Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity movable plant for continuously distributing nitrogen in gaseous phase or in a mixture gaseous and liquid phases for extinguishing fires comprising at least a high capacity thermally insulated tank for storing nitrogen in liquid phase at a temperature of about -196.degree. C. and at maximum pressure of about 405.2 kPa and from which nitrogen in liquid phase is supplied, with a liquid nitrogen supplying capacity of about 50 m.sup.3, to a pumping unit comprising at least three pumps each having each a flow rate of 175 m.sup.3 /h with a maximum differential pressure of 1013 kPa. The liquid nitrogen is vaporized in the vaporization and mixture regulation unit with a vaporization capacity of about 360,000 m.sup.3 /h for liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and process to extinguish fires in oil wells by encircling the nucleus of the fire by creating a barrier of isolation of the fuel. The apparatus expands gases in the gaseous and liquid states and directs such gases upon, under and around the nucleus of fire, encircling it at 360 degrees and isolating it completely from the atmospheric air, while at the same time causing the convenient cooling of the nucleus of fire, thereby avoiding any possibility of auto-ignition. The process and apparatus of extinguishing fires in oil wells either in land or at sea, is also disclosed which uses a derrick type hoist, to place the apparatus around the fire, and to apply simultaneously a non-combustible gas in the liquid state (for example, carbon dioxide CO.sub.2, or bromochlorine-difluormetane, or nitrogen or any other commercially known gas like HALON 1211), and the same gas in the gaseous state.