Data centre expansion increases reliance on PFAS based fire suppressants

Data centre fire suppression systems use PFAS chemicals

Modern data centres increasingly rely on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to manage high heat levels and mitigate fire risks associated with 24/7 server operations.

The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) reported that these synthetic chemicals are integral to clean agent fire suppression systems such as FM-200 and Novec 1230.

Unlike water-based alternatives, these agents are non-conductive and leave no residue – properties that prevent damage to sensitive electrical equipment and servers.

The durability of the carbon-fluorine bonds in these materials makes them resistant to environmental breakdown.

This persistence has led to the nickname forever chemicals because they accumulate in human tissue and ecosystems over time.

Toxic effects on the liver, blood, and kidneys are associated with bioaccumulation of these substances.

Market shifts and the phase out of Novec 1230

Fire safety procurement may face changes as major manufacturers move away from producing certain clean agents used in data centre environments.

The manufacturing conglomerate 3M confirmed it ended all PFAS manufacturing after previously announcing a deadline of late 2025.

This decision includes the cessation of Novec 1230 production.

Analysis of fire outbreaks in these facilities since 2021 indicates that risks often stem from equipment failures and lithium-ion battery failures in semiconductors.

Matt Dunn, a PFAS scientist at Tetra Tech, stated: “PFAS regulation represents a unique struggle due to how widespread the chemicals are.

“Since PFAS are in everyday products that are used by every American, from food to bath products, the question becomes: where do you draw the line?”

“Do you go after the user, or do you go after the manufacturer,” Dunn asks.

“And understanding the difference there is very important.”

Regulatory frameworks and legislative proposals

Federal and state authorities are evaluating different methods to manage the presence of these chemicals in industrial infrastructure.

Maine and Minnesota have introduced legislation to restrict products containing intentionally-added chemicals, though some fire safety applications remain exempt.

The 119th Congress proposed the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2025 (H.R.6668) to establish emission limitations under the Clean Water Act.

The PFAS Research and Development Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R.6667) seeks to extend funding for research into these substances.

A 2025 executive order directed several federal departments to expedite permitting processes for data centre infrastructure.

These fast-track initiatives cover the materials required for coolants, semiconductors, and fire suppressants.

 

3M expands fire portfolio through $1.95 billion Madison Fire & Rescue deal

3M Fire deal sets out joint venture structure

3M has agreed to acquire Madison Fire & Rescue with Bain Capital through a new joint venture, with the transaction announced on 19 March and expected to close in the second half of 2026.

3M said it will contribute Scott Safety to the new company, receive $700M in cash proceeds on closing and hold a 50.1% stake, with Bain Capital holding 49.9%.

Under the terms of the agreement, 3M and Bain Capital will acquire Madison Fire & Rescue from Madison Industries for $1.95B.

The business includes rescue technology and fire suppression products sold under the Holmatro, Amkus, Task Force Tips, Fire Fighting Systems and Waterax brands.

Scott Safety and Madison Fire & Rescue products

According to 3M, the new company will combine Scott Safety’s premium Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) solutions with Madison Fire & Rescue’s wider product portfolio.

The company said the combined business is intended to serve firefighters, first responders and industrial workers.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, said: “This strategic transaction broadens 3M’s safety portfolio, one of our priority verticals, by expanding our market reach and building scale for future growth.

“It positions us to enhance margins and generate strong free cash flow, and enables continued investment in innovations that create value for customers and shareholders.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection: bringing differentiation to a competitive market

Following Teledyne Technologies, Inc´s acquisition of 3M´s gas and flame detection business, a new company, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, has been established under the Teledyne banner. The business has a long and successful track record spanning more than 100 years, supporting a wide range of industries and customers with their gas and flame detection needs.

So, will Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection bring differentiation to this competitive marketplace? With the formation of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, the market can indeed expect a major USP that sets it apart from existing players: the company has become the specialised brand in gas and flame detection, offering wide product knowledge and expertise in this niche area.

A proven and extensive range of measurement, detection and wireless technologies, set alongside the unrivalled skills and innovation of employees who have been with the business for many years, can meet the needs of customers in all market segments. Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is adopting a dedicated, one-stop supplier strategy that delivers the optimum solution for the application, every time.

Teledyne is not unfamiliar with this blueprint, as the Gas and Flame Detection business utilises similar technology, which compliments its portfolio of environmental instrumentation products and services supplied to related markets and have proven to be highly successful for many years.

The products of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection comprise both fixed and portable instruments designed for demanding applications in sectors such as oil and gas, food and beverage, marine and public utilities. These rugged yet reliable and precise gas and flame detection solutions offer fast response times, durability and intrinsically safe instrumentation, while satisfying multiple international certification standards.

The company has pledged to bring stability to the established brands of Oldham Simtronics, Gas Measurement Instruments (GMI), Detcon and the former Scott Safety gas detection range, which together have amassed over 100 years of experience across a wide range of standard and customised products, solutions and services.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection unifies these four industry leaders, creating a strategic insight that provides smart, first-in-class solutions with a future focus. Teledyne Detcon, for example, is a leader in fixed gas detection and innovative wireless solutions for use in harsh environments, while the Teledyne Oldham Simtronics brand specialises in high-end gas and flame detection solutions using advanced technologies and multi-market, cost-effective fixed gas detection solutions.

The former Scott Safety gas and flame portfolio, now under the Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection brand, is rooted in the safety of people and plants in an industrial setting, and completing the picture Teledyne GMI is an expert in portable gas detection and a market leader in the gas distribution/utilities sector.

Every second of every day, the dependable Gas and Flame Detection systems and portable gas monitors manufactured under these brand names are making workplaces safer around the world. For this reason, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection has introduced a new global tagline that captures the capabilities of the business: ´Always sensing safety, everywhere you look´.

Despite the company´s comprehensive and proprietary portfolio of innovative solutions, one size does not always fit all. If a standard solution cannot be identified, the Application Engineering group within Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can provide a bespoke offering based on complete end-to-end consulting that embraces design, equipment specification, installation, maintenance and service. The in-house team, which comprises a global network of professionals with more than 50 years´ combined experience in fixed gas detection and integration consulting, has the capability to assess hazardous environments anywhere in the world.

Working alongside client teams in a consultative approach, the expert perspective offered by the Application Engineering group ensures that custom solutions are according to specific requirements such as advanced technology within nuclear research and space exploration. As part of this customer-first strategy, projects are kept on track using proactive analysis that harnesses the benefits of advanced technologies such as 3D simulations, custom wireless solutions and gas-plume modelling.

Importantly, Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection can leverage its global network of distributors offering sales and service expertise – alongside its manufacturing excellence and custom engineering – to provide turnkey gas and flame detection solutions for a vast range of hazards. With an industry-leading, comprehensive portfolio of products and services, its commitment to cross-platform integration is purpose-designed to provide protection for today and confidence for tomorrow.

Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection is a leading solutions provider for gas and flame detection products due to many unique qualities that include product expertise, game-changing adaptability in challenging environments, wide reaching international distribution and service, and its Application Engineering group.

Product reliability in critical situations, whether it refers to detectors, controllers, monitoring systems or wireless technologies, is a further business attribute. By using a reputable detection expert such as Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection, customers can avoid compromising the health and safety of their teams. The company knows the history of the market, the current landscape, and has a strong handle on innovation and vision for the years ahead.

Ultimately a new – yet established – global leader in safety-focused gas and flame detection solutions is now active in the market; one with detection in its DNA. Based on a relationship-driven business model, the company’s priority is simple: protecting assets, operations, the environment and, most importantly, lives. Every day, hundreds of Teledyne Gas & Flame Detection employees are mobilised to offer effective solutions for their customers’ assets, supporting and protecting workforces around the world.

For more information, visit www.teledynegasandflamedetection.com/en