UL Listed Dry Chemicals for Fire Extinguishers

What raw material is used when making ABC powder?

The primary raw materials used when making ABC powder include silicon dioxide, pigment, silicon oil, ammonium phosphate, etc.

What is the purpose of using silicon oil?

A.      Preventing moisture absorption: Manufacturers add silicon oil to the dry powder to shield its contact area and minimize moisture absorption from the air. This protects the powder and prevents it from caking.

B.       Improves fluidity: Adding silicon oil to dry powder makes it more dynamic by reducing the amount of friction between the powder's particles, promoting a more uniform coat when spraying the dry powder.

C.       Increased fire extinguishing properties: Adding silicon oil to fire extinguishing powder helps it create a thin film over the fire. This covers the combustion material's surface and prevents any oxygen from coming into contact with the material and accelerating the fire.

D. What is the highest temperature that ABC powder can withstand?

ABC powder can withstand temperatures ranging from -30C-60C.

Which types of fires is ABC powder used on?

Class A fires:

These types of fires refer to those started with or accelerated by solid materials that have organic properties. They usually produce glowing embers during combustion. They include hay, wood, cotton, coal, linen, fur, plastic, paper, etc.

Class B fires:

These refer to fires started with or accelerated by liquids or melted combustive materials. These substances include crude oil, diesel, ethanol, methanol, and diesel. Kerosine, paraffin, asphalt, etc.

Class C fires

These include fires started by gaseous materials. They include gas, methane, natural gas, ethane, hydrogen, propane, etc.

What chemical reaction occurs when you mix ABC powder with an organic solution or other types of solutions, including water?

Mixing ABC powder with organic solutions destroys the silicon oil surrounding the particles. Adding water to the mixture causes the ABC powder to cake because it absorbs the water particles or moisture.

Can you mix BC powder with ABC powder in the same extinguisher?

ABC powder's main component is acidic ammonium phosphate, while that of BC powder is alkaline sodium bicarbonate. Mixing the two powders will cause them to lump up or cake, and the resultant gas could increase the fire extinguisher’s internal pressure. The fire extinguisher may rupture and blow when the increase in pressure becomes significant, and this could lead to damaged property or bodily harm.

How does Macro manage its product's quality control?

Macro conducts quality control throughout each step of the process, including sourcing raw materials and inspecting finished products. For instance, we sample each batch of raw materials for making ABC powder, ensuring it has the correct particle size and moisture content.

Next, we sieve test the semi-finished product during production and test for color and bulk density. The finished product's primary chemical content, hygroscopicity, and water repellency is also inspected.

The steel sheet's thickness is also tested when making fire extinguisher cylinders and inspect the neck ring’s thread. Our team test the semi-finished cylinder for leakage after welding and polishing it. Lastly, we also test for the cylinder's burst pressure and the thickness of the paint.

What makes Macro different?

Macro has been a professional OEM/ODM supplier of ABC powder for leading companies in over 20 countries. Our employers are valuable, and we aim to create a good workplace where employees are treated with respect, fairness, and dignity. We also listen to the market and place customers at the center of our services.