FE-36 Clean Agent
August 4, 2008 by admin
Filed under Extinguisher Types
With the worldwide ban on Halon 1211, the race was on to create a clean, safe alternative for use in highly sensitive areas. As a result, the US manufacturing giant DuPont created FE-36, or Hydrofluorocarbon-236fa (HFC-236fa).
FE-36 works almost as effectively as the illegal halon, is less toxic, and does not deplete the ozone layer. FE-36 also leaves no residue, is non-corrosive, non-conductive, and will not cause thermal shock damage to machinery.
How Fire Extinguishers Containing DuPont FE-36 Work
These extinguishers discharge a stream of gas and liquid droplets that are propelled into the heart of the fire, stopping combustion through a chemical reaction and by absorbing the fire’s heat.
Since FE-36 becomes a gas at -1.4 degrees C (39 degrees F), it leaves no residue behind and after the fire, dissipates into the atmosphere. FE-36(tm) fire extinguishers can be used on fire classes A and B, and directly on electrical equipment.
FE-36 Fire Extinguishers in Europe
Although not yet widely available in the UK and Europe, these extinguishers are used in medical facilities across the USA. In addition, portable fire extinguishers containing FE-36 can be used in sensitive locations such as computer rooms, document stores, clean rooms, telecommunications facilities, control rooms, switch rooms, marine craft and installations, banks, museums, archives, laboratories, and airplanes.
The most common range of fire extinguishers containing FE-36 are Cleanguard extinguishers from Ansul.
In the UK Today
Motorsport participants might also be interested in the Zero 360, an FE-36 extinguisher especially for high performance racing and rally cars from Lifeline.
Also seen in small automatic extinguishers, the defunct Firemaster company’s previous management have set up a new company called Fireblitz Extinguisher and are now supplying 1kg and 2kg automatic sizes again.
“Total Flood” Fire Suppressant Systems
DuPont FE-36 can now be used to replace Halon 1301 in fixed fire protection systems. Fire extinguisher systems with FE-36 come into their own where a ‘total flood’ fire suppressant system is required. This involves ‘flooding’ an entire room or enclosed area with sufficient fire fighting agent to extinguish the fire. (If CO2 gas were used instead, the volumes involved would prove fatal to anyone in the area.)
FE-36 and Hydrogen Fluoride
When combusted, under certain conditions, FE-36 can produce hydrogen fluoride (HF). Whilst this gas is generally produced in small quantities, and the gas itself boils just below room temperature, you should make sure that after a fire, the area is fully ventilated before staff return.
You should also avoid breathing in any fumes from an FE-36 extinguisher treated fire, as on contact with moisture, including human tissue, hydrogen fluoride converts to hydrofluoric acid. This acid is highly toxic and corrosive.
MRI-Safe Fire Extinguishers
August 4, 2008 by admin
Filed under Extinguisher Types
MRI-safe fire extinguishers are designed to protect these expensive and life-saving machines from damage in the event of a fire. High specification CO2 fire extinguishers and water mist extinguishers are designed with non-magnetic components to be able to operate in the vicinity of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine.
How MRI-Safe Fire Extinguishers Work
MRI-safe fire extinguishers are essentially the same as normal extinguishers on the inside. However, MRI-safe fire extinguisher cylinders must be non-magnetic, as the magnetic field of an MRI machine is strong enough to attract a normal fire extinguisher with bone-crushing force.
It is not often realised but the magnetic potency of an MRI machine stays for a long time after it is turned off. This prevents fire-fighters from entering with something as simple as a metal belt buckle. There have been incidents of people being “sucked” into an MRI with tragic results.
The same rule applies to any machinery with a strong magnetic field, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers (NMR’s). Non-magnetic fire extinguishers should also be used in health centres, clinics, and any premises where magnetic interference might affect the performance or operation of sensitive equipment.
Non-magnetic fire extinguishers are made with a non-magnetic stainless steel or aluminium shell, and non-magnetic fittings such as valves, nozzles and pins.
Specially manufacturerd 2kg CO2 fire extinguishers are the most popular non-magnetic type in the UK, since they can be used to extinguish fires in, on or around electrical equipment, are clean to operate and do not leave any residue after use. The non magnetic fire extinguisher is are available online from Fire Protection Online and is made by Chubb Fire (and also sold under their sister company name of Thomas Glover).
Water Mist Fire Extinguishers
Amerex Corporation of the USA developed their water mist extinguisher for use in clean rooms, telecoms areas and health care facilities. Using distilled water instead of tap water, it has a specially-developed misting nozzle that atomizes the water making it non-conductive.
These are available in 1.75 gallon and 2.5 gallon size but, due to the cost of testing weighed against the demand, are not tested in the UK to BS EN3. However, they have full UL approval in the USA.
As you can imagine, high specification non-magnetic fire extinguishers do not come cheap, retailing at a premium to the standard models. But, they can be found online at much lower prices.
Know Your Extinguishers
August 3, 2008 by admin
Filed under Extinguisher Types
In the event of a fire, using the correct extinguisher to put it out is as important as discovering the fire itself. All modern fire extinguishers are clearly marked as to the type of fire they should be used on, so you can tackle small fires safely and easily.
Different Fires Require Different Fire Extinguishers
It sounds obvious, but different types (or classes) of fire require different extinguishers. For example, a water-based extinguisher is ideal for use on free-burning materials such as paper or wood, known as a Class 1 fire. For full details, see our in-depth guide to fire extinguisher types
UK Fire Extinguisher Markings and Colours
All fire extinguishers are colour coded for easy recognition in an emergency. They also have ratings as to which class of fire they can be effective in extinguishing, so you can double-check that you have the right fire extinguisher for the job.
In addition all fire extinguishers should bear quality standard marks, such as the familiar BS Kite Mark and CE Mark. For full details on classes of fires and extinguisher ratings, see the detailed guide to fire extinguisher fire ratings and multi-rating fire extinguishers
A Fire Extinguisher in the Hand
A fire extinguisher is only truly effective when you, the person picking it up in an emergency knows the best way to use it! Our handy guide to how to use a fire extinguisher takes you through simple steps for efficient fire extinguisher use.
Fire Extinguisher In-depth Guides
The best and clearest fire extinguisher information, right here at your fingertips.