Fluorine-Free Fire Extinguishing Composition With Stable Foaming
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) compositions rely heavily on fluorine-based surfactants, which are being phased out due to environmental concerns, necessitating the development of alternative fire extinguishing compositions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formulation of a fire extinguishing composition using potassium acetate, potassium formate, a biocide, a bio-surfactant, and a chelating agent, such as alkyl diamine tetraacetic acid, to create a stable, fluorosurfactant-free aqueous solution with a pH of 7-8, enhancing foaming behavior and maintaining stability at low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluorine-based surfactants are used in AFFF compositions, then fire extinguishing performance is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing fluorine-based surfactants with alternative surfactant systems comprising bio-surfactants and conventional surfactants in specific ratios, while adjusting the presence of fluorinated compounds to achieve both fire suppression effectiveness and environmental compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite surfactant system combining multiple types of surfactants (bio-surfactants, conventional surfactants, and controlled amounts of fluorinated surfactants) to achieve synergistic effects that maintain fire extinguishing performance while reducing environmental harm through the bio-based components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fluorine-based surfactants are eliminated from AFFF compositions, then environmental friendliness is improved, but fire extinguishing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration ratios of alternative surfactants to replace fluorinated surfactants, adjusting the formulation parameters to achieve the necessary surface tension reduction and foam formation characteristics for effective fire suppression without relying on fluorine-based compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces bio-surfactants as intermediary substances that bridge the gap between conventional surfactants and fluorinated surfactants, providing the necessary interfacial activity and foam stabilization properties while maintaining environmental compatibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative surfactants are used to replace fluorosurfactants, then environmental compatibility is improved, but formulation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific concentration ranges and ratio parameters for the alternative surfactant components, simplifying the formulation process by defining clear compositional guidelines for achieving effective fire suppression with environmentally compatible ingredients
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 achieves effective fire extinguishing performance without fluorosurfactants, maintaining stability and foaming capability, while being environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a bio-surfactant
Implementation Method 2
adding a chelating agent to the transparent third aqueous solution and mixing to form a transparent fourth aqueous solution
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a fire extinguishing composition comprises: forming a first aqueous solution of potassium acetate, potassium formate, or a combination thereof; forming a second aqueous solution comprising a biocide, a bio-surfactant and an optional corrosion inhibitor; combining the first aqueous solution with the second aqueous solution to form a third aqueous solution and mixing until the third aqueous solution is transparent; adding a chelating agent to the transparent third aqueous solution and mixing to form a transparent fourth aqueous solution. A fire extinguishing composition made by the method is also disclosed.