Operation of the multigap resistive plate chamber using a gas mixture free of flammable components

We have investigated the operation of the multigap resistive plate chamber (MRPC) for the ALICE-TOF system with a gas mixture free of flammable components. Two different gas mixtures, with and without iso-C4H10 have been used to measure the performance of the MRPC. The efficiency, time resolution, total charge, and the fast to total charge ratio have been found to be comparable. r 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V. PACS: 29.40.Cs; 7.77� n; 52.80.Dy