Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Fire extinguishing aerosol forming means
Summary of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of
extinguishing a fire, in particular, to a fire
extinguishing aerosol forming means (FEAFM).
Fire extinguishing aerosol forming means have presently
wide application as an effective volumetric fire
extinguishing means because they are characterized by fast
emitting of the fire extinguishing aerosol and fast filling
the protected volume therewith, entering even into
difficult places, in result the fire will be practically
instantly liquidated (PCT/RU 93/00025 of Jan. 28,1993, A
62D 1/00; EP 0560095 of Jan. 25,1995, A 62D 1/00).
Extinguishing a fire with use of FEAFM is based on a
principally new mechanism consisting in burning of the
means with formation of gaseous and highly dispersed
condensed products having inhibiting properties and
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suppressing the chain reaction of burning and, as result,
extinguishing the flame. Aerosol formed at burning of such
means has fire extinguishing properties due to the presence
of alkaline metals ions therein. Potassium nitrate or a
mixture thereof with potassium perchlorate is most
frequently used as a source of alkaline metals ions in
FEAFM. For the rest, the known FEAFM differ, as a rule, by
type of binder and contain of additives of various purpose
(Patents RU No.2105581 A 62C 3/00 and No.2091106 A 62D
1/00).
Variety of types of fire dangerous materials and
objects, their dimensions, degree of uptightness and other
features of the protected volumes dictate variety of
aerosol fire extinguishing devices and as a consequence of
this, large enough variety of FEAFM having a set of certain
properties which could be relate to the following:
- high fire extinguishing efficiency, that could be
expressed in low FEAFM fire extinguishing concentration;
- absence of negative influence on the atmosphere ozone
layer and environment, i.e. ecological cleanliness of
FEAFM combustion products, their low toxicity;
- reduced temperature of FEAFM combustion products;
- possibility of wide range regulation of burning. speed,
i.e. speed of emitting of the fire extinguishing
aerosol;
- acceptable operational characteristics (mechanical
reliability, thermal-resistance, safety etc.).
The practical application conditions of FEAFM in fire
extinguishing devices set forward contradictory
requirements to parameters of aerosol forming: fire
extinguishing efficiency and aerosol forming speed should
be rather high, and temperature of the fire extinguishing
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3
aerosol should be low. In practice, high speed of aerosol
forming corresponds to increased temperature of the
aerosol, and significant reduction of the aerosol
temperature results in loss in fire extinguishing
efficiency thereof.
As the majority of FEAFM in industrial application have
high temperature of burning and, hence, form a high-
temperature aerosol, reduction of temperature of FEAFM
combustion products, alongside with increasing of
efficiency thereof, with the purpose of creation an
economic and highly effective aerosol forming firs
extinguishing devices is an actual problem.
Closest to the claimed technical decision is aerosol
forming fire extinguishing composition described in the
Patent of the Russian Federation No.2091106, A 62D 1/00,
comprising the following components, in mass ~:
potassium nitrate 45.0 - 75.0;
carbon 4.0 -.11.0;
centralyte and/or diphenylamine 0.5 - 2.0;
industrial or instrumental oil 0.5 - 2.5;
zinc and/or sodium stearate, or mixture
thereof with sulforicinate and gelatin 0.02-0.5;
burning catalyst and/or inhibitor 0.5 - 20.0;
plasticized derivative of cellulose,
or mixture thereof with additional binder the rest
As the burning catalyst FEAFM comprises compounds
chosen from the sequence including oxides of metals of
variable valence or metals of the II group (oxides of iron,
copper, nickel, cobalt, manganese, chrome and zinc, or
mixture thereof), their organic or inorganic compositions
or mixture thereof (salicylates, phthalates,
acetylacetolates or oxalates of copper, nickel, cobalt,
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iron, manganese, zinc or calcium; carbonates of. these
metals, except calcium carbonate).
As the burning inhibitor FEAFM comprises compounds
chosen from the sequence including inorganic and organic
phosphor containing compounds, inorganic and organic
nitrogen containing compounds, hydraxides, carbonates,
basic carbonates, borates of metals or trioxide of aluminum
and/or mixtures thereof.
Introduction in FwAFM inhibitor or a mixture thereof
with catalyst even in maximum quantity does not provide
stability of the process conversion flame burning of FEAFM
in flameless gasification.
With increasing of FEAFM weight or obstruction of heat
removal the process of flameless gasification changes over
in flame burning again, that restricts application of FF.AFM
in fire extinguishing devices.
The modern fire extinguishing means based on use of
aerosol forming compositions provide, as a rule, presence
of various agents ensuring cooling of the fire
extinguishing aerosol: cooling liquids (water, water
solutions of salts), air ejectors, chemical thermally
decomposing powders or compositions.
In the Patent of the Russian Federation No.2086278 A
62D 1/00 it is described a composition for cooling of the
fire extinguishing aerosol, containing as a binder
cellulose nitrate, plasticized by a low-volatile
plasticizer, diphenylamine, polyvinyl acetate, carbon, iron
oxide, as a filler basic manganese carbonate, or ammonium
oxalate, or basic magnesium phosphate; and technological
additives: industrial or instrumental ail, sodium or zinc
stearate, graphite, paraffin and water at the following
contents of the components, mass $:
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.
cellulose nitrate ~ 5.0 - 12.5;
low-volatile plasticizer 5.0 - 12,5;
diphenyl amine 0.1 - 0.5;
polyvinyl acetate 0.2 - 1,5;
carbon 0.1 - 0.5;
iron oxide 0.3 -~2.5;
basic manganese carbonate of ammonium
oxalate or basic magnesium phosphate 25.0 - 45.0;
industrial or instrumental oil 0.5 - 5.0;
sodium or zinc stearate 0.1 - 3.0;
graphite
0.1 - 1.5;
paraffin 0.1 - 1.5;
water the rest.
This composition for cooling of aerosol is
insufficiently effective because of low contents of the
heat absorbing component (25-45 weight %). Furthermore,
rheological, physical and mechanical properties. of the
composition limit the forms of joint application thereof
directly with aerosol forming compositions.
It is proposed a fire extinguishirig aerosol forming
means including flame suppressing agent, fuel-binder,
source of carbon, stabilizer, modifier of burning and
technological additives, and as the flame suppressing agent
it contains nitrates of alkaline metals or mixture thereof
with complex compositions of alkaline metals, as the source
of carbon - carbon as it or aliphatic or aromatic alcohols,
or mixture thereof, as the modifier of burning it
additionally contains a cooling agent, and as the
technological additives it additionally contains
compositions chosen from the class of glycoles or glycerin.
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Main ingredients of the means are contained therein in
the following ratio, mass parts:
flame suppressing agent 35 - 80;
fuel-binder 12 - 40;
source of carbon 3. - 15;
stabilizer 0.5 - 2,5;
modifier of burning 1 - 250;
technological additives 0.5 - 7.5.
Nitrates of alkaline metals or mixture thereof with
complex compositions of alkaline metals are used as the
flame suppressing agent.
The included in the structure complex compositions of
alkaline metals comprise compositions having temperature of
chemolysis of approximately 200pC, that is commensurable
with the surface temperature of burning FEAFM. As these
compositions it is preferable to use potassium or sodium
dipyrocatechol, potassium hexanitrocobaltate, potassium
ferrocyanide or potassium ferricyanide, or mixture thereof.
Products formed at decomposition of the complexes have
superfluous energy and are active accelerators of reactions
taking place in the surface layer -of FEAFM. This results in
increasing of completeness of potassium nitrate
decomposition. The products of chemolysis of the complex
compositions of alkaline metals are also capable to break
off the chain reactions of oxidation at burning process
and, together with decomposition products of potassium
nitrate, form a mixture effectively inhibiting process of
burning.
Furthermore, using of complex compositions of alkaline
metals allows to reduce essentially the lower limit of
carbon contents in FEAFM, providing thus reduction of
carbon monoxide contents in the products of FE_~FM
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combustion, that, in turn, leads to decreasing toxicity of
the fire extinguishing aerosol itself.
Plasticized derivatives of cellulose or mixture thereof
with other binder is used as a fuel-binder. It is preferred
to use such compositions, as cellulose ethers, e.g.
nitrocellulose, cellulose methyl-, ethylacetates or
mixtures thereof.
As plasticizers of cellulose derivatives there are used
ethers of carboxylic or mineral acids and alcohols, e.g.,
triacetin, diethylene glycol propionate, triethylene glycol
dipropionate, dibutyl phthalate, dioctyl sebacate,
diethylene glycol dinitrate or triethylene glycol dinitrate
or mixture thereo=.
rFEAFM can contain polyvinyl acetate, or polyvinyl
alcohol, or mixture thereof as an additional binder.
As a source of carbon the means contains carbon as
such, aliphatic or aromatic alcohols (e. g., sorbitol,
xylitol, pirocathechol, hydroquinone or a-naphthol) or
mixture thereof.
Centralyte and/or diphenylamine are mostly used as a
stabilizer.
The means contains a catalyst and/or an inhibitor of
burning, and a cooling agent as a modifier of burning. It
is desirable for regulation of FEAFM burning
characteristics to the required level.
The catalysts of burning are used for increasing of
Spec''d of burning and maintenance oL burning stability at
low pressure. The catalysts accelerate achievement of
thermodynamic balance of oxidation reactions, those as
2N0 + 2C0 =2COz + Nz; C + 2N0 =C02 + NZ; CO + HZO =COZ + H2;
etc.
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resulting in increasing of proportion of products of
complete oxidation in FEAFM burning praducts and decreasing
of contents of toxic substances, in particular, carbon and
nitrogen monoxides.
As the catalyst, as a rule, there used compositions of
metals of variable valence, e.g., oxides of iron, copper,
nickel, cobalt, manganese, chrome; organic or inorganic
compositions of same metals or mixtures thereof. The
catalysts are added in FEAFM in quantity from 0.5 ~to 10
mass parts, preferably 1-5 mass parts.
Inhibitors of burning are added in FEAFM for reduction
oz their speed of burning, decreasing of temperature of
surface burning and flame zone. Damping of chemical
reactions of burning is achieved either due to blocking the
active centers of flame (gas) reactions by inhibitors or
products of their decomposition, or due to intensification
of reactions of carbonization, resulting in forming on the
surface of burning of dense and hard carbon carcass
changing conditions of mass- and heat exchange on the
border of gaseous and condensed phases. Due to the reaction
2n CO = Cn + n COz
contents of the toxic monoxide in gaseous products is
decreased.
It is reasonable to use as the inhibitor of burning
compositions chosen from classes: inorganic and organic
phosphor- and/or nitrogen- containing composition, borates
or carbonates of metals or hydroxides of metals of the III
group or mixtures thereof.
E.g., from phosphor- and nitrogen- containing
inhibitors it is preferable to use phosphates of potassium,
calcium, iron of any degree of displacement; triphenyl
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phosphate; ammonium phosphates, ferric-ammonium phosphate,
ammonium oxalate, ferric-ammonium oxalate; amides-
carbamide, triazine and its derivatives, dicyanamide; among
borates of metals - borates of potassium, sodium, calcium,
magnesium, barium, zinc.
Quantity of entered inhibitor comprises 5-30 mass
parts, preferably 15-25 mass parts.
The cooling agents are added in FEAFM for change of its
thermal balance of burning. Additional reduction of
temperature on the surface, and cooling of products of
burning of FEAFM occurs due to physical removing of heat
which is spent on heating of particles of the entered
cooling agent, its endothermic decomposition, and also due
to shielding of the thermal flow directed from the zone of
flame reactions to the burning surface.
As the cooling agent there are used oxides and
hydroxides of metals of the II group, aluminosilicates,
nepheline, metal shavings or mixtures thereof, or a heat-
absorbing composition.
Incombustible products of disintegration of the
composition dilute products of FEAFM burning in the flame
zone of reaction, reduce temperature of the flame and with
it decrease return thermal flow to the surface of burning.
Interaction of FEAFM combustion products with products of
disintegration of the heat-absorbing composition results in
"freezing" thereof, possibility of their further
interaction is eliminated, in result, it is generated a
cooled aerosol. Heat-absorbing composition includes the
following ingredients, mass parts:
heat-absorbing component 50-80
binder 10-35,
additives 1-7,
thus, as the heat-absorbing component there are mainly used
carbonates or basic carbonates, phosphates of metals of the
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II group; crystal hydrides thereof, hydroxides of metals of
the III group or mixtures thereof; as the binder -
derivatives of cellulose, e.g., nitrocellulose, plasticized
by a low-volatile plasticizes , e.g., triacetin and/or
dibutil phthalate, and polyvinyl acetate or polyvinyl a
alcohol; as the additive it is used lubricant oil,
potassium or zinc stearate, organosilicon compositions and
oleic acid.
Depending on the purpose and application of FEAFM in a
particular fire extinguishing device, quantity of the
cooling agent can vary over a wide range from 0.5 to 250
mass harts.
Lubricant oil, composition chosen from the class of
glycoles, or glycerin, salt of a fatty acid, e.g.,
potassium or zinc stearate or mixture thereof with
sulforicinate and gelatin are used in F1;AFM as the
technological additives.
Introduction in F>;AFM of compositions from the class of
glycoles such as diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, or
glycerin is caused by their lubricating action. Therefore
they are used in quantities from 0.1 to 2 mass parts as
additional technological additives lowering external
friction and the phenomenon of sticking to the
technological equipment during manufacturing of FEAFM and
processing thereof in various products (aerosol forming
elements). The best efficiency is shown with the
technological additive including a triple mixture of:
lubricant oil, diethylene glycol (triethylene glycol or
glycerin) and a salt of a fatty acid.
Diethylene glycol or triethylene glycol serves
simultaneously as a plasticizes for cellulose derivatives,
in particular, for nitrocellulose, and as an additive in
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_ small quantities (2-5 mass parts) to the base plasticizer
it improves process of plasticization of nitrocellulose.
Manufacturing of FEAFM is carried out by mixing of all
components in required proportions in an apparatus having
an agitator using a dry method or in water environment (for
water insoluble nitrate plasticizers) at temperature 10-
55°C with subsequent forming from the received mixture of
elements of necessary sizes and configuration at
temperature 50-80°C. In case of in-water manufacturing of
FEAFM the fire extinguishing agent is added to the mixture
pressed out of water. In case of using as the cooling agent
of heat-absorbing composition manufacturing thereof and
forming of dements is carried out by the same way; in this
case F~ArM is produced without cooling agent, and then it
is performed mixing thereof or elements are used in layers.
The main characteristic of FEAFM is its fire
extinguishing efficiency (FEE), i.e. minimal weight of
rFEAFM, ensuring suppression of the fire in 1 m3 of
protected volume.
FEE of FEAFM compositions was extensively examined in
laboratory and testing stand conditions at suppression of
inflammable liquids (acetone, petrol, ethyl and isopropyl
alcohols, mixture of diesel fuel wit.h~ petrol) and was
confirmed by tests of aerosol generators on their basis.
Laboratory technique of FEE estimation consist in
following. In an exhaust hood under a glass cap of 10 1
capacity there was placed a burning alcohol-lamp or a
melting-pot with inflammable liquid and a certain weight
Sample Of FEAFM, connected with a Nichrome spiral. Using
electric current with about 12 V voltage supplied to the
Nichrome spiral it was set fire the sample of FEAFM and the
process of suppression of the flame of the alcohol-limp (or
inflammable liquid) was observed through the transparent
glass of the cap. The result was considered to be positive
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if the flame was suppressed during period no longer than 5
s after burning away the sample of FEAFM. Minimal fire
extinguishing concentration was determined by interpolation
on two nearest points. For comparison it was carried out a
check experiment on burning an alcohol-lamp (or inflammable
liquid in a melting-pot) under the closed cap. Time of
natural dying of the alcohol-lamp flame, due to consumption
of oxygen of air enclosed under the cap, was 75 s.
American Standard UL 1058 was laid in base of testing
stand technique of examination of FEAFM fire extinguishing
efficiency.
In a chamber of 1 m3 volume (2.08 x 0.8 x 0.6) , having
a flat screen of 0.25 m width in the middle part on whole
height of the chamber, there were placed 5 sources of
inflammable liauid (capacities of 75 mm in diameter, 125 mm
in height with 500 ml of petrol in each of them), which
were placed on four corners of the chamber and one source
was placed behind the screen. Above each source of
inflammable liquid in the cover of chamber there were
formed small windows made of organic glass for visual
observation for suppression of the fire.
The tested sample of FEAFM was placed in a metal
housing and was fixed in the central part of the side wall
of the chamber. Initiation of ignition of the FEAFM sample
was performed using a fuse or a source of electric current
located outside of the testing chamber. Petrol or another
inflammable liquid in capacities was ignited, the cover of
testing chamber was closed. After steady burning of
inflammable liquid during 30 s it was initiated ignition of
the FEAFM sample. And after 1 more minute the cover of
chamber was opened and the chamber was inspected after
dispersion of aerosol. Suppression or burning of
inflammable liquid was defined with help of decoded
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13 -
oscillogramme records or visually through the windows in
the chamber cover.
The result was considered to be positive in case of
suppression of all sources of fire within no longer than
one minute after the end of burning of the FEAFM sample.
Method of FEAFM manufacturing is illustrated by the
following examples, not limiting the scope of the present
invention.
Example 1.
FEAFM has the following structure of components (mass
parts):
Flame suppressing agent: potassium nitrate 58.0
potassium dipyrocatechol
borate 10.0
Source of carbon: highly dispersed carbon 2.0
Stabilizer
of chemical stability: centralite 0.3
diphenyl-amine 0.7
Technological
Additives: diethylene glycol 1.0
lubricant (industrial) oil 1.0
sodium (zinc) stearate 0.1
Fuel-binder nitrocellulose 12.4
triacetine 9.0
polyvinyl acetate 2.0
Modifier of burning:
- catalyst: ferric oxide 1.5
- cooling agent: hydrated magnesium oxide 1.0
All loose components in specified proportions except
potassium nitrate and stabilizer are entered in an apparatus
of "Beken" type at environment temperature, mixed, and
liquid components are added with dissolved centralite
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and diphenyl amine therein, mixed. At last, for the safety
reasons, the apparatus is loaded with potassium nitrate and
mixed not less than 30 mines. The obtained mixture is
unloaded from the apparatus, is rolled and formed into
elements of required sizes on a hydraulic or an auger-press
at temperature 60-70'C.
Fire extinguishing efficiency of FEAFM according to the
laboratory method of estimation comprises 10 g/m3 and in
testing stand conditions according to the Standard UL 1058
- 25 g/m3.
Example 2.
F=.AFM has the following structure of components (mass
parts):
rFlame suppressing agent: potassium nitrate 58.0
potassium ferrocyanide 10.0
Source of carbon: highly dispersed carbon . 2.0
Stabilizer: centralite 0.3
diphenyl-amine 0.7
Technological
additives: diethylene glycol 1.0
lubricant (industrial) oil 1.0
sodium stearate 0.1
Fuel-binder nitrocellulose 11.9
triacetine 9.0
polyvinyl acetate 2.0
Modifier of burning: cobalt acetylacetonate , 2.0
magnesium hydroxide 1.0
This FEAFM was prepared similarly to example 1. Fire
extinguishing efficiency the FIrAFM according to the
laboratory method of estimation comprises 10 g/m3 and in
testing stand conditions according to the Standard UL 1058
- 25 g/m3.
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Example 3.
Preparation of the means was carried out according to
the method of example 1.
Data on structure and efficiency i.s presented in the --
table.
Example 4.
FEAFM has the following structure ~of components (mass
parts):
rlame suppressing agent: potassium nitrate 50.0
potassium dipyrocatechol
borate 5.0
Source of carbon: highly dispersed carbon 4.5
sorbitol 5.0
Stabilizer: centralite 0.5
Biphenyl-amine 0.5
Technological
Additives: diethylene glycol 0.5
lubricant (industrial) oil 1.0
zinc stearate 0.07
sulforicinate 0.1
gelatin 0.03
ruel-binder nitrocellulose 13.8
mixture of diethylene
glycol dinitrate with
triethylene glycol
dinitrate (7:3) 16.0
Modifier of burning: ferric oxide 2.0
hydrated magnesium oxide 1.0
Mixture of all components, except the flame suppressing
agent and sorbitol, is performed in a mixer in a water
environment at M 1:5 without additional heating of the
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equipment. To the mixer it is added nitrocellulose,
technological additives (lubricant oil, diethylene glycol,
zinc stearate) and. modifiers of burning. It is prepared
separately emulsion of mixture of plasticizers with
stabilizers of chemical stability (centralite and diphenyl-
amine) with addition of emulsifier - sulforicinate and
emulsion stabilizer - gelatin. The emulsion is added into
the mixer and contents of the mixer is mixed for 18-24
hours. Then the received mixture is squeezed out of water
on a squeezing apparatus up to humidity of 10-16 mass ~ and
further in an apparatus without mechanical mixers is mixed
with the flame suppressing agent and sorbitol during 20-30
minutes. The ready mix is rolled and is formed into
elements of required size in a hydraulic or an auger-press
at temperature 60-80°C.
Examples 5-6.
Preparation of the means was carried out according to
the method of example 1.
Data on structure and efficiency is presented in the
table.
Example 7.
Structure of FEAFM components, mass parts:
Flame suppressing agent: potassium nitrate 58.0
potassium dipyrocatechol 10.0
borate
Source of carbon: carbon 2.0
Stabilizer: centralite 0.5
diphenyl-amine 0.5
Technological
Additives: diethylene glycol 1.0
lubricant (industrial) oil 1.0
zinc stearate 0.1
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Fuel-binder nitrocellulose 12.4
triacetine g.0
polyvinyl acetate 2.0
Modifier of burning:
- catalyst: ferric oxide 1.5
- cooling agent: heat-absorbing composition
nitrocellulose 12.0
triacetine 9.8
polyvinyl acetate 2.0
basic magnesium '
carbonate 67.0
lubricant
(industrial) oil 2.0
sodium stearate 0.2
oligoethyl dihydride
siloxane 2.7
oleic acid 1.3
balance water 3.0
All components, except the cooling agent, are mixed in
the "Beken" type apparatus similar to the used in example
1. The obtained mixture is rolled and is formed into
elements or products also similar to 'example 1. Heat-
absorbing composition is prepared separately. Mixing of all
components in required proportions is carried out in the
"Beken" type apparatus. Basic magnesium carbonate is
initially processed by water emulsion of silicon-organic
composition, oleic acid is added and mixed during 20-30
minutes, then, obtained emulsion is filtered up to humidity
50-70~. All liquid components are entered into mixing
apparatus, mixed not less than 30 mines.
The obtained mixture is rolled at temperature 90-120°C
and formed on an auger-press into elements of required form
and size. The obtained thus components of the means are
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- 18
mixed in the abovementioned ratio. Data on efficiency is
specified in the table.
Example 8.
Preparation of the means was carried out according to
the method of example 7.
Data on structure and efficiency is represented in the
table.
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The table
Influence of structure of the proposed agent
on efficiency thereof
Structure
of
the
means
according
to
the
present
examples
Contents of the Rus-
t 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
components, sian
mass parts Pa-
tent
No.
2091
106
1 ~ 2 3 ~ 4 ~ 6 7 8 9 10
5
Flame 45-75
suppressing
agent:
Potassium S8 58 53,9 50 54 64 59 40,5
nitrate
Potassium 10 5 10 .10 5
dipyrocatechol
borate
potassium 10
ferrocyanide
Potassium S
hexanitro
cobaltate
Source of 4-11
carbon:
Carbon ~ ~ 2 2 4 4,5 2 7,5 2 5
Sorbitol ~ 9 5
~
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Stabilizer: 0.5-
2.0
Mixture of 1 1 1 1 0,5 1 1 1
centralite and
diphenyl-amine
Technological 0.52
additives: -3.0
Diethylene 1 2 0,1 0,5 1 0,5 1 1
glycol
Lubricant oil ~ 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sodium (zinc)
stearate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0,1
Fuel-binder 12-
41,
85
Nitrocellulose 12.4 11.9 12.4 13,8 12,4 12.4 12.4 12,4
Triacetine ~ 9 9 9 g g g g
Plasticizer 16
LD-70*
Polyvinyl 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
acetate
Modifier of 0.5-
burning: 20
catalyst 1.5 2 1.5 2 2 1,5 1.5 3
inhibitor 20
cooling 1 1 1 1 5 1 100 5
agent
Efficiency of
the agent, 15- 10 20 10 8 20 12 40 35
g~m3 54
~L1,-m - mixture of diethylene glycol nitrate with
triethylene glycol dinitrate (7:3)
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It is clear from the presented tables, that in
comparison with the known art, the lower level of fire
extinguishing concentration is reduced, i.e. fire
extinguishing efficiency is increased. In variants of FEAFM
embodiments, which have fire extinguishing efficiency at
the level of the prior art, e.g., sample No. S, the fire
extinguishing aerosol is characterized by lowered contents
of toxic monoxide owing to the low contents of carbon
therein. In embodiments according to samples 8 and 7 FEAFM
includes inhibitor and/or cooling agent in sufficient
quantity and does not require to use additional cooling
mans in case of using them in fire extinguishing
devices.
Aerosol forming fire extinguishing composition
according to the prior art is used in fire
extinguishing devices together with a cooling agent with
the purpose of obtaining a cooled flameless aerosol. Use of
a cooling agent reduces efficiency (increases fire
extinguishing concentration) due to settling of the aerosol
in the layer of cooling agent. Fire extinguishing
concentration in this case increases till 50-54 g/m3 and
more.
Introduction into proposed FEAFM of~an inhibitor or a
mixture thereof with a catalyst and/or a cooling agent in
quantity more than 20 mass parts provides steady flameless
gasification of FEAFM. Gasification character of FEAFM and
large potential thereof for operational safety allows to
use it as elements with highly developed surface, e.g., in
the form of granules, that contributes to intensification
of emitting of aerosol and faster filling the protected
volume thereby, furthermore it is also economically
favorable.
To eliminate getting through the flame in the FEAFM
granules layer it is reasonable to include a cooling agent
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in FEAFM in form of, e.g., metal shaving or minute
elements of heat-absorbing composition, forming a
mechanical mixture. The cooling agent in this case promotes
formation of more loose structure of FEAFM, facilitating
heat dissipation and simultaneously taking away additional
amount of heat for self heating.
The cooling agent amount is determined by chemical
composition, size of used FEAFM elements, feature of
application thereof and a number of other factors.
In FEAFM without inhibitor the cooling agent contents can
be high. Depending on the required purpose, e.g., on using
oz FEAFM in devices intended for explosion and fire
protection of objects, it is reasonable to use the
generated tire extinguishing aerosol in cold condition,
i.e. temperature thereof should be below than temperature
of self-ignition of explosive mixtures, therefore quantity
of the cooling agent in FEAFM can make up to 250 mass
parts. The proposed FEAFM depending on structure and the
quantities of the modifier of burning are characterized by
wide spectrum of variability of characteristics thereof. By
changing the ratio catalyst-inhibitor-cooling agent it is
possible to adjust the process of thermal decomposition of
FEAFM from flame burning till grading thereof into
flameless gasification. As a rule, high-temperature aerosol
has the most fine-disperse structure and is characterized
by higher fire extinguishing efficiency and speed of
aerosol generation. Flameless low-temperature aerosol has
in some degree lesser tire extinguishing efficiency and
lower speed of aerosol generation. Each of variants has,
however, own advantages which could be realized in
practice. High speed of aerosol generation promotes fast
filling of protected volume and fast creation of fire
extinguishing concentration therein, that allows to use
fire extinguishing devices on basis of such FEAFM in
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untight, ventilated or extended objects, e.g., in vehicles
engine compartments, cable channels etc. To protect tight
volumes, in order to prevent sharp increase of pressure, it
is reasonable to use fire extinguishing devices on the
basis of FEAFM with lowered speed of aerosol generation.
The proposed invention considerably expands area of
application of FEAFM due to the possibility of wide
regulation of temperature of the generated fire
extinguishing aerosol and speed of aerosol generation
thereof, and can be used in various fire extinguishing
devices, both with application of the cooling agent, and
without it, which is a result of creation of FEAFM
embodiments with steady flameless gasification not
requiring additional cooling of the aerosol.
The last circumstance considerably simplifies design of
the apparatus, makes them less metal containing, simple in
production, reliable in use. The aerosol generated by
FEAFM, reliably extinguishes fires of various classes,
provides retardation of dust-gas-air explosive mixtures.
Level of the basic characteristics of FEAFM
(physicochemical, mechanical, technological etc.) allows to
manufacture elements of the various sizes and forms
therefrom and to use them in fire extinguishing means.
The area of application of the proposed FEAFM in fire
extinguishing devices is characterized by the widest
spectrum: all kinds of automobile-, railroad, aviation-,
water transport, underground railway, warehouses of
inflammable liquids and fuels and lubricants, enterprises
of various branches of industry, including objects with
explosive dust-gas-air environment and extended
communication network of power supply, ventilation, etc.
All devices using FEAFM can work in automatic and
manual-operating modes, are designed for long service life
(up to 10 years and longer), do not require additional
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service, are always ready to action. The means has low
toxic level, is ozone safe, does not cause corrosion of
metals, does not have destroying effect to material
objects.
Thus FEAFM according to the present invention solves the
stipulated problems completely.
