EP0752900A1 - Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions - Google Patents

Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions

Info

Publication number
EP0752900A1
EP0752900A1 EP95913781A EP95913781A EP0752900A1 EP 0752900 A1 EP0752900 A1 EP 0752900A1 EP 95913781 A EP95913781 A EP 95913781A EP 95913781 A EP95913781 A EP 95913781A EP 0752900 A1 EP0752900 A1 EP 0752900A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fire
extinguishing
composition
compositions
acid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95913781A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Mark L. Robin
Yuichi Iikubo
Mark A. Sweval
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Great Lakes Chemical Corp
Original Assignee
Great Lakes Chemical Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Great Lakes Chemical Corp filed Critical Great Lakes Chemical Corp
Publication of EP0752900A1 publication Critical patent/EP0752900A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C99/00—Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • A62C99/0009—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames
    • A62C99/0018—Methods of extinguishing or preventing the spread of fire by cooling down or suffocating the flames using gases or vapours that do not support combustion, e.g. steam, carbon dioxide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62D—CHEMICAL MEANS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES OR FOR COMBATING OR PROTECTING AGAINST HARMFUL CHEMICAL AGENTS; CHEMICAL MATERIALS FOR USE IN BREATHING APPARATUS
    • A62D1/00—Fire-extinguishing compositions; Use of chemical substances in extinguishing fires
    • A62D1/0028—Liquid extinguishing substances
    • A62D1/0057—Polyhaloalkanes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of fire extinguishing compositions and methods, and particularly to compositions and methods employing compositions comprised of hydrofluorocarbons and acid scavenging additives.
  • bromine-containing compounds are effective fire fighting agents, those agents containing bromine or chlorine are asserted to be capable of the destruction of the earth's protective ozone layer.
  • Halon 1301 has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of 10
  • Halon 1211 has an ODP of 3.
  • hydrofluorocarbons as extinguishing agents has been proposed only recently, for example as described in U.S. Patent 5,124,053 to Iikubo and Robin. Since the hydro luorocarbons do not contain bromine or chlorine, the compounds have no effect on the stratospheric ozone layer and their ODP is zero. It has been discovered that certain of these compounds, especially those with a higher ratio of hydrogen to fluorine in the molecule, can decompose to some extent in a fire, producing hydrogen fluoride, HF, which is potentially damaging to personnel and equipment if formed in large quantities.
  • a method of extinguishing a fire that comprises introducing to the fire a fire extinguishing concentration of an extinguishant composition comprising, and preferably consisting essentially of, a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive, and maintaining the concentration of the composition until the fire is extinguished.
  • Fire extinguishing compositions comprising, or consisting essentially of, a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive are also provided.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide fire extinguishing compositions comprising blends of hydrofluorocarbons and acid-scavenging additives, which blends are effective and safe in use.
  • a further object of the present invention is to provide fire extinguishing compositions which produce reduced amounts of decomposition products compared to other fire extinguishing agents when employed in the extinguishment of fires.
  • compositions comprising a hydrofluorocarbon in combination with an acid-scavenging additive provide particularly effective fire extingiiishants at concentrations safe for use. Because the compositions contain no bromine or chlorine, they have an ozone depletion potential of zero.
  • compositions produce less decomposition products than the hydrofluorocarbon analogs, and hence are of reduced toxicity with regard to use in a fire scenario.
  • the invention relates to methods for extinguishing fires which are improved by using these compositions as the fire extinguishing agents.
  • extinguishant compositions may preferably consist essentially of the hydro luorocarbon and the acid-scavenger(s) .
  • hydrofluorocarbons useful in accordance with the present invention include trifluoromethane (CF-H), pentafluoroethane (CF CF II) , 1, 1, 1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CF 3 CH 2 F) , 1,1, 1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF 3 CHFCF 2 H) , 1, 1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF CH CF ) , 1, 1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HCF 2 CF 2 CF 2 H) , 1,1, 1,2, 3,3, 3-heptafluoropropane (CF 3 CHFCF_) , 1,1, 1, 2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CF CF.CF H) , 1,1, 1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluorobutane (CF 3 CF 2 CF 2 CF 2 II) , 1, 1,1,2,3,4,4, -octafluorobutane
  • hydrofluorocarbons within the present invention are C 3 H 3 F 5 , C 4 I. 3 F 7 . 5 HF 3 F ⁇ , C ⁇ F ⁇ , C 5 H 3 F 9 , C 5 H 4 F B . and C ⁇ I ⁇ .
  • Specific terpenes useful in accordance with the present invention include citral, citronellal, limonene, dipentene, menthol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphor, vitamin A beta-carotene, and isopro ⁇ enyl-1-methylcyclohexene.
  • the terpenes preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
  • Specific unsaturated oils useful in accordance witli the present invention include oleic acid, linoleic acid, palinitoleic acid and vaccenic acid.
  • the unsaturated oils preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
  • alkali metal halides useful in accordance with the present invention include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and potassium bromide.
  • the alkali metal halides preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
  • a method for extinguishing fires which includes the use of a composition comprised of a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive as a fire ext nguishing agent.
  • the compositions may be applied in the variety of methods employed for other halogenated hydrocarbons, including application in a flooding system, portable system or specialized system.
  • the extinguishant is effective in low concentrations, and of course, at high concentrations as well.
  • the concentration employed may depend to some extent on the nature of the fire, the combusting material and tiie circumstances of application.
  • application rates preferably range from about 1% to about 25% v/v, and more preferably from about 2% and to about 15% v/v, of the hydrofluorocarbon component in the atmosphere.
  • the acid-scavenging additives comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
  • the relative amounts of the hydrofluorocarbon and the acid-scavenging additive are not critical, but rather are dictated by the characteristics desired for the overall composition. For example, in certain applications there may be a greater need for low toxicity, and in other instances, the emphasis may be on cleanliness of the extinguishment .
  • the methods for application of the described fire extinguishing compositions are those known to be useful for the Halon agents. In broad terms, these methods utilize application systems which typically include a supply of agent, a means for releasing or propelling the agent from its container, and one or more discharge nozzles to apply the agent into the hazard or directly onto the burning object.
  • the agents of this invention may be used in total flooding systems in which the agent is introduced into an enclosed region surrounding a fire at a concentration sufficient to extinguish the fire.
  • equipment or even rooms may be provided with a source of agent and appropriate piping, valves and controls so as to automatically and/or manually be introduced at appropriate concentrations in the event that fire should break out.
  • the fire extinguishant may be pressurized with nitrogen or other inert gas at up to about 600 psig at ambient conditions.
  • compositions of the invention may be applied to a fire through the use of conventional portable fire extinguishing equipment. It is usual to increase the pressure in portable fire extinguishers with nitrogen or other inert gases in order to ensure that the agent is completely expelled from the extinguisher. Systems in accordance witli this invention may be conveniently pressurized at any desirable pressure up to about 600 psig at ambient conditions.
  • EXAMPLE 1 A test facility with a total internal volume of 1440 cubic feet was constructed from 2x4 lumber and 3/4" plywood. The enclosure was equipped with two 3 foot by 3 foot windows and two standard doors located on opposite walls. The delivery system consisted of a standard Halon cylinder connected to 1" carbon steel pipe via a stainless steel flexhose, terminating in a standard Halon nozzle located 6 inches down from the center of the ceiling.
  • a large steel pan was filled with commercial n-heptane and placed in the center of the facility, and the n-heptane was then ignited. Thirty seconds after ignition, the doors to the enclosure were closed and the extinguishing agent released.
  • the enclosure atmosphere was sampled after extinguishment of the fire by pulling a sample of the post-extinguishment atmosphere through a buffer solution contained in a polypropylene bubbler equipped with a 70 micron porous polyethylene frit. Fluoride and HF concentrations were determined employing a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE).
  • the post-extinguishment atmosphere was sampled at two locations, one at a height of 6 feet and the second at a height of 2 feet, both sampling points located 2 feet diagonally out from the corner of the enclosure.
  • Example 2 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated employing G9 pounds of 1, 1, 1,2, 3,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane (CF CHFCF ) to which had been added 1.0 pounds of dipeutene (1.4 % by weight) . Analysis showed the concentration of HF to be 2403 ppm at the 6 foot location and 1202 ppm at the 2 foot location.
  • CF CHFCF 1, 1, 1,2, 3,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane
  • This example demonstrates the advantageous effect of the addition of a small amount of an acid-scavenging additive to the hydrofluorocarbon.
  • the amount of HF produced was reduced by 32% at the 6 foot location and by 38% at the 2 foot location.
  • Example 3 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated employing a small steel pan filled with n-heptane. Analysis of the post-extinguishment atmosphere showed a concentration of HF of 50 ppm at the 6 foot location and 11 ppm at the 2 foot location.
  • EXAMPLE 4 The procedure of Example 3 was repeated employing 69 pounds of 1, 1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CF-CHFCF..,) to which had been added 1.0 pounds of limonene (1.4 % by weight) . Following extinguishment of the fire, analysis showed the concentration of HF to be 32 ppm at the 6 foot location and 7 ppm at the 2 foot location.
  • CF-CHFCF.. 1, 1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane
  • This example demonstrates the advantageous effect of the addition of a small amount of an acid-scavenging additive to the hydrofluorocarbon.
  • the amount of HF produced was reduced by 36% at botli locations.
  • Desirable results are achieved for combinations of 90% to 99.9% by weight of the 1, 1, 1 , 2,3,3 , 3-heptafluoropropane and of 0.1% to 10.0% of the acid-scavenger.
  • suitable results are obtained for fire extinguishant compositions comprising blends of the foregoing ac d-scavengers and the various other hydrofluorocarbons defined herein, including for example, trifluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, 1,1,1, 2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,2,2,3, 3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluorobutane, 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluorobutane and 1, 1, 1, 1,3,3,

Abstract

Methods of extinguishing a fire with compositions which include a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive. The fire extinguishing compositions preferably include one or more hydrocarbons of the formula CxHyFz, where (y + z) = (2x + 2), and wherein y is less than or equal to x. The acid scavenging additive is preferably selected from the group consisting of terpenes, unsaturated oils, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, alkali metal halides and urea.

Description

OZONE FRIENDLY FIRE EXTINGUISHING METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of fire extinguishing compositions and methods, and particularly to compositions and methods employing compositions comprised of hydrofluorocarbons and acid scavenging additives.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The use of certain bromine-containing chemical agents for the extinguishment of fires is common. These agents are in general thouglit to be effective due to their interference with the normal chain reactions responsible for flame propagation. The most widely accepted mechanism for flame suppression is the radical trap mechanism proposed by Fryburg in Review of
Literature Pertinent to Fire Extinguishing Agents and to Basic Mechanisms Involved in Their Action. NACA-TN 2102 (1950). lb is generally accepted that compounds containing bromine act by interfering with free radical or ionic species in the flame; the presence of fluorine has not been considered as contributing to the fire extinguishing properties of a compound, but will impart stability, reduce toxicity and boiling point, and increase thermal stability.
Various halogenated hydrocarbons have been employed as fire extinguishants . Prior to 1945, three halogenated extinguishing agents widely used were carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and bro ochloromethane. For toxicological reasons, however, the use of these agents has been discontinued. The three fire extinguishing agents presently in common use are bromine-containing compounds, Halon 1301 (CF-Br), Halon 1211 (CF2BrCl) and Halon 2402 (BrCF„CF_Br) . The effectiveness of these three volatile bromine-containing compounds in extinguishing fires has been described in United States Patent No. 4,014,799, issued to Owens. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication, the Fire Protection Handbook, Section 18, Chapter 2, entitled "Halogenated Agents and Systems" (1985) describes these agents in more detail.
Although the above named bromine-containing compounds are effective fire fighting agents, those agents containing bromine or chlorine are asserted to be capable of the destruction of the earth's protective ozone layer. For example, Halon 1301 has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) rating of 10, and Halon 1211 has an ODP of 3. As a result of concerns over ozone depletion, the production and sale of these agents after January 1, 1994 is prohibited under international and United States policy.
The use of hydrofluorocarbons as extinguishing agents has been proposed only recently, for example as described in U.S. Patent 5,124,053 to Iikubo and Robin. Since the hydro luorocarbons do not contain bromine or chlorine, the compounds have no effect on the stratospheric ozone layer and their ODP is zero. It has been discovered that certain of these compounds, especially those with a higher ratio of hydrogen to fluorine in the molecule, can decompose to some extent in a fire, producing hydrogen fluoride, HF, which is potentially damaging to personnel and equipment if formed in large quantities.
It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a method for extinguishing fires as rapidly and effectively as the techniques employing presently employed fire extinguishing agents while avoiding the above-named drawbacks
It is a further object of this invention to provide an agent for use in a method of the character described that is efficient, economical and environmentally safe with regard to ozone depletion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly describing one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of extinguishing a fire that comprises introducing to the fire a fire extinguishing concentration of an extinguishant composition comprising, and preferably consisting essentially of, a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive, and maintaining the concentration of the composition until the fire is extinguished. Fire extinguishing compositions comprising, or consisting essentially of, a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive are also provided.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an effective method for extinguishing fires. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fire extinguishing method which utilizes particular combinations of hydro luorocarbons and acid-scavenging additives which are effective at non-toxic levels.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fire extinguishing method which employs compounds that are environmentally safe, having low ozone depletion potential and greenhouse warming effect.
A further object of the present invention is to provide fire extinguishing compositions comprising blends of hydrofluorocarbons and acid-scavenging additives, which blends are effective and safe in use.
A further object of the present invention is to provide fire extinguishing compositions which produce reduced amounts of decomposition products compared to other fire extinguishing agents when employed in the extinguishment of fires.
Further objects of the present invention will be apparent from the description which follows. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the invention and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations, further modi ications and applications of the principles of the invention as described herein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. In accordance with the present invention, it has been found that compositions comprising a hydrofluorocarbon in combination with an acid-scavenging additive provide particularly effective fire extingiiishants at concentrations safe for use. Because the compositions contain no bromine or chlorine, they have an ozone depletion potential of zero. In addition, the compositions produce less decomposition products than the hydrofluorocarbon analogs, and hence are of reduced toxicity with regard to use in a fire scenario. In a related aspect, the invention relates to methods for extinguishing fires which are improved by using these compositions as the fire extinguishing agents.
The invention is directed to a non-toxic fire extinguishant comprising in combination: (a) a hydrofluorocarbon of the formula CxHyFz , wherein (y+z) = (2x + 2), and wherein y x; and
(b) one or more substances selected from the group consisting of terpenes, unsaturated oils, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, alkali metal halides and urea. The extinguishant compositions may preferably consist essentially of the hydro luorocarbon and the acid-scavenger(s) . Specific hydrofluorocarbons useful in accordance with the present invention include trifluoromethane (CF-H), pentafluoroethane (CF CF II) , 1, 1, 1,2-tetrafluoroethane (CF3CH2F) , 1,1, 1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF2H) , 1, 1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane (CF CH CF ) , 1, 1,2,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane (HCF2CF2CF2H) , 1,1, 1,2, 3,3, 3-heptafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF_) , 1,1, 1, 2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CF CF.CF H) , 1,1, 1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluorobutane (CF3CF2CF2CF2II) , 1, 1,1,2,3,4,4, -octafluorobutane (CF3CHFCHFCF3) and 1, 1,1,3,3, 3-hexafluorobutane ( F_CH2CH2CF3) . Other hydrofluorocarbons within the present invention are C3H3F5, C4I.3F7. 5HF3Fπ, C^F^, C5H3F9, C5H4FB. and C^I^. Specific terpenes useful in accordance with the present invention include citral, citronellal, limonene, dipentene, menthol, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphor, vitamin A beta-carotene, and isoproρenyl-1-methylcyclohexene. The terpenes preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
Specific unsaturated oils useful in accordance witli the present invention include oleic acid, linoleic acid, palinitoleic acid and vaccenic acid. The unsaturated oils preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
Specific alkali metal halides useful in accordance with the present invention include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and potassium bromide. The alkali metal halides preferably comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the extinguishing composition.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for extinguishing fires which includes the use of a composition comprised of a hydrofluorocarbon and an acid-scavenging additive as a fire ext nguishing agent. The compositions may be applied in the variety of methods employed for other halogenated hydrocarbons, including application in a flooding system, portable system or specialized system. The extinguishant is effective in low concentrations, and of course, at high concentrations as well. The concentration employed may depend to some extent on the nature of the fire, the combusting material and tiie circumstances of application. Generally, application rates preferably range from about 1% to about 25% v/v, and more preferably from about 2% and to about 15% v/v, of the hydrofluorocarbon component in the atmosphere. The acid-scavenging additives comprise from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
The relative amounts of the hydrofluorocarbon and the acid-scavenging additive are not critical, but rather are dictated by the characteristics desired for the overall composition. For example, in certain applications there may be a greater need for low toxicity, and in other instances, the emphasis may be on cleanliness of the extinguishment . The methods for application of the described fire extinguishing compositions are those known to be useful for the Halon agents. In broad terms, these methods utilize application systems which typically include a supply of agent, a means for releasing or propelling the agent from its container, and one or more discharge nozzles to apply the agent into the hazard or directly onto the burning object. Thus, the agents of this invention may be used in total flooding systems in which the agent is introduced into an enclosed region surrounding a fire at a concentration sufficient to extinguish the fire. In accordance with a total flooding system, equipment or even rooms may be provided with a source of agent and appropriate piping, valves and controls so as to automatically and/or manually be introduced at appropriate concentrations in the event that fire should break out. As is known to those skilled in the art, the fire extinguishant may be pressurized with nitrogen or other inert gas at up to about 600 psig at ambient conditions.
Alternatively, the compositions of the invention may be applied to a fire through the use of conventional portable fire extinguishing equipment. It is usual to increase the pressure in portable fire extinguishers with nitrogen or other inert gases in order to ensure that the agent is completely expelled from the extinguisher. Systems in accordance witli this invention may be conveniently pressurized at any desirable pressure up to about 600 psig at ambient conditions.
The invention will be further described with reference to the following specific Examples. However, it will be understood that these Examples are illustrative and not restrictive in nature.
EXAMPLE 1 A test facility with a total internal volume of 1440 cubic feet was constructed from 2x4 lumber and 3/4" plywood. The enclosure was equipped with two 3 foot by 3 foot windows and two standard doors located on opposite walls. The delivery system consisted of a standard Halon cylinder connected to 1" carbon steel pipe via a stainless steel flexhose, terminating in a standard Halon nozzle located 6 inches down from the center of the ceiling.
A large steel pan was filled with commercial n-heptane and placed in the center of the facility, and the n-heptane was then ignited. Thirty seconds after ignition, the doors to the enclosure were closed and the extinguishing agent released. The enclosure atmosphere was sampled after extinguishment of the fire by pulling a sample of the post-extinguishment atmosphere through a buffer solution contained in a polypropylene bubbler equipped with a 70 micron porous polyethylene frit. Fluoride and HF concentrations were determined employing a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE). The post-extinguishment atmosphere was sampled at two locations, one at a height of 6 feet and the second at a height of 2 feet, both sampling points located 2 feet diagonally out from the corner of the enclosure.
Sixty nine pounds of 1, 1, 1,2, 3, 3, 3-heptafluoropropane (CF3CHFCF_) was discharged according to the above procedure and resulted in extinguishment of the fire. Analysis showed the concentration of HF to be 3535 ppm at the 6 foot location and 1948 ppm at the 2 foot location.
EXAMPLE 2 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated employing G9 pounds of 1, 1, 1,2, 3,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane (CF CHFCF ) to which had been added 1.0 pounds of dipeutene (1.4 % by weight) . Analysis showed the concentration of HF to be 2403 ppm at the 6 foot location and 1202 ppm at the 2 foot location.
This example demonstrates the advantageous effect of the addition of a small amount of an acid-scavenging additive to the hydrofluorocarbon. The amount of HF produced was reduced by 32% at the 6 foot location and by 38% at the 2 foot location.
EXAMPLE 3 The procedure of Example 1 was repeated employing a small steel pan filled with n-heptane. Analysis of the post-extinguishment atmosphere showed a concentration of HF of 50 ppm at the 6 foot location and 11 ppm at the 2 foot location.
EXAMPLE 4 The procedure of Example 3 was repeated employing 69 pounds of 1, 1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (CF-CHFCF..,) to which had been added 1.0 pounds of limonene (1.4 % by weight) . Following extinguishment of the fire, analysis showed the concentration of HF to be 32 ppm at the 6 foot location and 7 ppm at the 2 foot location.
This example demonstrates the advantageous effect of the addition of a small amount of an acid-scavenging additive to the hydrofluorocarbon. The amount of HF produced was reduced by 36% at botli locations.
EXAMPLE 5 Testing of the fire suppressing and extinguishing capabilities of 1, 1, 1,2,3,3, 3-heptafluoropropane with each of the following acid-scavengers yields similarly advantageous results: citral, citronellal, menthol, alpha-p nene, beta-pinene, camphor, vitamin A beta-carotene, isopoopenyl-1-l-methylcyclohexene, oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium bromide and potassium bromide. Desirable results are achieved for combinations of 90% to 99.9% by weight of the 1, 1, 1 , 2,3,3 , 3-heptafluoropropane and of 0.1% to 10.0% of the acid-scavenger. Similarly, suitable results are obtained for fire extinguishant compositions comprising blends of the foregoing ac d-scavengers and the various other hydrofluorocarbons defined herein, including for example, trifluoromethane, pentafluoroethane, 1,1,1, 2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,2,2,3, 3-hexafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3 ,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-nonafluorobutane, 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,4-octafluorobutane and 1, 1, 1,3,3, 3-hexafluorobutane. The foregoing compositions are effective in both total flooding and portable fire extinguishing systems, and work conventionally with typical, known propellants.

Claims

e c laim :
1. A method for extinguishing a fire comprising the steps of: a. introducing to the fire a fire extinguishing concentration of a composition comprising in combination:
(i) one or more hydrofluorocarbons of the formula
C II F , wherein (y+z) = (2x + 2), and wherein y _ x; _x y z and
(ii) one or more substances selected from the group consisting of terpenes, unsaturated oils, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, alkali metal halides and urea; and b. maintaining the concentration of the composition until the fire is extinguished.
2. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition is employed at a level of less than about 25% v/v of the hydro luorocarbons.
3. The process of claim 1 wherein the extinguishing concentration of the compound is from about 1% to about 15% v/v of the hydrofluorocarbons.
4. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition is introduced by a total flooding system.
5. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition is introduced by a portable extinguishing system.
6. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 90 to 99.9 percent by weight hydrofluorocarbon.
7. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition contains from about 0.1 to about 10 percent by weight of one or more of the substances selected from the group consisting of terpenes, unsaturated oils, sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, alkali metal halides and urea.
8. The process of claim 1 wherein the composition consists essentially of from about 90% to about 99.9% by weight of said hydrofluorocarbon and from about 0.1% to about 10.0% of said substance.
EP95913781A 1994-03-28 1995-03-21 Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions Withdrawn EP0752900A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US21834794A 1994-03-28 1994-03-28
US218347 1994-03-28
PCT/US1995/003490 WO1995026218A1 (en) 1994-03-28 1995-03-21 Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0752900A1 true EP0752900A1 (en) 1997-01-15

Family

ID=22814744

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95913781A Withdrawn EP0752900A1 (en) 1994-03-28 1995-03-21 Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions

Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0752900A1 (en)
JP (1) JPH09510891A (en)
KR (1) KR970702089A (en)
AU (1) AU2103995A (en)
CA (1) CA2185910A1 (en)
HU (1) HU9602662D0 (en)
IL (1) IL113086A0 (en)
MX (1) MX9604320A (en)
NO (1) NO964046L (en)
NZ (1) NZ283089A (en)
PL (1) PL316629A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1995026218A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA952385B (en)

Families Citing this family (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1283203B1 (en) * 1996-03-07 1998-04-16 Ausimont Spa FIRE EXTINGUISHING COMPOSITIONS
IT1282378B1 (en) * 1996-04-24 1998-03-20 Ausimont Spa DIOXIDE-BASED PERFLUOROELASTOMERS
ITMI981506A1 (en) 1998-06-30 1999-12-30 Ausimont Spa AMORPHOUS FLUOROPOLYMER MANUFACTURES
ITMI981505A1 (en) * 1998-06-30 1999-12-30 Ausimont Spa PURIFICATION OF FLUORINATED POLYMERS
IT1312320B1 (en) 1999-05-25 2002-04-15 Ausimont Spa (PER) FLUORINATED AMORPHOUS POLYMER MEMBRANES.
US7405334B2 (en) 2003-05-23 2008-07-29 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Process for the reduction of acidic contaminates in fluorinated hydrocarbons
US20060016608A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-01-26 Kidde Ip Holdings Limited Discharge of fire extinguishing agent
IT1391013B1 (en) * 2008-07-01 2011-10-27 Explosafe Int B V EXTINGUISHING AGENTS BASED ON FLUOROIODO-CARBIDE BLENDS ADDITIVATED WITH DETOXIFYING COMPOUNDS.
US9463341B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2016-10-11 Kidde Technologies, Inc. N2/CO2 fire extinguishing system propellant gas mixture
US9192798B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2015-11-24 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Automatic fire extinguishing system with gaseous and dry powder fire suppression agents
US9308406B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2016-04-12 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Automatic fire extinguishing system having outlet dimensions sized relative to propellant gas pressure
US9302128B2 (en) 2011-10-25 2016-04-05 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Automatic fire extinguishing system with internal dip tube
US9168406B2 (en) 2012-03-15 2015-10-27 Kidde Technologies, Inc. Automatic actuation of a general purpose hand extinguisher
WO2016195635A1 (en) * 2015-05-29 2016-12-08 Sevo Systems, Inc. Method for delivering and extinguishing composition to a fire

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE789667A (en) * 1971-10-08 1973-04-04 Rhone Progil LIQUID EXTINGUISHING COMPOSITION BASED ON HALOGENOUS HYDROCARBONS
GB8600853D0 (en) * 1986-01-15 1986-02-19 Thacker D A Fire extinguishant formulation
US4954271A (en) * 1988-10-06 1990-09-04 Tag Investments, Inc. Non-toxic fire extinguishant
US5124053A (en) * 1989-08-21 1992-06-23 Great Lakes Chemical Corporation Fire extinguishing methods and blends utilizing hydrofluorocarbons
US5084190A (en) * 1989-11-14 1992-01-28 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Fire extinguishing composition and process
US5141654A (en) * 1989-11-14 1992-08-25 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Fire extinguishing composition and process

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9526218A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO964046D0 (en) 1996-09-26
PL316629A1 (en) 1997-02-03
JPH09510891A (en) 1997-11-04
ZA952385B (en) 1995-12-14
NZ283089A (en) 1997-07-27
HU9602662D0 (en) 1996-11-28
WO1995026218A1 (en) 1995-10-05
KR970702089A (en) 1997-05-13
CA2185910A1 (en) 1995-10-05
MX9604320A (en) 1997-06-28
AU2103995A (en) 1995-10-17
NO964046L (en) 1996-09-26
IL113086A0 (en) 1995-06-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5124053A (en) Fire extinguishing methods and blends utilizing hydrofluorocarbons
EP2412410B1 (en) Fire extinguishing and fire suppression compositions comprising unsaturated fluorocarbons
US5040609A (en) Fire extinguishing composition and process
US5141654A (en) Fire extinguishing composition and process
JP2008023350A (en) Extinguishing composition, and method for supplying burning matter with the same to extinguish
EP0752900A1 (en) Ozone friendly fire extinguishing methods and compositions
US5115868A (en) Fire extinguishing composition and process
MXPA96004320A (en) Extinguishing method and compositions of fire, favorable for the oz
US5113947A (en) Fire extinguishing methods and compositions utilizing 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane
CA2027273A1 (en) Fire extinguishant compositions, methods and systems utilizing bromodifluoromethane
CA2212076A1 (en) Monobromoalkane fire extinguishing agents
CA2023333C (en) Fire extinguishing methods and blends utilizing hydrofluorocarbons
US5615742A (en) Noncombustible hydrogen gas containing atmospheres and their production
US5080177A (en) Fire extinguishing methods utilizing 1-bromo-1,1,2,2-tetra-fluoroethane
WO1996034661A1 (en) Method for the suppression of hydrogen fires
Kim Recent development in fire suppression systems
JP3558631B2 (en) Fire protection method and fire protection composition

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19960923

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Withdrawal date: 19970814