Abstract: Foams and methods of using foams for fighting fires in confined areas (i.e., mine shafts) are provided. In one embodiment, a foam for extinguishing a fire is provided. The foam includes a surfactant; a non-flammable liquid; and an inert gas having a density substantially less than air. Preferably, the density of the foam is substantially less than the density of air. The light foam will allow a basic form of directional control of the foam because the light foam will float towards the ceiling of a cavern or mine shaft. This offers fire fighters several options in extinguishing an underground fire.

Abstract: In a first aspect a fire fighting foaming composition contains a partially acetylated polyvinyl alcohol. In a second aspect the fire fighting foaming composition contains chitosan together with a surfactant such as a protein derived surfactant or a hydrocarbon surfactant which is either amphoteric or non-ionic. The compositions can form effective fire fighting foams in the absence of fluorinated surfactants and other fluorinated compounds.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing agent contains at least one compound selected from the group consisting of an alkali hydrogencarbonate and an alkali carbonate, the alkali hydrogencarbonate being thermally decomposed to generate carbon dioxide and an alkali carbonate, a metal oxide that reacts with the alkali carbonate to generate carbon dioxide, and a hydrophobic binder.

Abstract: A foam concentrate provides a fire-fighting composition when mixed with water so that the fire-fighting composition does not form a stable seal on cyclohexane and meets UL 162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents without requiring organic fluorine. The concentrate is formed from water and a high molecular weight acidic polymer (HMWAP) and a coordinating salt.

Abstract: A foam concentrate or fire fighting composition for extinguishing and/or retarding fires is provided that meets UL162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents, AR-AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents. The concentrate is used to form the fire fighting composition when mixed with water. The concentrate or fire fighting composition includes a high molecular weight fluoropolymer and water and may have a fluorine content wherein less than about 0.008% fluorine by weight of the fire fighting composition is provided from any fluorochemical surfactant. Further, the composition may meet the UL162, Class B performance criteria without forming a stable seal on cyclohexane.

Abstract: A foam concentrate or fire fighting composition for extinguishing and/or retarding fires is provided that meets UL162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents, AR-AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents. The concentrate is used to form the fire fighting composition when mixed with water. The concentrate or fire fighting composition includes a high molecular weight fluoropolymer and water and may have a fluorine content wherein less than about 0.008% fluorine by weight of the fire fighting composition is provided from any fluorochemical surfactant. Further, the composition may meet the UL162, Class B performance criteria without forming a stable seal on cyclohexane.

Abstract: A foam concentrate provides a fire-fighting composition when mixed with water so that the fire-fighting composition does not form a stable seal on cyclohexane and meets UL 162, Class B performance criteria for at least one of AFFF agents and fluoroprotein (FP) agents without requiring organic fluorine. The concentrate is formed from water and a high molecular weight acidic polymer (HMWAP) and a coordinating salt.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polycrystalline alkali metal or alkaline earth metal beads, in particular CaF2 beads, having a diameter greater than or equal to 100 &mgr;m, advantageously between 100 &mgr;m and 2 cm, and an apparent density greater than 60%, advantageously at least 90%, of the theoretical density of said fluoride. The invention is also directed to a process for the preparation of the foregoing alkali metal and alkaline earth fluoride beads, and for the preparation of single crystals of said fluorides using the foregoing polycrystalline beads.

Abstract: A polycrystalline alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal (more particularly CaF2) fluorides, produced in an original form, namely in the form of beads; said beads having a diameter or equivalent diameter greater than or equal to 100 um, advantageously between 100 um and 2 cm and an apparent density greater than or equal to 60%, advantageously at least 90% of the theoretical density of said fluoride. A process for the preparation of single crystals of the corresponding alkali-metal or alkaline-earth metal fluorides that uses polycrystalline fluorides in the aforementioned original form.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a fire-fighting concentrate composition comprising