US3172852A - Dry chemical fire extinguisher composition - Google Patents
Dry chemical fire extinguisher composition Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US3172852A US3172852A US3172852DA US3172852A US 3172852 A US3172852 A US 3172852A US 3172852D A US3172852D A US 3172852DA US 3172852 A US3172852 A US 3172852A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- composition
- fires
- dry
- phosphate
- silicone
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 title description 102
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 title description 28
- ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L Magnesium carbonate Chemical compound [Mg+2].[O-]C([O-])=O ZLNQQNXFFQJAID-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 54
- 239000011776 magnesium carbonate Substances 0.000 description 54
- 235000014380 magnesium carbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 54
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 42
- 239000001095 magnesium carbonate Substances 0.000 description 38
- 229910000021 magnesium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 38
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 34
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicium dioxide Chemical compound O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 24
- LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].OP(O)([O-])=O LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 22
- 229910000387 ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 22
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 22
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 22
- 239000006012 monoammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 22
- 235000019837 monoammonium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 22
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 20
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O Chemical compound [O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 description 16
- -1 e.g. Chemical compound 0.000 description 16
- 239000010452 phosphate Substances 0.000 description 16
- 150000004649 carbonic acid derivatives Chemical class 0.000 description 14
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 12
- BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L Carbonate dianion Chemical compound [O-]C([O-])=O BVKZGUZCCUSVTD-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 10
- YYLGKUPAFFKGRQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethyldiethoxysilane Chemical compound CCO[Si](C)(C)OCC YYLGKUPAFFKGRQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 10
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 238000006116 polymerization reaction Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 10
- QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H Tricalcium phosphate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O.[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O QORWJWZARLRLPR-UHFFFAOYSA-H 0.000 description 8
- 239000001506 calcium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 239000011780 sodium chloride Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229940078499 tricalcium phosphate Drugs 0.000 description 8
- 229910000391 tricalcium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 8
- 235000019731 tricalcium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 description 8
- KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boric acid Chemical compound OB(O)O KGBXLFKZBHKPEV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- ZULUUIKRFGGGTL-UHFFFAOYSA-L Nickel(II) carbonate Chemical compound [Ni+2].[O-]C([O-])=O ZULUUIKRFGGGTL-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 6
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 239000003245 coal Substances 0.000 description 6
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 6
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 239000004254 Ammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 description 4
- LIKFHECYJZWXFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Dimethyldichlorosilane Chemical compound C[Si](C)(Cl)Cl LIKFHECYJZWXFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M NaHCO3 Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 4
- 231100000614 Poison Toxicity 0.000 description 4
- QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfuric acid Chemical class OS(O)(=O)=O QAOWNCQODCNURD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910000148 ammonium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 235000019289 ammonium phosphates Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 239000004327 boric acid Substances 0.000 description 4
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 4
- MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diammonium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].OP([O-])([O-])=O MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000002708 enhancing Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000002844 melting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229910001463 metal phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000005054 phenyltrichlorosilane Substances 0.000 description 4
- NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N phosphoric acid Chemical class OP(O)(O)=O NBIIXXVUZAFLBC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 239000005871 repellent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000002940 repellent Effects 0.000 description 4
- 150000004756 silanes Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 229920002050 silicone resin Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 4
- ORVMIVQULIKXCP-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(phenyl)silane Chemical compound Cl[Si](Cl)(Cl)C1=CC=CC=C1 ORVMIVQULIKXCP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- URZHQOCYXDNFGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 2,4,6-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-1,3,5,2,4,6-trioxatrisilinane Chemical compound FC(F)(F)CC[Si]1(C)O[Si](C)(CCC(F)(F)F)O[Si](C)(CCC(F)(F)F)O1 URZHQOCYXDNFGN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000005047 Allyltrichlorosilane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229960003563 Calcium Carbonate Drugs 0.000 description 2
- JLUFWMXJHAVVNN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Methyltrichlorosilane Chemical compound C[Si](Cl)(Cl)Cl JLUFWMXJHAVVNN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ODGAOXROABLFNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Polynoxylin Chemical compound O=C.NC(N)=O ODGAOXROABLFNM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229920001807 Urea-formaldehyde Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000012190 activator Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001464 adherent Effects 0.000 description 2
- 125000000217 alkyl group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 229910000147 aluminium phosphate Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O ammonium Chemical compound [NH4+] QGZKDVFQNNGYKY-UHFFFAOYSA-O 0.000 description 2
- 150000003863 ammonium salts Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229910052788 barium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N barium(0) Chemical compound [Ba] DSAJWYNOEDNPEQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N bismuth Chemical compound [Bi] JCXGWMGPZLAOME-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052797 bismuth Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-M bisulfite Chemical compound OS([O-])=O LSNNMFCWUKXFEE-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium Chemical compound [Cd] BDOSMKKIYDKNTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052793 cadmium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- NHWZQIYTQZEOSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N carbonic acid;phosphoric acid Chemical compound OC(O)=O.OP(O)(O)=O NHWZQIYTQZEOSJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000001913 cellulose Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002678 cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 2
- GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N cobalt Chemical compound [Co] GUTLYIVDDKVIGB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052803 cobalt Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000010941 cobalt Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000875 corresponding Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000014113 dietary fatty acids Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- OLLFKUHHDPMQFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N dihydroxy(diphenyl)silane Chemical compound C=1C=CC=CC=1[Si](O)(O)C1=CC=CC=C1 OLLFKUHHDPMQFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002360 explosive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000194 fatty acid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 125000002485 formyl group Chemical class [H]C(*)=O 0.000 description 2
- 239000008240 homogeneous mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000006460 hydrolysis reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000749 insecticidal Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002917 insecticide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000005055 methyl trichlorosilane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003973 paint Substances 0.000 description 2
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920005989 resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011347 resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004447 silicone coating Substances 0.000 description 2
- KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium Chemical compound [Na] KEAYESYHFKHZAL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002195 synergetic Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- SIPHWXREAZVVNS-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(cyclohexyl)silane Chemical compound Cl[Si](Cl)(Cl)C1CCCCC1 SIPHWXREAZVVNS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- GQIUQDDJKHLHTB-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(ethenyl)silane Chemical compound Cl[Si](Cl)(Cl)C=C GQIUQDDJKHLHTB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- PYJJCSYBSYXGQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(octadecyl)silane Chemical compound CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[Si](Cl)(Cl)Cl PYJJCSYBSYXGQQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- KWDQAHIRKOXFAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(pentyl)silane Chemical class CCCCC[Si](Cl)(Cl)Cl KWDQAHIRKOXFAV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- HKFSBKQQYCMCKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N trichloro(prop-2-enyl)silane Chemical compound Cl[Si](Cl)(Cl)CC=C HKFSBKQQYCMCKO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- CPUDPFPXCZDNGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N triethoxy(methyl)silane Chemical compound CCO[Si](C)(OCC)OCC CPUDPFPXCZDNGI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000005050 vinyl trichlorosilane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 2
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 description 2
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
- A62D1/00—Fire-extinguishing compositions; Use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires
- A62D1/0007—Solid extinguishing substances
- A62D1/0014—Powders; Granules
Definitions
- Conventional fire extinguishing powders such as sodium bicarbonate or the like carbonate base compositions are suitable for use in fighting burning oils, greases, and flammable liquids, and which are known as class B fires.
- the carbonate base dry powders are also useful for combatting electrical equipment fires which are known as class C fires.
- the dry carbonate base powders are relatively ineffective for use in combatting ordinary wood and coal fires, and such as classified as class A fires. This is because the carbonate material does not stick to the hot surfaces of the burning material. As a consequence, re-ignition and back fires result.
- dry powders are ineffective for extinguishing metal fires because of the violent and explosive reaction created between the burning metal and their decomposition products.
- There is accordingly an urgent need for a dry, chemical powder which is useful in combatting all classes of fires as well as metal fires.
- the present invention provides such a composition.
- compositions comprising a finely divided mixture of a phosphate, e.g., monoammonium phosphate and an aldehyde type resin such as urea formaldehyde or the like synthetic resin, and including organic material such as dried waste sulfite liquor and inorganic substances, e.g., silica, etc.
- a phosphate e.g., monoammonium phosphate and an aldehyde type resin such as urea formaldehyde or the like synthetic resin
- organic material such as dried waste sulfite liquor and inorganic substances, e.g., silica, etc.
- the phosphate acid salt may be replaced by boric acid or boric acid salts to provide a foam-forming mate- 'rial.
- the spongy porous mass sticks firmly to the hot surfaces of the burning material, such as wood, coal, metal, etc., and cuts off the access of air, thus extinguishing the fire.
- the spongy mass is four or more times greater in volume than the volume of an equal weight of pure melted monoammonium phosphate.
- the metal carbonates used are those which are in the form of a dry powder, and such as react with monoammonium phosphate when applied to the hot burning mass with evolution of CO gas. Carbonates which react with the phosphate at room temperature F.) are thereabouts or in the presence of moisture, e.g., in an atmosphere of relative humidity are not suitable. Further, the carbonates of sodium, potassium and ammonium are not suitable because they are highly reactive with ammonium phosphate, especially in the presence of moisture. Calcium carbonate, although much less reactive, is also not used for the same reason. Carbonates which are poisonous, such as barium, lead and the like, are not suitable. The carbonates of cobalt, chromium, cadmium and bismuth may be used but they are relatively expensive. It is desired to provide a commercially inexpensive dry chemical fire extinguishing composition in accordance with the present invention.
- Metal carbonates which have been found to be the most useful are those of magnesium.
- Native magnesite in the form of finely ground particles of approximately 200 mesh has been found to be very satisfactory.
- Magnesite (MgCO) reacts readily with monoammonium phosphate when they are heated together, as upon application of the composition to a conflagration. They do not, however, react appreciably at ordinary room temperature or in the cold, even in the presence of moisture and which is a desirable property.
- Magnesite is relatively inexpensive, is non-poisonous, and abundant commercially. It has a high bulking density which is a very desirable physical characteristic property.
- Magnesite may be used alone or mixed with hydrated or heavy magnesium carbonate (MgCO .5H O) such as used in paints, insecticides and the like.
- the heavy magnesium carbonate may be present in small amounts up to one-third of the magnesite present in the dry composition.
- tricalcium phosphate may be substituted for the heavy magnesium carbonate and in like small amounts, e.g., 5 to 10% of the monoammonium phosphate present in the dry composition, the principal and essential constituents being the ammonium phosphate and magnesium carbonate.
- the dry fire extinguishing powder composition contains between 10 and 35% by weight of magnesium carbonate.
- the dry particles of the composition are coated with silicone resin to make them free flowing and resistant to caking.
- silicone resin As the activator in the process of polymerization of silicons magnesium carbonate (heavy) is preferred, other carbonates e.g., zinc, nickel carbonate and/or precipitated phosphate may be used either alone or as mixtures of one or more of these substances.
- the composition is free of cellulose and organic substances, the presence of which lowers the efficiency of the composition as a fire extinguisher.
- Another object of the invention is to provide a fire extinguishing composition in the form of a dry powder which has the following properties (1) It is adapted to extinguish all classes of fires including metal fires.
- Typical mixtures which produce free flowing fire extinguishing composition are given in the following examples, the parts being by weight- Example 1 Parts by weight Monoammonium phosphate 79.0 Magnesium carbonate (magnesite), 200 mesh 15.0 Tricalcium phosphate (precipitated) 5.0 Silica (300 mesh particles) 0.4 Silicone (dimethyldiethoxysilane) 0.6
- Example 2 Monoammonium phosphate 79.0 Magnesium carbonate (magnesite) 200 mesh 15.0 Magnesum carbonate (heavy MgCO .5l-I O) 5.0 Silica (300 mesh particles) 0.4- Silicone (Ex. 1) 0.6
- Example 3 Monoamrnonium phosphate 69.0 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 25.0 Magnesium carbonate (heavy, Ex. 2) 5.0 Silica (Ex. 1) 0.4 Silicone 1 0.6
- Example 4 Monoammonium phosphate 64.0 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 30.4 Nickel carbonate (200 mesh) 5.0 Silicone (diphenyldihydroxysilane) 0.6
- Example 5 Monoammonium phosphate 83.4 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 10.0 Tricalcium phosphate (Ex. 1) 3.0 Nickel carbonate (200 mesh) 3.0 Silicone (dimethyldichlorosilane) 0.6 v
- compositions as set out in the foregoing examples are initially admixed, except for the silicone, for example using a conventional ribbon mixer for approximately 30 minutes. During the last to minutes of mixing, the silicone is added slowly and the whole mass continued mixing for another to 45 minutes or longer, to produce a homogeneous mixture wherein each of the particles are coated with silicone resin. The mixture is then poured into drums or a suitable container as stored at room temperature (70 F.) for approximately twelve hours or overnight to permit polymerization of the silicone. The next day the dry, powder mixture is poured into the fire extinguishing container for distribution and use. The addition of the super-fine silica substantially enhances the free flowing properties of the dry mixture.
- the fire extinguishing composition of the invention is completely foam compatible, being free of fatty acid salts, and which permits the composition to be used together with mechanical foam such as may be discharged from other type fire extinguishers, and without danger of destroying such foams.
- the fire extinguishing composition of the invention thus complies with the regulations promulgated by the United States Coast Guard.
- magnesium carbonate works best when added to the mixture in amounts between about 10 and by Weight of the total dry composition, it has been found that proportionate amounts as low as 2 to 5% of magnesium carbonate enhances the efficiency of the composition by increasing the volume of the melted mass when used to fight fires. It has also been found that for use in combatting wood fires the presence of as much as by weight magnesium carbonate provides an excellent dry powder composition. In fighting magnesium metal fires, however, the proportionate amount of magnesium carbonate should be held within the range of 10 to 35% as aforementioned. An overall range content of magnesium carbonate is from 2% to 70% of the fire extinguishing composition.
- the preferred amount of monoamrnonium phosphate present has been found to range from 59% to 84% by weight based on the dry mixture. As a broad minimum and maximum range the content of monoammonium phosphate should be between 24% and 92% by weight of the composition.
- the finished product after polymerization of the silicone coating, has excellent free-flowing properties, is water repellent and highly resistant to caking.
- the dry, granular product can be passed through valve controlled nozzles without clogging and applied to fires as fiuid stream-like mass of particles.
- a heavy blanket of the free-flowing powder composition eifectively smothers and cools fires, quickly extinguishes them.
- Such silicone coated powders of the invention have been found to possess enhanced fire extinguishing properties over ordinary particles uncoated with silicone polymerizates.
- the silicones useful in producing the free-flowing fire extinguishing powder, and which may be polymerized without heat and solvents are the silanes and the polysiloxanes which undergo further polymerization.
- Suitable silicones employed to coat the finely divided particles are preferably ones which may be polymerized to form a cross linked polysiloxane. It is desirable to use a trifunctional silicone which is capable of becoming cross-linked upon polymerization on the finely divided solid particles whereby the particles are rendered water repellent.
- polysiloxanes useful are the alkyl trihalosilanes, e.g., methyltrichlorosilane, amyltrichlorosilanes, octadecyltrichlorosilane, cyclohexyltrichlorosilane, allyltrichlorosilane, vinyltrichlorosilane, and aryltrihalosilanes including phenyltrichlorosilane and alkylalkoxysilanes, e.g., methyltriethoxysilane etc, and mixtures or blends thereof. Also copolymerized polysiloxanes by hydrolysis with difunctional silanes, such as dimethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane and diphenyldihydrosilane.
- difunctional silanes such as dimethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane and diphenyldihydrosilane.
- the silicones are available commercially, and marketed by Dow Corning as DC1107 and -1108.
- the General Electric Company also supplies a silicone liquid Dri- Film 268 silicone fluid which is a blend of partially hydrolyzed methylhydrogen polysiloxanes.
- a silicone useful consists of a 50-50 mixture, by volume, of dimethyldiethoxysilane and phenyltrichlorosilane.
- the fire extinguishing composition During use of the fire extinguishing composition a chemical reaction takes place between the monoammonium phosphate and magnesium carbonate to release carbon dioxide, Water and form the corresponding ammonium-metal-phosphate, the latter with some excess of unreacted monoammoniurn phosphate melting on the hot burning surfaces, and producing an adherent foamy mass which smothers out the fire.
- the fire extinguishing action of the combination of the phosphate and magnesium carbonate is substantially greater than either one alone and thus a synergistic action results which makes the composition an efficient fire extinguisher for combatting all types or classes of fires.
- a dry free flowing chemical powder for application to fires to extinguish the same said free flowing chemical powder consisting essentially of the following constituents 623,657 in parts by weight- 5 1,428,207 monoamrnonium phosphate 79.0 230L428 magnesite, 200 mesh 15.0
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Fireproofing Substances (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing Compositions (AREA)
Description
United States Patent 3,172,852 DRY CHEMICAL FERE EXTINGUISHER COMPOSITION Zbigniew J. Lobos, Monmouth liunction, N.J., assignor to Stop-Fire, Inc., New Brunswick, NJ. No Drawing. Filed Jan. 31, 1961, Ser. No. 85,966 1 Claim. (Cl. 252) This invention relates to fire extinguishing compositions and more particularly to a relatively dry, free-flowing chemical powder which is useful in combatting all types of fires including metal fires.
Conventional fire extinguishing powders, such as sodium bicarbonate or the like carbonate base compositions are suitable for use in fighting burning oils, greases, and flammable liquids, and which are known as class B fires. The carbonate base dry powders are also useful for combatting electrical equipment fires which are known as class C fires. The dry carbonate base powders, however, are relatively ineffective for use in combatting ordinary wood and coal fires, and such as classified as class A fires. This is because the carbonate material does not stick to the hot surfaces of the burning material. As a consequence, re-ignition and back fires result. For the same reason such dry powders are ineffective for extinguishing metal fires because of the violent and explosive reaction created between the burning metal and their decomposition products. There is accordingly an urgent need for a dry, chemical powder which is useful in combatting all classes of fires as well as metal fires. The present invention provides such a composition.
Attempts have been made heretofore to provide improved fire extinguishing compositions, and various chemicals have been employed. Use has been made of boric acid and ammonium salts of sulfuric as well as phosphoric acid. These substances melt at relatively high temperatures, such as produced on burning wood, coal and metals, and form a thin layer or coating of the melted salts on the burning surfaces. Also solutions of these salts have been used to saturate wood, textiles and the like to render them fire resistant. Use of these high temperature melting substances in dry powder fire extinguishing compositions have been ineffective because the protective coating formed is too thin and fails to prevent the occurrence of back fires and re-flaming of the fire after being apparently put out.
Some improvement has been obtained with the use of compositions comprising a finely divided mixture of a phosphate, e.g., monoammonium phosphate and an aldehyde type resin such as urea formaldehyde or the like synthetic resin, and including organic material such as dried waste sulfite liquor and inorganic substances, e.g., silica, etc. The phosphate acid salt may be replaced by boric acid or boric acid salts to provide a foam-forming mate- 'rial. The disadvantages encountered with the use of these compositions has been that it is necessary to incorporate a relatively large amount to 30% by Weight of the composition) of organic material, and which is combustible thus lowering the efficiency of the composition in combatting fires, especially class B fires.
In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered, unexpectedly, that these disadvantages may be overcome by employing a dry mixture in which the essen tial constituents present or produced during treatment of the fire are monoammonium-metal-phosphate and carbon dioxide gas. The chemical reaction is represented by the following equation, where M is a metal NH H PO +MCO NH MPO +CO +H O In the above reaction carbon dioxide saturates. the melted mixture in the form of bubbles to produce a foamy ice mass. The mass is of very low density, and after the reaction takes place, the resulting product is a white, solid, spongy mass of very low bulk density resembling a plastic sponge in appearance. The spongy porous mass sticks firmly to the hot surfaces of the burning material, such as wood, coal, metal, etc., and cuts off the access of air, thus extinguishing the fire. The spongy mass is four or more times greater in volume than the volume of an equal weight of pure melted monoammonium phosphate.
The metal carbonates used are those which are in the form of a dry powder, and such as react with monoammonium phosphate when applied to the hot burning mass with evolution of CO gas. Carbonates which react with the phosphate at room temperature F.) are thereabouts or in the presence of moisture, e.g., in an atmosphere of relative humidity are not suitable. Further, the carbonates of sodium, potassium and ammonium are not suitable because they are highly reactive with ammonium phosphate, especially in the presence of moisture. Calcium carbonate, although much less reactive, is also not used for the same reason. Carbonates which are poisonous, such as barium, lead and the like, are not suitable. The carbonates of cobalt, chromium, cadmium and bismuth may be used but they are relatively expensive. It is desired to provide a commercially inexpensive dry chemical fire extinguishing composition in accordance with the present invention.
Metal carbonates which have been found to be the most useful are those of magnesium. Native magnesite in the form of finely ground particles of approximately 200 mesh has been found to be very satisfactory. Magnesite (MgCO reacts readily with monoammonium phosphate when they are heated together, as upon application of the composition to a conflagration. They do not, however, react appreciably at ordinary room temperature or in the cold, even in the presence of moisture and which is a desirable property. Magnesite is relatively inexpensive, is non-poisonous, and abundant commercially. It has a high bulking density which is a very desirable physical characteristic property. Magnesite may be used alone or mixed with hydrated or heavy magnesium carbonate (MgCO .5H O) such as used in paints, insecticides and the like. The heavy magnesium carbonate may be present in small amounts up to one-third of the magnesite present in the dry composition. Similarly tricalcium phosphate may be substituted for the heavy magnesium carbonate and in like small amounts, e.g., 5 to 10% of the monoammonium phosphate present in the dry composition, the principal and essential constituents being the ammonium phosphate and magnesium carbonate. Preferably the dry fire extinguishing powder composition contains between 10 and 35% by weight of magnesium carbonate.
The dry particles of the composition are coated with silicone resin to make them free flowing and resistant to caking. As the activator in the process of polymerization of silicons magnesium carbonate (heavy) is preferred, other carbonates e.g., zinc, nickel carbonate and/or precipitated phosphate may be used either alone or as mixtures of one or more of these substances.
It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a dry chemical fire extinguishing composition which is adapted for application to all classes of fires. The composition is free of cellulose and organic substances, the presence of which lowers the efficiency of the composition as a fire extinguisher.
Another object of the invention is to provide a fire extinguishing composition in the form of a dry powder which has the following properties (1) It is adapted to extinguish all classes of fires including metal fires.
(2) It contains only inorganic nonhygroscopic fire extinguishing constituents.
(3) It is resistant to moisture and can withsstand an atmosphere of 90% relative humidity without deterioration.
(4) It is foam compatible and forms a spongy mass which clings tenaceously to the hot surface of the burning material thus smothering out the fire.
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.
Typical mixtures which produce free flowing fire extinguishing composition are given in the following examples, the parts being by weight- Example 1 Parts by weight Monoammonium phosphate 79.0 Magnesium carbonate (magnesite), 200 mesh 15.0 Tricalcium phosphate (precipitated) 5.0 Silica (300 mesh particles) 0.4 Silicone (dimethyldiethoxysilane) 0.6
" Example 2 Monoammonium phosphate 79.0 Magnesium carbonate (magnesite) 200 mesh 15.0 Magnesum carbonate (heavy MgCO .5l-I O) 5.0 Silica (300 mesh particles) 0.4- Silicone (Ex. 1) 0.6
Example 3 Monoamrnonium phosphate 69.0 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 25.0 Magnesium carbonate (heavy, Ex. 2) 5.0 Silica (Ex. 1) 0.4 Silicone 1 0.6
1 5050 mixture of dimethyldiethoxysilane and allyltrichlorosilune.
Example 4 Monoammonium phosphate 64.0 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 30.4 Nickel carbonate (200 mesh) 5.0 Silicone (diphenyldihydroxysilane) 0.6
Example 5 Monoammonium phosphate 83.4 Magnesium carbonate (Ex. 1) 10.0 Tricalcium phosphate (Ex. 1) 3.0 Nickel carbonate (200 mesh) 3.0 Silicone (dimethyldichlorosilane) 0.6 v
The ingredients of the compositions as set out in the foregoing examples are initially admixed, except for the silicone, for example using a conventional ribbon mixer for approximately 30 minutes. During the last to minutes of mixing, the silicone is added slowly and the whole mass continued mixing for another to 45 minutes or longer, to produce a homogeneous mixture wherein each of the particles are coated with silicone resin. The mixture is then poured into drums or a suitable container as stored at room temperature (70 F.) for approximately twelve hours or overnight to permit polymerization of the silicone. The next day the dry, powder mixture is poured into the fire extinguishing container for distribution and use. The addition of the super-fine silica substantially enhances the free flowing properties of the dry mixture. The fire extinguishing composition of the invention is completely foam compatible, being free of fatty acid salts, and which permits the composition to be used together with mechanical foam such as may be discharged from other type fire extinguishers, and without danger of destroying such foams. The fire extinguishing composition of the invention thus complies with the regulations promulgated by the United States Coast Guard.
While magnesium carbonate works best when added to the mixture in amounts between about 10 and by Weight of the total dry composition, it has been found that proportionate amounts as low as 2 to 5% of magnesium carbonate enhances the efficiency of the composition by increasing the volume of the melted mass when used to fight fires. It has also been found that for use in combatting wood fires the presence of as much as by weight magnesium carbonate provides an excellent dry powder composition. In fighting magnesium metal fires, however, the proportionate amount of magnesium carbonate should be held within the range of 10 to 35% as aforementioned. An overall range content of magnesium carbonate is from 2% to 70% of the fire extinguishing composition.
The preferred amount of monoamrnonium phosphate present has been found to range from 59% to 84% by weight based on the dry mixture. As a broad minimum and maximum range the content of monoammonium phosphate should be between 24% and 92% by weight of the composition.
The finished product, after polymerization of the silicone coating, has excellent free-flowing properties, is water repellent and highly resistant to caking. The dry, granular product can be passed through valve controlled nozzles without clogging and applied to fires as fiuid stream-like mass of particles. A heavy blanket of the free-flowing powder composition eifectively smothers and cools fires, quickly extinguishes them. Such silicone coated powders of the invention have been found to possess enhanced fire extinguishing properties over ordinary particles uncoated with silicone polymerizates.
The silicones useful in producing the free-flowing fire extinguishing powder, and which may be polymerized without heat and solvents are the silanes and the polysiloxanes which undergo further polymerization. Suitable silicones employed to coat the finely divided particles are preferably ones which may be polymerized to form a cross linked polysiloxane. It is desirable to use a trifunctional silicone which is capable of becoming cross-linked upon polymerization on the finely divided solid particles whereby the particles are rendered water repellent.
Among the polysiloxanes useful are the alkyl trihalosilanes, e.g., methyltrichlorosilane, amyltrichlorosilanes, octadecyltrichlorosilane, cyclohexyltrichlorosilane, allyltrichlorosilane, vinyltrichlorosilane, and aryltrihalosilanes including phenyltrichlorosilane and alkylalkoxysilanes, e.g., methyltriethoxysilane etc, and mixtures or blends thereof. Also copolymerized polysiloxanes by hydrolysis with difunctional silanes, such as dimethyldiethoxysilane, dimethyldichlorosilane and diphenyldihydrosilane.
The silicones are available commercially, and marketed by Dow Corning as DC1107 and -1108. The General Electric Company also supplies a silicone liquid Dri- Film 268 silicone fluid which is a blend of partially hydrolyzed methylhydrogen polysiloxanes. A silicone useful consists of a 50-50 mixture, by volume, of dimethyldiethoxysilane and phenyltrichlorosilane.
During use of the fire extinguishing composition a chemical reaction takes place between the monoammonium phosphate and magnesium carbonate to release carbon dioxide, Water and form the corresponding ammonium-metal-phosphate, the latter with some excess of unreacted monoammoniurn phosphate melting on the hot burning surfaces, and producing an adherent foamy mass which smothers out the fire. The fire extinguishing action of the combination of the phosphate and magnesium carbonate is substantially greater than either one alone and thus a synergistic action results which makes the composition an efficient fire extinguisher for combatting all types or classes of fires.
While the invention has been described with particular reference to specific compositions, such as typified by the examples, it will be understood that other embodiments thereof may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and as defined in the appended claim.
5 What is claimed is: A dry free flowing chemical powder for application to fires to extinguish the same, said free flowing chemical powder consisting essentially of the following constituents 623,657 in parts by weight- 5 1,428,207 monoamrnonium phosphate 79.0 230L428 magnesite, 200 mesh 15.0
tricalcium phosphate, precipitated 5.0
silica, 300 mesh 0.4 815,712 dimethyldiethoxysilane 0.6 10
References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Edwards Apr. 25, 1899 I Biddle Sept. 5, 1922 Schulenburg Aug. 25, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS Great Britain July 1, 1959
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US3172852A true US3172852A (en) | 1965-03-09 |
Family
ID=3457201
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US3172852D Expired - Lifetime US3172852A (en) | Dry chemical fire extinguisher composition |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US3172852A (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3523893A (en) * | 1967-03-22 | 1970-08-11 | Stop Fire Inc | Fire extinguishing powder composition |
US3993607A (en) * | 1972-12-06 | 1976-11-23 | Armstrong Cork Company | Smoke-suppressant and fire-retardant poly(vinyl chloride) compositions |
EP0014786A1 (en) * | 1979-02-16 | 1980-09-03 | Kabo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fire extinguisher |
US4296209A (en) * | 1977-11-23 | 1981-10-20 | Dobrivoje Tomic | Material as spongiosacement with effervescent reabsorptive effect |
US4908160A (en) * | 1986-10-25 | 1990-03-13 | Tag Investments, Inc. | Fire retardant composition |
US5626787A (en) * | 1994-07-04 | 1997-05-06 | Porter; Ronald A. | Fire extinguishing composition |
US5938969A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1999-08-17 | Aea Technology Plc | Fire suppressant powder |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US623657A (en) * | 1899-04-25 | Guy edwards | ||
US1428207A (en) * | 1920-07-07 | 1922-09-05 | United Products Corp | Fire-extinguishing composition |
GB815712A (en) * | 1955-10-25 | 1959-07-01 | Nu Swift Ltd | Improvements in or relating to fire-extinguishing materials |
US2901428A (en) * | 1953-05-22 | 1959-08-25 | Chem Fab Grunan Ag | Fire extinguishing method |
-
0
- US US3172852D patent/US3172852A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US623657A (en) * | 1899-04-25 | Guy edwards | ||
US1428207A (en) * | 1920-07-07 | 1922-09-05 | United Products Corp | Fire-extinguishing composition |
US2901428A (en) * | 1953-05-22 | 1959-08-25 | Chem Fab Grunan Ag | Fire extinguishing method |
GB815712A (en) * | 1955-10-25 | 1959-07-01 | Nu Swift Ltd | Improvements in or relating to fire-extinguishing materials |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3523893A (en) * | 1967-03-22 | 1970-08-11 | Stop Fire Inc | Fire extinguishing powder composition |
US3993607A (en) * | 1972-12-06 | 1976-11-23 | Armstrong Cork Company | Smoke-suppressant and fire-retardant poly(vinyl chloride) compositions |
US4296209A (en) * | 1977-11-23 | 1981-10-20 | Dobrivoje Tomic | Material as spongiosacement with effervescent reabsorptive effect |
EP0014786A1 (en) * | 1979-02-16 | 1980-09-03 | Kabo Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Fire extinguisher |
US4908160A (en) * | 1986-10-25 | 1990-03-13 | Tag Investments, Inc. | Fire retardant composition |
US5626787A (en) * | 1994-07-04 | 1997-05-06 | Porter; Ronald A. | Fire extinguishing composition |
US5938969A (en) * | 1996-02-05 | 1999-08-17 | Aea Technology Plc | Fire suppressant powder |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US5053147A (en) | Methods and compositions for extinguishing fires | |
US4226727A (en) | Persistent fire suppressant composition | |
CA2203986C (en) | Aerosol-forming composition for the purpose of extinguishing fires and method for the preparation of this composition | |
US5393437A (en) | Fire extinguishing material | |
US3214372A (en) | Dry chemical fire extinguisher composition | |
RU96108059A (en) | AEROSOL-FORMING COMPOSITION FOR FIRE FIGHTING AND THE METHOD OF ITS PRODUCTION | |
CN105688360A (en) | Class-A fire extinguishing agent | |
US2901428A (en) | Fire extinguishing method | |
US3172852A (en) | Dry chemical fire extinguisher composition | |
US2631977A (en) | Free flowing fire extinguishing compositions | |
US3464921A (en) | Fire extinguishing process and method | |
US2937990A (en) | Extinguishing agent for combustible metals | |
US3523893A (en) | Fire extinguishing powder composition | |
US3090749A (en) | Fire extinguisher compositions for metal fires | |
US4250140A (en) | Method and composition for retarding water evaporation | |
US4504603A (en) | Fire-retardant polyurethane foam containing finely ground dry fire retardant particles containing a volatile active fire retardant component | |
US3565801A (en) | Process for extinguishing fires with graphite containing foam-compatible fire extinguishing powders | |
US3179589A (en) | Fire extinguishing composition and method of making the same | |
GB1570514A (en) | Fire extinguishing method and product | |
US2388014A (en) | Fire extinguishing composition | |
CN105854214B (en) | Anti- re-ignition dry powder fire extinguishing agent and its preparation method | |
US3074883A (en) | Fire extinguishing means | |
US4551483A (en) | Fire-retardant polyurethane foam containing finely ground dry fire-retardant particles containing a volatile active fire-retardant componet | |
US1924401A (en) | Fire extinguishing compound | |
GB2136824A (en) | Liquid fireproofing adhesive composition and process for manufacture |