JP2005526580A - Method and apparatus for fire fighting - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire control system (100) according to various aspects of the present invention includes an extinguishant (112) having a suppresant (210) and a thermal absorbant (212). The suppressant (210) is configured to suppress the fire. The thermal absorbant (212) is configured to absorb heat from the fire. In one embodiment, the thermal absorbant (212) is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the fire and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation from the suppressant and/or other surfaces back into the fire. In additional and alternative embodiments, the thermal absorbant (212) may be configured to transfer heat into the surface and/or interior of suppressant particles or droplets to promote activation of the suppressant.

Description

(Citation of related application)
This application enjoys the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 382,398 (filed May 21, 2002); and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 430,912 (filed December 3, 2002). And a continuation-in-part application of US Patent Application No. 09 / 920,179 (filed on August 1, 2001), the description of each application being incorporated by reference.

(Field of Invention)
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling flames and flammable materials.

(Background of the Invention)
Flammable substances and otherwise dangerous goods play an important role in the daily life of most people. Most people encounter flammable materials (gasoline, engine oil, and natural gas) without fear. Typically, this flammable material is contained so that it does not present any problems to the people in the vicinity.

  However, if the flammable material is not contained (eg, if the container is damaged and the material leaks out), the material will cause harm and even death. Fire fighting systems play an important role in flame control and fire fighting. Many materials exhibit different properties with regard to fire suppression and find use in various types of fire extinguishing systems (including dry powders, liquids, foams). Most of these materials attack directly the source of the flame. In particular, these materials are intended to directly cool the flame, remove fuel or oxygen from the flame, or otherwise interfere with the chemical combustion process that sustains the flame.

(Summary of Invention)
A flame control system for various aspects of the present invention includes a fire extinguisher having an inhibitor and an endothermic agent. The inhibitor is configured to suppress a flame. The endothermic agent is configured to absorb heat from the flame. In one embodiment, the endothermic agent is configured to absorb thermal radiation from the flame and inhibit reflection of thermal radiation back to the flame from the suppressor and / or other surface. In further and alternative embodiments, the endothermic agent is configured to transfer heat to and / or within the surface of the inhibitor particles or inhibitor droplets to facilitate activation of the inhibitor. Can be done.

  The components and steps in the drawings are illustrated for clarity and clarity and do not necessarily follow any series. For example, steps that may be performed simultaneously or in different orders are illustrated in the drawings to help enhance an understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments
The invention will be described in part from the standpoint of functional components and various processing steps. Such functional components can be realized by a number of components configured to perform a specific function and can achieve various results. For example, the present invention can use various components, materials, inhibitors, endothermic agents, thermal conductors, neutralizing agents, etc., which can perform various functions. Furthermore, the present invention can be implemented in connection with any number of applications, environments, hazardous materials, and extinguishing agents, and the system described is merely an exemplary application to the present invention. Further, the present invention may utilize any number of conventional techniques for manufacturing, assembly, dispensing, etc.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, a flame control system 100 for controlling and extinguishing a flame according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in combination with a dispenser 110 that includes a fire extinguishing agent 112. The dispenser 110 sprays the extinguishing agent 112 on or near the flame. This extinguishing agent 112 tends to reduce the intensity of the flame and / or extinguish the flame.

  The dispenser 110 may include any suitable system for dispensing a fire extinguishing agent 112. The dispenser 110 may also store the extinguishing agent 112 until the extinguishing agent 112 is fired on or near the flame. For example, the dispenser 110 may comprise a conventional fire extinguishing system (eg, a manual fire extinguisher, a building fire extinguishing system, a vehicle fire extinguishing system, an industrial fire extinguishing system, etc.). In this embodiment, the dispenser 110 comprises a conventional portable fire extinguisher having a tank 114 for storing the extinguishing agent 112 and a nozzle 116 for directing the extinguishing agent 112. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser is a vehicle fire resistant panel configured to open and dispense and extinguish the fire extinguishing agent in response to a fire extinguishing agent filled and triggering event such as an impact. Is provided.

  The fire extinguishing agent 112 dissipates the chemical processes required to sustain the flame in any suitable manner (eg, by depriving the flame of heat, oxygen or fuel, and otherwise) A material) that is configured to control or extinguish the flame. In the present embodiment, the fire extinguisher 112 includes an inhibitor and an endothermic agent. The suppressor is configured to suppress a flame (eg, a flame that is placed over the flame, puts out a fire, cuts off the fuel supply, or cools the flame below the combustion temperature, Type flame retardant). The endothermic agent is suitably configured to absorb heat from the flame (eg, reduce reflection to thermal radiation and / or promote activation of the suppressor by the extinguishing agent 112 and / or other surface). .

  This inhibitor is configured, for example, to reduce the flame via the prior art. For example, the inhibitor can be sodium or potassium bicarbonate, ammonium phosphate, monophosphate, potassium chloride, potassium salt, carbon dioxide, HFC-227ea, halon or halotron-I, water or water fog. It may contain a water mist. However, the suppressor may include any material suitable for suppressing a flame.

  In the first embodiment, the endothermic agent may be configured to reduce heat reflected by the digester 112 or other surface to a flame or other heat source, particularly thermal radiation. A flame, particularly a two-dimensionally spread flame formed on a liquid puddle of fuel, has a plurality of mechanisms (including thermal radiation) that sustain the flame while dispersing its thermal energy. Thermal radiation tends to contribute to the persistence and diffusion of the flame. In particular, the heat radiation emitted by the flame transports heat to the underlying liquid pool, promotes the vaporization of the fuel vapor, and promotes the introduction of the fuel vapor into the reaction zone to sustain the flame. . However, if radiation is emitted in all directions, energy is also emitted from the fuel and flame. In order to maintain sufficient heat to support and maintain the flame, the lost flame must be replaced by heat from the flame.

  The radiated heat can also contribute to spreading the flame from its original position. The role played by the radiant effect and thermal radiation of a flame is complex, which includes, for example, the direction and extent of heat dissipation, the radiation of heat in the surrounding structure and the re-radiation returned to that flame, the ambient This is due to the disappearance and generation of radiation in the hot air itself and the complexity of the respective rates of emission, absorption and reflection from each of the components. In addition, radiation-based heat deposition in surrounding flammable structures (eg, walls and curtains) can result in their ignition and flame persistence. This mechanism results in a flame spread from the original location of the flame to their surrounding structures, and may be in a condition where the runaway fire is spread.

  Radiation based heat can also affect the efficiency of the dry chemical fire extinguisher particles when the dry chemical fire extinguisher particles are introduced into the flame zone. Various types of fire extinguishing particles can function as a sink for the heat released by the flame, and it can cool below its durability temperature. Chemically reactive dry chemicals (eg, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate) also decompose when exposed to heat, releasing carbon dioxide and metal ions. Chemically interrupt the flame reaction and extinguish it. Smaller particles appear to be more effective, probably because the particles must evaporate fast for optimal efficacy.

  However, most conventional dry chemical fire extinguishers are white or near white in visible light. The whiter surface tends to reflect the heat from each of the particles to the flame area or fuel source, and the endotherm by the particles themselves is reduced. The heat reflection tends to increase the strength of the flame, and less heat absorption tends to reduce the rate of heat extraction from the flame. Low absorption also tends to reduce the rate of decomposition of the particles themselves and the production of their corresponding flame-inhibiting degradation products that are mixed into the reaction zone, and as a result, over the flame zone or The particles in the vicinity cannot be decomposed. Such particles are substantially ineffective and stay in the atmosphere or surrounding area.

  The fire extinguisher 112 according to various aspects of the present invention includes an endothermic agent that absorbs heat (eg, heat transferred by thermal radiation). The endothermic agent may alternatively be configured to absorb heat transferred by convection and / or conduction. For example, the endothermic agent is suitably configured to modify the outer surface and / or interior of the inhibitor to absorb greater thermal radiation. As a result, less heat tends to be reflected and sustain the flame. In addition, more heat is transported to the inhibitor so that the thermally responsive inhibitor can decompose faster, releasing its chemical ions and decomposition products and chemically interfering with the flame. . In addition, endothermic agents that are not in close proximity to the flame can extract additional heat from the flame and potentially inhibit the ignition of surrounding flammable materials by reducing the transmission of thermal radiation to the surrounding area. obtain.

  In one embodiment, the endothermic agent provides a color with an inhibitor to provide an endothermic surface (e.g., at least partially changing the surface to flat black and / or within the inhibitor particle). Provided by providing a thermal conductor). Absorbing surfaces tend to absorb heat instead of reflecting heat. This endothermic agent tends to promote extraction of heat from the environment and / or decomposition of the inhibitor. The use of the endothermic agent also facilitates the use of larger inhibitor particles and maintains favorable throw characteristics. The endothermic agent inhibits heat transport and / or reflection to the fuel source, and in a region further away from the center of the reaction zone, the extinguishing agent 112 decomposes and a more concentrated group of metal ions. And produce inert gas and cause it to be introduced into the flame.

  The endothermic agent is in any suitable manner that reflects heat back to the flame, reduces conduction of heat to other combustibles, and / or promotes activation of the inhibitor. Can be configured. In this embodiment, the endothermic agent is configured to absorb heat (eg, heat transferred via thermal convection, thermal conduction and / or thermal radiation). The endothermic agent can be configured in any manner suitable to absorb heat, for example, by providing the extinguishing agent 112 with an endothermic color or other characteristic.

  For example, in one embodiment, the endothermic agent may provide the appropriate color to the extinguishing agent 112, which extinguishant tends to absorb thermal energy instead of reflecting thermal energy. The endothermic agent can be configured to absorb as many emission wavelengths as possible (eg, with flat black) or at a specific wavelength or temperature (eg, a wavelength corresponding to an emission spectrum based on carbon or a specific It can be configured to absorb wavelengths associated with specific flammable materials found in the environment, or the endothermic agent can be of any other efficient or desired color (various shades of gray ), May present one or more colors that mix in the endotherm, or other configuration, which may be cost, durable, efficiency in absorbing selected relevant wavelengths, fire extinguishing agent 112 It can be selected according to any suitable criteria such as coloring efficiency, flow efficiency, fire extinguishing efficiency, etc. Its endothermic agent can be selected according to other criteria as well, eg other fire extinguishing capabilities, Good maneuverability, low toxicity, may be selected according to purification or other relevant criteria, it is more simple.

  The endothermic agent can function with the inhibitor in any suitable manner. For example, the endothermic agent is suitably configured in close proximity to the inhibitor (eg, the endothermic agent is mixed with, bound to, or integrated with the inhibitor). . Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, the extinguishing agent 112 may include a liquid, gas, or liquefied compressed gas inhibitor 210 mixed with a liquid or solid endothermic agent 212. The inhibitor 210 and the endothermic agent 212 can be premixed or mixed during spraying.

  The endothermic agent 212 may increase the endothermic properties of the fire extinguishing agent 112 in any suitable manner (eg, the endothermic agent may darken the gas suppressor 210 or the liquid endothermic agent or reduce heat radiation. By providing mixed particles with a dark surface for absorption, the endotherm can be increased). For example, the endothermic agent 212 may include a dye, a plurality of small particles, or other colorants to increase the endothermic nature of the fire extinguishing agent 112. The combination of the dark color (for example, flat black) endothermic agent 212 and the suppressor 210 tends to reduce the reflective power of the fire extinguishing agent 112. The liquid endothermic agent 212 may function as a pigment or other coloring method to make the entire fire extinguishing agent 112 the selected endothermic material. When a gas, liquid or solid inhibitor 210 is mixed with a solid endothermic agent 212 (eg, a plurality of small black particles or beads), the overall reflectivity of the extinguishing agent 112 is reduced.

  In another embodiment, the inhibitor 212 is a solid or semi-solid material, and the endothermic agent 212 can bind to the inhibitor 210. The suppressor 212 may include any suitable material for flames or other hazards (eg, conventional dry chemical flame suppressors). The endothermic agent 212 can be any suitable material, for example, flat black, or a material having other desired color or characteristics, and reflection of heat from the inhibitor 210 or other surface. And / or absorbs heat and transfers heat to the inhibitor 210.

  For example, referring to FIG. 3A, endothermic agent 212 can be positioned on some or all surfaces of inhibitor 210 particles, for example, in the form of a substantially uniform coating on the outer surface of inhibitor 210. . Alternatively, referring to FIG. 3B, the endothermic agent 212 may include surface color on the inhibitor 210. Treating only the surface of the suppressor 210 particles tends to minimize the amount of endothermic agent 212 required and increased endotherm until the coating or modified surface melts and evaporates. To maintain.

  The endothermic agent 212 can be applied to the inhibitor 210 in any suitable manner. For example, the endothermic agent 212 can be added using a drying process (eg, by applying a dye or other coloring method to the inhibitor 210 particles). However, any suitable technique for applying the endothermic agent 212 to the inhibitor 210 (eg, vapor deposition, dipping, spray drying, electrostatic techniques, etc.) can be used.

  Referring to FIG. 4, this inhibitor 210 can also be partially covered by an endothermic agent 212. This partial coating of the inhibitor 210 particles is an endothermic agent that leaves a residue on the surface of the heat suppressor 210 particles (eg, activated carbon particles or a suitable colored gel) in any suitable manner. And the inhibitor 210 particles thereof). In this embodiment, the inhibitor 210 particles can be mixed with the charcoal particles 410 and circulated to optimize the residue portion 412 delivered by the charcoal or other endothermic agent 212.

  In another embodiment, the endothermic agent 212 is infiltrated or embedded in the inhibitor 210. For example, referring to FIG. 5, the endothermic agent 212 suitably includes a material that can penetrate the inhibitor 210 (eg, a liquid dye or a substance added to the inhibitor during or after manufacture). Alternatively, the endothermic agent 212 may be formed by, for example, using wet processing to form the inhibitor 210 from the endothermic material (eg, adding a dye to dissolve the inhibitor 210 particles and subsequent grinding and processing to produce the desired Can be incorporated into the suppressor 210 by forming a fire extinguishing agent particle.

  Alternatively, referring to FIG. 6, the endothermic agent 212 may include particles that are formed or embedded in the inhibitor 210 or bound to the inhibitor 210, or vice versa. . The endothermic agent 212 may be any suitable endothermic agent (eg, absorbs heat radiation and / or transfers heat to the surface of the inhibitor 210 and / or moves inside the inhibitor 210. Material), configured as such.

  For example, iron oxide 610 or other endothermic particles can be bound to the surface of the inhibitor 210 particles. The iron oxide particles 610 are appropriately smaller than the inhibitor particles 210 and can adhere to or be embedded in the inhibitor 210 particles in any manner. Iron oxide is typically an efficient thermal radiation absorber and can conduct heat to the inhibitor surface. Iron oxide is generally thought to be inert in high temperature environments, but when transferred to the flame or other high temperature region by the inhibitor 210 particles, the iron oxide particles 610 are highly efficient. The iron ions can be decomposed and delivered to chemically inhibit the flame.

  The endothermic agent 212 can also increase the endothermic nature of the fire extinguishing agent 112 as well as perform other functions. For example, the inhibitor 210 can include a heat sensitive activation inhibitor (eg, sodium bicarbonate), and the endothermic agent 212 can be configured to enhance the activation of the inhibitor 210. As described above, the endothermic agent 212 can be coupled to or incorporated into the inhibitor 210. In order to accelerate the activation of the inhibitor 210, the endothermic agent 212 conducts heat to the inhibitor 210 or generates heat thereto so as to accelerate the activation of the inhibitor 210. Configured appropriately.

  For example, the endothermic agent 212 may include a material that reacts exothermically when exposed to a sufficiently high temperature (eg, activated carbon). When exposed to a flame, the endothermic agent may further exotherm locally to promote activation of the inhibitor 210 and thus tend to extinguish the flame more quickly.

  Further, the endothermic agent 212 can function as a supplemental suppressor, for example, due to the tendency to take oxygen or fuel from the flame. For example, the endothermic agent 212 can include an endothermic material having an inhibitor material. Alternatively, the endothermic agent 212 may include a substance that is activated by exposure to heat and becomes the inhibitor 210. In one embodiment, the endothermic agent 212 includes a substance that is embedded in the inhibitor 210 to promote activation of the inhibitor 210, and the inhibitor 210 is activated and the endothermic agent 212 is heated. Then, the endothermic agent 212 is changed to a material having a suppressor property.

  For example, the fire extinguishing agent 112 may include a sodium bicarbonate inhibitor 210, which may include iron oxide endothermic 212 particles embedded in the inhibitor particles. The endothermic agent 212 particles provided inside the inhibitor 210 particles when exposed to heat transfer the heat to the inhibitor 210 particles and promote the activation of the inhibitor 210. With the interior of 210 particles. In addition, the endothermic 212 particles react to heat by generating iron ions, thereby providing added inhibitor properties to suppress the flame.

  The fire extinguisher 112 may also be configured to reduce or neutralize flammable components. For example, the endothermic agent 212 can include a porous material (eg, activated carbon) that tends to absorb flammable gases. Alternatively, the additive material to the endothermic agent 212, the suppressor 210, or the fire extinguisher 112 may include a material that tends to neutralize or reduce the flammability of one of many flammable components.

  In order to use the flame control system 100 and the extinguishing agent 112 according to various aspects of the present invention in response to flame detection (eg, a visual response or an automatic response via a flame detection system), , Sprayed through the dispenser 110 at or near flames or flame hazards. As the extinguishing agent 112 approaches the flame and contacts the flame, the suppressor 210 tends to reduce the flame, for example, by depriving the flame of fuel and / or oxygen. Furthermore, the endothermic agent 212 tends to absorb heat from the flame. In particular, the endothermic agent 212 tends to return to the flame and / or reduce reflection of thermal radiation to other surfaces. A fire extinguisher 112 that is unable to contact the flame may still absorb heat and reduce the reflection or transfer of heat from the fire extinguisher 112 and other surfaces, tending to inhibit the spread or increase of the flame. is there.

  Further, the endothermic agent 212 can assist in the activation of the inhibitor 210.

  As the fire extinguisher 112 approaches the flame, the suppressor 210 and the endothermic agent 212 absorb heat and they tend to activate the suppressor 210. This endothermic agent 212 absorbs heat faster than the inhibitor 210, which is transferred to the inhibitor 210 and promotes faster activation of the inhibitor 210. The activation of the inhibitor 210 can be further increased for the inhibitor 210 having the endothermic agent 212 that penetrates the outer surface of the inhibitor 210, so that the endothermic agent 212 directly heats the interior of the inhibitor 210. Can be transported.

  Further, the endothermic agent 212 can be converted to a supplementary inhibitor. As the endothermic agent 212 absorbs heat from the flame, the endothermic agent 212 may change into a material having inhibitor properties. The endothermic agent 212 may also absorb and / or neutralize flammable materials in the environment by absorbing the flammable gas into the pores of the endothermic agent.

  The specific implementations shown and described are illustrative of the invention and are exemplary of its best mode and, in any case, in any way, limit the scope of the invention. Not intended. Indeed, for purposes of brevity, conventional manufacturing, coupling, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Further, the components shown in the various drawings are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various components. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical couplings may exist in an actual system.

  The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, changes and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

  A more complete understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the detailed description in conjunction with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, the same reference numbers refer to similar components and steps.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a fire extinguishing system according to various aspects of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustration of inhibitor particles or inhibitor droplets mixed with absorbent particles or absorber droplets. 3A-B are cross-sectional views of inhibitor particles having a colored surface and a coated surface, respectively. FIG. 4 is an illustration of inhibitor particles that are partially characterized using residue moieties from the endothermic particles. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an inhibitor particle having an endothermic agent that penetrates into the interior thereof. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an inhibitor particle having an endothermic particle bonded to and / or embedded within the surface of the inhibitor particle.

Claims (66)

A fire extinguisher comprising an inhibitor and an endothermic agent adjacent to the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher according to claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent includes a surface modification to the inhibitor. 3. A fire extinguisher according to claim 2, wherein the surface modification includes a surface color applied to the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher according to claim 3, wherein the surface coloring is substantially flat black. The fire extinguisher according to claim 2, wherein the surface modification includes a residue portion formed on a surface of the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher according to claim 5, wherein the residue portion includes a carbon residue portion. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to absorb thermal radiation. The fire extinguisher of claim 7, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to absorb a selected wavelength. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to promote activation of the inhibitor in response to heat. 10. The fire extinguisher of claim 9, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to transfer heat to the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher of claim 10, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to exothermically respond to heat. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a coating, a dye, a residue portion, embedded particles, and independent particles. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent comprises a plurality of particles mixed with the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the inhibitor comprises a plurality of particles; the endothermic agent comprises a plurality of particles; and the endothermic particles are incorporated into the inhibitor particles. Combine with fire extinguisher. 15. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 14, wherein the endothermic agent comprises iron oxide. The fire extinguisher of claim 1, wherein the suppressor comprises a liquid; and the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a liquid and a plurality of particles. The fire extinguisher according to claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent penetrates the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher according to claim 1, wherein the endothermic agent includes an auxiliary flame suppressant. A fire extinguisher, comprising a suppressant having a colored source configured to absorb thermal radiation. 20. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 19, wherein the colored source comprises a surface modification to the suppressor. 21. A fire extinguisher according to claim 20, wherein the surface modification comprises a surface color added to the inhibitor. The fire extinguisher of claim 21, wherein the surface coloration comprises substantially flat black. 21. A fire extinguisher according to claim 20, wherein the surface modification comprises a residue moiety formed on the surface of the inhibitor. 24. A fire extinguisher according to claim 23, wherein the residue moiety comprises a carbon residue moiety. 20. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 19, wherein the colored source is configured to absorb selected wavelengths. 20. A fire extinguisher according to claim 19, wherein the colored source is configured to promote activation of the inhibitor in response to heat. 27. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 26, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to transfer heat to the inhibitor. 20. A fire extinguisher according to claim 19, wherein the suppressor comprises a liquid; and the colored source comprises at least one of a liquid and a plurality of particles. 20. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 19, wherein the colored source penetrates the inhibitor. A flame control system comprising a fire extinguishing agent as well as a dispenser;
The fire extinguishing agent includes an inhibitor and an endothermic agent adjacent to the inhibitor;
The dispenser is configured to include the fire extinguishing agent;
system. 31. The flame control system of claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent includes a surface modification to the inhibitor. 32. The flame control system according to claim 31, wherein the surface modification comprises a surface color added to the inhibitor. 33. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 32, wherein the surface coloration is substantially flat black. 32. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 31, wherein the surface modification comprises a residue moiety formed on the surface of the inhibitor. 35. A fire extinguisher according to claim 34, wherein the residue comprises a carbon residue moiety. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to absorb thermal radiation. 38. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 36, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to absorb a selected wavelength. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to promote activation of the inhibitor in response to heat. 39. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 38, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to transfer heat to the inhibitor. 40. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 39, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to react exothermically to heat. 31. A fire extinguisher according to claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a coating, a pigment, a residue portion, embedded particles, and independent particles. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent comprises a plurality of particles mixed with the inhibitor. 31. A fire extinguisher according to claim 30, wherein the inhibitor comprises a plurality of particles;
A fire extinguishing agent, wherein the endothermic agent includes a plurality of particles; and the endothermic particles are bound to the suppressor particles. 44. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 43, wherein the endothermic particles comprise iron oxide. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the suppressor comprises a liquid; and the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a liquid and a plurality of particles. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent penetrates the inhibitor. 31. A fire extinguisher as claimed in claim 30, wherein the endothermic agent comprises an auxiliary flame suppressant. A fire extinguishing method comprising the steps of detecting a flame; and providing a fire extinguishing agent in close proximity to the flame;
Wherein the fire extinguishing agent comprises an inhibitor; and an endothermic agent adjacent to the inhibitor;
Fire extinguishing method. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent is configured between the flame and a combustible material adjacent thereto. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent comprises a surface modification to the inhibitor. 51. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 50, wherein the surface modification includes a surface color applied to the inhibitor. 52. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 51, wherein the surface coloration comprises substantially flat black. 51. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 50, wherein the surface modification includes a residue moiety formed on the inhibitor. 54. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 53, wherein the residue moiety comprises a carbon residue moiety. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to absorb thermal radiation. 56. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 55, wherein the absorbent is configured to absorb selected wavelengths. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to promote activation of the inhibitor in response to heat. 58. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 57, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to transfer heat to the inhibitor. 59. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 58, wherein the endothermic agent is configured to react exothermically to heat. 49. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a coating, a dye, a residue portion, embedded particles, and independent particles. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent comprises a plurality of particles mixed with the inhibitor. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the suppressor comprises a plurality of particles; the endothermic agent comprises a plurality of particles; and
A fire extinguishing method in which the endothermic particles are bonded to the suppressor particles. 63. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 62, wherein the endothermic agent includes iron oxide. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the inhibitor comprises a liquid; and the endothermic agent comprises at least one of a liquid and a plurality of particles. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent penetrates the inhibitor. 49. A fire extinguishing method according to claim 48, wherein the endothermic agent comprises an auxiliary flame suppressant.

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