Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
  • A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
  • A62C99/0018—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
  • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
  • A62D1/00—Fire-extinguishing compositions; Use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires
  • A62D1/0028—Liquid extinguishing substances
  • A62D1/0035—Aqueous solutions

Definitions

• This invention relates generally to systems and methods for suppressing fires and, more specifically, to aqueous systems and methods for preventing combustible meta! fires and suppressing chose fires when they occur.
• alkali metals e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium
• alkali earth metals e.g., magnesium, beryllium
• transitional metals e.g., titanium, tantalum, zirconium
• other metals such as aluminum powder and aluminum flake.
• "Powders, dusts, chips, and swarfs (metallic particles and abrasive fragments removed by a cutting or grinding tool) of alkali earth or transitional metals present the greatest hazards to fire crews dealing with combustible metal fires.
• Powders and dusts are by far the greatest concern; they have a greater surface area and a high explosion potential should they become airborne in a natural environment or secondary to attempts to extinguish the fire.
• Aluminum powders have the highest ST rate (a measurement of inherent explosive power) of all the combustible metal dusts" (see Kevin L. Kreitman, Proper Handling of Combustible Metal Fires, Fire Engineering (Feb. 1 , 2008), which is hereby incorporated by reference).
• the invention also relates to systems and methods for stabilizing the evaporation rate in a hot enclosure to prevent secondary burns to the respiratory tract and skin resulting from the high humidity, high heat environment (e.g., military personnel trapped in a vehicle with a fire burning about the exterior of the vehicle).
• Water alone and potassium acetate can, under certain temperature conditions, create enough humidity to cause the wet bulb temperature to rise above 50°C.
• misting is problematic because it requires a large fire in order to steam off enough water to make misting effective in extinguishing the fire. Pulsing the mist ⁇ that is starting and then stopping the mist in order for the fire to grow large enough to once again make misting effective— does little to help persons trapped by the fire event. Haion systems and water-only systems have a similar problem, working better on large fires than smaller ones.
• An extinguishing system and method made according to this invention uses an aqueous extinguishing agent having a first solubilized bonding molecule capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds with water molecules of the agent.
• the bonding molecule creates an additional or stronger bond with the water molecules so that additional energy is required to break down the water molecules.
• a preferred embodiment of the extinguishing agent inciudes at least one solubilized sugar alcohol as the bonding molecule.
• the bonding molecule which is the primary means of initial fire extinguishment and suppression, remains in solution at the moment of its deployment from a storage means.
• a thermal decomposition product of the bonding molecule is additional water molecules.
• the extinguishing agent may deployed by way of coating.
• "Flooding" is a term used by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories to identify a gaseous extinguishing agent being released in an enclosed room in order to "flood" that room ' s volume with agent.
• Flooding can be applied using a nozzle deploying a narrow spray stream and, when used in storage environments, is preferably applied from the bottom up.
• a hose in communication with the agent can be attached to a lower bulkhead fitting on the container.
• a longer nozzle e.g. about 4 feet in length
• Flooding can also be used as a mist to extinguish a fire in an enclosure such as an equipment room.
• Misting is preferably applied using a type of nozzle well-known in the art and is applied from above using a wide spray pattern. Misting can also be used to control and suppress diesel fires.
• FIREBANE ® 1 179TM extinguishing agent (“Firebane”) (GSL, nc., Tulsa, Oklahoma), flooding as a mist required 10 times less agent than a traditional gaseous system did to extinguish a fire and accomplished extinguishment about 10 times faster (see I ' able 1 ).
• droplet size in the misting system is I mm or less or, more preferably, 0.3 mm or less. In another embodiment, the droplet size is 5 mm or less, with a mix or distribution of different droplet sizes being preferred.
• Coating or soaking a combustible metal in the aqueous extinguishing agent can prevent the metal from igniting, thereby reducing its llammability rating and putting it in a different category for shipping. Misting, coating or soaking can also be applied prior to "packing" operations, in which combustible metal powder, dust or swarf is pressed into a predetermined shape, or in machining operations to reduce the fiammahiiit rating of the metal chips or swarf by means of an hydraulic press.
• aqueous extinguishing agent within the cab of a vehicle, even when no fire is present, can provide protection to the occupants without the risk of causing bums to the respirator tract and skin resulting from the high humidity, high heat environment.
• the extinguishing agent does this by controlling the amount of humidity.
• the objects of this invention are to provide a system and method of preventing and controlling a combustible metal fire using an aqueous extinguishing agent that (1 ) is effective for differen types of combustible metals; (2) does not require the force of gas- based systems to deploy and presents no harmful effects to humans; (3) can be deployed in a misting or flooding manner making use of available storage means and nozzle and del ivery systems; (4) can be applied by way of coating or soaking yet will not con-ode or damage the object being coated or soaked; and (5) can interface with existing pressurized container solutions.
• a further object of this invention is to provide an aqueous extinguishing agent which can help stabilize the evaporation rate in an enclosed space during a high temperature/high heat event external to that space.
• FIG. 1 is a photograph of a 55 gallon barrel filled with 56 lbs. of titanium shavings.
• FIG. 2 is a photograph of the spraying/flooding extinguishing method of wide spray and stream spray using a preferred embodiment of the aqueous extinguishing agent, FIREBANE® 1 170TM extinguishing agent ("Firebane”) (Global Safety Labs, Inc.. Tulsa, Oklahoma).
• FIREBANE® 1 170TM extinguishing agent (“Firebane”) (Global Safety Labs, Inc.. Tulsa, Oklahoma).
• FIG. 3 is a photograph of the titanium shavings fully engulfed immediately before extinguishmeni': began with Firebane and 55 seconds after extinguishment began. The visible flames have been controlled.
• FIG. 4 is a photograph of the titanium shavings after 2 minutes, i 6 seconds of fire extinguishment using Firebane. All flames are extinguished and the titanium is cooled below its flash point.
• FLG. 5 is a photograph showing the amount of unburned titanium.
• FIG. 6 is a photograph showing an as-received titanium swarf being ignited and burning.
• FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a blowtorch being applied to a titanium swarf thai has been saturated with Firebane. The swarf does not ignite.
• FIG. 8 is a photograph of the titanium swarf after 25 seconds of blowtorch application. A small section of the swarf did ignite and was extinguished using Firebane.
• FIG. 9 is a photograph showing the untreated, as-received titanium swarf (to the right of hand) and the saturated with Firebane titanium swarf (to the left of hand).
• FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the as-received titanium swarf burning vigorously and the Firebane-saturated titanium swarf being protected from flame propagation.
• FIG. 1 1 is a c!ose-up photograph showing a distinct line between the as-received and now burned away titanium swarf and the unbumed Firebane-saturated titanium swarf.
• FIG. 12 is a photograph of the titanium received as a very fine swarf and stored In water.
• FIG. 13 is photograph showing a 2.5 lb titanium swarf arranged for extinguishment testing.
• FIG. 14 is a photograph showing an as-received titanium swarf being set on fire and permitted to bum without extinguishment.
• FIG. 15 is a photograph of a blowtorch being applied to a titanium swarf that has been saturated with Fkebane and showing no signs of ignition.
• FIG. 16 is a photograph showing the Firebane-treated titanium swarf igniting after 25 seconds of blowtorch application.
• FIG. 17 is a photograph showing the as-received titanium swarf (to the right of hand) and Firebane-saturated litani um swarf (to the left of hand) .
• FIG. 18 is a photograph of the as-received titanium swarf burning vigorously and the Firebane-saturated titanium swarf being protected from flame propagation
• FIG. 19 Is a close-up photograph showing a distinct line between the as-received and now burned away titanium swarf and the unburned Firebane-saturated titanium swarf.
• FIG. 20 is a photograph of the titanium received as a very t ne swarf and stored in water.
• FIG. 21 Is a photograph showing a 2.5 lb titanium swarf arranged for extinguishment testing
• F IG. 22 is a photograph showing a progression of zirconium scrap burning.
• FIG. 23 is a photograph showing a progression of the zirconium scrap as it burns. The scrap has a small section that had Firebane applied to it.
• FIG. 24 is a close-up photograph of the section of zirconium scrap thai had Firebane applied to it and remained un burned.
• FIG. 25 is a photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts.
• FIG. 26 is a ciose-up photograph showing a distinct iine of where the half of the as-received zirconiu scrap ended and the half where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap started.
• FIG. 27 is a photograph of a zirconium scrap that soaked in Firebane for 1 1 days.
• the scrap is not corroded or affected in any way by the soaking.
• FIG. 28 is a photograph showing a distinct iine where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane.
• FIG. 29 is a close-up photograph showing a distinct Line of where the half of the as-received zirconium scrap ended and the half where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap started, after the two-week soak.
• FIG. 30 is a photograph showing a distinct iine where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane and then allowed to open air dry for 24 hours. The Firebane remained in a wet state
• FIG. 31 is close-up photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after the two-week soak and 24-hour dry time. The Firebane remained in a wet state
• FIG. 32 is a photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane and then allowed to open air dry for ? days. The Firebane remained in a wet state.
• FIG. 33 is close-up photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after the two-week soak and 7-day dry time. The Firebane remained in a wet state
• FIG. 34 is a photograph showing the as-received zirconium scrap received as shavings stored in water.
• FIG. 35 is photograph of the ceramic tile on which the burn test was conducted.
• FIG. 36 is a photograph of the Firebane being applied to zirconium scrap.
• FIG. 3? is a photograph of a small, military, handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210- 01-519-0942) with a standard 5.6W spray nozzle and charged to 450 psi for a diesei 513 pan fire extinguishment.
• FIG. 38 is a photograph of a fully engaged diesei fuel 5B pan fire before extinguishment began with FIREBANE® 1179TM ("Firebane”) (GSL, inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma) using the extinguisher of FIG. 37.
• the extinguisher was filled with 1265 grams ( i 100 ml) of Firebane.
• FIG. 39 is a photograph of the extinguished diesei fuel 5B pan fire.
• FIG. 40 is a photograph of the fully engulfed diesei fuel 5B pan tire less than 1 second after extinguishment began with Firebane, with the right side frame being taken from the firefighter's helmet camera.
• FIG. 41 is a photograph the fully extinguished diesei fuel 5B pan fire, which was extinguished in 3 seconds using Firebane, the right side frame being taken from the firefighter's helmet camera.
• FIG. 42 is a graph comparing the relative humidity change caused by the aqueous extinguishing agent of this invention, distilled water, and potassium acetate/water in an enclosed space.
• FIG. 43 is a graph comparing the dew point temperature change caused by the aqueous extinguishing agent of this invention, distilled water, and potassium acetate/water m an enclosed space.
• An aqueous extinguishin agent for use in the system and method of this invention includes a first soiubilized bonding moiecuie capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds with water molecules of the agent.
• the bonding molecule creates an additional or stronger bond with the water molecule so that additional energy is required to break down the water molecule.
• a preferred embodiment of the extinguishing agent includes at least one soiubilized sugar alcohol as the bonding moiecuie.
• the bonding moiecuie which is the primary means of initial fire extinguishment and suppression, remains in solution at the moment of its deployment from a storage means.
• a thermal decomposition produc t of the bonding molecule is additional water molecules.
• extinguishing agent for use in a system and method made according to this invention is FIREBANE® extinguishing agent ("Firebane”) (GSL, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma).
• Firebane is an aqueous fire extinguishing agent that is non-toxic, safe to humans, environmentally friendly.
• the agent combines the known, high heat capacity of water with additional non-toxic and enviroiunentally-friendly ingredients, including a soiubilized sugar alcohol as the bonding means.
• the agent absorbs significant amounts of heat in the temperature range of 100-4Q0°C well above the point at which all water has been, removed.
• the Firebane extinguishing agent which is capable of extinguishing Class A, B and D fires, snciudes at least one sugar alcohol in solution with water.
• This sugar alcohol remains as a soiubii zed sugar alcohol at the moment of its deployment from its storage means (e.g., a tank, a fire extinguisher, a spray bottle), and the extinguishing agent is substantially instantaneously deployable from that storage means.
• the sugar alcohol is the primary means of initial temperature suppression, it reacts with a fire or heat event and produces a secondary means of temperature suppression such as, but not limited to, water, halogen, potassium acetate, or some combination thereof.
• the extinguishing agent is halogen-free but may include at least one halogen. If included, the halogen content of the agent should be no greater than 5% of the total quantity by weight.
• the halogen serves as a secondary means of temperature suppression, with its temperature suppressing effect being delayed relative to that of the sugar alcohol.
• the extinguishing agent may also include potassium acetate but preferably no more than about 40% by weight.
• the potassium acetate serves as a secondary means of temperature suppression, with the temperature suppressing effect of the potassium acetate being delayed relative to that of the sugar alcohol
• the sugar alcohol has the general formula 1:1(1 lCHO) n ⁇ ; with "n" in a range of 3 to 4, equal to 5, in a range of 6 to 1 1 , or equal to 10.
• the sugar alcohol can be in a range of 0.1 to 7% of the total quantity of the aqueous extinguishing agent by weight, at least 4% by weight, 7 to 70% by weight, no greater than 20% by weight, no greater than 49% by weight, 65 to 70% by weight, or 70 to 83% by weight.
• Preventing means may be added to the aqueous extinguishing agent to prevent, crystallization or nueleation of the sugar alcohol ("the first sugar alcohol).
• a second sugar alcohol having the same generai formula as the first sugar alcohol but with a different "n" value, may be the preventing means.
• the amount of the second sugar alcohol is typically less than that of the first, with the combined sugar alcohols by weight being in the ranges identified above. Both sugar alcohols remain solubiiized during storage and at the moment of their deployment.
• the extinguishing agent may also include a halogenated surfactant or a halogen- free surfactant of a kind well known in the art.
• FIREBANE® 1 170TM extinguishing agent is FIREBANE® 1 170TM extinguishing agent; the other is FIREBANE® 1 179TM extinguishing agent.
• the objective of this test was to evaluate the ability of FIREBANE* 1170TM extinguishing agent ("Firebane) to extinguish a fully involved titanium fire while preventing spread of the fire.
• the extinguishing method involved spraying the surface of the container holding the burning titanium with Firebane until a crust covered the surface of the titanium. After that a stream of Firebane was applied. The force from the stream created a path through the burning titanium which allowed the Firebane to reach the unhurried titanium and flood the container from the bottom up. Fire extinguishment was continued until the unburned titanium was covered by Firebane (see Section 1.3 belo for further details).
• a 55-galion (208.198 liter) drum was filled with 56 lbs. (25.4012 kg) of titanium shavings (see FIG. i ).
• the spraying/flooding extinguishing method was conducted using a Global Safety Labs, inc. 100-galion (378.541 liter) skid extinguisher filled with Firebane.
• the extinguisher was adapted with a nozzle thai allows both a wide spray and a stream spray (see FIG. 2 for examples of each spray).
• a 55-gaiion (2G8.198 liters) drum was filled with 56 lbs. (25.4012 legs) of titanium shavings.
• a blowtorch was applied to the titanium until a quarter sized section glowed and subsequently caught fire. After this, a 2-minute pre-burn was allowed.
• the bucket was adapted with weighted siring that was strung through the sides of the bucket.
• the height of the string was measured in relation to the placement on the bucket.
• the titanium fire was attacked with a spray and then a stream. After extinguishment., the contents of the container were emptied and the unburned titanium was separated from the burned titanium and weighed.
• FIG. 3 shows the titanium fire immediately and 55 seconds after spraying/flooding fire extinguishment began using Firebane. The visible flames were controlled after 55 seconds of application.
• Firefighting was continued for a total of 2: 36 minutes, at which time there was no smoke or flame (see FIG. 4). A total of 25 gallons (94.6353 liters) of Firebane was used. When the contents of the container were emptied, Firebane protected over 2% of the shavings from spreading fire (see FIG. 5).
• the objective of this test was to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE* 1 370TM extinguishing agent (''Firebane”) to extinguish a fully involved titanium swarf fire, as well as prevent ignition and stop flame propagation when titanium swarf is wetted. All tests were performed using a Global Safety Labs, Inc. listed and labeled 2.5-galion handheld fire extinguisher.
• As-received titanium swarf was allowed to burn without extinguishment to act as a baseline test.
• the swarf ignited easily and continued to burn with visible flames for over 2 minutes.
• the majority of the titanium swarf was burned away after 20 seconds while experiencing a vigorous burn rate, after which time the burn rate slowed.
• Titanium swarf thai was saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days proved successful in preventing ignition after more than 20 seconds of blowtorch application (see FIG. 7).
• the titanium swarf ignited quickly and burned vigorously when the flame from a blowtorch was applied. This was not the case with the saturated titanium swarf, in fact, after 20 seconds of applying the blowtorch to the saturated titanium swarf there was no indication of ignition.
• Titanium swarf that was saturated in Firebane stopped the propagation of fire when placed in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium (see FIG. 9).
• the as-received titanium swarf was ignited using a blowtorch and quickly began to vigorously burn (see FIG. 10), However, when the flame propagated to the section of titanium swarf saturated with Firebane, the flame propagation was immediately stopped and prevented any of the saturated titanium swarf from burning (see FIGS. 10 and i i). There is a distinct line between the as-received titanium swarf, which burned away completely, and the titanium swarf saturated with Firebane, which was 100% protected from flame propagation.
• the titanium was received as very fine swarf stored in water, an example of the titanium swarf ⁇ see FIG. 12).
• a blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until a quarter sized amount begins glowing. At. this point the fire will propagate rapidly throughout the entire pile of titanium swarf. Due to the rapid nature of which the titanium swarf burned on the baseline test, extinguishment on the titanium swarf began after a 2.5 second pre- burn.
• the burned titanium is separated from the unburned titanium and weighed. This amount is subtracted from the initial weight of titanium swarf to determine the amount of titanium that was protected by Firebane
• the extinguisher is also weighed after extinguishment. This value is then subtracted from the initial weight of the filled extinguisher to determine the voiume of agent used to extinguish the fire.
• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days is tested using the same test set-up as before. A blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until ignition or for a sufficient amount of time to prove ignition is prevented by the Firebane If ignition does occur, begin extinguishment after a 2.5 second pre -bum.
• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane is placed in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium swarf. A blowtorch is applied to the as-received titanium swarf until ignition occurs.
• the objective of this test was to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE 051 1 170TM extinguishing agent ⁇ ''Firebane" to extinguish a fully involved titanium swarf fire, even as a 50% diluted solution.
• tests were performed to show that if pre-wetted with Firebane, the titanium swarf will not ignite even after 2 days of air drying after the application of Firebane. All tests were performed using a GSL, Inc. listed and labeled 2.5-galion (9.46353 liter) handheld fire extinguisher. The extinguisher was successful in extinguishing a 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kgs) titanium swarf fire In 22 seconds, using 0.92 gallons (3.48258) of Firebane, and preventing 92% of the titanium swarf from burning.
• Titanium swarf that was soaked in Firebane and allowed to air dry for 2 days prevented ignition in the titanium swarf pile after a 20 second direct blowtorch application. Note that the Firebane remained wet (not dried out) over the 2-day drying time. Titanium swarf that was fully saturated with Firebane completely stopped the propagation of flame and protected 100% of the titanium swarf from burning when tested in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium swarf.
• Titanium swarf that was saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days proved successful in preventing ignition after more than 20 seconds of blowtorch application (see FIG. 15).
• the titanium swarf ignited quickly and burned vigorously when the flame from a blowtorch was applied This was not the ease with the saturated titanium swarf. In feet, after 20 seconds of applying the blowtorch to the saturated titanium swarf there was no indication of * ignition.
• the titanium w as received as very fine swarf stored in water (see FIG. 20).
• SwRJ Southwest Research Institute
• a blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until a quarter sized amount begins glowing. At this point the fire will propagate rapidly throughout the entire pile of titanium swarf. « Extinguishment on the titanium swarf began almost immediately due to the rapid nature of which the titanium swarf burned on the baseline test.
• the extinguisher is also weighed after extinguishment. This value is then subtracted from the initial weight of the filled extinguisher to determine the volume of agent used to extinguish the fire.
• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days is tested using the same test set-up as previous.
• a blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until ignition or for a sufficient amount of time to prove ignition is prevented by the Firebane.
• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane is placed in line and touching a pile of as-received titanium swarf.
• Hie objective of this test was to measure the burning rate of zirconium scrap using the test method found in the EPA-approved SW-846 Method 1030 and to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE* 1 170TM extinguishing agent ('Tirebane”) to stop the propagation of fire in the zirconium scrap using the test method found in the UN's Recommendations of Transport of Dangerous Goods.
• 'Tirebane FIREBANE* 1 170TM extinguishing agent
• Firebane was successful in completely stopping the propagation of ftre to zirconium scrap thai was wetted with Firebane. Additional tests were performed on zirconium scrap that was allowed to soak in Firebane for 2 weeks and then allowed to air dry for 24 hours and 7 days respectively. Firebane was successful after air drying for both 24 hours and 7 days in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap that was wetted with Firebane,
• SW and UN methods can assist in the determination of the ignitabiliiy of solids but are not required methods.
• Two criteria are necessary to determine if the waste is an ignitable solid.
• the generator must first determine that the waste is not a liquid and is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes. If the waste meets these conditions, SW-846 Method 1030 is recommended to determine whether the waste "when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard.” If the waste meets both of these criteria, it is a hazardous waste.
• test method is intended to measure and describe the properties of materials or products in response to exposure to heat and flame.
• the test results alone should not be used to determine or appraise the fire hazard or the fire risk of material, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
• the test results may be used, however, as elements of a complete ire hazard for fire risk assessment, which takes into account ail the factors thai are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or risk of a particular end-use.
• test results presented apply specifically to the specimens tested, in the manner tested, and not to the entire production of these or similar materials, nor to their performance when used in combination with other materials.
• Burn Rate Testing When tested as-is, the zirconium scrap ignited easily and burned vigorously. Table 4 details the burn rate data gathered for as-received zirconium scrap. FIG. 22 shows a progression of the zirconium scrap burning. Table 4. As-Received Burn Rate Data for Zirconium Scrap
• Firebane was successful in preventing the burning of as-received zirconium scrap.
• the section that was saturated with Firebane resulted in unburned zirconium.
• the section of saturated Firebane was so small (1 mi of agent was applied) thai the fire jumped over the saturated section and burned the remaining half of the pile (see FIG. 23).
• the zirconium scrap was received as shavings stored in water (see FIG. 34).
• this time is 10 minutes or less for 1 0 mm (or a burn rate of more than 0.17 mm sec).
• the objective of this test was to evaluate the ability of Firebane* 1 179TM aqueous extinguishing agent ("Firebane”) to extinguish a Diesel 5B pan fire.
• Firebane aqueous extinguishing agent
• NSN 4210-01 -519- 0942 a small, military handheld extinguisher
• Firebane as the extinguishing agent
• 5.6W spray nozzle a small, military handheld extinguisher
• Tests were conducted with varying headspace. With both a smaller and larger headspace. Firebane successfully extinguished a SB diesei pan fire.
• the cylinder was filled with 1265 grams (i lOO mi) of Firebane to create a small headspace. This set-up was successful in fully extinguishing a 5B diesei pan fire in 6.28 seconds, using only 667 grams (580 ml) of Firebane. No re-flash occurred. The spray pattern from this test was not ideal.
• the cylinder was filled with less agent. 1035 grams (900 nil) of Firebane, to create a larger headspace. This set-up was successful in fully extinguishing a 5B dksel pan fire, in 3.8 seconds, using 437 grams (380 ml) of Firebane.
• a third test was conducted using the same set-up as the second test. Again, this set-up was successful in fully extinguishing a 5B diesei pan fires, in 3.0 seconds, using 391 grams (340 ml) of Firebane. No re- flash occurred.
• the Meli 5 E Pan Fire Test Using a Small Military Handheld Extinguisher and Spray Nozzle testing was performed at the I latmlton Bum Center located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Each fire extinguishment was performed by the same firefighter using the same technique.
• a 12.5 ft 2 (3.81 sq. m) pan was filled with 2 inches (5.08 cm) of water and 2 inches (5.08 cm) of diesel fuel (15.5 galkms/58.67388 liters of diesel).
• Tests were conducted using a small miiitary handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210- 01 -5194 ) 942 ⁇ using the standard 5.6W spray nozzle (see PIG. 37). The cylinder was filled with agent and was then pressurized to 450 psi.
• the flash point is an indication of how easily a fuel may burn. Fuels with higher flash points are less flammable.
• the auto-ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to ignite a gas or vapor in the air without a spark or flame being present. The key to extinguishing a pan fire and preventing re-flash is cooling the fuel below its auto-ignition temperature.
• NSN 4210-01 -519-0942 A small military handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210-01 -519-0942) was filled with agent and weighed. * A 12.5 sq. ft. (3.81 sq m.) area pan was filled with 2 inches (5.08 cm) of water and then diesel was poured 2 inches deep (5.08 cm) on top of the water.
• the diesei was lit and allowed to pre -burn for 60 seconds.
• test pan was watched for any re-tlash.
• Test #1 was identical, with it taking iess than I second longer to extinguish. Videos were taken from a distance and from a camera positioned on the helmet of the firefighter.
• FIG. 40 This frame on the right is from the firefighter's helmet camera and shows the flames are extinguished immediately upon introduction of Firebane spray.
• the objective of this test was to evaluate how the aqueous extinguishing agent would affect temperature and humidity inside a sealed chamber and, in particular, whether the agent would worsen a skin burn scenario when deployed into a vehicle operating in a humid desert environment that was experiencing an external fire situation for 10 minutes.
• the heat index is associated with relative humidity and is the reason the air temperature can seem cooler than the actual air temperature ⁇ see Table ?).
• a high relative humidity indicates that the dew point is closer to the current air temperature.
• Relative humidity of 100% indicates the dew point is equal to the current temperature and the air is maximally saturated with water. When the de point remains constant and temperature increases, relative humidity will. decrease.
• a sealed container was used to measure the temperature and reiaiis'e humidity change of Firebane. distilled water, and a potassium acetate/water solution. The container was tilled with the same amouni of each agent and a humidity probe was inserted. At this point the container was air tight sealed. When a water bath reached 49°C ( 120°F) the sealed container was inserted until fuliy submersed. From previous experiments, it was found that it takes roughly 30 minutes for the aqueous agent's temperature inside the container to equilibrate with the water's outside temperature. The samples were left submersed in the hot water for an additional 20 minutes to gather data. When compared to water and a potassium acetate/water solution, the results showed that Firebane had the least amount of affect on the relative humidity change inside the sealed container, which in turn created the least amount of dew point temperature change (see FIG. 42).
• Firebane raised the humidity in the container to above 90% for 7,5 minutes, but then dropped and stayed below 65% for the majority of the time.
• the distilled water raised the humidity m the container to above 90% the entire 20 minutes after equilibrium was reached.
• the potassium acetate/water solution raised the humidity in the container to above 90% for 14.5 minutes, and stayed above 80% for the rest of the time.
• Firebane raised the de point in the container to a maximum value of 39.7°C (see FIG. 43).
• the distilled water raised the dew point in the container to a maximum value of 47.6°C.
• the potassium acetate/water solution raised the dew point in the container to a maximum value of 45.2°C.
• a human can tolerate the conditions for a longer time than 10 minutes. However, when the dew point reaches above 40°C, a human could not tolerate that environment for more than 10 minutes.
• An extinguishing agent made arid used according to this invention proved effective in controlling the dew point below 40°C.

Landscapes

• Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
• Emergency Management (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
• Fireproofing Substances (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Publications (3)

Family

ID=49151305

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (1)

Cited By (8)

Families Citing this family (1)

Citations (1)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 2013
  • 2013-08-07 WO PCT/US2013/054016 patent/WO2014025929A2/fr not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (1)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events