Abstract: There are described a method and a device for suppressing an explosion-like fire, in particular of hydrocarbons, by means of a fire extinguishing agent, which under pressure at a speed adapted to the speed of propagation of the fire is distributed in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire. To ensure an efficient fire fighting without adversely influencing the environment, it is proposed to spray water as fire extinguishing agent by atomizing the same to form a water mist in a minimum amount of 0.03 l/m.sup.3 from a water reservoir (3) in the space directly surrounding the source of the fire.

Abstract: A solar energy absorbing device for melting snow from an inclined roof includes a plurality of interconnected elements which form a non-planar geometric structure wherein at least one of the interconnected elements is fabricated of a solar absorptive material and further where the geometric structure remains stationary when placed on an inclined roof of a building.

Abstract: Extinguishing compositions comprising a liquid extinguishing agent constituted by hydrofluoropolyethers having general formulaHF.sub.2 CO(CF.sub.2 O).sub.n (CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 O).sub.m CF.sub.2 Hwherein n and m are integers comprised between 0 and 20, excluding when m and m are contemporaneously 0 and having boiling point between 30.degree. and 200.degree. C. and having an O/C molar ratio between 0.5-1.

Abstract: Compositions useful in generating a foam particularly well adapted for use as a barrier are provided. These compositions contain keratin protein, a modified starch composed of at least 75% amylopectin, a ferrous ion component, and a dispersant.

Abstract: A fire retardant delivery system for delivering fire retardant onto a fire. The system 10 includes an aircraft comprises a fire retardant storage and ejection system, and a stabilized three axis gimbal system for providing signals indicative of angle and angle rates of a gimbal with respect to an axis of the aircraft. An infrared sensor system is disposed on stabilized three axis gimbal system. A display is coupled to infrared sensor system for displaying an image produced thereby to a pilot of the aircraft. Aircraft sensors are provide signals indicative of the velocity, altitude, and dive angle of the aircraft. A computer is coupled to the infrared sensor system, to the aircraft sensors, and to the fire retardant storage and ejection system, for computing distance between the aircraft and a hot spot in the fire and for computing an optimal release point for ejecting fire retardant from the aircraft onto the fire.

Abstract: A fluid fire extinguishing agent shell for throwing is disclosed, comprising a fluid fire extinguishing agent sealed in a thin-walled resin container having such a size that one can throw, which is breakable by a shock, said fluid fire extinguishing agent being a mixture comprising from about 47% to approximately the saturation point of ammonium chloride , from about 4% to about 8% of sodium bicarbonate, from about 25% to about 35% of potassium carbonate, from about 8% to about 14% of ammonium secondary phosphate, and from about 2% to about 6% of sodium tungstate all in terms of by weight, dissolved in a suitable amount of water, is a simple fire extinguishing appliance that anyone can easily use at the time of occurrence of a fire and which is effective even after the storage for a long period of time.

Abstract: A set of tropodegradable agents for extinguishment of fires, suppression of explosions, and inertion against fires and explosions is disclosed. The agents are characterized by high efficiency, cleanliness, and short atmospheric lifetimes. The latter property is essential and results in a low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a low global warming potential (GWP). The agents are halocarbons or mixtures comprised of halocarbons that have at least one of the following features: carbon-to-carbon double bonds and/or carbon-to-iodine bonds. Specifically disclosed are the two families of agents: (I) bromine-containing alkenes and (2) iodocarbons.

Abstract: A process for controlling or extinguishing fires comprises introducing to a fire or flame (e.g., by streaming or by flooding) a non-flammable extinguishment composition comprising at least one mono- or dialkoxy-substituted perfluoroalkane, perfluorocycloalkane, perfluorocycloalkyl-containing perfluoroalkane, or perfluorocycloalkylene-containing perfluoroalkane compound, the compound optionally containing additional catenary heteroatoms in its perfluorinated portion and preferably having a boiling point in the range of from about 0.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. The compounds exhibit good extinguishment capabilities while being environmentally acceptable.

Abstract: This invention, and the associated methods, relate to fighting fires from aircraft. The invention, and the associated methods, also relate to early detection of fires; delivering liquids (primarily fire retardant or water) in a timely and accurate manner for the suppression of fires; and performing those functions under conditions of smoke obscuration and darkness which currently inhibit or prohibit aerial fire fighting. The novel capabilities detailed in this patent also allow for useful functions not now performed by airtankers such as, but not limited to, search and rescue; disaster damage assessment and recovery; law enforcement; natural resource protection such as dispersant spraying on oil spills, and avalanche control.

Abstract: A remote fire fighting method provides for remote and early response delivery of solid carbon dioxide in capsules by means of standard artillery guns to cool the fire and displace needed oxygen from the fire, useful for fighting fires difficult to approach such as forest fires as well as fires in developed areas, such as urban multistory buildings. Projectiles of encapsulated solid carbon dioxide are produced and strategically stored refrigerated until a fire occurrence at which time they are launched as a projectile from standard artillery guns in a pattern that surrounds the windward side adjacent and outside the fire followed by a pattern of launched projectiles about one-third of the way into the fire from the leeward side such that carbon dioxide gas from said first and second sets envelopes at least a portion of the fire area and migrates through the fire, chilling it and excluding oxygen for combustion therein to arrest progress of and extinguishing the fire.

Abstract: Methods of extinguishing a fire in the presence of an alkali metal, such as lithium type fires, by contacting the fire with a mixture of different nonylphenolethoxylates with a non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) concentrates for fighting polar and non-polar fuel and solvent fires, comprising hydrocarbon solvents, hydrocarbon surfactants, fluorosurfactants, high molecular weight polysaccharides, alginates, salts of aryl or alkylaryl sulfonates and water, and method for modifying the viscosity of the AFFF concentrates.

Abstract: An environmentally safe fire fighting technique comprises directing a fire/flame extinguishing amount of an essentially zero ODP hydrofluoroalkane compound (other than a tetrafluoroethane or pentafluoroethane) onto a burning fire or flame, e.g., by total flooding.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for delivering compressed particulate solid fire fighting agent includes a pneumatic system for entraining particulate fire fighting agent in a high pressure gas stream, compressing the agent into quasi-discrete quasi-solid slugs, and delivering the compressed slugs in a constant stream at a high rate of speed to the center of the fire being fought from a safe distance. The system includes a high pressure gas supply, a pressure regulator, a pressure compensator, a pressure sink, an agent storage vessel, and a multi-stage delivery nozzle including a pressure imbalance mechanism. Particulate agent is sequentially compressed in the multiple nozzle stages by virtue of a pulsating gas supply effect, and ejected in a constant stream of solid slugs at speeds near or above Mach 1.

Abstract: A mobile modular foam fire suppression apparatus includes a movable platform. Supplies of foam concentrate and water are remote from the platform. A foam concentrate pump mounted on the platform pumps foam concentrate from a remote supply, such as a foam concentrate tank or tailer, to a water/foam proportioner on the platform. Water is provided under pressure from sources such as pumper trucks to a water inlet of the water/foam proportioner. The proportioner mixes the water and the foam concentrate to form a foam solution, which may then be applied to a fire with any of several foam solution discharge devices. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a foam concentrate return line which returns excess foam concentrate back to the remote supply of foam concentrate. This return line has a pressure regulator which regulates the pressure in a portion of the foam concentrate return line to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device for extinguishing oil well fires having an inverted conical steel chamber which is lifted by a crane and placed over the wellhead of a burning oil well. The chamber is dropped into place so that it embeds itself into the sand or soil around the wellhead. Numerous fire hoses supply water to the interior of the chamber to extinguish the fire. Gas exhaust valves vent the interior of the chamber so that the pressure of the steam created does not lift the chamber off of the fire. A remotely controlled damper plate at the top of the chamber can be closed to seal off the fire inside the chamber. The chamber is made in sections that can be dissassembled and nested together for ease in shipping or storage.

Abstract: A pressure responsive and pressure operative device which includes an intrinsically safe detonation circuitry particularly designed for the suppression of explosive situation where the initial indication of a developing explosion and subsequent fire is an increase in pressure within a protected volume which is normally related to a building or other structure. The device includes a directed housing serving as a cannon which holds an extinguishant containing canister which incorporates an explosive charge for producing a rapidly rising pressure within the canister for substantially instantaneous discharge of extinguishant from the canister and instantaneous release of propelling fluid pressure from a pressure supply tank for additional extinguishant propulsion. The unit is operative with only low voltage and pressure thus making the same intrinsically safe.

Abstract: In the fighting of fires or protection of objects from fire by applying thereto water, the improvement which comprises dispersing in the water particles of a cross-linked water-insoluble but hightly water-swellable acrylic acid derivative polymer in an amount insufficient to bring the viscosity above 100 mPa's. Advantageously, the particles are present in an amount such that after swelling the swollen particles hold 60 to 70% by weight of the total water, the particles are from 0.1 to 3 mm in diameter and are present in from 0.1 to 0.6% by weight of the water, the polymer being a copolymer of an acrylic acid, the water containing silicic acid and/or a silicate as well as sodium, potassium or ammonium ions. The water is freely pumpable but the swollen particles adhere to surfaces they contact rather than running off rapidly.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of this invention provides a cannon-like device for projecting a sheath of fire extinguishing particles rapidly upwardly along a flaming oil and/or gas stream gushing up from an oil and/or gas well. The sheath instantaneously insulates the oil and/or gas in the stream from the surrounding atmosphere to freeze the flame at the tip of the sheath and shield the stream within the sheath from contact with the flaming oil and/or gas above and around the stream of oil and/or gas enclosed within the sheath until all of the already flaming oil and/or gas has been burned out. The method for eliminating the flames above the outlet of an oil well is accomplished by separating the oil and/or gas stream flowing from the oil and/or gas well from the flames by producing a sheath of fire extinguishing material, driven by an explosive charge into a position to surround and separate the oil and/or gas stream from the flames.

Abstract: In an apparatus and process for extinguishing the fire of an escaping flow of fossil fuel, such as from an oil or gas well, the preferred apparatus comprises a boom-held, open-ended, split stack equipped with quench fluid outlets on its inside and structure for spreading the stack and closing it around the flame to confine and operate on the flame front. The process involves closing such stack around the flame, preferably with the quench fluid flowing from the opened-up stack as it approaches the fire, then continuing such flow until the fire goes out and the fuel vapors and equipment in the former flame zone are below autoignition temperature.

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: An improved method and apparatus for controlling large hydrocarbon-fueled fires contemplates the use of vapors produced by direct contact vapor generators to simultaneously cool the flames and deprive the fire of oxygen. A direct contact vapor generator accomplishes fire suppression by surrounding the fire with oxygen-free gases while cooling the flames with water vapor. The direct contact vapor generator is uniquely suited for extinguishing hydrocarbon-fueled fires because of its ability to produce oxygen-free gases and vapor in sufficient quantity to snuff out a fire of the magnitude of those occurring at the sabotaged wellheads in Kuwait in 1991 as well as oil field, oil storage facility, and oil refinery type fires.

Abstract: A wellhead fire extinguishing apparatus comprises a flame containment housing which is lowered into place above the wellhead fire to create a chimney-like updraft and draw the fire surrounding the wellhead into the housing. The housing is then lowered to the well platform or ground and the flame is cooled by a coolant/flame retardant to cause the ignition point of the flame to rise above a flapper valve in the housing. The flapper valve is closed by remote actuation to separate the flame from the fuel flowing from the wellhead. The unburned fuel is vented from the housing and the flame is extinguished by the coolant/flame retardant.

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: The application of sand combined with sandblasting extinguishes oil and gas fires by cutting off oxygen, cooling the area and stopping the fuel supply. Sand mixed with soda ash converts to glass to smother high temperature fires. Sandblasting controls flames while a fire is smothered by mounding with sand.

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

Abstract: A set of fire suppression agents suitable for streaming 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 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: A multi-layered fire extinguishing blanket including a fire-proof blanket of fire-resistant, fabric layer having a peripherally attached, non-porous, laminated almuinum layer on one side, creating insulating air pockets between the two, and two handles on the fabric backside of the blanket for manually grasping the blanket prior to placing it over a fire aluminum side down. The handles are mounted at positions spaced substantially below the top edge of the blanket, so that a portion of the blanket between the handles and the top edges, which is of a material having little if any rigidity, is allowed to drape back over, covering and protecting the hands, the handles also providing greater control of the blanket for more effective operation.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for extinguishing burning metal or metal-involved fires by combining an extinguishant with the burning metal to form a resultant material. The resultant material may include an alloy and oxides of the burning material and the extinguishant and in any event forms a coating which is an adherent oxygen barrier. In one form of the invention, the extinguishant comprises mainly elemental copper in commercially available powder form. The extinguishant mixture may also include other material added to improve the deliverability, material flow, electrical resistance, moisture resistance or other characteristics.

Abstract: A method of extinguishing burning rocket or missile solid propellant employs a device including an explosive charge which is submerged in an extinguishant agent contained in container positioned near the rocket or missile solid propellant being tested or stored. An electrically initiated detonator or heat initiated detonator initiates the explosive charge which causes the extinguishant agent to be explosively driven or propelled horizontally, almost in a solid mass, to the sites of burning propellant to achieve extinguishment within milliseconds. The composition of a preferred extinguishant agent is ethylene glycol of about 55 weight percent, water of about 25 weight percent, and foaming agent of about 20 weight percent.

Abstract: A fire fighting device consisting of a jet engine, or alternatively another wind-producing mechanism, with a conduit mounted thereon, the conduit having an opening so that when water or another fire retardant is directed into the conduit, the water or other fire retardant will exit the opening and enter the jet exhaust when the jet engine is in operation. The jet exhaust will carry the water or other fire retardant for a long distance, thus enabling fire fighters to propel the water or other fire retardant to distant parts of a wildfire by aiming the jet exhaust above the fire. Preferably, the jet engine is mounted in a manner allowing rotation on horizontal and vertical axes to allow it to be aimed.

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: This invention is directed to a non-toxic fire extinguishant. More particularly, this invention relates to a fire extinguishant which extinguishes fires without generating toxic gases or compounds. A non-toxic fire extinguishant comprising in combination: (a) A fluorochlorocarbon selected from the group consisting of trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, 1,2-dichlorotetrafluoroethane, chlorodifluoromethane, 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, pentafluoroethane, 1,2-dichloro-2,2-difluoroethane, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane and (b) a substance selected from the group consisting of Terpenes: Citral, Citronellal, Citronellol, Limonene, Dipentene, Menthol, Terpinene, Terpinolene, Sylvestrene, Sabinene, Menthadiene, Zingiberene, Ocimene, Myrcene, .alpha.-Pinene, .beta.-Pinene, Turpentine, Camphor, Phytol, Vitamin A, Abietic Acid, Squalene, Lanosterol, Saponin, Oleanolic Acid, Lycopene, .beta.-Carotene, Lutein, .alpha.

Abstract: The momentary position, between open and closed, of a bottom door panel controlling release of fluid from an airborne container containing the fluid is governed by both the height of the fluid in the container and the instantaneous position of the door panel.

Abstract: A Class D (combustible metals) firefighting agent comprises a detergent mixture, vitamin B-6, sodium chloride, bicarbonate soda, and minimum amounts of water. The detergent mixture comprises an alkylbenzolyate sulfonate, non-ionic detergent and lauric superamide, preferably comprising, by volume: about 41-45% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, about 8-12% isoctylphenyl polyethoxyethanol, about 0-4% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, about 8-12% lauric diethanolamide, about 0.5-1% monoethanolamide superamides, and about 26-30% water. The vitamin B-6 is provided in an amount of about 1-3% by weight of the detergent mixture, the sodium chloride 25-41%, and the bicarbonate 3-18%. Burning titanium, uranium, or any other type of combustible metal fire, can be extinguished by applying the liquid formulation directly to the fire.

Abstract: An efficient method for extinguishing fire of various hardly extinguishable materials is proposed. The method comprises sprinkling, over the burning site of the material, a boron oxide powder having a putity relative to the content of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 of at least 90% by weight and containing water in an amount not exceeding 2% by weight, the particles of the powder having a diameter in the range from 5 .mu.m to 1000 .mu.m. The efficiency of fire extinguishment with the boron oxide powder can be further enhanced by blending the boron oxide powder with a variety of inert inorganic powders.

Abstract: A Class D (combustible metals) firefighting agent comprises a detergent mixture, and sodium chloride (about 4.5-12%), although vitamin B-6 and bicarbonate soda may be present. The detergent mixture comprises an alkylbenzolyate sulfonate, non-ionic detergent and lauric superamide, preferably comprising, by volume: about 26-33% linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, about 4.5-6% isoctylphenyl polyethoxyethanol, about 0.25-3% polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, about 4.5-6% lauric diethanolamide, about 0.25-2% monoethanolamide superamides, and water. Burning titanium, uranium, magnesium, zerconium, or any other type of combustible metal fire, can be extinguished by applying the liquid formulation directly to the fire using conventional firefighting equipment.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides an efficient and reliable method for extinguishing fire of a chlorosilane compound, which is a notoriously dangerous inflammable material in respect of the difficulty of extinguishment of fire thereof, by sprinkling a specific porous inert silica based or silica-alumina based powder defined by the content of silica or overall content of silica and alumina as well as various parameters as a powdery material followed by spraying an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, potassium chloride or calcium chloride. The fire extinguishing efficiency can be further enhanced when the sprinkled powder is a blend of the above defined porous powder and a specific silica sand in a specific proportion. When the sprinkled powder is such a binary blend, considerably good results can be obtained even by omitting the step of spraying of the aqueous salt solution.

Abstract: An ambulatory fire fighting apparatus comprising at its front end a device for lifting the overburden and comminuting and exposing the nonflammable soil which passes unded a rotary drum which pulverizes the soil and discharges the pellets of dirt through a guide chute, the chute being associated with a fan which has branches for directing of air entraining the pellets and pressurizing the drum.

Abstract: A method and product for use in smothering a nuclear fire resulting from an accident in a nuclear plant comprises the discharging onto the fire liquified inert gas, e.g. argon, so the gas will block the flow of oxygen to the fire. The liquified argon may be contained in reinforced allantoidal casings.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid and reliable method for extinguishment of fire on a chlorosilane compound such as trichlorosilane which is hardly extinguishable once set on fire by any conventional fire-extinguishing methods. The inventive method comprises sprinkling an inert siliceous powder composed of porous particles of specified silica or silica-alumina content having a specified particle diameter, pore diameter and porosity over the surface of the burning chlorosilane compound. The efficiency of fire-extinguishment can further be enhanced when sprinkling of the porous siliceous powder is followed by spraying of water or a highly halogenated hydrocarbon compound, e.g., monobromo monochloromethane and carbon tetrachloride, over the siliceous powder.

Abstract: A firefighting composition comprises one or more of Halons 11, 12, 113 and 114 together with 1% to 14% by weight of an extinguishant base including a sesquiterpene and one or more essential oils. Solvents and dispersing agents may also be provided.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing composition comprising a fluorine-containing surfactant of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.f is a polyfluoroalkyl group having from 3 to 20 carbon atoms, X is a bivalent connecting group containing an ether-type oxygen atom, R is an alkylene group, Y is ##STR2## wherein Z.crclbar. is an anionic group-containing alkyl group, R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group, or forms together with R.sup.2 an alkylene group, R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group, or forms together with R.sup.1 an alkylene group, and R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for extinguishing fire and for impregnating organic materials against combustion. The composition comprises an aqueous solution, a method of preparation of this composition and a method of extinguishing and impregnating organic material against combustion.

Abstract: A method and formulation are provided which are effective for fighting coal fueled fires. The composition puts out the fire, penetrates the burning coal, disperses fire gases, and does not generate any gases that are toxic to humans. The basic formulation comprises a linear alkylbenzolyate sulfonate, non-ionic detergent and lauric superamide detergent mixture comprising about 50% by volume of the formulation, vitamin B-6 in the amount of about 0.5-3% by weight of the detergent mixture, bicarbonate of soda in the amount of about 3-18% by weight of the detergent mixture, red vegetable color in the amount of about 0.25-0.75% by weight of the detergent mixture, eucalyptus oil (if present) in the amount of about 1-2% by weight of the detergent mixture, and water comprising about 37-47% percent by volume of the total formulation.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in one aspect, a dispensable flame-extinguishing composition comprising approximately 5 to approximately 20 percent by weight bromotrifluoromethane and approximately 95 to approximately 80 percent by weight bromochlorodifluoromethane and a residual air weight at 70.degree. F. which varies inversely to the degree of vacuum pulled under constant volume. For vessels ranging in size from 127 mls. to 325 mls. at a temperature of 70.degree. F. the amount and weight of residual air will vary from approximately 0.047 grams to 0.390 grams for a 22" Hg vacuum to no vacuum being pulled. The composition utilizes residual air to dispense the extinguishing agents in the temperature range of -40.degree. F. to room temperatures. In another aspect, there is disclosed a method for extinguishing fires. This method comprises applying to the fire the above-described composition. This composition is particularly useful in hand-held fire extinguishers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrated fibrous mass prepared by the steps including introducing a source of cellulosic fibers to water with continuous mixing until a ratio of water to fibers of about 50 to 1 is obtained and mixing the water and source of cellulosic fibers until the source of cellulosic fibers has been comminuted to substantially individual cellulose fibers. The mass can be effectively used as a fire controlling agents. The mass can also be used as a carrier for pesticides, and as a concrete or cement cure rate controlling agent.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing composition which comprises bromofluorohydrocarbon and/or bromochlorofluorohydrocarbon and a fluorine-containing high molecular compound.