dry nitrogen to maintain the cylinder valve in the closed
position. The tubing is temperature sensitive, and acts as a continuous linear thermal
detector that ruptures upon direct flame impingement. Once the detector tubing is
ruptured, the cylinder valve automatically opens, allowing the CO2 agent to flow through
the discharge tubing, distributing the extinguishing agent through the nozzle(s) onto the
protected area. Upon actuation, the pressure switch can be used to indicate discharge,
shutdown ventilation, close all openings, shut-off electrical power, etc. as may be
required.
CO2 is stored in DOT/TC aluminum cylinders as a liquefied compressed gas, under its
own pressure; 838psig @ 70oF (5,778 KPa @ 21oC). The cylinder/valve assemblies are
FM Approved in 3 sizes, namely:
Each cylinder is equipped with a brass valve and a quarter turn ball valve that interfaces
with the Firetrace detector tubing. The ball valve must be kept closed at all times when
the cylinder is not in service.
In addition, the CO2 Cylinder valves are equipped with a pressure relief (rupture disc)
device in compliance with DOT/TC requirements.
WARNING
The safety caps must be installed on the valve discharge port and filling port
at all times, except when connected into the units discharge tubing or when
filling. Failure to follow these instructions could result in personal injury,
death or property damage.
Table 3.1 describes the 5, 10 and 20 LB cylinder assemblies. Each cylinder is equipped
with a straight siphon tube and can only be mounted in a vertical (upright) position.
Table 3.2 describes the DOT/TC Specifications used for the manufacture of the CO2
cylinders.
Cylinder
Nominal DOT TC Service Test Pressure
Size Spec Spec Pressure DOT TC
psig psig psig
5 3AL1800 3ALM124 1800 3000 2700
10 3AL1800 3ALM124 1800 3000 2700
20 3AL1800 3ALM124 1800 3000 2700
The Firetrace CO2 Units are designed for an operating temperature range of 0oF to
+130oF. Table 3.3 shows the cylinder, pressure-temperature relationship based on a
maximum fill density of 68%; and a charged pressure of 838 psig at 70oF
4.1 General
The Firetrace series of CO2 Pre-Engineered Automatic High Pressure Extinguisher
units were tested and limits established by Firetrace and Factory Mutual. These units
were subjected to numerous performance tests, in order to verify their suitability and to
establish design limitations for:
• Hazard volume
• Nozzle placement
• Discharge time and flow rates
• Design concentrations & design factors
• Detector tubing placement
The maximum volume for each size unit is shown in Table 4.1. The protected
enclosure can be any size or shape provided that the volume does not exceed the
limitations shown in Table 4.1 with the exception of the IHP-2000 as noted below.
CO2 Volume
Model (Lbs) 3
(Ft )
IHP-0500 5.0 70
IHP-1000 10.0 140
IHP-2000 20.0 300*
* At least one dimension (l, w, h) must not exceed 2 feet
Volumes are based on 34% Design Concentration
Surface fires: The design concentration must be achieved within 1 minute from start
of discharge.
The Firetrace CO2 units and equipment are designed to be stored and operated at an
ambient temperature range of 0oF to +130oF. (-17.8oC to +54.4oC).
The minimum design concentrations to be used with Firetrace CO2 units shall not be
less than 34%. For class B hazards, proper consideration must be given to the
material involved in the hazard, the design concentration should then be given a safety
factor (SF) of 20%, as specified in NFPA-12, Year 2005 edition.
Minimum
Hazard Type
Safety Factor
Class B Flammable Liquids 20%
Table 4.3 lists CO2 minimum design concentrations that must be used with Firetrace
CO2 units for Class A hazards and the various Class B fuels shown.
Consult Firetrace website, or contact Firetrace if the hazard you desire to protect is not
listed.
Theoretical Minimum
Minimum CO2 Design CO2
Material Concentration Concentration
% %
(a)
Class A (surface fires)
Including plastic materials typically 34 34
found in electrical/electronic equip.
(b)
Class B fuels
Acetylene 55 66
Acetone 27 34
Aviation Gas Grades 115/145 30 36
Benzol, Benzene 31 37
Butadiene 34 41
Butane 28 34
Butane-I 31 37
Carbon Disulfide 60 72
Carbon Monoxide 53 64
Coal or Natural Gas 31 37
Cyclopropane 31 37
Diethyl Ether 33 40
Dimethyl Ether 33 40
Dowtherm 38 46
Ethane 33 40
Ethyl Alcohol 36 43
Ethyl Ether 38 46
Ethylene 41 49
Ethylene Dichloride 21 34
Ethylene Oxide 44 53
Gasoline 28 34
Hexane 29 35
Higher Paraffin Hydrocarbons
28 34
CnH2m + 2m - 5
Hydrogen 62 75
For all materials not given in Table 4.3, the minimum theoretical carbon dioxide
concentration shall be obtained from some recognized source or determined by test.
Provisions must be made to provide means to close all openings in the hazard
enclosure and shut-off ventilation at the time of discharge.
The total flooding quantity of CO2 agent needed to protect an enclosure containing a
material requiring a 34% design concentration can be found in Table 4.4.
To find the total quantity of CO2 required, multiply the hazard volume by the Volume
Factor found in Table 4.4
If the design concentration is greater than 34%, the basic quantity calculated from Table
4.4 shall be multiplied by the corresponding conversion factor found in Figure 4.1.
CAUTION
This table should only be used for materials requiring a 34% CO2
Design Concentration. And for environments where the temperature
range is between 0-130 o F
(C)
(A) (B)
Calculated
Volume of Space Volume Factor
Quantity (LB)
(Ft3) Ft3/lb CO2 lb CO2/Ft3 (Not Less Than)
Up to 140 14 0.072 ---
141-500 15 0.067 10
501-1600 16 0.063 35
1601-4500 18 0.056 100
4501-50,000 20 0.050 250
Over 50,000 22 0.046 2500
4
Conversion Factor
1
30 40 50 60 70 80
M in im u m D e s ig n C O 2 C o n c e n tra tio n (% )
Figure 4.1: Conversion Factor for Design Concentrations Greater than 34%.
The maximum volume that can be protected by the Firetrace CO2 units is dependent
on the minimum design concentration. The maximum volumes calculated from Table
4.4 for concentrations of 34% for Firetrace CO2 systems are listed below.
The requirements given in Sections 4.1 through 4.8 describe the procedures to be used
to design and size a Firetrace IHP CO2 unit.
The following example provides guidelines, following procedures 4.2.a, through 4.2.e., in
order to determine the quantity of CO2 agent required and cylinder size for a total
flooding application.
Example:
Given:
• Hazard – Small cabinet storing Ethyl Alcohol.
• Class B hazard
• Enclosure size: 4’ wide x 4’ long x 6’ high. One (1) access door equipped
with self closing apparatus
• Minimum anticipated ambient temperature: 50oF
• Maximum anticipated ambient temperature: 90oF
Procedure:
a. Determine min. design concentration required (Refer to Table 4.2)
Use 43% min. design concentration for Ethyl Alcohol.
c. Calculate quantity (Q) of CO2 required first using volume factor for 34%
concentration (Refer to Table 4.4)
volume of 96 Ft3 shows that a Volume Factor 0.072 Lb CO2/Ft3
One size nozzle P/N 510010 is to be used with all Firetrace IHP CO2 extinguisher units
in total flooding applications.
Placement of nozzles shall be such that discharge of CO2 will not splash flammable
liquids or create dust clouds that could extend the fire.
More than one nozzle can be used to protect a particular hazard, as long as the
“Equivalent Length of Pipe” for Firetrace IHP CO2 systems is not exceeded. Refer to
section 4.9.3 for information regarding the “Equivalent Length of Pipe”.
All Firetrace IHP Units shall use steel piping for the distribution system. The following
piping and fittings shall be used.
Piping Specifications:
Material: Black or Galvanized steel pipe
Type: ASTM A 53 seamless or electric welded, Grade A or B
Size: ½ Pipe
Note: For other options consult NFPA 12 2005 Edition Section 4.7
The maximum “Equivalent Length of Piping” shall not exceed 24ft. The “Equivalent
Length of Piping” includes individual lengths of pipe and all pipe fittings. Table 4.6
includes the equivalent lengths of ½ inch threaded pipe fittings that need to be
considered when determining the total “Equivalent Length of Piping”.
Elbow 90 o
Elbow Elbow Long Union
Pipe Tee Side
Std. Std. Radius Coupling
Size
45o 90 o & Tee
Thru Flow
1/2 0.8 1.7 1.0 3.4 0.4
For the Indirect CO2 units, the Firetrace tube is used as a combination heat detector and
unit activation device to cause actuation of the CO2 agent cylinder.
The detector tubing is heat sensitive and in a fire situation is designed to rupture at any
point along the tube upon direct flame impingement.
Location and spacing of the tubing is critical to the response time in the event of a fire.
The tubing should be placed above the hazard areas being protected. The drawing in
Appendix A provides general guidelines for placement of the detector tubing along with
the maximum spacing and height limitations. Depending on the configuration of specific
hazards, the guidelines may, or may not, be applicable. The maximum length of tubing
that can be used for any IHP unit is 120 feet. The maximum height that is allowed
between layers is 3.28 feet. The maximum distance between passes is 21.12 inches.
WARNING
CO2 cylinder/valve assemblies must be handled, installed, and serviced in
accordance with the instruction contained in this manual and on the cylinder
nameplate. Failure to follow these instructions could result in severe injury,
property damage or death.
The CO2 cylinders should be located as close as possible to the protected enclosure. In
some cases the cylinder can be mounted inside the protected enclosure. The
assemblies shall be located in a readily accessible location to allow for ease of
inspection service and maintenance. The cylinders shall be located in an environment
protected from the weather and where the temperature range is between 0oF and +
130oF.
Cylinder and bracket must be mounted in the vertical plane with the cylinder valve facing
up.
Mount the cylinder where it will not be subject to accidental damage or movement.
Suitable protection must be installed where necessary to prevent damage or movement.
CAUTION
Make sure that the ball valve, located on the cylinder valve, is maintained in
the “OFF” position, and the discharge port safety caps are in place. Failure to
follow these instructions will result in actuation and discharge of the cylinder
contents.
1. Locate the nozzle(s) following the guidelines and limitations described in Section
4.9.
3. Remove the safety cap from the valve discharge port as required. Attach female
connection fittings (Firetrace P/N 200201) onto discharge port.
4. Install the necessary piping and fittings between the cylinder and nozzle(s).
Secure piping with appropriate size piping clamps as required.
CAUTION
1. Do not kink, bend, or crush Firetrace tubing in order to prevent leakage,
which could result in accidental unit discharge.
2. Do not install tubing in a hazardous environment where the maximum
ambient temperature exceeds 176oF (80oC)
3. Do not place the tubing on a surface where the temperature of the
surface exceeds 140oF (60oC)
4. Maximum length of detector tubing shall not exceed 120 Feet.
1. Follow guidelines as outlined in section 4.10 and the drawing in Appendix A for
the tubing placement.
4. Connect the end of line adapter and spring top unit to the detection tubing as
shown in Appendix A.
5. When installing tubing to the cylinder valve make sure that the detection tubing is
pushed through the top of the ball valve inlet all the way through to the shoulder
and then tighten the spring top unit to a torque of 4-6 Nm.
6. Ensure the detection tubing is pushed through the end of line adapter all the way
through to the shoulder. Then tighten the spring top unit to the end of line
adapter to a torque of 4-6 Nm.
7. The detector tubing is now ready to be pressurized with nitrogen. (See section
5.4 for pressurization procedure)
1. Attach the filling adapter (P/N 600023) to the detector-tubing end of line adapter.
2. Using a regulated dry nitrogen supply, pressurize the detection tubing with dry
nitrogen through the filling adapter to 195 psig. It is recommended to have a
portable dry nitrogen cylinder for on site use.
4. With gauge still attached to the end of line adapter, test for leakage.
• Apply soapy water solution to the cylinder valve connection, end of line
adapter connection, and the pressure gauge connection. Observe for bubble
leaks.
• Wait 30 minutes, then observe pressure gauge. Any decrease in pressure is
an indication of a leak.
• In the event of a leak go back to Section 5.3 and repeat steps 4, 5, & 6.
• If no leaks are observed proceed to step 5 of Section 5.4
6. After confirming that there is no leakage within the detector tubing, SLOWLY
rotate the ball valve lever counter clockwise to the “ON” position.
CAUTION
If the ball valve lever is opened abruptly this may result in activation of the
cylinder valve and unit discharge.
WARNING
1. CO2 cylinder/valve assemblies must be handled, installed, inspected
and serviced only by qualified and trained personnel in accordance
with the instructions contained in this manual, the cylinder nameplate,
NFPA-12, and any other regulations and codes that may apply.
2. Before performing maintenance or refilling procedures refer to the
material safety data sheets in the appendix at the back of this manual.
6.1 General
Perform service and maintenance of the CO2 unit in accordance with the schedule
shown in Table 6.2
Reference
Schedule Requirement Paragraph
1. Make a general visual inspection of the CO2 cylinder and equipment for
damaged or missing parts.
2. Ensure access to hazard areas, discharge nozzles, and cylinders are
unobstructed and that there are not obstructions to the operation of the
equipment or distribution of CO2 agent.
3. Inspect detection tubing in hazard area for abrasion, distortion, cuts, or
dirt accumulation, and that there are no obstructions preventing tubing
from sensing a fire should one occur.
4. Verify that there have been no changes in the size of the enclosure and
that no new ventilation has been added.
WARNING
Prior to removal of the valve from the cylinder, verify that all
pressure has been released. To relieve any remaining pressure
loosen but do not remove the valve safety caps. Then open the
ball valve to the “ON” position and allow any residual pressure to
leak out past the plugs.
1 Only after verifying that the cylinder has been depressurized, remove
valve from cylinder.
2 Perform a visual inspection of the valve to verify that no damage occurred
due to the fire. If integrity of the valve looks compromised, contact
Firetrace. The valve should not be serviced by anyone other than a
Firetrace Technician.
3 Change the cylinder/valve o-ring. Discharge of CO2 causes the o-ring to
undergo vacuum decompression; failure to change the o-ring will result in
leaks around the cylinder/valve connection.
3. Re-seat the piston in the valve by following the procedure in Section 6.6,
Step 2.
Firetrace CO2 cylinders are built to DOT-3AL specifications and therefore fall under DOT
regulations for retest prior to refill.
DOT-3AL cylinders used exclusively in CO2 service are required to be retested and re-
stamped prior to recharge and shipment if the last retest date has expired.
As an alternate option, CO2 agent containers may be given a complete external visual
inspection, as detailed in Section 173.34(e)(13), in lieu of hydrostatic test. The visual
inspection shall only be made by competent persons. A person who performs the visual
examination specified in 173.34(e)(13) is not required to have a re-tester’s identification
number.
1. Weigh and record cylinder empty weight with valve and the 2 safety caps
installed.
2. Remove the safety cap from the discharge port and visually check that the
piston is seated inside of the valve. Replace safety cap. (If piston is not seated,
apply 195 psi of Nitrogen pressure through the ball valve. You will be able to
hear the piston change positions. Return ball valve to “OFF” position and
remove hose connection).
3. Remove safety cap from filling port and attach Firetrace CO2 filling adapter (P/N
60024) to filling port
4. Attach CO2 supply line to filling adapter. (CO2 is to be pumped)
5. Place the cylinder, with supply line hooked up, on scale and zero the scale.
Open the supply of CO2 from bulk tank to fill the cylinder to the required weight.
6. Close supply of CO2 while maintaining all connections.
7. Disconnect CO2 recharge adapter and immediately attach discharge port cap to
valve.
CAUTION
Any hissing or discharge coming from vent valve indicates that
the piston is not seating properly or has opened. If this occurs,
repeat Step 10 and verify that the cylinder valve piston remains
closed.
Note: All reasonable efforts must be made to prevent emitting any CO2 to
the environment during filling or servicing of Firetrace units.
INSTALLATION DRAWINGS
5
ITE PART NO. DESCRIPTION SYSTEM
M
1 310201 IHP Valve All Systems
2 110050 5 Lb. Cylinder 5 LB
6
2 110100 10 Lb. Cylinder 10 LB 3
2 110200 20 Lb. Cylinder 20 LB
5 1
3 600008 Siphon Tube /8”x13 /4” 5 LB
5 1
3 600005 Siphon Tube /8”x15 /4” 10 LB
5 1 2
3 600006 Siphon Tube /8”x21 /2” 20 LB 4
4 111201 5 Lb. Heavy Duty Bracket 5 LB
4 111010 10 Lb. Heavy Duty Bracket 10 LB
4 111020 20 Lb. Heavy Duty Bracket 20 LB
5 310310 Discharge Port Safety Cap All Systems
8
6 310305 Collar O-Ring All Systems
7 200160 Spring Top Support Unit All Systems
8 600053 Pull Pin All Systems
9 600007 Nameplate: CO2 All Systems
* 600125 Label: IHP CO2 FM Approval All Systems
* 800100 Warranty/Registration Card All Systems
* 200201 Discharge Port Adapter All Systems
* PART NOT PICTURED
9
2
1
3
2
1
NOZZLE
NOZZLE
INDIRECT HIGH
PRESSURE VALVE
HIGH PRESSURE
DISCHARGE PORT
ADAPTER TUBING CLIPS
FILLING ADAPTER
(REMOVE AFTER PRESSURIZING LINE)
FIRETRACE DETECTION
END OF THE
TUBING
LINE ADAPTER
Plastic Tie
4” Long
18 LB Tensile Strength
Option #1 Option #2
1. Check to see that the ball valve 1. Remove the ON/OFF faceplate.
lever is set to the “ON” position. 2. Unscrew the ball valve lever
2. Remove the ON/OFF faceplate. from the assembly.
3. Pull the tie through the hole in 3. Pull the lever off of the ball valve
the ball valve lever. assembly.
4. Wrap the tie around the ball 4. Keep the items in a bag and
valve assembly. secure them to the unit.
5. Firmly pull on the tie to tighten
and secure the lever.
6. If desired, cut off the excess tie.
2. Hazards Identification
EMERGENCY OVERVIEW
CAUTION! High-pressure liquid and gas.
Can cause rapid suffocation.
Can increase respiration and heart rate.
May cause nervous system damage.
May cause frostbite.
May cause dizziness and drowsiness.
Self-contained breathing apparatus may be required by rescue workers.
This product is a colorless, odorless gas at normal temperature and pressure.
The gas is slightly acidic and may be felt to have a slight, pungent odor and
biting taste.
OSHA REGULATORY STATUS: This material is considered hazardous by the OSHA Hazard
Communications Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200).
POTENTIAL HEALTH EFFECTS:
Effects of a Single (Acute) Overexposure
Inhalation. Carbon dioxide gas is an asphyxiant with effects due to lack of oxygen. It is
also physiologically active, affecting circulation and breathing. Moderate concentrations
may cause headache, drowsiness, dizziness, stinging of the nose and throat, excitation,
Copyright © 1980, 1985,1986, 1989, 1991-1993, 1997, 1999, 2004, 2007, Page 1 of 12
Praxair Technology, Inc.
All rights reserved.
A vertical line in the left margin indicates revised or new material.
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
rapid breathing and heart rate, excess salivation, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Lack
of oxygen can kill.
Skin Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide
may cause severe frostbite.
Swallowing. An unlikely route of exposure. This product is a gas at normal temperature
and pressure.
Eye Contact. No harm expected from vapor. Cold gas, or liquid or solid carbon dioxide
may cause severe frostbite.
Effects of Repeated (Chronic) Overexposure. No harm expected.
Other Effects of Overexposure. Damage to retinal or ganglion cells and central nervous
system may occur.
Medical Conditions Aggravated by Overexposure. The toxicology and the physical and
chemical properties of carbon dioxide suggest that overexposure is unlikely to aggravate
existing medical conditions.
CARCINOGENICITY: Carbon dioxide is not listed by NTP, OSHA, or IARC.
POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS: None known. For further information, see section
12, Ecological Information.
3. Composition/Information on Ingredients
This section covers materials of manufacture only. See sections 8, 10, 11, and 16 for
information on by-products generated during use in welding and cutting.
See section 16 for important information about mixtures.
Page 2 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN HANDLING: Avoid breathing gas. Do not get liquid in eyes,
on skin, or clothing. Protect cylinders from damage. Use a suitable hand truck to move
cylinders; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. Never attempt to lift a cylinder by its cap; the cap is
intended solely to protect the valve. Never insert an object (e.g., wrench, screwdriver, pry
bar) into cap openings; doing so may damage the valve and cause a leak. Use an adjustable
strap wrench to remove over-tight or rusted caps. Open valve slowly. If valve is hard to open,
discontinue use and contact your supplier. Keep cylinder upright when in use. Never apply
flame or localized heat directly to any part of the cylinder. High temperatures may damage
the cylinder and could cause the pressure relief device to fail prematurely, venting the cylinder
contents. For other precautions in using carbon dioxide, see section 16.
PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN STORAGE: Gas can cause rapid suffocation due to
oxygen deficiency. Store and use with adequate ventilation. Store only where temperature
will not exceed 125°F (52°C). Carbon dioxide is heavier than air. It tends to accumulate near
Page 3 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
the floor of an enclosed space, displacing air and pushing it upward. This creates an oxygen-
deficient atmosphere near the floor. Ventilate space before entry. Verify sufficient oxygen
concentration. Close cylinder valve after each use; keep closed even when empty. Prevent
reverse flow. Reverse flow into cylinder may cause rupture. Use a check valve or other
protective device in any line or piping from the cylinder. Do not strike an arc on the cylinder.
The defect produced by an arc burn could lead to cylinder rupture. Do not ground the cylinder
or allow it to become part of an electrical circuit. Firmly secure cylinders upright to keep
them from falling or being knocked over. Screw valve protection cap firmly in place by hand.
Store full and empty cylinders separately. Use a first-in, first-out inventory system to prevent
storing full cylinders for long periods.
RECOMMENDED PUBLICATIONS: For further information on storage, handling, and use, see
Praxair publications P-14-153, Guidelines for Handling Gas Cylinders and Containers; P-15-
073, Safety Precautions for Carbon Dioxide; and P-3499, Safety Precautions and Emergency
Response Planning. Obtain from your local supplier.
Page 4 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
Page 5 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
EFFECT: CONCENTRATION:
Page 6 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
Page 7 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
TSCA: TOXIC SUBSTANCES CONTROL ACT: Carbon dioxide is listed on the TSCA
inventory.
OSHA: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION:
29 CFR 1910.119: PROCESS SAFETY MANAGEMENT OF HIGHLY HAZARDOUS
CHEMICALS: Requires facilities to develop a process safety management program
based on Threshold Quantities (TQ) of highly hazardous chemicals.
Carbon dioxide is not listed in Appendix A as a highly hazardous chemical.
STATE REGULATIONS:
CALIFORNIA: Carbon dioxide is not listed by California under the SAFE DRINKING
WATER AND TOXIC ENFORCEMENT ACT OF 1986 (Proposition 65).
PENNSYLVANIA: Carbon dioxide is subject to the PENNSYLVANIA WORKER AND
COMMUNITY RIGHT-TO-KNOW ACT (35 P.S. Sections 7301-7320).
Page 8 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
Page 9 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
Page 10 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
Praxair asks users of this product to study this MSDS and become aware of product hazards
and safety information. To promote safe use of this product, a user should (1) notify employees,
agents, and contractors of the information in this MSDS and of any other known product
hazards and safety information, (2) furnish this information to each purchaser of the product,
and (3) ask each purchaser to notify its employees and customers of the product hazards and
safety information.
Page 11 of 12
Product: Carbon Dioxide P-4574-J Date: July 2007
The opinions expressed herein are those of qualified experts within Praxair, Inc. We
believe that the information contained herein is current as of the date of this Material
Safety Data Sheet. Since the use of this information and the conditions of use of the
product are not within the control of Praxair, Inc., it is the user’s obligation to
determine the conditions of safe use of the product.
Praxair MSDSs are furnished on sale or delivery by Praxair or the independent distributors and suppliers
who package and sell our products. To obtain current MSDSs for these products, contact your Praxair
sales representative or local distributor or supplier, or download from www.praxair.com. If you have
questions regarding Praxair MSDSs, would like the form number and date of the latest MSDS, or would
like the names of the Praxair suppliers in your area, phone or write the Praxair Call Center (Phone: 1-
800-PRAXAIR; Address: Praxair Call Center, Praxair, Inc., PO Box 44, Tonawanda, NY 14151-0044).
Praxair, the Flowing Airstream design, LaserStar, and Medipure are trademarks
or registered trademarks of Praxair Technology, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Praxair, Inc.
39 Old Ridgebury Road
Danbury, CT 06810-5113