How Many Types of Dry Chemical Powder are There?

Views: 4     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-02-08      Origin: Site

Effective fire suppression depends on good coverage, which dry chemical powder does well. Industrial fire extinguishing applications commonly use mono-ammonium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate as their main chemical agents. Class B and some Class C fires can be extinguished with sodium bicarbonate, while A, B, and C fires can be extinguished with mono-ammonium phosphate. Other common types of dry chemical powders include Purple-K and Monnax.

After each use, you must refill the dry chemical powder in the fire suppression system. You can get these dry chemical powders at an affordable cost, especially when you don't have an efficient water supply. Remember that all dry chemical powder types must follow chemical agent regulations. Here are four options if you're looking for a dry chemical powder.


What is Dry Chemical Powder, and How Does It Work?


Dry chemical powders are chemical agents used to put off different types of fires. Powder coating the fuel allows dry chemical agents to "attack" the molecular structure of the flames. The flames separate from oxygen, stopping the fire's chemical activity. High-pressure nitrogen instantly discharges the suppressant when the system operates manually or through detection.  

The fire is put out shortly after the dry chemical powder is released. The following are some of the benefits dry chemical powder offer:

  • They are reliable for your fire suppression system; You can rely on them to safeguard your property, goods, and staff.

  • They can put out fires faster because of the high volume of agents they pump out.

  • They work wonderfully in places where a sprinkler system would be impractical.  It is a good choice if you don't have a water supply or are worried about sprinklers damaging your electric system.

  • Efficient and readily available for rechargeable systems.


4 Types of Dry Chemical Powder


Monoammonium Phosphate (ABC)


It is a dry chemical made from mono ammonium phosphate that contains chemical additives and is created using a distinct chemical process. The end product is a free-flowing, water-repellent, non-abrasive substance that, when used to put out fires, won't have any hazardous side effects. This chemical agent is unique as it is yellow.

Following a fire, moisture may react with substances made of mono ammonium phosphate to cause minor corrosion. Therefore, quick cleansing is advised.

ABC dry chemical powder is ideal for Class A fires (including paper, cloth, plastics, and rubber), Class B fires (including those in greases, flammable liquids, and gases), and Class C fires (containing electrified electrical equipment). You can purchase ABC Dry Chemical powder in various extinguisher types, including portable, stationary, and wheeled units.


Macro UL Certified Dry Chemical Powder



Sodium Bicarbonate (BC)


BC agent is a dry chemical made using a special chemical process based on sodium bicarbonate and contains chemical additives. The resulting substance is safe to use as a fire suppressant, has no harmful side effects, is non-abrasive, and does not absorb water.

To set it apart from similar dry chemical agents, BC Dry Chemical is colored blue-white. Sodium bicarbonate extinguishes fires by producing carbon dioxide, which engulfs the blaze, cutting off its supply of oxygen and disrupting the chemical interaction that fuels it.

This dry chemical powder extinguishes fires involving powered electrical appliances (Class C) or greases, liquids, and gases (Class B). Application examples are safeguarding machinery used in the textile industry and refining petroleum. Unfortunately, it is ineffective against Class A fires because it is not efficient enough to prevent the flames from reigniting.



Potassium Bicarbonate (Purple-K)


Purple K powder, or potassium bicarbonate, is a dry chemical used to put out fires. It works better than CO2 in fighting Class B (flammable liquids). It's most effective on Class B and Class C flames, although it shouldn't be used in enclosed spaces and, despite being non-toxic in small doses, can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. Purple K is mostly used in industrial applications that deal with significant quantities of flammable liquids.



Potassium  Bicarbonate And Urea Complex (Monnex)


When fighting Class B and C flames, Monnex, a powder with a potassium bicarbonate base, is frequently used. Due to its capacity to break down into finer molecules in the fire, it is more efficient than other powders at increasing the surface area available for fire suppression. Monnex is the best choice for firefighting and airport rescue services.



Take Away


Dry chemical powders are excellent for industrial applications requiring a fire suppression system. A professional from Macro Fires can help you decide which dry chemical powder is best for your application.