Tag: Fire extinguisher

Ammonium Phosphate Fire Extinguisher

Ammonium phosphate fire extinguisher is suitable for Class A, B and C fires.

Rechargeable 5-lb monoammonium phosphate dry c...
Rechargeable 5-lb monoammonium phosphate dry chemical extinguisher. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Class A = Paper, wood or other common combustible materials

Class B = Flammable liquids, paints, or any liquid fire

Class C = Electrical fires

These fire extinguishers are pressurized with non-flammable gas.  When there is a fire and we operate the extinguisher the dry chemical power, Ammonium phosphate, will form a thin layer of coating over the burning material thus cut off the oxygen smothering the fire.

Pressurized dry chemical power fire extinguishers are classified under Class 2.2 UN Number 1044 in transport regulations.

Ammonium phosphate Fire Extinguisher at MIMS Hospital, Kozhikode, India
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FIXED GAS FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS

Emergency Response Procedures for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods (EmS Guide) in the supplement of IMDG Code recommends use of Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems for dangerous goods fire when loaded under deck.

H-cylinder canisters containing argon gas for ...
H-cylinder canisters containing argon gas for use in extinguishing fire in a server room, without damaging equipment. The bright green shoulder of the H cylinders signals an inert gas. Red is used here for argon, but other colors are used for argon in various systems, which are not fully standardized across the world. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is operated by opening the pilot cylinder which will then initiate opening of other cylinders thus flooding the machinery space, pump rooms or cargo space as required.

There are requirements in SOLAS for the concentration of gas for spaces to which it should be released for extinguishing fire.

Single release control  of Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems pose a danger to crew and other personal on board due to which SOLAS Regulation II-2/10 para is amended by RESOLUTION MSC.256(84) adopted on 16 May 2008  by adding  new paragraph 4.1.5  which is quoted below

4.1.5   By the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 January 2010, fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems for the protection of machinery spaces and cargo pump-rooms on ships constructed before 1 July 2002 shall comply with the provisions of paragraph 2.2.2. of Chapter 5 of the Fire Safety Systems Code”.

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FIRE EXTINGUISHER WITH EXPLOSIVE CARTRIDGE

In fire extinguishers with explosive cartridge the extinguishing gas is held under pressure by a thin breakable seal. Upon activation the explosive cartridge ejects a projectile which breaks the seal thus releasing the gas for fire fighting.

For sea transport fire extinguishers fitted with explosive cartridges are assigned with UN number UN 1044 Class 2.2 (FIRE EXTINGUISHERS with compressed or liquefied gas).

Special provisions states “Fire extinguishers under this entry may include installed actuating cartridges (cartridges, power device of Division 1.4C or 1.4S) without changing the classification of class 2.2 provided the total quantity of deflagrating (propellant) explosives does not exceed 3.2 g per extinguishing unit”