Water has been a long time agent to put out uncontrolled and unwanted flames. But since it caused an equal damage to the property, it seemed that choosing water for the task was a bad idea. While it managed to save precious goods and papers from the heat, but once it drenched them, they became equally damaged and useless. Hence the destruction with water was equally alarming and it seemed that another agent was required for the job. This meant that something non liquid was needed, something like gas. At first it was Halon, but after many years of being commercially used, it was soon discovered that it harmed the ozone pretty badly and was put out of use.

Now the Novec 1230 gas suppression system is being used commercially with a great response. It is ozone friendly and can be used anywhere needed. Although it is filled in liquid state inside the single skinned cylinders, it turns to gas as soon as it touches heat. Its chemical property of draining the heat from the flames makes it perfect to control the unwanted flames. The system is a series of smoke and heat detectors attached to a control panel which recognizes the need to let the gas flow freely to the area it is needed. Once the control panel gets the signal to let the gas be released, it is sent to the area under heat at once.

It is being used in factories, offices, multistory buildings and even in ships and airplanes. Although not many airplanes use it still because it adds weight to it. The added weight to the airplane can make it difficult to handle so only the big and powerful ones can cope with it. The gas is now easily available as many manufacturers are now producing it. It is not extracted from the air; rather it is made by a combination of various chemicals. Hence it is needed to inform the manufacturer in advance if you need it in a large quantity.

Measuring the single skinned containers is not something like you measure a water bottle. There are no openings except the inlet valve which is also sealed. So you need the ultrasonic liquid level indicator to measure the insides and have an idea of how much is present inside. If the gas is emptied, you won’t be able to judge simply by looking at the cylinder. So it is important that you keep checking it regularly by the ultrasonic gadget and know when you need a refill.