Fire Extinguisher Types and Uses

Fire Extinguisher means cutting off, altering the fire, or blowing down a fire that is caused due to any explosive material, gas presence, or any electrical fault found. The fire extinguisher is a device that is used to cut off different fire types.

Types of Fire Extinguishers:

Extinguisher types are mentioned below as classified:??

1. Water Type Fire Extinguisher:

Generally, cut-off firing shall be done by the water spraying over. Water-type fire extinguisher operates on the principle which is as follows when water is sprayed or thrown in a line of fire where the combustion of any material, gas & other electrical utility system caused then it’s lower or cools the temperature of the substance that is in combustible form than its Ignition Point (Ignition Point?is a term which defined as the lowest temperature at which substance about to become combustible when free to air) & extinguishes the fire.

Drawbacks of Water Type Fire Extinguisher:

Water as fire extinguishers fluid is not to be used in every case. Water can’t be used with oil & petrol because of the density differences across they float over the water layer which means water sink against the fluid surface.

Water cannot be used in case of firing from electrical cabling or Control System it conducts electricity (Due to the presence of ions in the Water Solution), there are some chances of Getting an Electric Shock during the Extinguish Process Which leads to Server Injuries or sudden death to Fire extinguish Person.

2. Foam Type Fire Extinguisher:

Foam Type extinguisher works on the principle which restricts the oxygen processing to the combustible material or substance which is firing/Burning at the moment.

Foam type extinguisher contains a cylinder with a small bottle arrangement for the Aluminum Sulphate Solution whereas the cylinder contains sodium bicarbonate Solution (has some portion of saponin used to produce the FOG) which is saturated (Saturated Solution is defined as the solution which contains the Solute parts in the maximum concentration of the Solution, show sign of dissolving within the Solution). This equipment is used in application cases of Petrol & Oil.

Working: In the fire, a case Knob is placed or constructed at the top of the cylinder, as pressing the knob releases the bottle-filled aluminum sulfate gets mixed with a cylinder containing Solution NaHCO3??(Sodium Bicarbonate Solution).

Chemical Reaction:?????Al2SO4?+ NaHCO3?—-> Al (OH)?3?+ CO2 + Na2SO4

(Addition of Saponin reacted with carbon dioxide to produce a foam appearance which covers the Combustible material for cut off of Firing using restriction in the supply of Oxygen to the firing Substance).

3. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher:

Carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher contains CO2?in Pure form for cut off for firing by spraying it over the combustible Substance. Pressure Gauge is not installed in the Carbon dioxide Extinguisher filling of cylinders may be checked by the Weighing Methods.

4. Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher:

The powder is used for Fire extinguishing Purpose mono ammonium sulfate, which is particularly used for Metal combustible Substances.

5.?Wet Chemical?Fire Extinguisher:

Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are a type of firefighting equipment that is specifically designed to extinguish fires caused by cooking oils and fats in commercial kitchens. The extinguishing agent used in these fire extinguishers is a potassium acetate solution that helps smother the fire and cool down the burning surface, preventing re-ignition. Wet Chemical fire extinguishers are highly effective against Class F fires and are the preferred choice in commercial kitchens and other cooking areas. These fire extinguishers are easy to use and are equipped with a discharge hose that allows the operator to direct the fire extinguishing agent directly onto the fire. Wet Chemical fire extinguishers should be regularly checked and maintained to ensure they are in good working order and ready to use in the event of a fire.

Source:?Chemical Engineering World.

Revised by: Tiago Nunes.