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Fire

Dry powder fire extinguishers use nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other gases as propellants to discharge dry chemical powders that smother fires. There are different types for class B, C, or ABC fires. They work by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust to separate it from oxygen, interrupting the chemical reaction of fire. Dry chemicals must be properly maintained, stored in designated places, and inspected regularly to ensure they are fully charged and operable in case of an emergency.

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Vimal Sudhakaran
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20 views3 pages

Fire

Dry powder fire extinguishers use nitrogen, carbon dioxide, or other gases as propellants to discharge dry chemical powders that smother fires. There are different types for class B, C, or ABC fires. They work by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust to separate it from oxygen, interrupting the chemical reaction of fire. Dry chemicals must be properly maintained, stored in designated places, and inspected regularly to ensure they are fully charged and operable in case of an emergency.

Uploaded by

Vimal Sudhakaran
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER

Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher typically uses nitrogen and Carbon dioxide as Propellants and is
the most ideal fire extinguisher.
Dry powder fire extinguisher covers and manages the fire through inert solid and produces very
fine powders of sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or mono ammonium phosphate that
fleeces the fuel and oppresses the fire.
Various types of dry powder extinguishers are used, some of them are filled with dry powders
suitable for class B & C fires, and some suitable for class ABC fires.
Dry chemical powders have excellent fire knocking down properties. However, for permanent
extinguishment, more often, their use will have to be followed with discharge of extinguishing
media like foam or water.
Types of Dry Powder Extinguisher:
i) The ABC type is filled with monoammonium phosphate, a yellow powder that leaves a sticky
residue that may be damaging to electrical appliances such as a computer. Mono Ammonium
Phosphate also known as 'tri-class', 'multipurpose' or 'ABC' dry chemical, used on class A,B, and
C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent's ability to melt and flow at 177°C (35°F) to
smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents.
ii)Sodium bicarbonate 'regular' or 'ordinary' used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry
chemical agents developed. In the heat of fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers
the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical reaction.
This agent is not generally effective on class A fires because the agent is expended and the cloud
of gas dissipated quickly, and if the fuel is still sufficiently hot, the fire starts up again. While
liquid and gas fires do not usually store much heat in their fuel source, solid fires do. Sodium
bicarbonate was very common in commercial kitchens before the advent of wet chemical agents,
but now is falling out of favor, as it is much less effective than wet chemical agents for class K
fires, less effective than Purple-K for class B fires, and is ineffective on class A fires. White or
blue in color.
iii)Potassium bicarbonate used on class B and C fires. About two times as effective on class B fires
as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical agent of the oil and gas industry. The only
dry chemical agent certified for use in ARFF by the NFPA. Colored violet to distinguish it.
Extinguishing method:
Dry chemical extinguishers put out fire by coating the fuel with a thin layer of dust, separating the
fuel from the oxygen in the air. The powder also works to interrupt the chemical reaction of fire,
so these extinguishers are extremely effective at putting out fire. These extinguishers will be found
in a variety of locations. They may also be found in laboratories, mechanical rooms, break rooms,
chemical storage areas, offices, etc. Precautions to be taken while Recharging Powder
Extinguisher Make sure that any powder remaining in the discharge tube, hose and nozzle is fully
cleared. The interior of the cylinder should be thoroughly dried. When the new powder
container/packet is opened for re-filling, the powder should be transferred immediately into the
extinguisher and the appliance sealed. The person who handle it may wear protective face mask
and gloves. Mixing of different type of powder has to be avoided.
HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Extinguisher if you can remember the acronym PASS, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and
Sweep.

1.Pull the pin.


This will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
2.Aim at the base of the fire.
If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly
right through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel.
3.Squeeze the top handle or lever.
This depresses a button that releases the pressurized extinguishing agent in the extinguisher.
4.Sweep from side to side
Until the fire is completely out. Start using the extinguisher from a safe distance away, then
move forward. Once the fire is out, keep an eye on the area in case it re-ignites.
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE Of an Extinguisher
i)Portable extinguishers shall be maintained in a fully charged and operable condition, and kept
in their designated placed at all times when they are not being used.
ii)Each extinguisher shall be equipped with a tag for registering inspection date. Aluminum tags
on which the date can be punched are preferred for a lasting record
iii)An extinguisher that is not maintained can be more dangerous than no extinguisher at all.
iv)The extinguisher Is not blocked by equipment, coats or other objects that could interfere with
access in an emergency.
v)The pressure Is at the recommended level. On extinguishers equipped with a gauge, the needle
should be in the green zone – not too high and not too low.
vi)The nozzle or other parts are not hindered in any way.
vii)The pin and tamper seal (if it has one) are intact.
viii)There are no dents, leaks, rust, chemical deposits and/or other signs of abuse/wear.
ix)Wipe off any corrosive chemicals, oil, etc. that may have deposited on the extinguisher.
x) Extinguishers shall be inspected monthly, and the following items shall be checked:
• The extinguisher shall be in its designated place.
• Access to, or visibility of, the extinguisher shall not be obstructed.
• The operation instructions on the extinguisher nameplate shall be legible and face
Outward.
• Any seals or tamper indicators that are broken or missing shall be replaced.
• For water types without gauges, their fullness shall be determined by “hefting.”
• Any obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles shall be noted.
• Pressure-gauge readings when not in the operable range shall be noted.
If, at anytime, an extinguisher shows evidence of corrosion or mechanical injury, it should be
subjected to hydrostatic pressure tests or replaced.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER LABELLING


All fire extinguishers should be clearly marked with the following details:-
• Type of fire extinguisher
• The extinguishing medium
• Discharge type-stored pressure or gas cartridge
• Nominal charge of the extinguishant (kg or litre)
• The class of fire for which the extinguisher can be used
• Operating instructions
• Working pressure and test pressure

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