Fire extinguishing agent

Abstract

The invention relates to a fire extinguishing agent, which comprises 13-65% (by weight) of technical urea; 5-26% of a modified clay and up to 40% of at least one ammonium polyphosphate or ammonium sulfate; and heating to 130-240 DEG F, and cooling. It also optionally contains 15 to 45% of moisture. The fire extinguishing agent may also include a thickener, an emulsifier, a colorant, or propylene glycol. The fire extinguishing agent does not cause any harm to animals and plants because the product is completely harmless and is classified as a non-toxic product. The water-retaining agent does not cause any damage to an aquifer or underground water, and can be biodegraded within 30-60 days.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The field of the invention is fire extinguishing. The object of the invention is to provide a tool for extinguishing various types of fires and preventing their spread. It can be used for forest fires, structural fires and industrial fires because it is environmentally friendly, biodegradable and harmless. Background Art

[0002] When it comes to extinguishing a fire, there are many types of products that can be used. Most products work by ensuring that the reaction that causes a fire (fuel + heat + oxygen) is hindered by removing one of the essential elements (usually the oxygen in the environment). Flame retardants both remove oxygen and create a barrier that keeps the reactants (fuel and oxygen) separate. Some products work by reducing the temperature so that combustion cannot proceed.

[0003] Some products used for fire fighting are listed in documents No. ES2330354, No. US2009212251, No. WO2006052245 or No. GB1286071. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present invention is a powder, concentrate or foam chemical compound that is also easily soluble in water or similar polar liquids. Its main features are as follows

[0005] Delay, block and suppress fire.

[0006] Biodegradable.

[0007] Non-toxic, free of heavy metals and halogens. Can be used in ecologically sensitive environments.

[0008] Non-corrosive.

[0009] Free of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

[0010] When used, the product needs to be mixed with water or similar liquids. The product is easily soluble in water or other polar liquids and can be mixed and distributed by any known mechanical or manual method.

[0011] The main ingredients of the fire extinguisher are modified clay and the nitrogen compounds Technical Urea, ammonium sulfate and / or ammonium polyphosphate. Nitrogen compounds degrade at high temperatures, so the nitrogen will drive out oxygen from the ambient air, cooling the area. The clay and other ingredients will form a barrier to prevent further ignition. The reaction will also absorb heat, drastically reducing the temperature of the air. This three-pronged attack allows the product to not only suppress the fire, but also delay it.

[0012] When the extinguishing agent comes into contact with or interacts with the heat generated by the fire through radiation and convection, a chemical endothermic chain reaction is initiated, which first causes an increase in humidity and then rapidly releases an intense cold, thus breaking the fire cycle. This large amount of cold air emitted in the form of nitrogen (cold air) not only significantly reduces the temperature of the surrounding area, but also drives away most of the available oxygen, isolating the fuel and preventing the oxidation of the combustible material. This reaction is completely harmless to people, because the air we breathe is 78% nitrogen, and there will always be some residual oxygen in the affected area (allowing firefighters or people trapped in the fire to breathe easily). In this way, the three elements required for combustion (heat, oxygen and fuel) are separated. At this point, the fire will slowly go out and will not reignite.

[0013] The average temperature of a forest fire is generally about 1800°F, but in the area where the fire suppressant is applied and the surrounding area, the temperature will drop sharply to an average of 140°F, at which temperature the fire cannot continue to spread. At the same time, the presence of nitrogen as a low-temperature inert gas in the area prevents the fire from spreading beyond the application area. The product also prevents the fire from re-igniting after it is extinguished, because its effect on the treated vegetation will last at least 10-15 days as long as it does not rain. The fire suppressant reduces the ambient temperature, so walking in the area can be done as soon as possible after the fire.

[0014] The extinguishing agent does not pose any threat to plant or animal life, as the product is completely harmless and certified non-toxic. Firstly, it does not cause any damage to aquifers or groundwater and secondly, it is completely biodegradable. During this time, if it does not rain, the extinguishing agent will continue to protect the area from re-ignition for at least 15-20 days.

[0015] Because this fire extinguishing agent is non-corrosive to metals or other materials, it can be used in backpack water pumps, portable water pumps, sprinkler systems in homes or buildings, or it can be sprayed from the air using airplanes or helicopters, or sprayed using vehicles such as pickup trucks.

[0016] In structural or urban fires, as well as fires on ships and aircraft, the fire brigade is greatly benefited by the tremendous cooling effect that the extinguishing agent creates in the application area after it comes into contact with the fire. When firefighters begin to spray the extinguishing agent on the fire, the extinguishing agent begins to emit an intense cold gas, which reduces the high ambient temperature in the area, allowing the ground team to quickly and safely enter the affected area and more effectively extinguish the flames directly.

[0017] There are two main benefits of using this product in buildings. First, the fire is extinguished faster, and second, the need for water is reduced, as water is only the medium used to apply the product, which reduces water damage to the building. Therefore, the fire extinguishing time can be shortened by about two-thirds compared to using water alone.

[0018] On ships and aircraft, the cooling properties of the extinguishing agent also provide huge benefits. It can put out the fire faster, saving ships and lives. In addition, the extinguishing agent will not react adversely with oil or other fuel fires. Foam-based extinguishing agents are very effective on these fires.

[0019] Although it is recommended that this product be mixed with fresh water, it may also be mixed with sea water in the case of ships, seaplanes or structures close to the seashore.

[0020] Since it is non-corrosive, it can be used on any metal surface. However, it is more convenient to clean the affected area with pressurized water.

[0021] Fire extinguishing agents are not recommended for use on electrical fires. Although the fire extinguishing agent may extinguish an electrical fire, the conductive affected area will become wetted by the water in which the fire extinguishing agent is diluted, and people in the area are at risk of electric shock.

[0022] In an emergency, the extinguishing agent can be sprayed on any person in actual danger to save their life.

[0023] In forest fires, due to the vast terrain, it is recommended to use an indirect attack method, safely applying the product before the wildfire spreads, to create a firewall that extinguishes the wildfire when it reaches the application area and allows firefighters to safely and effectively follow up with a direct attack if necessary. Safe use is a very important factor, as firefighters can fight the fire from a distance without endangering their lives. The possibility of direct attack is particularly useful to protect specific areas or human lives.

[0024] Depending on climate, topography and vegetation type (density, type, characteristics, etc.), the extinguishing agent may be applied from the land or air, as a direct or indirect attack, or as a fire wall approximately 15-50 ft wide. Vegetation within the application area must be completely treated so that the entire area is wetted.

[0025] The product is applied using existing firefighting equipment commonly used.

[0026] When applied on land, a backpack pump, portable pump, motor pump or truck with a tank and pump is generally used, with a hose or any other device to spray or apply the product. The product cannot be applied with fumigation equipment because the applicator opening is small and the product particles cannot all pass through.

[0027] The agent can be dropped from any aircraft, drone or helicopter normally used for firefighting, or from any other aircraft modified for this purpose. The agent is dropped in a continuous and overlapping manner until the firewall area is treated before the fire breaks out. The aerial application technique is the same as for existing fire retardants.

[0028] If an individual or business wishes to use the product to protect their property, they can use a hose, a home outdoor irrigation sprinkler system, or a specialized sprinkler system for firefighting. A tank can be added to the system, which contains a certain amount of concentrated product, which is added to the water before spraying at a predetermined time and dosage. Other techniques can also be used if the fire extinguishing agent is in powder form.

[0029] For structural or urban fires, industrial fires, and marine fires, the extinguishing agent can be applied in one of two ways. First, through an existing sprinkler system, using a venturi injector or other proportioning system to automatically add the extinguishing agent. Second, directly at the source of the fire. Firefighters use hoses, backpack pumps, or other types of extinguisher injectors to spray the product directly onto the source of the fire. This will produce an almost instantaneous reaction, and the extinguishing agent will begin to release extremely cold gases in the application area, which in turn reduces the ambient temperature and allows firefighters to pass through the affected area more quickly. In the case of aircraft fires, the extinguishing agent is sprayed from a truck equipped with a pump and hose. Foam extinguishing agents are often used for this type of fire.

[0030] For fuel fires, foam is recommended.

[0031] The basic components are:

[0032] Water 15-45% (by weight), but it can also be sold or stored without adding water;

[0033] Technical urea 13-65%;

[0034] Modified clay (natural clay, converted clay, micronized clay or nanoparticle clay) 5-26%. The clay used to make the fire extinguishing agent is a modified native clay, usually of the kaolin class (kaolin, bentonite, sepiolite, etc.), which has been converted or micronized. Other clays with nanoparticles between 1 nanometer and 100 nanometers can also be used. The particle size is not critical.

[0035] One or both of ammonium polyphosphate and / or ammonium sulfate, up to 40%.

[0036] Clay enhances the structure and density of the product. It also protects the material by absorbing heat and reducing the escape of nitrogen and ash. It forms a protective layer on the surface of vegetation.

[0037] The remainder of the extinguishing agent consists of one or more of the following compounds in such a manner as to reach 100% by mass:

[0038] Thickener (Guar Gum...) 0-10%. Mainly used for products that require higher viscosity, usually for air applications.

[0039] pH adjuster 0-10%. The pH should be maintained between 6-7. For example, phosphoric acid, acetic acid or ascorbic acid.

[0040] Polypropylene glycol 0-15%. It protects the material from extreme heat, helps the product adhere to the surface of the application area, and keeps all the components of the formula together

[0041] Emulsifier 0-15%. Usually cellulose based.

[0042] Colorant 0-15%. Pigment depends on the desired color. An example would be "red fugitive".

[0043] During the manufacturing process, the fire extinguishing agent is heated to 130-240°F (54-115°C) and then cooled. This allows the material to be used and stored as intended.

[0044] Depending on the type of product, color or pigment may be added for commercial reasons. For example, in forest fires, red may be added to the product so that the product can be clearly identified from the air. For other fires, the product remains conventional white. Other colors may be added depending on the commercial needs of different industries. Adding color does not affect the quality or effectiveness of the product.

[0045] The extinguishing agent is initially in the form of white powder, milky white liquid or foam. The color can be changed with pigments. The density of the ready-to-use product is usually 0.8-1.1g / cm 3 It can be sold in the market in the form of concentrated liquid. The density of the concentrated liquid is usually 1.4g / cm 3 , viscosity equal to or greater than 200cps, pH 6-7. Foam-type products are also available in the market, mainly for fuel fires.

[0046] Formulation of the product will be between 17-25% solution by weight when in powder form, or 10-20% solution by volume when in concentrate form.

[0047] Fire extinguishers can be used on forest fires, structural fires, ship and aircraft fires, and fuel fires. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Example-1. The powder fire extinguishing agent according to the present invention is made of the following materials:

[0049] Technical urea: 17%

[0050] Kaolin: 5%

[0051] Ammonium polyphosphate 25% / ammonium sulfate 13%

[0052] Guar gum: 10%

[0053] Alkyl sulfonic acid: 3%

[0054] Polypropylene glycol: 8%

[0055] Cellulose emulsifier: 7%

[0056] Faded Red Dye: 12%

[0057] Example-2

[0058] The second example of fire extinguishing agent is made of the following materials: Technical urea: 13% Kaolin: 13%

[0059] Ammonium polyphosphate: 12% Guar gum: 19%

[0060] Ascorbic acid: 11% Polypropylene glycol: 13% Cellulose emulsifier: 9% Fading red dye: 10%.

Claims

1. A fire extinguishing agent, comprising Technical urea 13-65% (by weight); Modified clay 5-26%; and At least one of ammonium polyphosphate or ammonium sulfate, with a content not exceeding 40%; The fire extinguishing agent is heated to 130 to 240°F and cooled.

2. The fire extinguishing agent according to claim 1, further comprising 15-45% of water.

3. The fire extinguishing agent according to claim 2, further comprising 0-10% of a thickener.

4. The fire extinguishing agent according to claim 2, further comprising 0-15% of an emulsifier.

5. The fire extinguishing agent according to claim 1, further comprising no more than 15% of a colorant.

6. The fire extinguishing agent according to claim 1, further comprising no more than 15% of polypropylene glycol.