How Does Dry Powder Extinguish a Fire?

Views: 0     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-04-21      Origin: Site

Fires can be put out using various extinguishing agents, dry powder included. Manufacturers use different chemical components to make dry powder for fire extinguishers. The powder helps smother different types of fires, preventing further property destruction.


dry powder



How Dry Powder Works



Dry powder is a chemical formulation used to put out a fire, which consists of fuel, heat, and oxygen. Fuel can be cardboard, rubber, plastic, fabric, flammable liquids, or gas. Dry powder creates a barrier between oxygen and the burning fuel, putting out the fire. It covers the fire with a layer of fine powder, separating oxygen from fuel.


Oxygen is present in the air and makes a fire spread very fast. Dry powder also shields nearby objects from radiated heat, protecting them from heat damage.


Manufacturers provide various dry powders to assist in controlling and smothering fires. They include monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, monex powder, and L2 and M28 powders.


·         Monoammonium phosphate: it is the most popular dry powder used in fire extinguishers. It is ideal for class A, B, and C fires. Class A fires involve combustible solids like paper, wood, and fabric. The B category involves flammable liquids like paraffin and diesel, while C involves flammable gases like propane and butane.


·         Sodium bicarbonate: this dry powder is made for smothering flammable liquid and gas fires (Class B and C fires).


·         Monex powder: this dry powder offers superior performance in putting out fires. It is a potassium bicarbonate-urea based suppressant designed for Class B and C fires. It is excellent for areas where flammable gases and liquids are used and kept, like fuel stores, garages, and airports.  


·         L2 and M28 Powder: L2 powder is used on metal fires (class D) and is efficient on lithium fires. On the other hand, M28 powder also puts out metal fires involving burning magnesium, aluminum, and sodium but is not effective on burning lithium.


Dry powder can also be used on electrical fires involving equipment under 1000 volts.


In summary, dry powder can be used on combustible solids, flammable liquids and gases, and burning metals like lithium, magnesium, and aluminum. Be careful with metal fires (class D) when using dry powder like this to ensure you use the right extinguishing agent. Additionally, dry powder should not be used on cooking oil fires.



Why Use Dry Powder to Extinguish Fire



Dry powder is a common fire extinguishing agent with several advantages. For starters, it is a versatile fire-suppressing component. It can be used on many types of fire, including flammable solids, liquids, and gases.


One compound can smother different fires, fostering convenience and cost efficiency.  You do not have to buy separate dry powders for various fires when one formula can get the job done.


Manufacturers also make special powders for metal fires to ensure efficiency and safety. Moreover, dry powder does not conduct electricity, making it safe for fires involving ‘live’ appliances. It is powerful, effective, and works fast to help smother fires. The powder also provides a heat shield that protects nearby structures from fire damage.


Depending on the type of extinguisher you utilize, buy the right dry powder for it and keep your building safer. Do not mix different dry powders.



Macro Fire Supply Dry Powders



Macro Fire Supply offers different dry powders for your fire extinguishers. The powder range includes monoammonium phosphate and sodium chloride, which help handle flammable solid, liquid, gas, and metal fires. Sodium chloride powder extinguishes burning metal fires like sodium and magnesium. The powders are high-quality and flow easily, providing high performance when putting out flames. They are also toxic-free to protect your health and animals.


Macro Fire Supply powders also undergo in-house lab tests and third-party examination to ensure customers get high-grade, safe fire extinguishing agents. The monoammonium phosphate powder can be used with fluoro-protein foam or water film-forming foam extinguishing agents.


The manufacturer also packs the dry powders securely to protect product integrity and prevent accidental spilling.


These products are widely used in oil fields, chemical warehouses, oil refineries, chemical plants, depots, and other areas where fire can cause enormous harm and damage to personnel and property.


Dry powder help extinguish different fires, protecting lives and property. It forms a thin barrier between fuel and oxygen to smother fires. There are different powders to choose from depending on the burning fuel, solid, liquid, gas, or metal. Ensure you select the right powder for your extinguisher, and do not use dry powder on cooking oil fires.