Fires pose a serious threat to life and property, and the correct equipment to extinguish them is critical to safety. Air-foam fire extinguishers are one of the most effective means for extinguishing various types of fires. Let's look at what air foam fire extinguishers are and how they work.
What are air foam fire extinguishers?
Air foam fire extinguishers are portable devices designed to extinguish fires where burning liquids and flammable liquids such as oils, gasoline and kerosene need to be extinguished. They get their name from their ability to create foam that effectively suppresses flames and prevents them from spreading.
Operating principle of air-foam fire extinguishers
The basis of the operation of air-foam fire extinguishers is the creation of fire extinguishing foam. This foam is composed of water and a foaming agent that, when in contact with a fire, creates a dense coating on the surface, preventing oxygen from reaching the source of the flame. The process of extinguishing a fire with air-foam fire extinguishers can be divided into the following steps:
Emission of foam: When the fire extinguisher is activated, water and foaming agent are released under pressure onto the burning surface.
Foam Covering: Foam spreads quickly and covers the burning liquid, creating a dense coating.
Flame Suppression: A liquid covered with a foam film cannot burn because oxygen cannot penetrate the foam, causing combustion to cease.
Cooling: Air foam also cools the burning surface, which helps prevent the flame from rekindling.
Application of air-foam fire extinguishers
Air foam fire extinguishers are most effective on Class B fires, which involve burning liquids and flammable liquids. They can also be used on Class A fires where solid materials such as wood and paper are burning.
Air foam fire extinguishers are widely used in factories, automotive, aviation and other areas where there is a risk of fire involving flammable liquids.
Conclusion
Air foam fire extinguishers are an important safety feature in the event of a fire. Their ability to create a foam-like film that suppresses flames and cools the burning surface makes them effective in extinguishing Class B and A fires. Proper maintenance and regular inspection of air foam fire extinguishers is essential for their reliable operation in critical situations.