Fire Retardant Composition for Chemical Firebreaks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firefighting technologies are inadequate for effectively blocking and extinguishing large-scale forest fires, as they often release toxic gases, are not environmentally friendly, and fail to create a chemical firebreak, leading to incomplete fire suppression and re-ignition risks.
Innovation Solution
A liquid suspension composition comprising urea, ammonium sulfate, kaolin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polypropylene glycol, and dicyandiamide, which is easily dispersible in water, stable over long periods, and non-toxic, generating non-combustible gases that displace oxygen and reduce heat, effectively blocking fire progression without harming the environment or releasing hazardous substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional firefighting technologies are used, then fire suppression is achieved, but toxic gases are released and environmental harm occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the firefighting agent by using specific ratios of ammonium sulfate (20-40%), urea (20-40%), and dicyandiamide (10-30%) to generate non-toxic combustion products while maintaining effective fire suppression
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite chemical formulation combining multiple nitrogen-containing compounds (ammonium sulfate, urea, dicyandiamide) that work synergistically to produce non-combustible gases and water, eliminating toxic emissions while maintaining fire blocking capability
2Productivity
If physical firebreak methods are used, then fire spread is blocked, but large areas require clearance and time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical physical firebreak methods (clearing vegetation, creating barriers) with a chemical solution that is sprayed onto the forest floor, rapidly forming a fire-blocking layer without requiring manual or mechanical removal of organic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the state of the firebreak from physical (requiring material removal) to chemical (forming through decomposition reactions), enabling rapid application and immediate fire-blocking action across large areas
3Reliability
If existing chemical fire retardants are applied, then fire spread is reduced, but they do not create a persistent chemical firebreak and re-ignition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous fire-blocking action by using nitrogen-containing compounds that decompose over time to continuously generate non-combustible gases and water, maintaining the firebreak effect throughout the drying process and preventing re-ignition
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite chemical system where ammonium sulfate, urea, and dicyandiamide work together to provide sustained fire suppression through sequential decomposition reactions, ensuring long-lasting protection against fire spread and re-ignition
4Reliability
If high concentration of fire retardant is used, then fire blocking effectiveness is improved, but product cost and environmental load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters by formulating the fire retardant with specific ratios of active ingredients (ammonium sulfate 20-40%, urea 20-40%, dicyandiamide 10-30%) that maximize fire-blocking effectiveness while minimizing the total quantity of substance required and environmental impact
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 creates a persistent chemical firebreak that completely inhibits fire spread, even in wet conditions, and remains effective for an extended period after application, reducing the risk of re-ignition and environmental contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking mechanism is due both to the local displacement of oxygen from the air in contact with fuel substrate, and to the removal of heat by evaporation of water and adiabatic expansion of the formed gases
Implementation Method 2
removal of heat by evaporation of water and adiabatic expansion of the formed gases
Implementation Method 3
A liquid suspension composition comprising urea, ammonium sulfate, kaolin, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, polypropylene glycol, and dicyandiamide, which is easily dispersible in water
Implementation Method 4
removal of heat by evaporation of water and adiabatic expansion of the formed gases
Data Source
AI summary
The invention refers to a flame-retarding and flame-blocking agent in the form of a liquid suspension that efficiently slows down the progress of fire and at the same time, blocks forest fires, acting as a chemical firebreak and as a fire extinguisher, as well as to a method of making the suspension. The application process comprises spraying the diluted aqueous suspension/solution of the invention on a strip of land, forest, or silviculture, without harming the environment, animals, agricultural products, and humans. The product acts for a long time after application, is stable for storage, effective regardless of the water used for dilution, easily dispersible in water, biodegradable without containing toxic products or releasing highly toxic gases, and free of heavy metals. The product has a synergistic action between its components, and it is intended to save lives, natural resources and heritage.