NEW YORK — Tyco Fire & Security has introduced its Halon replacement Ansul Sapphire Fire Suppression System. The technology uses a new chemical agent that fights fires without damaging electronics, works of art and other critical assets, the company said.

The Sapphire system uses 3M Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid. It looks like water, but it does not cause the type of damage associated with water when putting out a fire, Tyco said. The fire protection fluid will evaporate, leaving the items unaffected.

The fluid has an atmospheric lifetime of only five days vs. 33 years for the closest chemical alternative as well as zero ozone depletion, according to the company, which noted that the fire-suppression system chemically interferes with the fire combustion process, therefore bringing it to a halt. It also works quickly, detecting fire at invisible levels, the company said, identifying particles of combustion before they turn into flames.