Section 4

Nitrogen Containers
FIKE CORPORATION NITROGEN CYLINDERS

4.0 GENERAL

Nitrogen (N2) cylinders, large or small, will need to be recharged after a system discharge, after repair of
a leaking cylinder valve, or after a hydrotest. This section covers the methods and procedures necessary
to complete a Nitrogen cylinder recharge.

WARNINGS: The cylinders associated with these procedures will be filled with a compressed gas, under
high pressure. Safe handling procedures, associated with pressurized cylinders, shall be
observed at all times.

Suitable safety relief devices shall be incorporated into the charging system to prevent
accidental over pressurization of the recharging piping system.

Safety glasses, gloves, and a full-face shield shall be worn at all times while pumping N2
gas. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury.

Nitrogen gas (N2) is lighter than the atmosphere. However, filling areas must be well
ventilated at all times to reduce the potential for gas accumulating and displacing the
atmosphere/oxygen causing potential breathing problems.

NOTE: Recharging of Nitrogen cylinders shall be performed by an approved Compressed Gas

service agency. The procedures contained herein are meant as guidelines only. Under no
circumstances should the recharging of high pressure, compressed gas, cylinders be
attempted by any facility or agency not fully trained and knowledgeable in the methods and
procedures associated with the handling and recharging of these cylinders.

CAUTION: NEVER handle, move or transport ANY pressurized cylinder without the “Safety / Shipping”
cap firmly in place. Failure to have this cap in place any time a cylinder is not in an
approved rack or storage location can result in serious damage and/or injury to persons in
the immediate area, or those handling the unprotected cylinder.

4.1 LARGE (300 SCF) NITROGEN CYLINDER RECHARGING – P/N 73-0012

The following is a step-by-step procedure for recharging Nitrogen cylinders supplied with Fike’s
Micromist® Fire Suppression System packages:

A. Install a Fike Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly, P/N 73-012, with straight Female threads, into the large
connection of the Fike Micromist® System valve inlet. See Figure 4.1-A, page 2, for Fill Valve
Assembly details.

B. Attached the cylinder, equipped with the Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly, to a “pigtail” connection on the
Nitrogen-fill manifold.

C. Turn on the pump and allow Nitrogen to flow into the Fike N2 cylinder. Fill the cylinder to the desired
pressure, using the pressure gauge, temperature monitoring device, and the appropriate, approved,
fill chart having the correct final pressure(s) vs. cylinder (gas) temperature(s). Large Nitrogen (N2)
containers are filled to a pressure of 1,920 psi at 70ºF (13,238 kPa at 21ºC). Refer to Figure 4.1-B,
page 5, for an approved fill chart.

D. Stop the pump, shut off the Nitrogen inlet to the manifold, and open the ¼ turn valve on the Nitrogen
Fill Valve Assembly to vent the remaining Nitrogen pressure in the supply hose. Confirm that the Fike
cylinder valve has closed.

Revised Date: January, 2004 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Section 4 / Page 1 of 10
Revision: B Manual P/N: 06-211
NITROGEN CYLINDERS FIKE CORPORATION

NOTES: A valve that fails to close can be detected by a drop in the cylinder temperature, i.e. as
Nitrogen flows out of the cylinder, the cylinder will cool to an easily detectable level.

Mark and reject any cylinder whose valve fails to close securely. Tag for repair and set
aside in an approved, secure, cylinder storage area.

E. Leak test the cylinder using a leak detecting product such as “Snoop”. Check carefully at the cylinder
neck, where the valve threads into the cylinder, and at the valve outlet and safety assemblies. Mark
and reject any cylinder found to be leaking. Tag for repair and set aside in an approved, secure
cylinder storage area.

WARNING: Be sure that the system pressure is depleted before disconnecting the cylinder. Excessive
pressure remaining in the manifold will cause the “pigtail” connection to “whip” when
released from the cylinder. This whipping action can cause serious injury or death to those
in the immediate area.

F. Disconnect the cylinder from the manifold “pigtail” and remove the Fike Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly.
Install the Safety/Shipping cap on the cylinder. Move the cylinder to a safe, secure area in
accordance with OSHA and local codes.

NOTE: Large capacity (300 SCF) Nitrogen cylinders used in water mist systems SHALL not be
recharged without a hydrostatic test and remarking, if more than five (5) years have
elapsed from the date of the last test. Cylinders that have been in continuous service
without discharging shall be permitted to be retained in service for a maximum of twelve
(12) years, after which they shall be discharged and retested before being returned to
service. Reference: NFPA No. 750, Section 10-2.4, latest edition.

NITROGEN VALVE

HOSE FROM
C02 SUPPLY

1/4" BALL VALVE

(HIGH PRESSURE)

FIGURE 4.1-A

Section 4 / Page 2 of 10 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Revised Date: January, 2004
Manual P/N: 06-211 Revision: B
FIKE CORPORATION NITROGEN CYLINDERS

4.2 RECHARGING OF SMALL (Medical “D” size) NITROGEN CYLINDERS

Small capacity (Medical “D” size), Nitrogen cylinders used on Fike’s Marine CO2 and Marine HFC-227ea
Fire Suppression Systems, are subject to the same safety rules and precautions as detailed in Section
4.0. However, the hydrotest requirements are more stringent. Care must be taken to insure that the
appropriate hydrotest requirements are adhered to relative to Nitrogen cylinder size. The cylinders
addressed in Section 4.2 must comply with the following hydrotest requirement:

NOTE: Small capacity (Medical “D” size) Nitrogen cylinders, used in Fike’s Marine HFC-227ea and
CO2 systems, shall be hydrotested every five (5) years, in accordance with NFPA No. 10
and D.O.T. Regulation CFR Title 40, Paragraph 173.34. The cylinder must be tested
immediately if the cylinder shows evidence of distortion, damage, cracks, corrosion, or
mechanical damage. Cylinders failing the hydrostatic testing SHALL be destroyed.

The small (Medical “D” size) Nitrogen cylinders, covered under the hydrotest requirements noted above,
include:

A. Remote Actuator – P/N N70-233 – Marine HFC-227ea

B. Local Pneumatic Actuator – P/N N70-1006 – Marine HFC-227ea
C. Remote Pneumatic Actuator – P/N C70-233 – Marine CO2

4.2.1 RECHARGE PROCEDURE – LOCAL PNEUMATIC ACTUATION CYLINDER - P/N N70-1006

Local Pneumatic Actuator, P/N N70-1006, is fitted with the same Brass Nitrogen (N2) valve as is used on
the large Nitrogen cylinder. The recharge requirements and procedures are identical to those for the
large capacity (100 lb. CO2) Nitrogen cylinders. Refer to Paragraphs 4.1 and 4.1.1 above for those
procedures.

4.2.2 RECHARGE PROCEDURE – REMOTE ACTUATION CYLINDERS - P/N C70-233 & P/N N70-233
The Remote Pneumatic Actuator Cylinders, P/N C70-233 and P/N N70-233, are identical devices but
used on different fire suppression systems (see Section 4.2). They are fitted with a quick opening lever
operator with a safety ring pin on top of the cylinder/valve assembly. The following is a step-by-step
procedure required to recharge these cylinders:

A. Secure the Remote Pneumatic Actuator cylinder in a vise, or other de-valving device. Remove the
Safety/Shipping cap and set aside.

B. Remove the top lever operator w/ safety ring pin and set aside.

C. Install a Fike Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly, P/N 73-012, with straight Female threads, into the pilot
valve connection inside the cylinder valve. See Figure 4.2-A, page 7, for Fill Valve Assembly details.

D. Attached the cylinder, equipped with the Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly, to a “pigtail” connection on the
Nitrogen-fill manifold.

E Turn on the pump and allow Nitrogen to flow into the Pneumatic Actuator cylinder. Fill the cylinder to
the desired pressure, using the pressure gauge, temperature monitoring device, and the appropriate,
approved, fill chart having the correct final pressure(s) vs. cylinder (gas) temperature(s). The normal
operating pressure for the small (Medical “D” size) Nitrogen (N2) cylinders is 1,800 psig at 70ºF
(12,410 kPa at 21ºC). Refer to Figure 4.1-B, page 5, for an approved fill chart.

F. Stop the pump, shut off the Nitrogen inlet to the manifold, and open the ¼ turn valve on the Nitrogen
Fill Valve Assembly to vent the remaining Nitrogen pressure in the supply hose. Confirm that the Fike
cylinder valve has closed.

Revised Date: January, 2004 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Section 4 / Page 3 of 10
Revision: B Manual P/N: 06-211
NITROGEN CYLINDERS FIKE CORPORATION

NOTES: A valve that fails to close can be detected by a drop in the cylinder temperature; i.e. as
Nitrogen flows out of the cylinder, the cylinder will cool to an easily detectable level.

Mark and reject any cylinder whose valve fails to close securely. Tag for repair and set
aside.

G. Leak test the cylinder using a leak detecting product such as a hydrosonic leak detector. Check
carefully at the cylinder neck, where the valve threads into the cylinder, and at the valve outlet and
safety assemblies.

WARNING: Be sure that the system pressure is depleted before disconnecting the cylinder. Excessive
pressure, remaining in the manifold, will cause the “pigtail” connection to “whip” when
released from the cylinder. This whipping action can cause serious injury or death to those
in the immediate area.

H. Disconnect the cylinder from the manifold “pigtail” and remove the Fike Nitrogen Fill Valve Assembly.

I. Replace the lever operator top of the valve assembly and tighten securely. Be sure the safety ring
pin is in place and sealed with a lead/wire seal, or other appropriate sealing device.

J. Install the Safety/Shipping cap on the cylinder. Move the cylinder to a safe, secure area in
accordance with OSHA and local codes.

4.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE

At least two (2) hours after recharging, and preferably the next day, check the cylinders settled pressure,
as follows:

A. Using an accurate gauge, check the pressure in the Fike Nitrogen cylinder.

B. Determine the cylinder temperature. After determining the temperature, check the nominal cylinder
pressure, according to the chart in Figure 4.1-B on page 5. Large capacity Nitrogen cylinders
(Micromist® filled to a nominal operating pressure of 1,920 psi at 70ºF (13,238 kPa at 21ºC), the
allowable range SHALL be:

1. No more than 45 psi (310.3 kPa) over the nominal pressure, and
2. No more than 55 psi (379.2 kPa) under the nominal pressure.

See Figure 4.1-B, page 5, for pressure vs. temperature table for Large (300 SCF) N2 cylinders.

C. Small capacity (Medical “D” size) cylinders, filled to a nominal operating pressure of 1,800 psig at
70ºF (12,410 kPa at 21ºC), the allowable range SHALL be:

1. The cylinder pressure MUST fall within +/- 10% of the nominal pressure at 70º F (21º C).
2. At temperatures other than 70ºF (21ºC), first determine the nominal pressure for the specific
temperature and apply the +/- 10% tolerance to that number.

See Figure 4.2-A, page 6, for pressure vs. temperature table for Small (Medical “D” size) N2 cylinders.

Section 4 / Page 4 of 10 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Revised Date: January, 2004
Manual P/N: 06-211 Revision: B
FIKE CORPORATION NITROGEN CYLINDERS

FIGURE 4.1-B – LARGE CAPACITY (300 SCF) Micromist® NITROGEN CYLINDER FILL CHART

The following is a fill chart showing temperature vs. pressure for 100% Nitrogen.

Large Capacity Nitrogen Cylinder Fill Chart

Temperature Pressure Temperature Pressure
Degrees F Degrees C PSI kPa Degrees F Degrees C PSI kPa
10 -12.2 1633 11,259 72 22.2 1930 13,307
12 -11.1 1642 11,321 74 23.3 1939 13,369
14 -10.0 1652 11,390 76 24.4 1949 13,438
16 -8.9 1661 11,452 78 25.6 1958 13,500
18 -7.8 1671 11,521 80 26.7 1968 13,569
20 -6.7 1680 11,583 82 27.8 1977 13,631
22 -5.6 1690 11,652 84 28.9 1987 13,700
24 -4.4 1700 11,721 86 30.0 1997 13,769
26 -3.3 1709 11,783 88 31.1 2006 13,831
28 -2.2 1719 11,852 90 32.2 2016 13,900
30 -1.1 1728 11,914 92 33.3 2025 13,962
32 0.0 1738 11,983 94 34.4 2035 14,031
34 1.1 1748 12,052 96 35.6 2044 14,093
36 2.2 1757 12,114 98 36.7 2054 14,162
38 3.3 1767 12,183 100 37.8 2063 14,224
40 4.4 1776 12,245 102 38.9 2073 14,293
42 5.6 1785 12,307 104 40.0 2083 14,362
44 6.7 1796 12,383 106 41.1 2092 14,424
46 7.8 1805 12,445 108 42.2 2102 14,493
48 8.9 1815 12,514 110 43.3 2111 14,555
50 10.0 1824 12,576 112 44.4 2121 14,624
52 11.1 1834 12,645 114 45.6 2130 14,686
54 12.2 1843 12,707 116 46.7 2140 14,755
56 13.3 1853 12,776 118 47.8 2150 14,824
58 14.4 1863 12,845 120 48.9 2159 14,886
60 15.6 1872 12,907 122 50.0 2169 14,955
62 16.7 1882 12,976 124 51.1 2178 15,017
64 17.8 1891 13,038 126 52.2 2188 15,086
66 18.9 1901 13,107 128 53.3 2197 15,148
68 20.0 1910 13,169 130 54.4 2207 15,217
70 21.1 1920 13,238

NOTE: Final density is 0.3359 lb.-moles/ft3 = 0.0752 SCF/in3 = 9.4098 lb./ft3 (150.73 kg/m3)

Revised Date: January, 2004 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Section 4 / Page 5 of 10
Revision: B Manual P/N: 06-211
NITROGEN CYLINDERS FIKE CORPORATION

FIGURE 4.2-A – SMALL (Medical ”D” Size) NITROGEN CYLINDER FILL CHART

The following is a fill chart showing temperature vs. pressure for 100% Nitrogen.

Small (Medical “D” Size) Nitrogen Cylinder Fill Chart

Temperature Pressure Temperature Pressure
Degrees F Degrees C PSI kPa Degrees F Degrees C PSI kPa
10 -12.2 1534 10576 72 22.2 1808 12465
12 -11.1 1543 10638 74 23.3 1817 12527
14 -10.0 1552 10700 76 24.4 1826 12590
16 -8.9 1561 10762 78 25.6 1834 12645
18 -7.8 1569 10818 80 26.7 1843 12707
20 -6.7 1578 10880 82 27.8 1852 12769
22 -5.6 1587 10942 84 28.9 1861 12831
24 -4.4 1596 11004 86 30.0 1870 12893
26 -3.3 1605 11066 88 31.1 1879 12955
28 -2.2 1614 11128 90 32.2 1887 13010
30 -1.1 1622 11183 92 33.3 1896 13072
32 0.0 1631 11245 94 34.4 1905 13134
34 1.1 1640 11307 96 35.6 1914 13196
36 2.2 1649 11369 98 36.7 1923 13258
38 3.3 1658 11431 100 37.8 1932 13320
40 4.4 1667 11493 102 38.9 1940 13375
42 5.6 1675 11548 104 40.0 1949 13438
44 6.7 1684 11610 106 41.1 1958 13500
46 7.8 1693 11672 108 42.2 1967 13562
48 8.9 1702 11735 110 43.3 1976 13624
50 10.0 1711 11797 112 44.4 1984 13679
52 11.1 1720 11859 114 45.6 1993 13741
54 12.2 1728 11914 116 46.7 2002 13803
56 13.3 1737 11976 118 47.8 2011 13865
58 14.4 1746 12038 120 48.9 2020 13927
60 15.6 1755 12100 122 50.0 2029 13989
62 16.7 1764 12162 124 51.1 2037 14044
64 17.8 1773 12224 126 52.2 2046 14106
66 18.9 1781 12279 128 53.3 2055 14168
68 20.0 1790 12341 130 54.4 2064 14230
70 21.1 1800 12410

NOTE: Final density is 0.3359 lb.-moles/ft3 = 0.0752 SCF/in3 = 9.4098 lb./ft3 (150.73 kg/m3)

Section 4 / Page 6 of 10 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Revised Date: January, 2004
Manual P/N: 06-211 Revision: B
FIKE CORPORATION NITROGEN CYLINDERS

#580 CGA SWIVEL CONECTION

TO NITROGEN CHARGING
MANIFOLD PIGTALE

1/4" BALL VALVE

(HIGH PRESSURE)

FILL ADAPTER

PILOT VALVE NITROGEN VALVE BODY

ASSEMBLY

PRESSURE GAUGE

SAFETY DISC NUT

MANUAL
LEVER ASSEMBLY
REMOVE TO FILL

SMALL NITROGEN CYLINDER

(MEDICAL "D" SIZE)

Figure 4.2-A

Revised Date: January, 2004 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Section 4 / Page 7 of 10
Revision: B Manual P/N: 06-211
NITROGEN CYLINDERS FIKE CORPORATION

4.4 DEPRESSURIZATION/AGENT REMOVAL – LARGE (300 SCF) NITROGEN CYLINDER

Full/pressurized Nitrogen (N2) cylinders requiring hydrotest or service/repair MUST be depressurized
before any service work can be performed. The following is a step-by-step procedure of depressurization
that, when followed, will insure the safety of area personnel and that the brass Nitrogen cylinder valve will
not sustain damage:

A. Place the cylinder in a secure area, restraining the cylinder in a vise, clamp, or other safe device,
in accordance with local codes and OSHA requirements. Remove the Safety/Shipping cap and set
aside for later use.

CAUTION: NEVER move, handle, transport, or store any Nitrogen, or other pressurized gas cylinder,
without the Safety/Shipping cap firmly in place. Failure to do so can result in serious
damage or injury to area personnel or those handling the unprotected cylinder.

B. Attach a control valve to the Nitrogen cylinder discharge adapter, P/N C85-1092, and attach a
discharge hose to the control valve. The control valve will regulate the flow of N2 being released from
the cylinder and the discharge hose is used to insure that the N2 discharge is properly vented to the
outside atmosphere.

NOTE: Place Teflon® tape on both threaded ends of the discharge adapter, P/N C85-1092, before
connecting.

C. Insure that the control valve is closed tightly, then attach the discharge adapter assembly to the brass
Nitrogen cylinder valve by threading the 1/8” NPT (4mm) end into the Nitrogen valve fill port, opening
the check inside the valve. Place the discharge hose so that it will discharge the N2 gas to the
outside atmosphere.

CAUTION: Be sure to restrain the discharge end of the hose, as discharging N2 velocity will cause the
hose end to whip with a potential to cause damage, or injury, to materials or personnel in
the immediate area.

D. Slowly open the control valve to release the N2 to the atmosphere. Regulate the flow to depressurize
the cylinder without discharging at an excessive velocity.

E. After the N2 gas has been expelled from the cylinder, close the control valve, disconnect the
discharge hose, and remove the discharge adapter assembly from the Brass Nitrogen cylinder valve.

F. Perform the required service or replace the Safety/Shipping cap and store the cylinder in a secure
area, restraining it in accordance with OSHA and local requirements. See Figure 4.4-A, page 9, for a
pictorial view of the depressurization assembly connections.

Section 4 / Page 8 of 10 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Revised Date: January, 2004
Manual P/N: 06-211 Revision: B
FIKE CORPORATION NITROGEN CYLINDERS

NITROGEN VALVE

ADAPTER C85-1092
CONTROL VALVE

DISCHARGE HOSE
(TO OUTSIDE)

FIGURE 4.4-A

4.5 DEPRESSURIZATION/AGENT REMOVAL – SMALL (Medical “D”) NITROGEN CYLINDERS

Full/pressurized Small (Medical “D”) Nitrogen (N2) cylinders requiring hydrotest or service/repair MUST be
depressurized before any service work can be performed. The following is a step-by-step procedure of
depressurization that, when followed, will insure the safety of area personnel and that the cylinder valves
will not sustain damage.

The Small (Medical “D”) Nitrogen cylinders use two (2) different valve actuating systems and the
procedures required for each valve system follow;

4.5.1 LOCAL PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR CYLINDER – P/N N70-1006:

The Local Pneumatic Actuator, P/N N70-1006 utilizes the same brass Nitrogen (N2) valve installed on the
Large Nitrogen cylinders. The procedures for depressurization/agent removal are identical to those for
the large cylinder. Follow the steps outlined in Section 4.4, page 8, when depressurizing or removing the
Nitrogen from this cylinder.

4.5.2 REMOTE PNEUMATIC ACTUATOR CYLINDERS – P/N C70-233 & N70-233

The Remote Pneumatic Actuator Cylinders, P/N C70-233 and N70-233, are identical devices but used on
different fire suppression systems. They are fitted with a quick opening lever operator on top of the
cylinder/valve assembly. The lever/valve assembly requires a different system for depressurizing and/or
removal of the Nitrogen gas agent. The following is a step-by-step procedure for depressurizing/agent
removal of these cylinders:

NOTE: Follow the Safety rules and guidelines outlined in section 4.4, page 8, at all times when
handling these cylinders.

Revised Date: January, 2004 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Section 4 / Page 9 of 10
Revision: B Manual P/N: 06-211
NITROGEN CYLINDERS FIKE CORPORATION

A. Place the cylinder in a secure area, restraining the cylinder in a vise, clamp, or other safe device,
in accordance with local codes and OSHA requirements. Remove the Safety/Shipping cap and set
aside for later use.

CAUTION: NEVER move, handle, transport, or store any Nitrogen, or other pressurized gas cylinder,
without the Safety/Shipping cap firmly in place. Failure to do so can result in serious
damage or injury to area personnel or those handling the unprotected cylinder.

B. Attach a control valve to the cylinder valve 1/8” (4mm) discharge port and attach a discharge hose to
the control valve. The control valve will regulate the flow of N2 gas being released from the discharge
cylinder and the hose is used to insure that the N2 discharge is properly vented to the outside
atmosphere.

C. Be sure to restrain the discharge end of the hose, as discharging N2 velocity will cause the hose end
to whip with a potential to cause damage, or injury, to materials or personnel in the immediate area.

D. When the cylinder has been prepared, remove the safety pull pin and operate the lever on top of the
cylinder valve.

E. Slowly open the control valve to release the N2 to the atmosphere. Regulate the flow to depressurize
the cylinder without discharging at an excessive velocity.

F. After the N2 gas has been expelled from the cylinder, close the control valve, disconnect the
discharge hose, and remove the control valve/discharge hose assembly from the cylinder valve.

G. Perform the required service or replace the Safety/Shipping cap and store the cylinder in a secure
manner in accordance with OSHA and local requirements.

H. See Figure 4.5.2-A, page 11, for a pictorial view of the depressurizing assembly connections.

OPEN MANUAL LEVER

AFTER INSTALLING
CONTROL VALVE

ADAPTER C85-1092

CONTROL VALVE

DISCHARGE HOSE
(TO OUTSIDE)

NITROGEN VALVE BODY

PRESSURE GAUGE

SAFETY DISC NUT

SMALL NITROGEN CYLINDER

(MEDICAL "D" SIZE)

FIGURE 4.5.2-A

Section 4 / Page 10 of 10 Container Recharge (Fill) Manual Revised Date: January, 2004
Manual P/N: 06-211 Revision: B