Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fire extinguishing composition suitable for use and storage at a temperature below −1° C., said composition comprising an aqueous solution of: v) 50-60% by weight of 60% aqueous solution of potassium acetate, vi) 7-10% by weight of a 3% solution of AFFF, vii) 15-20% by weight alkylene glycol selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol, and viii) balance being water.

Abstract: An improved microbiological fire-fighting foam which comprises a bioremediating component, surfactants, foaming agents, and inorganic nutrients, the bioremediating component consisting substantially of sporulating bacteria which are tolerant of the surfactants used, the surfactants selected being innocuous to the bioremediating component used both when the microbes are in a spore state and when activated, and the selected surfactants further being biodegradable by the microbes of the microbial solution. Alternative embodiments of the invention include formulations which comprise perfumes and/or preservatives in addition to the constituents mentioned above. The improved formulation enables microbiological digestion to inert volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons which may indeed be ablaze when applied.

Abstract: New water-soluble polyperfluoroalkyl surfactants derived from functional polycarboxylic polymers, characterized by the fact they have alco-oleophobic properties, to be used in the make-up of protein or synthetic foam for extinguishing fires caused not only by hydrocarbons, but also by polar liquids (alcohol, ethers, esters, etc.) without requiring the use of thickening agents, such as polysaccharides.

Abstract: This invention provides perfluoro(alkoxycycloalkane) carbonyl fluoride compounds wherein, pendant from the fluorinated ring, are from 2 to 5 perfluoroalkoxy groups having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2, carbon atoms with the proviso that when one or more of the perfluoroalkoxy groups contain from 3 to 4 carbon atoms, there are no more than 3 pendant groups. Also described are amidoamine intermediates prepared from the carbonyl fluoride compounds as precursors for surfactants used in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) compositions.

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: This invention provides aqueous film-forming foamable (AFFF) compositions comprising one or more environmentally-friendly .alpha.-branched fluoroalkylcarbonyl group-containing surfactants.

Abstract: A foaming composition containing one or more fluorinated surfactants and or more alkylpolyglycoside hemisulphosuccinate surfactants of formula (I) is described, ##STR1## wherein R is a straight or branched chain alkyl radical with 6-18 carbon atoms, S is a sugar residue, one of R.sub.1, and R.sub.2 is a SO.sub.3 M group, and the other a hydrogen atom, M is an alkali metal, preferably sodium, X is an integer of 1 to 10, preferably of 1 to 4. The foaming composition is useful as a fire-extinguishing foam.

Abstract: In the prevention of the spread of fires and for directly fighting fires, a cross-linked, water-swellable additive polymer in water/oil emulsion produced by an inverse phase polymerization reaction to be added to the firefighting water is disclosed. The additive has the properties of absorbing large quantities of water, high viscosity for adherence to vertical and horizontal surfaces, and retention of sufficient fluidity to be educted in standard firefighting equipment. The method of adding this additive to the firefighting water by eduction or by a batch addition to the water source is also disclosed.

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: An improved microbiological fire-fighting foam which comprises a bioremediating component, surfactants, foaming agents, and inorganic nutrients, the bioremediating component consisting substantially of sporulating bacteria which are tolerant of the surfactants used, the surfactants selected being innocuous to the bioremediating component used both when the microbes are in a spore state and when activated, and the selected surfactants further being biodegradable by the microbes of the microbial solution. Alternative embodiments of the invention include formulations which comprise perfumes and/or preservatives in addition to the constituents mentioned above. The improved formulation enables microbiological digestion to inert volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons which may indeed be ablaze when applied.

Abstract: Biodegradable foam compositions for extinguishing class B fires are disclosed that may be in either a liquid concentrate or a powder concentrate form. The concentrates comprise (1) a foaming group including a high-foaming surfactant such as an alkyl polyglycoside and a plurality of viscosity-reducing agents, for example, polyethylene glycol, and (2) a stiffening group including a water-soluble polymer such as a natural gum, e.g., xanthan gum, and a viscosity-reducing agent. The powder concentrate further comprises a sorption agent.

Abstract: Passive fire-suppression objects adapted for placement adjacent or in a confined area to be protected are provided and comprise a three-dimensional body presenting a surface communicating with the confined area; solid polyhalon fire-suppressing material forms all or a part of the object and is capable of releasing fire-suppressing gas from or through the object surface when heated as a result of a fire within the confined area. The solid polyhalon may be incorporated in or onto the surface of the object and can be used in wall or ceiling panels, woven material or as a solid panel. In use, heat generated as a result of a fire causes the polyhalon to pyrolize and crack, thus liberating monomer components of the polyhalon, the monomers being a fire-suppressing gas.

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 method of preventing or retarding a combustible object from burning includes the steps of mixing water with a superabsorbent polymer ("SAP") to form one at least partially hydrated SAP, and applying the at least partially hydrated SAP to the combustible object, before or after combustion. In another embodiment, an article of manufacture includes a SAP, that is prehydrated, or hydrated at a later time, is useful for preventing a combustible object from burning, or for providing a human fire shield or preventing penetration of extreme heat or fire to a firefighter or other animal.

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 present invention relates to firefighting foam concentrates including a protein hydrolysate in association with:(a) at least one fluorinated cotelomer which has a perfluoroalkyl radical and a polymerized chain consisting of units of an anionic hydrophilic monomer and of a nonionic hydrophilic monomer, and(b) at least one fluorinated surface-active agent whose aqueous solution at a concentration 1 g/l has at 20.degree. C. a surface tension lower than 25 mN/m.These film-forming emulsifiers are effective both against hydrocarbon fires and against polar-liquid fires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel fire extinguishing composition comprising a unique salt mixture and a method of using the novel composition combination with water to extinguish Class B and Class C fires. The fire extinguishing composition comprises an unique mixture of at least two salts, I and II: wherein I is selected from the group consisting of a bicarbonate or carbonate salt of sodium or potassium and II is selected from the group consisting of a chloride, sulfate, or tartrate salt of sodium or potassium and wherein the mixture exhibits a single minimum melting point. It has been found that the composition when applied as a combination with water provides excellent results in extinguishing class B fires, especially those involving cooking appliances using a large quantity of oil or fat, such as deep fryers.

Abstract: The invention relates to 1-C-perfluoroalkyl glucosides consisting essentially of a monosaccharide having an anomeric carbon directly linked to a perfluoroalkyl radical and a hydroxyl group. These glycosides are prepared by a process comprising: (a) reacting an aldonolactone with a hydroxyl protecting group; (b) reacting the product of step (a) with a compound of formula R.sub.F -M in which R.sub.F represents a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl radical containing from 2 to 12 carbon atoms, and M represents Li or MgX, X being a halogen; and (c) liberating the hydroxyl group. The 1-C-perfluoroalkyl glycosides may be used as surfactants and as flame retardants.

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: This invention provides perfluoro(alkoxycycloalkane) carbonyl fluoride compounds wherein, pendant from the fluorinated ring, are from 2 to 5 perfluoroalkoxy groups having from 1 to 4, preferably 1 to 2, carbon atoms with the proviso that when one or more of the perfluoroalkoxy groups contain from 3 to 4 carbon atoms, there are no more than 3 pendant groups.In yet another aspect, this invention provides aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) compositions comprising one or more perfluoro(alkoxycycloalkane) carbonyl group-containing surfactants and one or more water-soluble fluorine-free surfactants selected from the group consisting of nonionic hydrocarbon-containing surfactants with a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value greater than or equal to about 10 and ionic hydrocarbon-containing surfactants having a carbon chain length containing inclusively from about 6 to about 10 carbon atoms.

Abstract: This invention relates to water soluble fluorochemical foam stabilizers and film formers derived from polyamines, perfluoroalkyl group containing esters or acid halides and hydrophilic and hydrophobic group containing compounds which react with primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups. The novel foam stabilizers and film formers are useful as additives for aqueous film forming foam fire fighting agents improving the foam stability against polar solvents and enhancing the fire fighting performance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas-liquid mixture especially for use as a fire extinguishing agent. The mixture containsa) at least one halogenated carbon or C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbon,b) a chemical compound having a high steam pressure and a low boiling point, high solubility in the halogenated compound and a capacity of dispersing the halogenated compound, and/or an inert gas.The invention also relates to a fire extinguishing unit and a method for using the mixture.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new aqueous dispersion of surface active polymer which demonstrates enhanced surface active and performance properties more particularly as a foaming agent. The polymer comprises a vinyl monomer having at least one quaternized nitrogen atom, a vinyl monomer having at least one amide group, a vinyl monomer bearing both a hydrophobic and a hydrophylic group and optionally, a vinyl carboxylic monomer.

Abstract: A method of producing a fire fighting foam for extinguishing fires, which comprises the step of producing a fire fighting foam concentrate solution comprising a short chain linear alcohol as a suspending solvent; lauric alcohol as a foam stabilizing agent; an acrylic acid polymer to form the foam suspension media; sodium lauryl sulfate as a primary foam producing agent; coco-dimethylamidopropyl betaine as a secondary foam producing agent; water as a dilutant; urea as a fire retarding agent; an alkaline pH-modifying substance to adjust the pH of the solution just to the base side of 7.0; and sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, potassium acetate or sodium acetate as a fire retarding agent. A fire fighting foam is produced from the concentrate solution by introducing the foam concentrate solution to a stream of water through a siphoning nozzle.

Abstract: An improved microbiological fire-fighting foam which comprises a bioremediating component, surfactants, foaming agents, and inorganic nutrients, the bioremediating component consisting substantially of sporulating bacteria which are tolerant of the surfactants used, the surfactants selected being innocuous to the bioremediating component used both when the microbes are in a spore state and when activated, and the selected surfactants further being biodegradable by the microbes of the microbial solution. Alternative embodiments of the invention include formulations which comprise perfumes and/or preservatives in addition to the constituents mentioned above. The improved formulation enables microbiological digestion to inert volatile organic compounds and hydrocarbons which may indeed be ablaze when applied.

Abstract: A method for breaking an oil-in-water emulsion which comprises the addition of a hydrophobically-modified polyelectrolyte copolymer comprising a diallyldimethylammonium chloride and a hydrophobically-associating monomer selected from the group consisting of quaternized dialkylaminoalkylacrylates, quaternized dialkylaminoalkylmethacrylates, and alkyl esters of (meth)acrylic acids, preferably ethylhexylacrylate, to the emulsion.

Abstract: A class of fire suppressant compounds which have labile bromine atoms bound to atoms other than carbon have been discovered to be more effective at suppressing fires than Halon 1211 and Halon 1301. Moreover, this class of fire suppressant compounds hydrolyze or oxidize rapidly in the troposphere and as a consequence thereof, they have minimal ozone depletion potential.

Abstract: This invention relates to synergistic surfactant compositions based on water insoluble amphoteric fluorochemical surfactants and water soluble anionic hydrocarbon or fluorochemical surfactants of the sulfate or sulfonate type and aqueous film forming foam agents derived from such synergistic surfactant compositions and a method to treat the aqueous waste stream generated by such aqueous film forming foam agents.

Abstract: A method for extinguishing fire uses a gaseous fire-extinguishing agent having as an active component thereof a polyfluoro-tertiary amine represented by the following formula:(CF.sub.3).sub.2 NRfwherein Rf stands for a polyfluoroalkyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms or a polyfluoroalkenyl group of 1-4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A fire fighting and cooling composition that is particularly useful for fighting fires involving polar solvents and volatile liquid hydrocarbons includes a combination of non-ionic surfactants, such as amine oxides, organic sulfates or sulfonates, and amphoteric surfactants, such as acylamidoalkylbetaines.

Abstract: The process for producing an organic material for extinguishing fires involves mixing at least two kinds of cucurbits which have been divided into pieces, and collecting the water released by them.The mixture is crushed and screened to obtain a very fine powder or a uniform pulp.The powder or pulp is then mixed with at least one basic additive, chosen between sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, in proportions comprised between 1.5% and 7% by weight; with a saline preservative, substantially salicylic acid, in a proportion comprised between 0.1% and 2% by weight; with water from the cucurbits, in a proportion comprised between 50 and 60%; and with at least one surfactant in a proportion comprised between 5% and 30% by weight.

Abstract: Low viscosity, concentrated aqueous solutions of polysaccharide gums are prepared using certain water-soluble, anionic copolymers as viscosity reducers. These low viscosity polysaccharide gum solutions are used in the formulation of low viscosity polar-solvent fire-fighting foam compositions, especially "3.times.3" ("three by three") concentrates. The low viscosity compositions of the present invention are found to have exceptional stability as well as significantly improved fire-fighting performance.

Abstract: Fire-extinguishing compositions of low ozone depletion potential comprise dry particles of ammonium bromide coated with an abherent such as zinc stearate to improve flowability. The coated particles enhance the fire-extinguishing properties of chlorofluorocarbons and halogenated paraffins having low ozone depletion properties, when dispersed therein.

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: Novel formulations for aqueous foams which, in the presence of hydrocarbons, can persist for 24 hours or more. The foams are suitable for the suppression of hydrocarbon and polar organic vapors.

Abstract: A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted propane selected from the group of 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (CHCl.sub.2 CF.sub.3), 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CHClFCF.sub.3), and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CH.sub.2 FCF.sub.3), and mixtures thereof is disclosed. The fluoropropanes can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.

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: Azeotrope-like compositions comprising trifluoromethane and carbon dioxide or trifluromethane, hexafluoroethane and carbon dioxide are stable and have utility as refrigerants for heating and cooling as well as fire extinguishing compositions.

Abstract: The fire fighting and hot surface cooling methods of this invention use a composition formed by combining a nonionic surfactant possessing a specific photoexcitable functional group with an arylphosphate, also of photoexcitable nature, in a solvent medium of composition and content that allows for a convenient workable viscosity and is resistant to effects of freezing. The ultimate water solution used for spraying to extinguish a fire or cool a surface contains from 2000 ppm of the surfactant nonylphenolethoxylate and 94 ppm of the arylphosphate, poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-phenol-.omega.-hydroxy-(2)-phosphate to 3000 ppm surfactant and 141 ppm arylphosphate. The spray solution is applied to the fire until the desired result occurs.

Abstract: Novel formulations for aqueous foams which, in the presence of hydrocarbons, can persist for 24 hours or more. The foams are suitable for the suppression of hydrocarbon and polar organic vapors.

Abstract: A foam-fluid composition for use in foam fracture applications and foam slurry transport comprises a thickening amount of a viscoelastic surfactant composition, a functionally effective amount of a surfactant composition capable of forming a foam, and an aqueous liquid. Foam-fluid formulations are easily prepared, reusable, shear stable, easily pumped and form stable foams over a wide temperature range and exhibit high viscosities even at relatively high temperatures.

Abstract: An improved foamable protein hydrolysate based concentrate is provided containing multivalent cations and a water soluble polymer, which remains stable in storage for at least six months and which, when diluted with 10 to 50 parts of water and mixed with air to generate a foam, produces a foam which lasts essentially unchanged for at least three days.

Abstract: A liquid fire extinguishing composition is obtained by mixing a C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 halogenated alkane such as Halone 1301 (CF.sub.3 Br), Halone 1211 (CF.sub.2 ClBr), or a mixture thereof with an organophosphorus compound, or the mixture thereof for a wide variety of a fire extinguishment and no residues after fire extinguishing.

Abstract: Co-oligmers of the formula R.sub.f --E.sub.m --(S).sub.n --[M.sub.1 ].sub.x --[M.sub.2 ].sub.y --H and mixtures thereof, wherein R.sub.f is a perfluoroalkyl group, E is a linkage group, M.sub.1 represents a non-ionic hydrophilic monomer unit, M.sub.2 represents an anionic hydrophilic monomer unit, n and m are optionally 0 or 1, and x and y represent the number of monomer units present in the novel co-oligomers, the sum of x and y being between 5 and 200, and y/(x+y) being between 0.01 and 0.98; are useful as additives in polar-solvent fire-fighting compositions when used in conjunction with polysaccharides and other adjuvants. They improve dynamic foam stability and vapor suppressing ability of the foam, thereby reducing the flammability of polar solvent contaminated foams and consequently improving extinguishment and burnback resistance.

Abstract: A composition for forming an essentially biodegradable foam for application to a substrate to provide a barrier between the substrate and the atmosphere formulated from a mixture in water of specified materials in certain proportional relationships. Its use in preparing such a foam barrier is also provided.

Abstract: AFFF and ARAFFF firefighting foam concentrates which include alkyl polyglycoside surfactants are provided. These surfactants enhance the performance of the perfluoroalkyl surfactants.

Abstract: New intumescence media contain ammonium and/or amine salts of acid phosphates of metals of the 2nd and/or 3rd group of the periodic system of the elements and can be employed for a very wide variety of fire prevention purposes.

Abstract: A process for extinguishing, preventing and controlling fires using a composition containing at least one fluoro-substituted ethane selected from the group of CF.sub.3 --CHF.sub.2, CHF.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CH.sub.2 F, CF.sub.3 --CHFCl, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHF.sub.2, CF.sub.3 --CHCl.sub.2, CF.sub.2 Cl--CHFCl, CFCl.sub.2 --CHF.sub.2, and CHFCl--CHFCl is disclosed. The ethane can be used in open or enclosed areas with little or no effect on the ozone in the stratosphere and with little effect on the global warming process.

Abstract: A method of treating hazardous material or other substrate with an aqueous air foam, comprising the steps of (1) preparing an aqueous solution or dispersion comprising (a) water-soluble polyhydroxy polymer having a plurality of hydrogen-bondable 1,2- and/or 1,3-diol structures capable of complexation with the borate anion, B(OH).sub.4.sup.

Abstract: Methods for extinguishing fires are disclosed which include the use of 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane as a fire extinguishing agent. The 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane may be used alone or in combination with other halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishants. Compositions including the 2-Chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and other extinguishants are also disclosed. The compositions are effective at low concentrations and are non-toxic and environmentally safe.