Dry Powder Fire Suppressant for Flammable Liquid Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire extinguishing compositions and methods are inadequate for quickly and safely extinguishing flammable liquid fires without causing environmental harm or risking firefighter safety, and they fail to effectively absorb remaining flammable liquids post-extinguishment.

Innovation Solution

A new environmentally-clean dry powder composition comprising tripotassium citrate (TPC) with a minor amount of a powder fluidizing agent and optionally a surfactant, applied as fine particles to form anhydrous semi-crystalline films on flammable hydrocarbon liquids, interrupting combustion and absorbing excess liquid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fire extinguishing compositions are used to extinguish flammable liquid fires, then fire suppression can be achieved, but environmental harm is caused and firefighter safety is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire extinguishing effectivenessVSAvoidenvironmental harm and firefighter safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using tripotassium citrate instead of conventional phosphate-based extinguishing agents. This parameter change eliminates harmful environmental effects while maintaining fire suppression capability through different chemical mechanisms that interrupt combustion without creating harmful byproducts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite dry powder composition combining tripotassium citrate with specific fluidizing agents and surfactants. This composite material structure enables effective fire extinguishing while the natural citrate-based composition ensures environmental cleanliness and safety, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and harmlessness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If existing fire extinguishing methods are applied to flammable liquid fires, then combustion can be suppressed, but remaining flammable liquids are not effectively absorbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecombustion suppressionVSAvoidliquid absorption capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges fire extinguishing functionality with liquid absorption capability into a single dry powder composition. The tripotassium citrate base material simultaneously suppresses combustion and absorbs flammable liquids through its porous structure and chemical affinity, eliminating the need for separate absorption materials and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The dry powder composition is designed to perform multiple functions: fire suppression through combustion interruption and liquid absorption through capillary action and chemical affinity. This multi-functionality allows a single application to both extinguish fire and clean up remaining liquids, addressing the productivity issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional extinguishing compositions are used, then fire can be extinguished, but the compositions are not environmentally clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire extinguishing capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention fundamentally changes the chemical composition from conventional phosphate-based formulas to tripotassium citrate-based formulas. This parameter change maintains fire extinguishing capability while eliminating harmful environmental factors such as phosphoric acid residues and other polluting byproducts, achieving environmentally clean fire suppression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The composition effectively extinguishes flammable liquid fires by interrupting combustion and absorbs remaining liquids, providing a safer and more efficient fire suppression response on various surfaces and water bodies.

Implementation Method 1

form anhydrous semi-crystalline films on flammable hydrocarbon liquids, interrupting combustion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrystallisation: Crystallisation

Implementation Method 2

absorbing excess liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

absorbing excess liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 4

powder fluidizing agent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluidisation: Fluidisation

Data Source

PatentUS12599797B2Environmentally-clean fire inhibiting and extinguishing compositions and products for sorbing flammable liquids while inhibiting ignition and extinguishing fire

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 MIGHTY FIRE BREAKER LLC

AI summary

Environmentally-clean fire inhibiting and extinguishing dry powder compositions and products for sorbing flammable liquids while inhibiting ignition and extinguishing fire involving flammable hydrocarbon liquids such as, oils, fuels and non-polar solvents such as ketones and alcohols. The dry powder chemical compositions are made by mixing, blending and milling to suitable powder particle sizes, the following components: a fire extinguishing agent in the form of at least one alkali metal salt of a nonpolymeric saturated carboxylic acid; a powder fluidizing agent to help provide the dry powder composition with excellent fluid flow characteristics; and an oleophilic/hydrophobic composition for absorbing liquid hydrocarbons, while repelling water.