Powder fire extinguishing system
Powder fire
extinguishing system for Class C fires. Fire-extinguishing powder compositions
are used to extinguish combustible materials in any state (liquid, solid,
gaseous), electrical equipment exposed to voltage (up to 5,000 V) and in cases
where it is not possible to extinguish with water and foam, as well as at
sub-zero temperatures.
Fire extinguishing powder systems are
divided into two main groups:
- general purpose, creating a fire extinguishing cloud;
- special, creating a layer on the surface of the materials that prevents the entry of oxygen into the air.
Powder fire systems can be or portable (powder extinguishers). Powder is stored in dedicated cylinders. They are rigid or flexible in piping, supplying compressed non-combustible gas by means of a conical nozzle. Alternatively, the conical nozzle can be connected directly to the cylinder. The system can be activated manually or automatically.
Schematic diagram of a stationary powder fire extinguishing system
A stationary powder fire extinguishing system station comprises:
Control drive that supplies inert gas to the unit;
Cylinders with inert gas, by means of which the
powder is raised and supplied by pipes to the fire-fighting stations;
Reduction valve, that maintains the predetermined
pressure of the supplied gas;
A tank with powder;
Remote control system, that can launch a unit from any
fire-fighting station;
Distribution manifold, directing the powder to the
firefighting station that activated the unit;
The use of powder to extinguish a fire
generates a large amount of dust, which requires special clothing, respiratory
protection, and eye protection. Taking into account that the powder is
chemically active, it is necessary to remove its residues from the structural
elements immediately after use.