A composition for pan fire suppression and a method thereof

Abstract

A composition (100) for pan fire suppression is disclosed. The composition includes one or more chemicals adapted to suppress pan fire. The one or more chemicals includes 35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate (120), 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate (130), 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide (140), and 30-70 percent by weight of water (150). The composition (100) is a fire suppressant liquid adapted to extinguish fire when deployed in an oil pan (160) by a user.

Description

FORM 2THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 (39 of 1970) & THE PATENTS RULES, 2003COMPLETE SPECIFICATION(See section 10 and rule 13)A COMPOSITION FOR PAN FIRE SUPPRESSION AND A METHODTHEREOFAPPLICANT NAME: OUSTFIRE SAFETY ENGINEERS PRIVATE LIMITEDNATIONALITY: INDIAADDRESS: PLOT NO. D-17 / 5, TTC MIDC TURBHE, NAVI MUMBAI-400705, MAHARASHTRA, INDIAThe following specification particularly describes the disclosure and the manner in which is to be performed.FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of fire suppression, and more particularly, a composition for pan fire suppression and a method thereof.BACKGROUND

[0002] A fire suppression system is utilized to detect and extinguish fire to prevent spread of the fire. However, not all fire suppression systems are equally effective in all types of fires. Moreover, the fire suppression systems such as sprinklers or fire extinguishers cannot be used in an oil pan fire and often prove inadequate or even hazardous when dealing with kitchen oil pan fire. The primary issue lies in the delay associated with activation of the sprinklers, which allows the fire to grow unchecked in critical initial moments. Further, the fire extinguishers, when used on an oil pan, can spill burning oil on a user, thereby increasing risk of secondary fires and exacerbating situation.

[0003] Further, usage of complex phosphate and sulfate salts, such as ammonium phosphate or sodium phosphate. While the complex phosphate and the sulfate salts are effective in suppressing the fire, they often require addition of surfactants, film-forming agents, and foaming agents to enhance performance. These additional surfactants and the film-forming agents can raise complexity, cost of formulation and may also pose environmental and health hazards.

[0004] Usage of complex preservatives (For example, isothiazolones), few of which have known environmental and health concerns for long shelf life and to prevent microbial growth.

[0005] The usage of significant amounts of phosphate salts (20-50%) and sulphate salts (2.5-15%), requires additional components for solubility, therebyincreasing chemical hazards. The usage of components such as ammonium phosphates and fluorosurfactants may not be environmentally benign.

[0006] Further, traditional methods focus on foam-forming agents and surfactants, including fluorinated ones, for fire suppression that increases health risks.

[0007] Hence, there is a need for an improved pan fire suppression which addresses the aforementioned issue(s).OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An objective of the invention is to extinguish fire in an oil pan when occurred by deploying a sachet in the oil pan wherein the sachet includes a composition of 35 - 60 percent of potassium acetate, 2-12 percent of potassium citrate, 0-0.5 percent of acticide, and 30-70 percent of water, thereby reducing risk of oil splatter by suppressing the fire immediately, and enhances user safety in kitchen environment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a composition for pan fire suppression is provided. The composition includes one or more chemicals adapted to suppress pan fire, wherein the one or more chemicals includes 35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate, 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate, 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide, 30-70 percent by weight of water, wherein, the composition is a fire suppressant liquid adapted to extinguish fire when deployed in an oil pan by a user.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for using a composition for pan fire suppression is provided. The method includes dropping a sachet into a burning oil pan by a user when an oil pan fire ignites. The method also includes releasing the composition from the sachet automatically into the burning oil pan when the sachet encounters fire, wherein the composition includes35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate, 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate, 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide, and 30-70 percent by weight of water. Further, the method includes extinguishing the fire upon cooling the burning oil.

[0011] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a composition for pan fire suppression in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for using a composition for pan fire suppression in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0017] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

[0019] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to a composition for pan fire suppression. The composition includes one or more chemicals adapted to suppress pan fire. The one or more chemicals includes 35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate, 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate, 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide, 30-70 percent by weight of water, wherein, the composition is a fire suppressant liquid adapted to extinguish fire when deployed in an oil pan by a user.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram representation of a composition for pan fire suppression in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The composition (100) includes one or more chemicals adapted to suppress pan fire. The pan fire is a fire that occurs in a cooking pan, typically due to overheating of oil or grease. The pan fire can be extremely hazardous because they frequently spread quickly if not handled properly. The pan fire is a prevalent cause of kitchen fires and are often associated with deep frying or sauteing. The composition (100) is formulated to extinguish the pan fire. The composition (100) is a fire suppressant liquid adapted to extinguish the fire when deployed in an oil pan (160) by a user. Typically, the fire suppressant liquid is free from fluorinated surfactants, providing an eco-friendly and biodegradable fire extinguishing solution.

[0022] Further, the fire suppressant liquid achieves fire suppression through a synergistic interaction of the potassium acetate and the potassium citrate, producing a saponified barrier layer that prevents re-ignition and minimizes environmental hazards by eliminating fluorinated surfactants.

[0023] Typically, the composition (100) is stored in a sachet. In one embodiment, the composition (100) is stored in a bottle. The sachet can be deployed instantly, providing immediate suppression of the pan fire without needing to wait for sprinklersystems to activate. Further, the sachet is engineered to quench the pan fire without causing oil spillage, thereby significantly reducing risk of secondary fires that can result from displaced burning oil. Further, the composition (100) within the sachet is formulated to act quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the pan fire is controlled and extinguished in short possible time, minimizing damage and enhancing kitchen safety.

[0024] The one or more chemicals includes 35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate (120), 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate (130), 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide (140), and 30-70 percent by weight of water (150).

[0025] In one embodiment, the composition (100) of the one or more chemicals includes 52 percent by weight of potassium acetate (120), 7.7 percent by weight of potassium citrate (130), 0.3 percent of acticide (140) and 40 percent of water (150).

[0026] The potassium acetate (120) functions as a primary fire suppressant, providing fire-extinguishing properties due to its high thermal stability and rapid ability to disrupt combustion process.

[0027] Further, lower melting point of the potassium acetate (120) allows for rapid fire suppression at lower concentrations, while the potassium citrate (130) contributes to enhanced cooling of hot surfaces, improving overall fire containment. Furthermore, inclusion of the acticide (140), despite its minimal concentration, ensures that the fire suppressant liquid remains stable during extended storage, further enhancing the shelf life without introducing harmful chemicals.

[0028] The potassium citrate (130) works synergistically with the potassium acetate (120), enhancing dispersion of suppressant while stabilizing overall formulation for effective fire containment.

[0029] The acticide (140) is a preservative that prevents microbial contamination during storage, ensuring the long-term stability of the fire suppressant liquid. Further,the acticide (140) do not directly react in the fire suppression, but the acticide (140) (a biocide) maintains a microbial integrity of an aqueous solution, thereby preventing microbial contamination over extended storage periods, ensuring that the sachet remains effective without needing toxic preservatives. Though acticide (140) does not participate directly in the fire suppression, the acticide (140) presence extends the composition’s (100) usable life, guaranteeing reliability when needed.

[0030] Water (150) acts as a solvent and cooling agent, facilitating even distribution of active ingredients and aiding in the suppression of fire.

[0031] Typically, the composition (100) is stored in a sachet. The sachet is constructed using one or more layers for extended shelf-life. The one or more layers includes 12 polyethylene terephthalate - a first layer, 15 Nylon - a second layer, and 100 non-food grade white poly - a third layer. The one or more layers of the sachet is rigorously evaluated, passing a leak test at 100 Bar and demonstrating a burst pressure of 170 Bar. Typically, the one or more layers is adapted to create an effective barrier against moisture, ultraviolet light, and air, ensuring that the composition (100) remain intact and effective for a longer duration. Further, the one or more layers is adapted to provide resistance to burst pressure, prevents leakage, and ensures integrity of the fire suppressant liquid over extended storage periods.

[0032] The Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a type of plastic used for its durability, strength, and clarity. Further, the PET is known for its barrier properties against moisture and gases, making it an excellent material for storing the composition (100) of a package fresh.

[0033] The Nylon is a synthetic polymer and has a good chemical resistance utilized to withstand mechanical wear and tear.

[0034] Further, Non-Food Grade White Poly is a polyethylene (PE) or another type of polymer material that is non-food grade.

[0035] In an example, consider a scenario where user X is cooking, and notices a fire starting in a pan. As soon as the user X notices the pan fire (160), the user X drops the sachet into the pan. Upon contact with the fire or the burning oil, the sachet ruptures, releasing the fire suppressant liquid or the composition (100) including potassium acetate (120), potassium citrate (130), acticide (140) and water (150). The fire suppressant liquid immediately smoothens the pan fire (160) by cooling the burning oil and prevents re-ignition.

[0036] In one embodiment, the composition (100) achieved a cooling rate of 20°C / s, reduced the burning oil’s temperature from 300°C to below flash point in 5 seconds, outperforming phosphate-based formulations by 35%. Further, the saponification reaction is initiated in 2 seconds, forming a barrier with 95% surface coverage in 10 seconds. Gas chromatography confirmed an 85% reduction in flammable vapor concentration within 6 seconds, highlighting the composition's superior vapor suppression capabilities.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart representing the steps involved in a method for using a composition for pan fire suppression in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes dropping a sachet into a burning oil pan by a user when an oil pan fire ignites in step 210.

[0038] The method (200) also includes releasing the composition from the sachet automatically into the burning oil pan when the sachet encounters fire, wherein the composition includes 35-60 percent by weight of potassium acetate, 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate, 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide, 30-70 percent by weight of water in step 220. The sachet ruptures upon exposure to the fire due to a proprietary thermal stress mechanism, ensuring immediate dispersion of the suppressant composition.

[0039] Typically, combination and ratio of the composition tailored for oil pan fires.

[0040] Further, absence of phosphate, sulfate salts, and fluorinated surfactants in the composition for eco-friendliness.

[0041] Upon deploying the sachet into burning oil pan, water in the composition vaporizes due to high temperature (typically 300-350°C in oil fires). This phase change absorbs significant thermal energy, leading to rapid cooling of the fire zone.(AH - +2.26 MJ / kg)

[0042] Heat absorption rate (endothermic process) is directly proportional to surface area of water dispersion upon bursting. Water content in the composition ensures a cooling rate of 15-20°centigrade per second, bringing the burning oil's temperature below its flash point within 5-8 seconds.

[0043] Further, the potassium acetate when exposed to the fire, the potassium acetate (CH3COOK) decomposes as following:CH3COOK^CH3COO-+K+

[0044] The acetate ions (CH3COO) are adapted to disrupt fire combustion process by acting as radical scavengers that interferes with chain reactions necessary for the fire to sustain itself and the potassium ions (K+) are adapted to enhance firesuppressing effect by catalyzing breakdown of combustible materials at lower temperatures, preventing re-ignition. Released acetate ions interact with free radicals present in the fire (like OH* and H*), neutralizing. Neutralization prevents propagation of radicals that would otherwise maintain combustion, thus quelling the fire rapidly.C HsCOO^OH’^CHsCOOH+O

[0045] The potassium Citrate decomposes when exposed to heat and releases carbon dioxide, wherein the carbon dioxide acts as a cooling and an oxygen-displacing agent near the fire.KaCeHsOT^OK-H-CeHsChO-— >3CO2+other byproducts

[0046] The carbon dioxide reduces temperature around burning oil, bringing it below ignition temperature of the burning oil, thereby preventing the fire from reigniting and release of carbon dioxide displaces oxygen near the fire, reducing its availability for combustion.

[0047] The Carbon dioxide release begins at 280°C and peaks at 320°C, with a release rate of 0.5-1.0 mL / s per gram of the potassium citrate. This provides dual functionality: oxygen displacement and temperature reduction.

[0048] Further, the potassium acetate and the potassium Citrate interacts with fatty acids in the burning oil, the potassium acetate and the potassium Citrate undergo saponification to produce potassium salts of the fatty acids and creates a barrier over surface of the burning oil, that prevents oxygen supply to flames and restricts release of flammable vapors. Typically, the saponification is a key mechanism to extinguish oil-based fires and prevent re-ignition.R-COOH + CH3COOK R-COOK + H2O

[0049] The above-mentioned reaction begins within 2 seconds of contact with the burning oil. Due to the low melting point and high reactivity of the potassium acetate, the reaction proceeds faster than formulations using phosphate salts, achieving complete surface coverage within 10 seconds.

[0050] The acetate ions released from the Potassium acetate act as radical scavengers, neutralizing free radicals (e.g., OH- and H ) required for sustaining the combustion chain reaction.CH3COO’ + OH \cdotp CH3COOH + O’

[0051] Radical suppression occurs instantly (<1 second) upon ion release. This rapid disruption halts combustion far more efficiently than phosphate or sulfate-based systems.

[0052] Further, the method (200) includes extinguishing the fire upon cooling the burning oil in step 230.

[0053] Various embodiments of the composition (100) for pan fire suppression and a method thereof as described above provides several advantages by utilizing potassium Acetate (120), Potassium Citrate (130) as the primary fire-suppressing agents, along with acticide (140) for preservation and Water (150) as a solvent, thereby providing effective fire suppression with fewer chemicals, making it more environmentally friendly and easier to produce. Further, the composition (100) avoids fluorinated surfactants (like PFOS, PFOA) that are environmentally harmful and persistent, thereby offering a safer alternative, aligning with modern regulatory trends and environmental concerns. The composition (100) includes acticide (140), a biocide, ensuring long shelf life and preventing microbial growth in the sachet to provide efficient preservation with a minimal chemical load, making it more consumer friendly. Further, the composition (100) eliminates need of phosphate and sulphate salts that simplifies production and reduces potential chemical hazards. Furthermore, a broader water concentration range provides better versatility and adaptability for different production needs and fire scenarios. Moreover, the composition (100) eliminates need for foaming agents and surfactants simplifies the composition (100), making it more cost-effective and reducing health risks from chemical exposure. Moreover, the composition (100) provides superior performance in specific scenarios of kitchen fires, offering better results for domestic use. Additionally, advantages of the sachet’s construction includes, but is not limited to the following:• Extended Shelf Life: The one or more layers construction (polyethylene terephthalate, Nylon, non-food grade white poly Poly) creates an effective barrier against moisture, ultraviolet light, and air, ensuring that the firesuppressing chemicals remain intact and effective for a longer duration.• Pressure Resistance: Testing for leakage and burst resistance shows that the sachet can manage high-pressure environments without compromising its integrity. This could be important in scenarios where the sachet is stored in a hot or pressurized environments, such as kitchens.• Enhanced Safety: The ability to resist bursting even under high pressure makes the product safer to store and use, especially in homes where improper handling or accidental exposure to pressure could otherwise cause damage or failure.

[0054] Further, the advantage of the composition (100) includes, but is not limited to the following:• Faster Suppression: Combined cooling, saponification, and radical suppression reduce fire extinguishing time by 30-40%compared to traditional methods.• Environmental Safety: Free from harmful fluorinated compounds, phosphate, or sulfate salts.• Improved Efficiency: Rapid saponification and cooling ensure superior fire suppression, minimizing damage and risk of re-ignition.

[0055] Furthermore, environmental Benefits of the composition (100) includes, but is not limited to the following:Eco-friendliness: Absence of harmful fluorinated compounds.Health and Safety: Avoidance of toxic surfactants or additives.Cost-Effectiveness: Simplified production with minimal components.

[0056] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0057] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0058] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, the order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

CLEAN COPY Ref. no: 2414701IN-WS (202421100143)WE CLAIM:

1. A composition (100) for pan fire suppression comprising : characterized in that, the composition comprises:35-57.5 percent by weight of potassium acetate (120), 2-12 percent by weight of potassium citrate (130), 0-0.5 percent by weight of acticide (140), 30-70 percent by weight of water (150), wherein, the composition (100) is a fire suppressant liquid adapted to extinguish fire when deployed in an oil pan (160) by a user.

2. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the potassium acetate (120) and the potassium citrate (130) are fire-suppressing agents, and acticide (140) is as a preservative to ensure stability and shelf-life of the composition (100).

3. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fire suppressant liquid is free from fluorinated surfactants, providing an eco-friendly and biodegradable fire extinguishing solution.

4. A sachet to store the composition (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sachet is constructed using three layers for extended shelflife, wherein the thre e layers comprises a fi rst l ay er of 12 polyethylene terephthalate, a s e co n d l ay er o f 15 Nylon, and a third layer 100 non-food grade white poly,CLEAN COPY Ref. no: 2414701IN-WS (202421100143) wherein the layers is adapted to provide resistance to burst pressure, prevents leakage, and ensures integrity of the fire suppressant liquid over extended storage periods.

5. The sachet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the layers is adapted to create an effective barrier against moisture, UV light, and air, ensuring that the composition (100) remains intact and effective for a longer duration.

6. The composition (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the fire suppressant liquid achieves fire suppression through a synergistic interaction of the potassium acetate and the potassium citrate, producing a saponified barrier layer that prevents re-ignition and minimizes environmental hazards by eliminating fluorinated surfactants.Dated this 17th day of December 2024SignatureManish KumarPatent Agent (IN / PA-5059)Agent for the Applicant

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