ASTM D7123-21

Standard Practice for Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HCFC Blend B (CF<inf >3</inf>CCl<inf> 2</inf>H, Ar, and CF<inf>4</inf>)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B encountered in distribution through both commercial and military channels. It is intended to ensure that HCFC Blend B is handled, transported, and stored in such a way that its physical property virtues are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to, highway, rail, water, and air.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, reclaimers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-May-2021
• ICS: 71.080.20 - Halogenated hydrocarbons
• Technical Committee: D26 - Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents
• Drafting Committee: D26.09 - Fire Extinguishing Agents

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D7122-11 - Standard Specification for HCFC Blend B (CF₃CCl₂H, Ar, and CF₄)
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7122-05 - Standard Specification for HCFC Blend B (CF<inf>3</inf>CCl<inf>2</inf>H, Ar, and CF<inf>4</inf>)
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2005

Overview

ASTM D7123-21 is the standard practice defining requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B (a blend of 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane [HCFC-123], argon, and tetrafluoromethane) in both commercial and military distribution channels. This practice is essential for suppliers, reclaimers, purchasers, and users to ensure safe management and preservation of HCFC Blend B’s physical properties throughout the supply chain, whether transported by highway, rail, water, or air. Adhering to this standard helps minimize the risk of degradation, contamination, or unsafe incidents involving this specialized fire suppressant and refrigerant blend.

Key Topics

• Handling Requirements

  • Personnel must be trained per Compressed Gas Association (CGA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.
  • Cylinders and containers must be handled to prevent contamination or commingling with other halocarbons.
  • Strict protocols for filling density and overfilling are outlined to avoid over-pressurization.
  • Handling should be conducted in ventilated, nonsmoking areas, with HCFC Blend B concentrations tightly controlled.

• Transportation Protocol

  • All transportation must comply with U.S. DOT regulations (49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 178, and 180).
  • Cylinders must be protected from vibration, shock, and extreme temperatures, possibly using insulation when required.
  • Permanent markings and warning labels are obligatory, ensuring traceability and regulatory compliance.

• Storage Guidelines

  • Storage in qualified cylinders conforming to DOT and CGA standards.
  • Facilities must prevent physical/environmental damage and unauthorized access.
  • Pressure release mechanisms, periodic cylinder inspection, and segregated storage for meeting and non-meeting specification material are required.

• Packaging and Marking

  • Containers are to be marked per 49 CFR regulations, including the shipping name “UN1956, Compressed Gas, N.O.S.,” and should display supplier details, HCFC Blend B identification, and conformance with ASTM D7122.

Applications

The ASTM D7123-21 standard is critical in industries that rely on HCFC Blend B for its fire extinguishing and explosion suppression properties. Practical applications include:

• Fire Suppression Systems: Ensures the integrity of HCFC Blend B throughout its lifecycle, supporting effective performance in fire safety systems.
• Aerospace and Military: Guidance for safe distribution via various transport modes, including air, vital for defense applications.
• Refrigerant Recovery: Detailed protocols for reclaiming and recycling HCFC Blend B align with environmental regulations and promote safe material reuse.
• Industrial Distribution: Commercial entities benefit from consistent storage, handling, and transportation practices that reduce liability and product loss.

Proper implementation lowers risks of hazardous exposure, environmental contamination, and equipment damage, while supporting compliance with relevant U.S. and international law.

Related Standards

• ASTM D7122 - Specification for HCFC Blend B.
• CGA P-1 - Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers.
• CGA C-1, C-6, C-7, SB-1, SB-18 - Standards and safety bulletins related to compressed gas cylinders.
• 49 CFR Parts 172, 173, 178, 180 - U.S. Department of Transportation regulations for hazardous materials.
• 40 CFR Part 82.106 - EPA warning statement requirements for compressed gas containers.

These related standards further enhance the safe handling, transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B, ensuring uniform practices and legal compliance for all stakeholders.

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Keywords: HCFC Blend B, 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, argon, tetrafluoromethane, fire suppressant, explosion suppressant, ASTM D7123, handling, transportation, storage, packaging, compressed gases, DOT regulations, CGA standards, fire extinguishing agent, environmental compliance, Halotron I.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D7123 − 21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HCFC Blend B
(CF CCl H, Ar, and CF )
3 2 4
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7123; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Containers
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers,
SB-1 Hazards of Refilling or Reusing Compressed Refriger-
reclaimers, purchasers, and users in the handling,
ant (Halogenated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B.
SB-18 Use of Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbons) Re-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
covery Cylinders
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.3 U.S. Government Standards:
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
40 CFR Part 82.106 Warning Statement Requirements
and are not considered standard.
49 CFR Part 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Provisions, Hazardous Materials Communications, Emer-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
gency Response Information, Training Requirements, and
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Security Plans
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
49 CFR Part 172.101 Purpose and Use of Hazardous Mate-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
rials Table
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
49 CFR Part 173 Shippers—General Requirements for Ship-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ments and Packagings
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
49 CFR Part 178 Specifications for Packagings
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
49 CFR Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
of Packagings
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standard:
3.1.1 containers, n—storage vessels for HCFC Blend B.
D7122 Specification for HCFC Blend B (CF CCl H,Ar, and
3 2
3.1.2 cylinders, n—containers of HCFC Blend B.
CF )
3.1.3 HCFC Blend B, n—tertiary blend comprised primarily
2.2 CGA Standards:
C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylin- of HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane); a com-
pound used to inert, extinguish, or suppress a fire or explosion
ders
C-6 Standards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed hazard. The blend also contains argon and tetrafluoromethane.
Gas Cylinders
3.1.4 insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to pro-
C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed
tect and prevent the transfer of damage.
Gases
4. Significance and Use
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Haloge-
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling,
nated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsi-
transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B encountered in
bility of Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
distribution through both commercial and military channels. It
Current edition approved June 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D7123-17. DOI: is intended to ensure that HCFC Blend B is handled,
10.1520/D7123-21.
transported, and stored in such a way that its physical property
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 8484 Westpark Drive, Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC
Suite 220, McLean, VA 22102, http://www.cganet.com. 20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7123 − 21
3 3
virtues are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, Blend B shall be 86 lb/ft (1377 kg/m ). Filling density
such as, but not limited to, highway, rail, water, and air. requirementsarespecifiedin49CFRPart173.304and49CFR
Part 173.305. Recommended fill density is 76 lb/ft
5. Practice 3
(1219 kg⁄m ) or less.
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing,
5.2.5 Handling of materials should be done in a manner that
and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the
prevents contamination or comingling of halocarbons other
CGA publications and 49 CFR regulations as listed in 2.2 and
than HCFC Blend B.
2.3, respectively.
5.2.6 Cylinders shall be free of dirt and contamination that
5.2 Handling:
would contribute to or would cause deterioration of product
5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA Publica-
during shipment or storage. Precautions should be taken to
tion P-1.
prevent the entry of oil, water, or any other foreign matter into
5.2.1.1 Personnel who handle or store, or both, cylinders of
containers. Unique coatings or preservatives applied prior to
HCFC Blend B shall be trained properly to recognize and
shipment to protect the containers are not considered contami-
identify the characteristics of the product and the proper
nation.
methods of safely handling full, partially full, and empty
5.3 Transportation:
cylinders.
5.2.2 All HCFC Blend B transfers between storage contain-
5.3.1 Transportationshallbeasspecifiedinaccordancewith
ers and recycling processes shall be performed by personnel
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations of 49 CFR.
trained in handling procedures.
5.3.1.1 Shipment of materials between collectors, recyclers,
5.2.2.1 HCFC Blend B recycling and transfer processes
and reclaimers should be within approved DOT guidelines for
shall be in conjunction with the equipment specified by the
Class 2, Division 2.2, regula
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7123 − 17 D7123 − 21
Standard Practice for
Handling, Transportation, and Storage of HCFC Blend B
(CF CCl H, Ar, and CF )
3 2 4
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7123; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers guidance and direction to suppliers, reclaimers, purchasers, and users in the handling, transportation, and
storage of HCFC Blend B.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standard:
D7122 Specification for HCFC Blend B (CF CCl H, Ar, and CF )
3 2 4
2.2 CGA Standards:
C-1 Methods for Pressure Testing Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-6 StandardStandards for Visual Inspection of Steel Compressed Gas Cylinders
C-7 Guide to Classification and Labeling of Compressed Gases
P-1 Standard for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers
SB-1 Safety Bulletin: Hazards of Refilling or Reusing Compressed Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbon) Gas Cylinders
SB-18 Safety Bulletin: Use of Refrigerant (Halogenated Hydrocarbons) Recovery Cylinders
2.3 U.S. Government Standards:
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 40,40 CFR Part 82.106 Part 82.106, Environmental Protection Agency, Warning
Statement Requirements
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D26 on Halogenated Organic Solvents and Fire Extinguishing Agents and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D26.09 on Fire Extinguishing Agents.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2017June 1, 2021. Published March 2017June 2021. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D7123-11.-17. DOI: 10.1520/D7123-17.10.1520/D7123-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Compressed Gas Association (CGA), 14501 George Carter Way, Suite 103, Chantilly, VA 20151,8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 220, McLean, VA 22102,
http://www.cganet.com.
Available Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) documents are available from U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), 732 N. Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC
20401-0001,20401, http://www.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7123 − 21
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT),Part 172 Hazardous Materials Table, Special Provisions,
Hazardous Materials Communications, Emergency Response Information, and Training RequirementsTraining Requirements,
and Security Plans
49 CFR Title 49, Part 172.101, U.S. DOT,Part 172.101 Tables Purpose and Use of Hazardous Materials and Special
ProvisionsTable
49 CFR Title 49, Part 173, U.S. DOT,Part 173 Shippers-GeneralShippers—General Requirements for ShippingShipments and
Packagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 178, U.S. DOT,Part 178 Specifications for Packagings
49 CFR Title 49, Part 180, U.S. DOT,Part 180 Continuing Qualification and Maintenance of Packagings
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 containers—containers, n—storage vessels for HCFC Blend B.
3.1.2 cylinders—cylinders, n—containers of HCFC Blend B.
3.1.3 HCFC Blend B—B, n—tertiary blend comprised primarily of HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane); a compound
used to inert, extinguish, or suppress a fire or explosion hazard. The blend also contains argon and tetrafluoromethane.
3.1.4 insulated—insulated, adj—placed in an isolated situation to protect and prevent the transfer of damage.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice provides requirements for the handling, transportation, and storage of HCFC Blend B encountered in distribution
through both commercial and military channels. It is intended to ensure that HCFC Blend B is handled, transported, and stored
in such a way that its physical property virtues are not degraded. Transport may be by various means, such as, but not limited to,
highway, rail, water, and air.
5. Practice
5.1 To ensure safe handling, loading, unloading, storing, and transporting of material, personnel shall be trained in the CGA
publications and Title 49 CFR regulations as listed in 2.2 and 2.3, respectively.
5.2 Handling:
5.2.1 Handling shall be in accordance with CGA P-1,Publication Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers.P-1.
5.2.1.1 Personnel who handle or store, or both, cylinders of HCFC Blend B shall be trained properly to recognize and identify the
characteristics of the product and the proper methods of safely handling full, partially full, and empty cylinders.
5.2.2 All HCFC Blend B transfers between storage containers and recycling processes shall be performed by personnel trained in
handling procedures.
5.2.2.1 HCFC Blend B recycling and transfer processes shall be in conjunction with the equipment specified by the manufacturer.
5.2.3 To preclude product accumulation and decomposition, HCFC Blend B handling shall be performed in ventilated areas that
are nonsmoking and free of portable heaters. heaters with high-temperature elements. Provisions shall be made to ensure that
service areas limit HCFC Blend B concentrations do not exceed 20 000 ppm (2 %) by volume for 1 min and 50 ppm by volume
for a time weighted exposure of 8 h.
5.2.4 Cylinders shall not be overfilled. The liquid portion of the HCFC Blend B must not completely fill the container’scontainer’s
internal volume at any temperature up to and including 130 °F (54 °C). The maximum permitted filling density for HCFC Blend
3 3
B shall be 86 lb/ft (1377 kg/m ). Filling density requirements are specified in Title 49 CFR, CFR Part 173.304 and Title 49 CFR,
3 3
CFR Part 173.305. Recommended fill density is 76 lb/ft (
...