Fireproof composition

Abstract

The present invention discloses a fireproof composition for application to products to protect against fire characterised by being constituted as an aqueous composition comprising at least one sugar and magnesium chloride (MgCl2). The present invention also relates to a method for the preparation thereof and different uses of same.

Description

[0001] FIREPROOF COMPOSITION

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fireproof compositions and more particularly to a fire protection composition that generates a carboxylic layer upon contact with fire, to a process for its preparation and to different uses thereof.

[0004] In recent years, forest, domestic, and industrial and livestock fires have increased in number and intensity. Therefore, a large number and variety of fire protection products have been developed.

[0005] The increased safety of fire-fighting products has led to the development of new compositions with flame-retardant properties. However, it is known that many flame-retardant chemical compositions still contain components that can be toxic to humans and harmful to the environment.

[0006] The use of compositions containing sugars as flame retardants and fire protection agents is known (see, for example, PCT Patent W02008058324A1, European Patent EP1853358B1, and South Korean Patent KR20080001702A). Specifically, Korean Patent KR20080001702A discloses a flame retardant that forms a carboxylic layer comprising sugar or graphite and a flame retardant selected from monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium polyphosphate, and melamine phosphate. However, such flame retardant compositions contain, in addition to sugars, surfactants, phosphates, and other agents that are toxic to humans and harmful to the environment. Furthermore, their preparation and use in certain installations are often complicated due to their toxicity and corrosiveness.Additionally, the presence of phosphates makes these compositions highly corrosive, which causes storage problems and damage to objects after application.

[0007] On the other hand, British Patent GB190023890A, published in 1901, describes an acid-resistant cement for protecting cardboard, wood, or metal objects, especially those used for electrical purposes. This cement is a composite cement comprising magnesium oxychloride, Portland cement, and molasses. The magnesium oxychloride is formed by mixing magnesium oxide with a magnesium chloride solution, while the molasses is used to dilute the cement. This cement is unsuitable for use on people or animals due to the toxicity and corrosiveness of magnesium oxychloride, and it does not form a protective carboxylic layer. Furthermore, its hardening due to the presence of cement makes it unsuitable for firefighting and prevents prolonged storage before use. It is also unsuitable for use in fluid installations and cannot be applied to objects without causing irreparable damage.

[0008] In the case of fighting forest fires, aircraft are used, especially water bombers, which in many cases are adapted seaplanes. The chemicals used to combat these fires can include water, water enhancers such as foams and gels, and especially specially formulated flame retardants. However, the high density of these fire-resistant compositions limits the aircraft's payload.

[0009] An additional problem with all the compositions mentioned is that their freezing point is equal to or greater than 0 e C, which creates storage problems in winter.

[0010] In short, the currently known compositions have the following drawbacks:

[0011] - they are highly corrosive

[0012] - produce salt precipitation over time.

[0013] This means they cannot be stored for a prolonged period, nor can they be used in fire extinguishing fluid installations, as they would cause corrosion of the installation and / or blockage due to the generation of precipitates.

[0014] In some cases, moreover, the known compositions are only stable under very specific and controlled environmental conditions, not withstanding, for example, the extreme cold or heat conditions that occur in summer and / or winter.

[0015] In view of the above, there is still a need to obtain safe and effective fireproof compositions to reduce and / or eliminate the use of compositions that are harmful to humans or the environment, that are stable over a wide temperature range, do not precipitate noticeably over time and are not corrosive.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to disclose compositions that provide a solution to the aforementioned problems. To this end, a fire-retardant composition has been developed that does not require the presence of toxic components. The present invention is based on food-grade, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly components. The new composition acts as a fire retardant.

[0017] The present invention discloses a fire-retardant composition applicable to products to be protected from fire, which is an aqueous composition comprising at least one sugar and magnesium chloride. Preferred embodiments of the invention can be applied to animals and people without risk to their health.

[0018] In the present invention, the term “sugar” refers to a compound consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, in which the ratio C n (H2O)n for their composition. Sugars are generally classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides or trisaccharides.

[0019] The composition of the present invention, being water-based, allows the magnesium chloride and sugar, upon contact with flames, to form a carboxylic layer that increases in size and protects the object to which the composition is applied. It is, therefore, a fire retardant.

[0020] There are many advantages to the composition of the present invention. Furthermore, the composition is non-corrosive and does not precipitate. The composition of the present invention has a low freezing point, being stable between -30°C and 30°C. e C and 70 eC. This facilitates the storage of the composition in tanks, pipes, etc., without the need for devices to prevent freezing (heating, recirculation pumps), resulting in energy savings. Furthermore, it has a high insulating capacity, allowing it to be applied to latex, expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, people, and a multitude of objects. It also adheres very well to surfaces. In addition, it is a non-polluting product since none of its components are toxic. The product can be removed by washing it with plenty of water.

[0021] Magnesium chloride is a hygroscopic compound, meaning it absorbs moisture and prevents the composition from drying out. This prolongs the substance's effectiveness once applied to the object, person, or animal being protected. The composition remains on the applied object, protecting it from potential fire, until the fire is extinguished.

[0022] Furthermore, its stability over a wide temperature range, its non-corrosiveness, and the absence of precipitation make it highly suitable for storage until its use in firefighting. Its viscosity is similar to that of water. In particular, the composition can be stored without damaging pipes, tanks, and / or fluid pumps.

[0023] The sugar of the present invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of fructose, dextrose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and isosomaltose, and sugars contained in molasses. Sucrose corresponds to what is commonly called "table sugar" or "common sugar."

[0024] In the present invention, the term “molasses” refers to a final by-product of the manufacture or refining of sugar; it is a dense, viscous liquid that is separated from the low-purity cooked mass by centrifugation.

[0025] Preferably, said sugar is present in a concentration of between 150 and 1000 g / l in the composition. More preferably, said sugar is present in a concentration of between 200 and 400 g / l in the composition.

[0026] Preferably, said magnesium chloride is present in the composition at a concentration between 50 and 580 g / l. More preferably, said magnesium chloride is present at a concentration between 150 and 400 g / l. More preferably, said magnesium chloride is present at a concentration between 200 and 300 g / l.

[0027] Preferably, the composition also includes a corrosion inhibitor. This corrosion inhibitor allows the composition to be applied to any type of object. An example of a corrosion inhibitor is ethanolamine. The use of any other corrosion inhibitor is also possible, preferably selected from among natural or environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors (also known as low-environmental-impact corrosion inhibitors). Particularly advantageous, the corrosion inhibitor will be a deoxygenator. Preferably, the composition has a final pH between 6.0 and 7.5. To achieve this, the composition may also include a pH regulator. In certain applications, the corrosion inhibitor may be suitable for adjusting the pH to the desired range on its own.

[0028] Preferably, the flame retardant composition comprises exclusively components that are harmless to humans. More preferably, this composition is free of halogen atoms, especially fluorine or bromine atoms, sulfates, and phosphates, among others. This ensures the composition's safety for animals and humans, allowing for both application to people and animals and ingestion.

[0029] In one embodiment, the inventors of the present invention have developed a specific composition for this use which, in addition to magnesium chloride and at least one sugar, comprises light magnesium carbonate. A person skilled in the art understands that when light magnesium carbonate is mentioned, it refers to hydromagnesite (4MgCO3-Mg(OH)2-4H2O). This light magnesium carbonate reduces the density of the fire-retardant composition and thus makes it particularly advantageous for transport in seaplanes and helicopters used in firefighting, such as forest fires. The density of the composition is preferably between 0.8 and 1.1 kg / L. Densities lower than that of water can be achieved with the aid of the light magnesium carbonate. For aeronautical applications, it is particularly preferable that the density of the composition be between 0.8 and 0.85 kg / L.

[0030] On the other hand, the composition is applicable to forest mass, and in particular, to all types of plantation without affecting either the plant or its edibility.

[0031] In certain embodiments, particularly those using molasses, the composition of the present invention, the sugar and the magnesium chloride are in a ratio of 1:0.65 and 1:0.75, respectively. In other embodiments, this ratio is between 1:0.8 and 1:1.1, more preferably 1:1.

[0032] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the composition of the present invention contains exclusively water, sugars (including commercially available sugars) and magnesium chloride, and, optionally, a corrosion inhibitor, a pH regulator, and / or light magnesium carbonate and / or a colorant.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a process for preparing the fire-retardant composition applicable to products to be protected from the aforementioned fire, which is constituted as an aqueous composition, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0034] a) obtain at least one sugar and magnesium chloride (MgCI2);

[0035] b) dissolve the components from step a) in water; and

[0036] c) regulate the pH of the solution obtained in b) between 6.0 and 7.5.

[0037] Preferably, in this procedure, light magnesium carbonate can also be added in step a). Furthermore, the present invention discloses the use of the above composition for the prevention of fire damage. For this purpose, the aqueous composition of the present invention is preferably applied to the area and / or objects to be protected. The aqueous composition of the present invention can be applied to all types of objects such as electrical wiring, cardboard, wood, or metal objects. This composition can also be applied to animals, people, and even buildings.

[0038] The composition of the present invention can also be used to extinguish fires by applying it directly to the flames. However, due to its aqueous nature, it is not suitable for fires involving liquids with a density lower than water.

[0039] Furthermore, the present invention discloses the use of the above composition for fighting forest fires using airplanes, seaplanes, or helicopters. In this case, the seaplane will load the substance of the present invention and release it over the area affected by the fire. For this application, it is preferable that the composition have a low density so that a larger volume of the composition can be transported.

[0040] The present invention also discloses the use of the composition according to the present invention for extinguishing fires of all types, preferably industrial and / or domestic fires, by applying the composition through fluid systems with pipes and pumps, such as fire engines and motor pumps. In this application, the non-corrosiveness of the composition of the present invention and the fact that it does not precipitate are particularly useful, allowing the composition to be stored in the system for extended periods until its use is required.

[0041] The present invention is illustrated below by Examples, which do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0042] EXAMPLES

[0043] EXAMPLE 1: Preparation of fireproof compositions according to the present invention on a polyurethane object.

[0044] Compositions were prepared containing the following agents:

[0045] or 900-1100 cm 3 H2O

[0046] or 300-400 g / l MgCI2

[0047] or 900-1100 cm 3 sugarcane molasses

[0048] Magnesium chloride and molasses were mixed with water, and then a small amount (less than 0.1% by weight) of a corrosion inhibitor such as ethanolamine was added. The resulting solutions were applied to a polyurethane object. Subsequently, a blowtorch flame was applied to simulate combustion and heat similar to a fire. The contact of the combustion from the blowtorch with the compositions formed a carboxylic layer. This carboxylic layer increased in size, and consequently, the polyurethane object did not heat up noticeably or experience any other noticeable effect. EXAMPLE 2: Preparation of fire-retardant compositions according to the present invention on installations. Compositions containing the following agents were prepared:

[0049] or 900-1100 cm 3 H2O

[0050] or 200-300 g / l MgCI2

[0051] or 250-350 cm 3 sugar

[0052] Magnesium chloride and sugar were dissolved in water, and magnesium carbonate (MgCC>3) was then used as a pH regulator to adjust the pH to between 6.0 and 7.5. The resulting solutions were stored for future use. The application of these solutions to the surfaces forms a carboxylic layer on the objects to which they are applied. The transparent color of the sugar prevents the surfaces from becoming soiled. The solution was applied to an object and left outdoors. The layer remained for three months until it was washed off after a rainfall event exceeding 30 l / m². 2 EXAMPLE 3: Preparation of fireproof compositions according to the present invention on wooden boxes.

[0053] Compositions were prepared containing the following agents:

[0054] or 900-1100 cm 3 H2O

[0055] or 200-300 g / l MgCI2

[0056] or 250-350 cm 3 fructose

[0057] Magnesium chloride and fructose were mixed with water until completely dissolved. The pH was then adjusted to between 6.0 and 7.5. The resulting solutions were applied to wooden crates stored for fire prevention. Fructose, like sugar, is transparent, so once the product was applied to the facilities, the crates were not soiled. Furthermore, the use of these solutions did not cause any harm or toxic effects to objects or people inside the industrial building. The crates were stored for six months. Subsequently, it was verified that the composition was still present and activated by a flame, generating a carboxylic layer. It was observed that the porosity of the wood had retained the applied composition in its outer layer, which protected the crates.

[0058] EXAMPLE 4: Preparation of fireproof compositions according to the present invention on a forest fire.

[0059] Compositions were prepared containing the following agents:

[0060] or 450-550 cm 3 H2O

[0061] or 200-300 g / l MgCI2

[0062] or 900-1100 cm 3 molasses

[0063] or 50-150 g / l MgCO3

[0064] Magnesium chloride, light magnesium carbonate, and molasses were dissolved in water. A state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor was then added. The resulting solutions were stored until needed for use on a forest fire. Aircraft and helicopters carried the mixture in containers. The dark brown color of the molasses provides firefighters with an indication of where the mixtures were used in the forest or firefighting area.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Fireproof composition applicable to products to be protected from fire, characterized in that it is constituted as an aqueous composition, comprising at least one sugar and magnesium chloride (MgCfe).

2. A composition according to claim 1, characterized in that said sugar is selected from the group consisting of fructose, dextrose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and isosomaltose, and sugars contained in molasses.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said sugar is present in a concentration of between 150 and 1000 g / L in said composition.

4. Composition, according to claim 3, characterized in that said sugar is at a concentration between 200 and 400 g / l in said composition.

5. Composition, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said magnesium chloride is at a concentration between 50 and 580 g / l in said composition.

6. Composition, according to claim 5, characterized in that said magnesium chloride is at a concentration between 200 and 300 g / l in said composition.

7. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition further comprises a corrosion inhibitor.

8. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition has a final pH between 6.0 and 7.

5.

9. Composition, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition is free of halogen atoms, especially fluorine or bromine atoms, sulfates and phosphates.

10. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said composition further comprises light magnesium carbonate.

11. A composition according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a density of between 0.8 kg / l and 1.1 kg / l.

12. A method for preparing a fire-retardant composition applicable to products to be protected from fire, which is constituted as an aqueous composition, according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: a) obtain at least one sugar and magnesium chloride (MgCy; b) dissolve the components from step a) in water; and c) regulate the pH of the solution obtained in b) between 6.0 and 7.

5.

13. A method according to claim 12, further comprising adding light magnesium carbonate in step a).

14. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for the prevention of fire damage.

15. Use of the composition, according to any of claims 1 to 11, for extinguishing forest fires by means of airplanes, seaplanes or helicopters, or for extinguishing domestic and / or industrial fires by means of its application through installations with ducts and pumps or motor pumps.