At Standard Fluids, we believe in more than just offering cutting-edge fire protection solutions—we believe in being present, being active, and listening to the voices of the industry. No one embodies that philosophy more than Kelvin Cabrera, who has been representing our company across the Americas, sharing the value of SF 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid and answering the tough questions head-on.
From a Call to a Calling
Kelvin’s presentations always begin with a powerful story: the journey from 3M’s market exit to the birth of Standard Fluids. He shares how what began as a period of uncertainty evolved into a clear calling—to bring quality, reliable chemical solutions back to the fire protection industry. And SF 1230 fluid is the result of that mission.
Global Reach and Real Conversations
Over the past year, Kelvin has spoken at major events across the region, including:
- IRP Conference in Trinidad, where he introduced SF 1230 fluid as the new agent of choice.
- A presentation to the Panamanian Ministry of Environment Affairs, emphasizing regulatory compliance.
- Executive presentation with the Mexican Association of Wind Energy, promoting sustainable fire protection of one of Mexico’s pillars of energy production.
- The 2024 FSSA Annual Forum, where Standard Fluids made a powerful return, engaging directly with OEMs, distributors, and end-users.
At each event, Kelvin focuses on four key messages:
- The Transition – Explaining the shift from 3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid to SF 1230 fluid, and how Standard Fluids emerged to meet that need.
- The Agent of Choice – Highlighting the importance of maintaining quality and performance in clean agent fire suppression.
- Tailored Solutions – Narrowing the conversation to what customers actually need: fast detection, fast discharge, zero mess, and environmental and human safety.
- Addressing the PFAS Question – Tackling the elephant in the room with clarity. SF 1230 fluid is a PFAS, but not the dangerous kind. It’s non-toxic, non-bioaccumulative, and meets all current regulatory guidelines.
What the Industry Is Saying
Across all of these interactions, one thing is clear: the fire protection community is hungry for transparent, dependable answers. Distributors, engineers, and facility managers alike are asking:
- Can I trust the quality of what I’m getting?
- Is it really a one-to-one match for Novec™ 1230 fluid?
- What do I do with my existing cylinders?
The answer to all three, Kelvin says confidently, is SF 1230 fluid.
Making a Splash at FSSA in 2025
FSSA was a particularly memorable event. “I’ll tell you a story: Last year, we really weren’t expected. Now imagine this, our 1st entrance, when we entered the first meeting, coincidentally, there were no chairs left in the room so we had to stay standing for several minutes. An industry colleague mentioned -with your Standard Fluid shirts and everyone looking at you, what an entrance!- it was an exciting day.”
Despite some early skepticism last year, the energy turned electric once conversations got underway. Kelvin described it best: “It’s the boys are back in town. We are the answer.”
This year’s joint social event with FIKE during FSSA was also a hit—offering a relaxed atmosphere for deep conversations and strong networking with distributors and partners.
Looking Ahead
As regulations tighten, like the U.S. AIM Act and Kigali Amendment implementations, Standard Fluids continues to stay one step ahead. Kelvin’s presentations bring clarity and confidence to these complex topics, helping customers plan for the future with SF 1230 fluid.
Whether it’s in a 30-minute slot or a full-hour keynote, Kelvin Cabrera is ensuring the world knows that Standard Fluids is here, and we’re here to stay.
You can catch Kelvin at the ExpoMin 2025 event in Santiago, Chile in April.
Stay tuned for more photos and event recaps from Kelvin’s recent travels and see why SF 1230 fluid is gaining momentum across the industry.
Want to learn more about how SF 1230™ Fire Protection Fluid can protect your critical infrastructure? Contact us today.