Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

The research results of new agent for volumetric extinction are stated. The new agent is alternative to Halons and is obtained by combustion of propellant that consists of oxidant-reducer mixture. Inorganic oxygen-containing potassium salts are used as an oxidant and organic resins are used as a reducer. The gaseous atmosphere of aerosol that is obtained after combustion of propellant mainly consists of carbon dioxide and condensed phase mainly contains potassium carbonate. Aerosol possesses the highest fire control capability that is about one order more than Halon 130I has and is low-toxic and ecologically harmless. The disadvantages of the aerosol are its high extent of heating and the presence of open flame force. Experimental and theoretical results are stated to illustrate the decline of extinguishing properties of hot aerosol. To remove these disadvantages the special generators have been developed. The experimental results showed their high efficiency, reliability and safety in use for extinction of fires of different classes. Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Agent (AFEA) is a new agent that is obtained by combustion of solid propellant composition (SPC) consisted of oxidant and reducer. Inorganic potassium salts are used as an oxidant and organic resins are used as a reducer. Aerosol that forms as a result of combustion of SPC contains mainly carbon dioxide in gaseous phase and mainly potassium carbonate and a small quantity of potassium oxides in condensed phase.