Abstract: A method of fire extinguishment with a gas, characterized by extinguishing a fire by ejecting at least one gaseous fire-extinguishing agent selected from the group consisting of argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide using a foam, powder, or water as a carrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preventing the ignition of molten magnesium by contacting the molten magnesium with a gaseous mixture comprising a fluorocarbon selected from the group consisting of perfluoroketones, hydrofluoroketones, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A dispenser (20) for attachment to a container (22) containing a fluid material, including an actuator (110) which keeps the container (22) in a substantially constantly open configuration so as to allow the fluid to pass into the dispenser (20), and a controllable outlet (36), through which a portion of the fluid is emitted from the dispenser (20), substantially independent of the fluid pressure in the container (22).

Abstract: A biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate composition. The preferred compositions include a mixture of a C14-C18 5 mole ethoxylated tallow amine, 2 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, and 5 mole ethoxylated coconut amine, wherein the blend is neutralized with a C6 carboxylic acid; an aliquot of 33 parts is added to 3 parts of a 2 mole ethoxylated linear alcohol having 6 to 16 carbon atoms, and enough water to bring the total weight percentage to 70%. Ten to fifteen parts of sodium lauryl sulfate is added and the balance of water is added to bring the total up to 100%. The composition is also effective when mixed with glycol dimethyl ether, the incorporation of a filming protein based agent, dye, or foam forming materials. In addition, the composition is useful with soil bacteria for remediating soil contaminated with hydrocarbon fuel and for facilitating fuel dispersion and degradation within bacterial-action sewage systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate compositions including a fluorescent type compound for foam visualization within the visible and ultraviolet light spectrum and a process for its use.

Abstract: A fire suppressant, fire suppressant mist, and method of atomizing a water mist for suppressing a fire are provided by in-situ atomization of water droplets within a fire using water-in-oil microemulsions. The discrete phase of emulsion is a low boiling point oil or water immiscible fluid additive combined with water and a surfactant or cosurfactant. Each dropet provides a microemulsion. During the heating of the microemulsion droplet inside the flame, the water immiscible fluid vaporizes and causes fragmentation of the water droplet, producing extremely small droplets useful in fire suppression.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing liquid and/or inert gas into a liquid extinguishing medium, including an extinguishing line having at least one extinguishing nozzle; an extinguishant supply line, having a non-return valve, which provides extinguishant to the extinguishing line; a supply tube, having a metering valve, which provides liquid and/or inert gas to the extinguishing line; and a perforated distributor body, within the extinguishing line, having at least one hole arranged along the distributor body and between two sequentially extinguishing nozzles.

Abstract: An aqueous foam generating system and method are provided. A first solution has particles of a carbomer resin encapsulated within an anhydrous, non-polar, organic hydrophobic surfactant. A second solution, capable of ionizing the carbomer resin, is pumped into an eductor which draws a volumetric portion of the first solution to form a mixture that is sprayed from an aerator to form an aqueous foam having long wet-to-dry transition times.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compressed air foam systems for use as firefighting equipment. One compressed air foam system has a water inlet connected to a water flow path through the compressed air foam system. A water and foam chemical mixer is flow connected to the water inlet and has a foam chemical inlet and a water/foam chemical outlet. An air compressor is provided which has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow controller at the air inlet. A foam mixer is flow connected to the water/foam chemical outlet of the water and foam chemical mixer and to the air outlet of the air compressor. The foam mixer has a foam outlet which provides firefighting foam to a fireman's hose for application to a fire. A control system has a sensor in sensing relationship with the water flow path through the compressed air foam system for sensing water flow.

Abstract: Method for generating foam for use in fire fighting having two plates housed in a chamber which respectively introduce pressurized air and a water/surfactant solution between the two plates where foam is generated and emitted from an aperture on the side of the chamber. The pressurized water/soap solution enters the chamber through an orifice in one plate. Pressurized air enters the chamber through a number of channels bored through the other plate, such channels appearing in an annular grove which circumscribes the water inlet. The plates are provided with surfaces which are brought together to form a restricted area therebetween. The restricted area balances the pressure between the incoming water and the incoming air by achieving an equilibrium at some particular radius out from the center of the two plates. This equilibrium radius moves in and out from the center as necessary to keep the two pressures balanced.

Abstract: An original method and products are described for fire quenching in all substrata such as forests, cultivated areas, city areas, industrial units, transport vehicles, etc. Aqueous suspensions of fire quenching special products contain endomolecularly water up to 300 g water/g of polymeric product, and the water is kept very strongly so that pressure is needed to take the water out. These products are used in quantities of 1-3%, and to the quenching water are added complimentary other products such as detergents, emulsifiers, adhesion promoters, and inorganic products such as carbonates, sulfates silicones etc. Quenching fires utilizes the solution containing these or a selection of these products, and the solution is thrown in the fire edges to rapidly extinguish the fires, because the water contained in the special organic products is liberated in the fire edges, where quenching immediately occurs.

Abstract: A process and a device for atomization of a liquid extinguishing medium, in which the liquid extinguishing medium and a liquid inert gas are mixed in a mixing unit to form a liquid extinguishing medium mixture. The mixture is conveyed through a conduit to a distributing device such as extinguishing nozzles. As the mixture exits the distributing device the mixture is atomized, forming an aerosol spray for extinguishing a fire within an extinguishing area defined by the aerosol spray. A detector arranged in the extinguishing area for detection of parameters relating to extinguishing of the fire is connected to an evaluation device which in turn is connected to a control valve. The control valve regulates the quantity of liquid inert gas supplied to the mixing unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for in-line inducting additive into a fire fighting flow line before the pump, including automatic regulating of water flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus which permits a user to operate a compressed-air foam generating apparatus by activating a single valve which initiates all necessary pressures and flows to create and discharge a flow of compressed-air foam. By use of a master valve to control gas pressure from a gas pressure source and by routing of this gas for pumping and mixing operations, the user opens the master valve to initiate apparatus operation producing compressed-air foam flow and dispensing through a dispensing hose.

Abstract: A fire is extinguished and suppressed, by a dual stage fire extinguisher. In a first stage, a sufficient amount of an inerting agent is delivered to extinguish the fire. Once the fire is extinguished, in the second stage, a different amount of inerting agent is delivered to the fire to prevent its re-ignition. Since suppression typically requires less of the inerting agent than extinguishing, a reduction in the weight of the inerting agent is achieved with the dual stage process making the system particularly amenable to aircraft applications such as in an engine nacelle or cargo dry bay.

Abstract: A fire fighting foam formulation includes a non-foam forming amount of a saponin, such as a tri-terpene type saponin. The formulation may be an aqueous film forming foam (of either the alcohol resistant type or non-alcohol resistant type) which use a synthetic hydrocarbon surfactant as a foaming agent, a fluorocarbon surfactant to suitably lower the surface tension, and a non-ionic hydrocarbon surfactant to lower the amount of fluorocarbon surfactant required. The saponin significantly improves the heat resistance of the foam formulation when applied to fires, and can eliminate the need to use the non-ionic hydrocarbon surfactant. The saponin can replace part of the hydrocarbon surfactant component of the formulation so that a reduced amount of hydrocarbon surfactant is required in the formulation. The preferred concentration range of saponin in the formulation is between 0.3% and 1% by volume.

Abstract: A device for introducing CO.sub.2 into a preferably liquid extinguishing medium includes a housing (1) with a feed line (2) for extinguishing fluid, a feed pipe (4), provided with a metering valve (3), for CO.sub.2, as well as an outlet line (5). The housing (1) is aligned with its longitudinal axis vertical; the feed line (2) for extinguishing fluid is connected to the housing at the lower end thereof; the outlet line (5) branches off from the upper end of the housing. The CO.sub.2 feed pipe (4) opens into the housing from above, extends as far as the lower end thereof and is provided at the pipe end with injection fluid (6). The CO.sub.2 is directed in the feed pipe in the opposite flow direction to the extinguishing fluid; the length of the feed pipe between the metering valve (3) and injection fluid (6) is dimensioned such that during operation with the metering valve (3) closed a gas cushion (7) forms on its downstream side.

Abstract: An inert gas for fighting a fire occurring in an enclosed space is produced by the reaction of ammonia with atmospheric air to produce nitrogen mixed with water vapor which is introduced into the fire in the enclosed space. This fire fighting gas mixture is produced in a small gas turbine having a combustion chamber into which ammonia, preferably liquid ammonia, is sprayed. Additionally, water may be sprayed into the combustion chamber to cool the combustion gas to a desired temperature and supplied to the turbine which feeds its exhaust gas to a mixing chamber where a further temperature control may be performed by spraying water into the mixing chamber. The gas output of the mixing chamber is used for the fire fighting.

Abstract: A biodegradable, non-toxic firefighting concentrate composition. The preferred compositions include 4 to 40 parts of a C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 tertiary amine having 2-10 ethoxy or other solubilizing groups per mol, 1 to 15 parts of a carboxylic acid having 6 to 16 carbon atoms; 1 to 6 parts of a C.sub.6 -C.sub.16 alcohol and 0 to 10 parts of C.sub.4 -and lower alcohols, and enough water to create a total of 100 parts by volume. The concentrate is usually diluted up to 100 times (v/v) with water, and is also effective when mixed with foam-forming materials. In addition, the composition is useful with soil bacteria for remediating soil contaminated with hydrocarbon fuel and for facilitating fuel dispersion and degradation within bacterial-action sewage systems.

Abstract: Fire-extinguishing compositions of low ozone depletion potential comprise dry particles of fire-extinguishing agents dispersed in a gel of liquified volatile perfluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons or hydrofluorocarbons. The dry particles are compatibilized with the carrier gel by the presence of a surfactant system composed of a non-ionic surfactant, a film forming fluorocarbon surfactant and a phosphorus containing antiflocculent.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new method for extinguishing fires. The method is advantageously used for fighting fires in engine rooms and similar spaces. According to the method, the fire is extinguished or at least suppressed by means of concentrated fog sprays with strong penetrating power, by utilizing high operating pressure, which is gradually decreased for the provision of spread fog-like liquid spraying providing for effective heat absorption and control of fire. The extinguishing liquid is preferably delivered to spray heads (43, 44, 45) by using hydraulic accumulators (41, 41a).

Abstract: A process for generating an inerting gas for rendering an atmosphere inert, such as within a containment shell of a nuclear power plant. Inert gas is kept in liquid or solid phase in a first reservoir. A sufficient amount of heat to vaporize the liquefied or solidified inert gas is made available in a heat transfer medium in a second reservoir. When inerting gas is needed, the heat transfer medium and the liquefied or solidified inert gas are brought into thermal contact with one another. An apparatus for generating the inerting gas is provided as well. The process and the apparatus are particularly suitable for generating a large amount of inerting gas, as a result of which it can be ensured that the containment shell of a nuclear power plant is rendered inert within a short time.

Abstract: A foam generating apparatus can be attached to a water bearing hose and comprises an eductor nozzle to receive water and foam concentrate, and a foam generating nozzle to discharge a foam/water mixture therethrough. A foam concentrate conduit delivers concentrate to a manifold extending peripherally around a suction port of the eductor nozzle, and foam concentrate is drawn into the eductor nozzle to mix with water and to be discharged as a foam/water mixture to the foam generating nozzle. The nozzle has an agitator jet orifice for agitating the mixture, and an air entrainment opening to admit air into the agitated mixture. The agitator jet orifice has inlet and outlet jet openings interconnected in series, the outlet jet opening being larger than the inlet jet opening to provide a diverging passage with at least one step between the inlet and outlet jet openings to agitate the flow.

Abstract: The performance and throw distance of a nozzle discharging a water stream is enhanced by injecting a liquified gas, suitably liquid nitrogen or liquid carbon dioxide, into the water entering the nozzle at a point sufficently upstream from the nozzle to allow complete vaporization or solidification of the liquified gas before it leaves the nozzle. A second material, that may be a foam producing composition or a particulate solid, may be introduced into the water entering the nozzle simultaneously with the introduction of the liquified gas.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing a fire in a volume having walls or other surfaces includes pre-positioning a fire-extinguishing device in communication with the volume. The device includes a solid-fuel composition comprising a first reactant and a second reactant. The pre-positioning of the method comprises painting or coating the composition on surfaces of the walls or on the other surfaces of the volume. A coolant material may also be painted over the pre-positioned composition. The composition is activated by igniting it so as to cause the first and second reactants to react with each other to create an aerosol of solid particulate products having a diameter of about one micron or less. The solid particulate products of the aerosol are effective in extinguishing the fire by chemically inhibiting the chain reactions of the fire.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are extinguished using water from a settled layer at the tank bottom to form a foam that is transported to the top of the combustible liquid by the lifting action of an inert gas stream introduced into the tank at a location below the liquid surface. A stream of water is removed from the tank, mixed with a foam-forming concentrate, merged with a flowing stream of inert gas, and circulated back to the tank at a point below the surface of the stored liquid to form an upwelling foam column which explodes upon the liquid surface and spreads across that surface to extinguish the fire and prevent its reignition.

Abstract: Fires in tanks storing combustible liquids are extinguished by injecting a mixture of water, a foam-forming concentrate and an inert gas into the tank at a point below the surface of the stored liquid forming an upwelling foam column which explodes upon the liquid surface and spreads across that surface to extinguish the fire and prevent its reignition.

Abstract: A cryogenic slurry comprising a mixture of solid carbon dioxide particles suspended in liquid nitrogen is provided which is useful in extinguishing underground fires.

Abstract: Fire fighting apparatus for generating air compressed foam having both a water and a surfactant metering device for dispensing controlled and discrete quantities of both into a mixing conduit where they combine into a foam solution. The foam solution is combined with air prior to being injected within a compression chamber of an air compressor device. Foam is generated by compression of the air-foam solution and then is discharged through a discharge device. The air compression device is also controlled to dispense a discrete quantity of foam therefrom in correlation with the discrete quantities dispensed from the other two metering devices. The quantitative dispensing coordination of the air compression device with the two metering devices makes all three devices both relational and proportional in the cooperative generation of compressed air foam, and thus ensures prompt production of constant quality foam.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which a liquid chemical foamant is introduced into the water stream in varying amounts so as to maintain a predetermined percentage mixture irrespective of variations in the water flow includes a motor-driven pump where the motor is controlled over a first speed range by pulse width modulating the drive to the motor and over a second speed range, producing intermittent motion, by burst width modulating the drive signal when it is operating at its minimum pulse width modulated duty cycle. Using this technique the range of available motor speeds is extended well beyond that which can be achieved using pulse width modulation of the motor drive signal alone.

Abstract: A CO.sub.2 gas generator for an aerosol device is located in a housing and chemically generates CO.sub.2 from a chemical reaction between two reagents contained within a common container. The reagents are located in different chambers of the container with a CO.sub.2 accumulation region being included in one of the chambers. A reference pressure source of a predetermined pressure forces the two reagents into contact with each other when the pressure of gas in the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is less than the predetermined pressure whereupon CO.sub.2 is generated in one of the chambers. An output conduit in fluid communication with the CO.sub.2 accumulation region is provided to withdraw the generated gas from the generator. As the CO.sub.2 is withdrawn, the gas pressure drops permitting more mixing of the reagents. When the CO.sub.2 pressure becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined pressure applied by the reference pressure source, the reagents become separated again and gas generation ceases.

Abstract: Fire-fighting apparatus and the method of using of same in which water from a supply source is adapted to be pumped at high pressure and predetermined flow rates through a fire hose and in which metered quantities of a chemical foamant are injected into the fire hose and mixed with the water stream to increase the effectiveness of the mixture as a fire extinguishant. A special purpose computer module is configured to monitor the flow rate of the water through the hose, the level of chemical foamant in a supply reservoir and the speed of the positive displacement pump used to inject the foamant. The computer then determines an appropriate speed for the pump and provides a closed-loop control signal to the pump's drive motor to maintain a desired chemical injection rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extinguishing fires by simultaneously applying a spray of dry powder and liquid/liquid-foam, including a nozzle for the simultaneous spray of powder and liquid.

Abstract: A set of fire extinguishing agents suitable for total flood fire suppression applications is disclosed. The agents are characterized by high extinguishment efficiency, low toxicity, and low ozone depletion potential. The agents are partially or completely fluorinated alkanes having at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing means based on a combination of various clay minerals, with the clay mineral mixture containing at least a certain amount of smectite, kaolinite as well as clay minerals from the mica group.

Abstract: Completely fluorinated, saturated C.sub.2, C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 compounds are efficient, non-ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agents used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing a fire by generating an intense electric field and/or a gaseous plasma constituted of a body of electrically-charged particles, and directing the electric field and/or plasma to the base of the fire until the fire is extinguished.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a surfactant for use in extinguishing fires, particularly wildfires, which provides two separate means for storing the surfactant and the water needed to expand the surfactant into a high grade of foam to be extinguished over the wildfire. The apparatus also incorporates a stationary mixing device for mixing and re-mixing the water and surfactant to the extent required to produce the high quality of foam needed to extinguish wildfires. An emergency valve release is incorporated such that the entire apparatus of the invention will become operative with a single release of this valve by the operator of the equipment incorporating the inventive apparatus. The inventive apparatus can be advantageously installed on heavy equipment used in fighting wildfires.

Abstract: An improved aqueous film-forming foamable concentrate which is particularly useful for extinguishing flammable liquid fires. The preferred formulation contains (a) fluoroaliphatic amphoteric surfactant, preferably a fluorinated aminocarboxylate having a C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 perfluoroaliphatic group, (b) fluoroaliphatic anionic surfactant, preferably a C.sub.4 to C.sub.10 perfluoroalkane suflonate, and (C) short chain (C.sub.6 to C.sub.10) alkyl ether sufate hydrocarbon surfactant. When the concentrate is diluted with fresh or sea water and aerated, an aqueous film-forming foam is produced which is useful in extinguishing flammable liquid fires such as a fuel fire. The foam quickly spreads a superior vapor-sealing film on the surface of a burning fuel. The film reforms quickly when disturbed. The improved film-forming properties results in quicker and more reliable extinguishment of flammable liquid fires.

Abstract: A very efficient method is proposed for extinguishment of fire involving various dangerous materials hardly fire-extinguishable by conventional methods, such as alkali metal peroxides, alkyl aluminum compounds, diketene and calcium carbide or phosphide in contact with water. The method comprises sprinkling, over the burning site of the fire, a silica-based or silica.multidot.alumina-based powder of porous particles having a specified particle diameter and a specified pore diameter, of which the content of silicon dioxide is at least 80% by weight or the total content of silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide is at least 90% by weight. When the burning material is metallic sodium or potassium, the powder sprinkled is a blend of the above mentioned silica-based powder and a powder of sodium chloride or potassium chloride, respectively, so that the fire can be extinguished more rapidly and reliably than in the use of the silica-based powder alone.

Abstract: 1-Bromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane is a low ozone-depleting fire extinguishing agent used alone or in blends with other compounds in total flooding and portable systems.

Abstract: A fire-resistant foam having hydrogen-filled cells for use in airship/balloon envelopes.

Abstract: Flammable liquids are soaked up and rendered safe from ignition by mixing with the liquid a particulate composition containing an absorbent solid, a first high molecular weight polymer soluble in the flammable liquid, a dry chemical fire extinguishing agent and, optionally, a second polymer which is not soluble in the flammable liquid but is soluble in water. The first polymer gels the flammable liquid and the solution of polymer and liquid serves to adhesively bind particles of absorbent solid together while the second polymer when wet with water forms a non-combustible film over all exposed surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to synthetic detergent compounds suitable for use as fire suppressants which contains the active ingredients of dodclybenzene sulfonic acid, cocamido propyl betaine, ethoxylated nonyl phenol, lauric acid diethanolamide, diethanolamine and propylene glycol. The fire suppressing agent forms a emulsifying film forming foam which exhibits non-hazardous properties and is biodegradable, having low drainage point with good fluidity which allows it to flow around obstructions to cover a total effected area, while maintaining its position even on vertical and curved surfaces.

Abstract: Fire-extinguishing compositions of low ozone depletion potential comprise dry powder extinguishing agents and bromodichloromethane or dichlorotrifluoroethane.

Abstract: An efficient fire extinguishing agent is proposed which is suitable for extinguishing fire of a burning metal such as a magnesium powder and used, for example, as a filling of fire extinguishers with stability over a long period of time for storage without decreasing the flowability and ejectability from the extinguisher. The fire extinguishing agent is a powdery blend of (a) 95 to 70% by weight of a high-purity boron oxide powder having a specified high B.sub.2 O.sub.3 purity and a low water content and (b) 5 to 30% by weight of an inorganic powder of spherical particle configuration. Glass beads of a specified particle diameter and silica-alumina-based hollow microspheres serve as the inorganic powder.

Abstract: Fires, particularly fires of flammable liquids, are extinguished by applying to the burning surface an extinguishing composition containing particles of a thermoplastic polymer, suitably a rubber. The polymer particles are arranged in association with a sufficient quantity of a chemical extinguishing agent to protect the polymer particles during transit through flame to the burning surface. Upon striking the surface of a flammable liquid the polymer dissolves therein causing the liquid to gel and concentrating fire extinguishing agents on the liquid surface thus securing the liquid against reignition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fire control comprising the use of a gas-liquid twin fluid spray nozzle. In one embodiment the spray nozzle comprises a mixing chamber having a gas inlet and one or more outlets at opposite ends, two or more liquid inlets between the gas inlet and the outlets and a mixing zone between the liquid inlets and the outlets. In another embodiment the spray nozzle comprises a mixing chamber having a plurality of gas inlets, liquid inlets and outlets, the inner surface of the mixing chamber being capable of aiding mixing of gas and liquid introduced through the inlets.The nozzles may be used in fixed, portable or semi-portable fire control systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for producing a delayed foaming action in mixed liquids useful as suppressants for fire area control and curtailment of chemical spills. The apparatus is self-powered and sized to be transported to a target area by a variety of land and sea vehicles as delivery platforms. The apparatus is particularly designed for airborne delivery and is especially adaptable to helicopter applications.

Abstract: A liquid composition includes as a major component thereof a detergent mixture of linear alkylate sulfonate, non-ionic detergent and lauric superamide. Depending upon the particular use of the composition, it also includes effective amounts of other components. In use for fighting Class D (burning metal) fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, sodium chloride, and bicarbonate of soda and the amount of water is minimized so that it is only enough to properly mix the other components together before they are added to the detergent mixture. When used for fighting Class A and B fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, bicarbonate of soda, water, and optionally bovine urine. When used for extinguishing burning coal fires, the composition includes alfalfa, vitamin B-6, and water. When used as an oil dispersant, the liquid composition includes vitamin B-6, bicarbonate of soda, water, and lemon or lime juice.