Which is a common dry chemical extinguishing agent?

Views: 3     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2023-03-10      Origin: Site

Dry fire extinguishers are one of the most widely used firefighting tools today. They use chemical agents intended to stop the fire's chemical reaction and extinguish it fast. Dry chemical extinguishing agents are useful against fires involving combustible metals, flammable liquids, and electrical devices. Different dry fire extinguishers feature different chemical agents. Here's a thorough look.


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Different types of dry chemical extinguishing agents


There are many different types of dry chemical extinguishing agents, each intended for a specific type of fire. It's wise to use the appropriate extinguisher for the type of fire! Using the wrong agent can cause fire to re-emerge after it appears to have been extinguished effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the most common chemical agents used in dry extinguishers.


Sodium Bicarbonate


Sodium Bicarbonate is the most commonly used dry chemical extinguishing substance. Also referred to as BC, it's used to put out Class B and C flames. It forms a dense blanket of particles that hampers the combustion of flammable gases and liquids.

It does so by heating up and emitting a cloud of carbon dioxide, which suffocates the fire, starving it of oxygen and disrupting the chemical reaction needed for it to continue burning.

However, it is not appropriate for Class A fires since it does not decrease the heat from the fire, preventing the burning substances from reflashing.


Monoammonium Phosphate


MAP is a chemical substance used in multipurpose or ABC fire extinguishers to put out Class A, B, and C flames. It works by forming a barrier between air and fuel and also absorbs heat keeping the flaming materials from reflashing. It is the most commonly used dry chemical extinguisher, especially in the oil and gas fields. It's also the only ARFF-certified dry chemical agent. Of course, ARFF is short for Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting.


Potassium Bicarbonate


Potassium Bicarbonate is another chemical powder used in dry fire extinguishers designed to put out Class B and C flames. It creates a thin, insulating layer of particles that prevents flammable gases and liquids from burning.


Potassium Chloride


Potassium chloride, or purple K, is used to put out Class B and C flames. It creates a thick, insulating layer of nanoparticles that prevents flammable gases and liquids from burning.


How Do Dry Chemical Extinguishers Work?


All dry chemical extinguishers work by forming an insulating shield between the air and the fuel. This barrier stops the fire from receiving oxygen, causing it to burn out. The shield also absorbs heat, which aids in keeping the fire from growing. Furthermore, some dry chemical firefighting solutions form a dense film of particles that interrupt the fire's chemical reaction, essentially putting out the flames.

Also, some dry chemical extinguishers create a thin, protective blanket of particles that disrupts the thermal reaction of flammable gases and liquids. This helps contain the flames, keeping the fire from reaching other areas of a property.


Advantages of Dry Chemical Extinguishing Agents


The most apparent advantage of dry chemical firefighting solutions is their ability to extinguish fires quickly and effectively. They are also reasonably priced and simple to use. Furthermore, they only cause minimal harm to the environment and the fire scene, making them a safer option.


Wrap-up


Dry chemical firefighting solutions are one of the most widely used types of fire response today. They are created to put out fires involving electrical equipment, flammable liquids, and combustible metals as soon as possible.

There are many different types of dry chemical extinguishing substances, each intended for a specific type of fire. They work by forming a barrier between the air and the fuel, which keeps out oxygen, interferes with the flame's chemical processes and might also absorb heat.

If you’re in the market for a superior dry chemical extinguisher brand, consider Macro Fire Supply. We have been manufacturing firefighting equipment for years and offer a comprehensive range of products, including dry powder fire extinguishers, to satisfy all of your requirements.

Our team has ISO9001 2015 certification from SGS and UL classification for our ABC dry powder extinguishers. We have provided OEM products and services to industry leaders, catering to their particular requirements and needs. Check our products page for more details.