Salt-Based Fire Extinguishing Composition for Rapid Low-Volume Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire extinguishing compositions are inefficient in rapidly extinguishing fires, often requiring large volumes and can exacerbate fires if used incorrectly, leading to property damage and injury.

Innovation Solution

A fire extinguishing composition comprising water, a fire extinguishing salt (phosphate and sulphate salts), and a film forming agent (fluorinated surfactant) that can be used to rapidly extinguish various types of fires with a low quantity, including electrical and oil-based fires, without exacerbating them.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional fire extinguishing compositions are used, then fires can be extinguished, but large volumes are required and extinguishment is not rapid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishment speedVSAvoidvolume of extinguishing composition required
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the extinguishing composition by using a specific salt mixture (ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulphate, potassium phosphate, potassium sulphate) in optimized proportions. This chemical parameter change enables rapid fire extinguishment with reduced volume compared to conventional compositions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of multiple salt components working together. The synergistic combination of ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulphate, potassium phosphate, and potassium sulphate creates a more effective extinguishing agent that acts rapidly with smaller quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fire extinguishing compositions are used, then some fires can be extinguished, but they can only be used with fires of a certain type and may exacerbate the fire if used incorrectly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve适用范围 (applicability range)VSAvoidfire exacerbation risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal fire extinguishing composition that can be applied to multiple fire types (solid, liquid, and electrical fires) without causing harm. The salt-based composition is non-conductive and chemically stable, making it safe for electrical fires while remaining effective on traditional fuel fires.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses inorganic salt compounds that are inherently stable and non-reactive with most fuels. These materials do not undergo dangerous reactions with burning materials, eliminating the risk of exacerbating fires that plagues some conventional extinguishing agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If large volumes of fire extinguishing composition are used, then fires can be extinguished and heat reduced, but further damage to property occurs and injury may result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire extinguishment effectivenessVSAvoidproperty damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By optimizing the concentration and composition of salt components, the patent achieves high extinguishment effectiveness with minimal material usage. The refined parameter settings ensure rapid fire control without the need for excessive volumes that would cause water damage or property harm.

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 fires quickly and safely, including multiple fire sources, using a minimal amount, and adheres to safety standards for electrical fires.

Implementation Method 1

a film forming agent in an amount of from 0.05 to 5.0 % by weight, wherein the film forming agent comprises a fluorinated surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFilm forming:

Implementation Method 2

a fire extinguishing salt in an amount of ≥ 25.0 % by weight, wherein the fire extinguishing salt comprises a phosphate salt and a sulphate salt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal decomposition: Thermolysis

Data Source

PatentEP3870317B1Fire extinguishing composition
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 FIREXO COTM LTD

AI summary

A fire extinguishing composition is described. The fire extinguishing composition comprises water in an amount of ≤ 75.0 % by weight; a fire extinguishing salt in an amount of ≥ 15.0% by weight; and a film forming agent. Uses of the fire extinguishing composition and a fire extinguisher comprising the fire extinguishing composition are also described.