Powder-Matrix Systems for Safer Handling and Storage of Suppression Agents.
Powder-Matrix Systems for Safer Handling and Storage of
Suppression Agents.
(1937 K)
Linteris, G. T.; Chelliah, H. K.
NISTIR 6766; 48 p. July 2001.
Sponsor:
Department of Defense, Washington, DC
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
(NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Telephone:
1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000;
Fax: 703-605-6900; Rush
Service (Telephone Orders Only) 800-553-6847;
Website:
http://www.ntis.gov
Keywords:
powders; materials handling; storage; fire suppression;
absorption; particles; metals; flame extinction
Abstract:
To assess, and if reasonable develop, the capability for
absorbing/adsorbing or complexing effective but toxic
fire suppression agents in inorganic media. The
encapsulated agent can then be safely delivered to the
fire where the high temperatures will release the agent.
There exist chemicals that are up to two orders of
magnitude more effective than CF3Br at reducing the
overall reaction rate of some flames. They tend,
however, to be organometallic compounds that are highly
toxic and flammable. If a means can be developed for
absorbing them in inert carriers, their extraordinary
effectiveness might be harnessed while rendering them
safe to handle and use. Alternatively, there may exist
stable compounds that contain the active chemical moiety
which can be safely handled and yet will release the
active chemical under the appropriate conditions. The
challenge in this project was originally perceived to be
to find agent/matrix combinations which were stable for
storage, but also effective in releasing the active
species into the flame region to suppress the fire. In
conducting the research for the project, however, we
discovered that the flame suppression behavior of
previously postulated 'super-effective agents' depends
quite strongly upon the type of flame in which the tests
are conducted. Hence, the project took a somewhat
changed route as we worked to determine the merits of
the super agents for more practical flames.
