Flame Retardant Composition for Aerial Fire Fighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flame retardant compositions used in aerial fire fighting lack efficacy and pose environmental concerns due to corrosion inhibitors like ferric ferrocyanide and urea, necessitating the development of more effective and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Innovation Solution
A flame retardant composition comprising a combination of liquid ammonium polyphosphate with short chain length and ammonium polyphosphate in powder form, along with a zinc phosphate salt as a corrosion inhibitor, which enhances phosphorous content and reduces corrosive action on aircraft components while maintaining environmental safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional corrosion inhibitors like ferric ferrocyanide and urea are used in flame retardant compositions, then corrosion protection is provided, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional corrosion inhibitors with zinc phosphate salt, changing the chemical composition parameters to achieve both corrosion protection and environmental compatibility. This substitution maintains the protective function while eliminating the harmful environmental effects of ferric ferrocyanide and urea.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses zinc phosphate salt as a more environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to persistent harmful chemicals. This approach prioritizes environmental sustainability over long-term chemical stability, accepting that the corrosion inhibitor will degrade but providing adequate protection during the service life of aircraft components.
2Quantity of substance
If liquid ammonium polyphosphate with short chain length is used, then phosphorous content increases, but viscosity and handling difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines liquid ammonium polyphosphate with short chain length (n=1-5) and ammonium polyphosphate in powder form (n=900-1500) to achieve optimal phosphorous content while maintaining manageable viscosity. The combination allows the liquid component to provide high phosphorous content and the powder component to act as a viscosity modifier and suspension medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite flame retardant composition by combining two forms of ammonium polyphosphate (liquid and powder) with different chain lengths. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from both the high phosphorous content of the liquid form and the viscosity control of the powder form, achieving a balance between efficacy and handling properties.
3Quantity of substance
If ammonium polyphosphate in powder form is added to increase phosphorous content, then fire retardant efficacy improves, but suspension stability and viscosity control become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses liquid ammonium polyphosphate as an intermediary medium to suspend and distribute ammonium polyphosphate powder particles. The liquid component acts as a carrier that prevents powder aggregation and settling, maintaining homogeneous suspension while delivering the desired phosphorous content and fire retardant efficacy.
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 significantly improves fire retardant efficacy and corrosion inhibition, as demonstrated by reduced weight loss in fuel treated areas and minimal corrosion on metal alloys, showcasing enhanced performance and environmental sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the flame retardant composition comprises at least one metal salt of the orthophosphoric acid as corrosion inhibitor for alloys of aluminium, steel, bronze and magnesium, wherein said metal salt is a zinc phosphate salt
Implementation Method 2
the liquid ammonium polyphosphate has a chain length with a value of n comprised between 1 and 5, the ammonium polyphosphate in powder form has a chain length with a value of n comprised between 900 and 1500, n being the number of condensation groups
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flame retardant composition, particularly designed for fire fighting with aerial means. The retardant composition comprises a liquid ammonium polyphosphate of chain length with a value of n between 2 and 3, n being the number of condensation groups, and an ammonium polyphosphate in powder form in suspension, with a chain length with a value of n between 100 and 1500. In addition to the above, the flame retardant composition comprises corrosion inhibitors, in particular zinc orthophosphate dihydrate, and at least one surfactant agent as wetting agent or dispensing agent, an organic or inorganic thickening agent and at least one colouring agent.