MISTING, FLOODING, AND P E -COATING SYSTE FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to systems and methods for suppressing fires and, more specifically, to aqueous systems and methods for preventing combustible meta! fires and suppressing chose fires when they occur.

Combustible metals fall into one of four categories: alkali metals (e.g., lithium, sodium, potassium), alkali earth metals (e.g., magnesium, beryllium), transitional me als (e.g., titanium, tantalum, zirconium), and other metals such as aluminum powder and aluminum flake. "Powders, dusts, chips, and swarfs (metallic particles and abrasive fragments removed by a cutting or grinding too!) of alkali earth or transitional metals present the greatest hazards to fire crews dealing with combustible metal fires. Powders and dusts are by far the greatest concern; they have a greater surface area and a high explosion potential should they become airborne in a natural environment or secondary to attempts to extinguish, the fire. Aluminum powders have the highest ST rate (a measurement of inherent explosive power) of all the combustible metal dusts" (see Kevin L. reitman, Proper Handling of Combustible Metal Fires, Fire Engineering (Feb. 1 , 2008), which is hereby incorporated by reference).

Prior art systems for preventing a combustible metal from catching fire, and controlling the lire, rely upon a slightly pressurized, contained environment filled with argon or helium gas.

There are three main problems with such systems. First, in a lot of situations, such as in manufacturing, shipping and recycling, the use of such a system is not practical. Second, even in situations where the systems are practical, maintaining such an environment can bs expensive and the cost can prohibit its use. Third, when a fire does occur, the system cannot extinguish the fire and the fire must burn itself out. Using water to extinguish the fire is problematic because the burning metal pulls the oxygen out of the water, thereby further fueling the fire. And using other extinguishing agents during the incipient stages of the fire can be effective on certain metals but not on others (the exception being coke and argon (see Kreitman, supra).

The invention also relates to systems and methods for stabilizing the evaporation rate in a hot enclosure to prevent secondary burns to the respiratory tract and skin resulting from the high humidity, high heat environment (e.g., military personnel trapped in a vehicle with a lire burning about the exterior of the vehicle). Water alone and potassium acetate can, under certain temperature conditions, create enough humidity to cause the wet bulb temperature to rise above 50°C.

Last, misting is problematic because it requires a large fire in order to steam off enough water to make misting effective in extinguishing the fire. Pulsing the mist — that is starting and then stopping the mist in order for the fire to grow large enough to once again make misting effective— does little to help persons trapped by the fire event. Halon systems and water-only systems have a similar problem, working better on large fires than smaller ones.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An extinguishing system and method made according to this invention uses an aqueous extinguishing agent having a first solubiiized bonding molecule capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds with water molecules of the agent. The bonding molecule creates an additional or stronger bond with the water molecules so that additional energy is required to break down the water molecuies. A preferred embodiment of the extinguishing agent inciudes at least one solubiiized sugar alcohol as the bonding molecule. The bonding molecule, which is the primary means of initial fire extinguishment and suppression, remains in solution at the moment of its deployment from a storage means. A thermal decomposition product of the bondin molecule is additional water molecules.

The extinguishing agent may deployed by way of coating. Hooding, misting, soaking, spraying, streaming, or some combination thereof to prevent, control and suppress a combustible metal fire. "Flooding" is a term used by the National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories to identify a gaseous extinguishing agent being released in an enclosed room in order to "flood" that room's volume with agent. Flooding can be applied using a nozzle deploying a narrow spray stream and, when used in storage environments, is preferably applied from the bottom up. For example, a hose in communication with the agent can be attached to a lower bulkhead fitting on the container. Alternatively, a longer nozzle (e.g. about 4 feet in length) can be placed inside the container from the top down. Flooding can also be used as a mist to extinguish a fire in an enclosure such as an equipment room.

"Misting" is preferably applied using a type of nozzle well-known in the art and is applied from above using a wide spray pattern. Misting can also be used to control and suppress diesel fires.

In tests of a preferred embodiment of the aqueous extinguishing agent, FIREBANE ^® i 179™ extinguishing agent ("Firebane") (GSL, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma), flooding as a mist required 10 times less agent than a traditional gaseous system did to extinguish a fire and accomplished extinguishment about 10 times faster (see fable 1 ).

Tabic i. Flooding System under Floor Test (72 cu. ft.)

Firebane G aseous System

up to 39

3 tenths of a galion 3 ibis (mini mum required} (approx. L i 6 liters

1/3 lbs or about , 15 ^ This is a unexpected and surprising result. Firebane also exhibited the ability to migrate around bailies to extinguish a fire.

Preferably, droplet size in the misting system is I mm or less or, more preferably, 0.3 mm or less. In another embodiment, the droplet size is 5 mm or less, with a mix or distribution of different droplet sizes being preferred.

Coating or soaking a combustible metal in the aqueous extinguishing agent can prevent the metal from igniting, thereby reducing its fiammabi!ity rating and putting it in a different category for shipping. Misting, coating or soaking can also be applied prior to "pucking" operations, in which combustible metal powder, dust or swarf is pressed into a predetermined shape, or in machining operations to reduce the flammabiiiiy rating of the meta! chips or swarf by means of an hydraulic press.

Deploying the aqueous extinguishing agent within the cab of a vehicle, even when no fire is present, can provide protection to the occupants without the risk of causing bums to the respirator tract and skin resulting from the high humidity, high heat environment. The extinguishing agent does this by controlling the amount of humidity.

The objects of this invention are to provide a system and method of preventing and controlling a combustible metal fire using an aqueous extinguishing agent that (1 ) is effective for differen types of combustible metals; (2) does not require the force of gas- based systems to deploy and presents no harmful effects to humans; (3) can be deployed in a misting or flooding manner making use of available storage means and nozzle and del ivery systems; (4) can be applied by way of coating or soaking yet will not con-ode or damage the object being coated or soaked; and (5) can interface with existing pressurized container solutions. A further object of this invention is to provide an aqueous extinguishing agent which can help stabilize the evaporation rate in an enclosed space during a high temperature/high heat event external to that space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a photograph of a 55 gaiion barrel filled with 56 lbs. of titanium shavings.

FIG. 2 is a photograph of the spraying/flooding extinguishing method of wide spray and stream spray using a preferred embodiment of the aqueous extinguishing agent, FIREBANE® ! 1 70™ extinguishing agent ("Firebane"} (Global Safety Labs. Inc.. Tulsa. Oklahoma).

FIG. 3 is a photograph of the titanium shavings fully engulfed immediately before extinguishment began with Firebane and 55 seconds after extinguishment began. The visible flames have been controlled.

FIG. 4 is a photograph of the titanium shavings after 2 minutes, 16 seconds of fire extinguishment using Firebane. All flames are extinguished and the titanium is cooled below its flash point.

FIG. 5 is a photograph showing the amount of unburned titanium.

FIG. 6 is a photograph showing an as-received titanium swarf being ignited and burning.

FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a blowtorch being applied to a titanium swarf that has been saturated with Firebane. The swarf does not ignite.

FIG. 8 is a photograph of the titanium swarf after 25 seconds of blowtorch application. A small section of the swarf did ignite and was extinguished using Firebane.

FIG. 9 is a photograph showing the untreated, as-received titanium swarf (to the right of hand) and the saturated with Firebane titanium swarf (to the left of hand).

FIG. 10 is a photograph showing the as-received titanium swarf burning vigorously and the Firebane-saturated titanium swarf being protected from flame propagation. FIG. 1 1 is a c!ose-up photograph showing a distinct line between the as-received and now burned away titanium swarf and the unbumed Firebane-saturated titanium swarf.

FIG. 12 is a photograph of the titanium received as a very fine swarf and stored In water.

FIG. 13 is photograph showing a 2.5 lb titanium swarf arranged for extinguishment testing.

FIG. 14 is a photograph showing an as-received titanium swarf being set on fire and permitted to bum without extinguishment.

FIG. 15 is a photograph of a blowtorch being applied to a titanium swarf that has been saturated with Fkebane and showing no signs of ignition.

FIG. 16 is a photograph showing the Firebane-treated titanium swarf igniting after 25 seconds of blowtorch application.

FIG. 17 is a photograph showing the as-received titanium swarf (to the right of hand) and Firebane-saturated litani um swarf (to the left of hand) .

FIG. 18 is a photograph of the as-received titanium swarf burning vigorously and the Firebane-saturated titanium swarf being protected from flame propagation

FIG. 19 Is a close-up photograph showing a distinct line between the as-received and now burned away titanium swarf and the unburned Firebane-saturated titanium swarf.

FIG. 20 is a photograph of the titanium received as a very t ne swarf and stored in water.

FIG. 21 Is a photograph showing a 2.5 lb titanium swarf arranged for extinguishment testing,

F IG. 22 is a photograph showing a progression of zirconium scrap burning. F !G. 23 is a photograph showing a progression of t e zirconium scrap as it burns. The scrap has a small section that had Firebane applied to it.

FIG. 24 is a close-up photograph of the section of zirconium scrap thai had Firebane applied to it and remained un burned.

FIG. 25 is a photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts.

FIG. 26 is a ciose-up photograph showing a distinct iine of where the half of the as-received zirconium scrap ended and the half where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap started.

FIG. 27 is a photograph of a zirconium scrap that soaked in Firebane for 1 1 days.

The scrap is not corroded or affected in any way by the soaking.

FIG. 28 is a photograph showing a distinct iine where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane.

FIG. 29 is a close-up photograph showing a distinct Line of where the half of the as-received zirconium scrap ended and the half where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap started, after the two-week soak.

FIG. 30 is a photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane and then allowed to open air dry for 24 hours. The Firebane remained in a wet state

FIG. 31 is close-up photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after the two-week soak and 24-hour dry time. The Firebane remained in a wet state FIG. 32 is a photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after a two-week soak in Firebane and then allowed to open air dry for 7 days. The Firebane remained in a wet state.

FIG. 33 is close-up photograph showing a distinct line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts after the two-week soak and 7-day dry time. The Firebane remained in a wet state

FIG. 34 is a photograph showing the as-received zirconium scrap received as shavings stored in water.

FIG. 35 is photograph of the ceramic tile on which the burn test was conducted.

FIG. 36 is a photograph of the Firebane being applied to zirconium scrap.

FIG. 3? is a photograph of a small, military, handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210- 01-519-0942) with a standard 5.6W spray nozzle and charged to 450 psi for a diesei 513 pan fire extinguishment.

FIG. 38 is a photograph of a fully engaged diesei fuel 5B pan fire before extinguishment began with FIREBANE® 1 179™ ("Firebane") (GSL, inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma) using the extinguisher of FIG. 37. The extinguisher was filled with 1265 grams ( i 100 ml) of Firebane.

FIG. 39 is a photograph of the extinguished diesei fuel 5B pan fire.

FIG. 40 is a photograph of the fully engulfed diesei fuel 5B pan tire less than 1 second after extinguishment began with Firebane, with the right side frame being taken from the firefighter's helmet camera.

FIG. 41 is a photograph the fully extinguished diesei fuel 5B pan fire, which was extinguished in 3 seconds using Firebane, the right side frame being taken from the firefighter's helmet camera. FIG. 42 is a graph comparing the relative humidity change caused by the aqueous extinguishing agent of this invention, distilled water, and potassium acetate/water in an enclosed space.

FIG. 43 is a graph comparing the dew point temperature change caused by the aqueous extinguishing agent of this invention, distilled water, and potassium acetate/water in an enclosed space.

DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This application hereby incorporates by reference the subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 8,257,607 Bl to Johnson et al, which issued on September 4, 2012.

An aqueous extinguishing agent for use in the system and method of this invention includes a first soiubilized bonding molecule capable of forming two or more hydrogen bonds with water molecules of the agent. The bonding moiecuie creates an additional or stronger bond with the water molecule so that additional energy is required to break down the water molecule. A preferred embodiment of the extinguishing agent includes at least one soiubilized sugar alcohol as the bonding moiecuie. The bonding moiecuie, which is the primary means of initial fire extinguishment and suppression, remains in solution at the moment of its deployment from a storage means. A thermal decomposition produc t of the bond ing molecule is additional water molecules.

. A preferred embodiment of an extinguishing agent for use in a system and method made according to this invention is FIREBANE® extinguishing agent ("Firebane") (GSL, Inc., Tulsa, Oklahoma).

Firebane is an aqueous fire extinguishing agent that is non-toxic, safe to humans, environmentally friendly. The agent combines the known, high heat capacity of water with additional non-toxic and environmentally-friendly ingredients, including a soiubilized sugar alcohol as the bonding means. The agent absorbs significant amounts of heat in the temperature range of 100-400°C well above the point at which all water has been, removed.

The Firebane extinguishing agent, which is capable of extinguishing Class A, B and D fires, snciudes at least one sugar alcohol in solution with water. This sugar alcohol remains as a solubii zed sugar alcohol at the moment of its deployment from its storage means (e.g., a tank, a fire extinguisher, a spray bottle), and the extinguishing agent is substantially instantaneously deployable from that storage means.

The sugar alcohol is the primary means of initial temperature suppression, it reacts with a fire or heat event and produces a secondary means of temperature suppression such as, but not limited to, water, halogen, potassium acetate, or some combination thereof.

Preferably, the extinguishing agent is halogen-free but may include at least one halogen. If included, the halogen content of the agent should be no greater than 5% of the total quantity by weight. The halogen serves as a secondary means of temperature suppression, with its temperature suppressing effect being deiayed relative to that of the sugar alcohol.

The extinguishing agent may also include potassium acetate but preferably no more than about 40% by weight. The potassium acetate serves as a secondary means of temperature suppression, with the temperature suppressing effect of the potassium acetate being delayed relative to that of the sugar alcohol

The sugar alcohol has the general formula 1:1(1 lCHO) _n ÷iH, with "n" in a range of 3 to 4, equal to 5, in a range of 6 to 1 1 , or equal to 10. The sugar alcohol can be in a range of 0.1 to 7% of the total quantity of the aqueous extinguishing agent by weight, at least 4% by weight, 7 to 70% by weight, no greater than 20% by weight, no greater than 49% by weight, 65 to 70% by weight, or 70 to 83% by weight. Preventing means may be added to the aqueous extinguishing agent to prevent, crystallization or nueleation of the sugar alcohol ("the first sugar alcohol). For example, a second sugar alcohol, having the same generai formula as the first sugar alcohol but with a different "n" value, may be the preventing means. The amount of the second sugar alcohol is typically less than that of the first, with the combined sugar alcohols by weight being in the ranges identified above. Both sugar alcohols remain solubiiized during storage and at the moment of their deployment.

The extinguishing agent may also include a halogenated surfactant or a halogen- free surfactant of a kind well known in the art.

Various tests making use of preferred embodiments of the aqueous extinguishi ng agent are described below. One preferred embodiment, is FIREBANE® 1 170™ extinguishing agent; the other is FIREBANE® 1 179™ extinguishing agent.

1.0 Spraying/Flooding Extinguishment System and Method on a Titanium Fire

1.1 Summary

The objective of this test was to evaluate the ability of FIREBANE* 1170™ extinguishing agent ("Firebane) to extinguish a fully involved titanium fire while preventing spread of the fire. The extinguishing method involved spraying the surface of the container holding the burning titanium with Firebane until a crust covered the surface of the titanium. After that a stream of Firebane was applied. The force from the stream created a path through the burning titanium which allowed the Firebane to reach the unhurried titanium and flood the container from the bottom up. Fire extinguishment was continued until the unburned titanium was covered by Firebane (see Section 1.3 belo for further details).

1.2 Results When using the spraying flooding extinguishing method, the Firebane was successful in extinguishing the titanium fire and preventing the fire from spreading and burning all of the titanium in the container. Over 2% of the total titanium was protected from fire spread.

13 Sample Description

To create a titanium fire scenario, a 55-galion (208.198 liter) drum was filled with 56 lbs. (25.4012 kg) of titanium shavings (see FIG. I ). The spraying/flooding extinguishing method was conducted using a Global Safety Labs, inc. 100-gaiion (378.541 liter) skid extinguisher filled with Firebane. The extinguisher was adapted with a nozzle thai allows both a wide spray and a stream spray (see FIG. 2 for examples of each spray).

1.4 Test Procedure

For the spraying flooding method, in order to simulate a titanium lire scenario, a set-up was configured as follows:

A 55-gailon (20B.198 liters) drum was filled with 56 lbs. (25.4012 legs) of titanium shavings. A blowtorch was applied to the titanium until a quarter sized section glowed and subsequently caught fire. After this, a 2-minute pre-burn was allowed.

The 2-minute pre-burn evolved from testing the burn rate of the titanium in a 5- gaiion bucket (the titanium was 12-1/2 in. (31.75 cm) high in the 14-1/2 in. (36.83 cm) tall bucket). The bucket was adapted with weighted string that was strung through the sides of the bucket. The height of the string was measured in relation to the placement on the bucket.

The burn rate on the surface of the container, where air is abundan was ] inch (2.54 cm) per 4 seconds. After the initial burn, burn rate was about 1 inch (2.54 cm) per 10 seconds. This means it would take about 4.95 minutes to burn to the bottom of a 55- gallon (208.198 liters), 33-1/2 in. (85.09 cm) high drum. The 2-minute pre-burn ailow.s roughly half of the tifcinium to be fully engulfed before extinguishment began.

After the pre-burn, the titanium fire was attacked with a spray and then a stream. After extinguishment, the contents of the container were emptied and the unburned titanium was separated from the burned titanium and weighed.

1.5 Test

FIG. 3 shows the titanium fire immediately and 55 seconds after spraying flooding fire extinguishment began using Firebane. The visible flames were controlled after 55 seconds of application.

Firefighting was continued for a total of 2: 16 minutes, at which time there was no smoke or flame («vee FIG. 4). A total of 25 gallons (94.6353 liters) of Firebane was used. When the contents of the container were emptied, Firebane protected over 2% of the shavings from spreading fire (see FIG. 5).

2.0 Soaking Extinguishment System and Method on a Titanium Swarf

2,1 Sununary

The objective of this test was to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE*' i 170™ extinguishing agent ("Firebane") to extinguish a fully involved titanium swarf fire, as well as prevent ignition and stop flame propagation when titanium swarf is wetted. Ail tests were performed using a Global Safety Labs, Inc. listed and labeled 2.5-galion handheld fire extinguisher.

A summary of each test performed is below:

* As-received titanium swarf was allowed to burn without extinguishment to act as a baseline esL The swarf ignited easily and continued to burn with visible flames for over 2 minutes. The majority of the titanium swarf was burned away after 20 seconds while experiencing a vigorous burn rate, after which time the burn rate slowed.

* Firebane was successful in extinguishing a 2.5 lb. ( 1.13398 kg) titanium swarf fire in 15 seconds, using 0.92 gallons (3.48258 liters) of agent, and preventing 92% of the titanium swarf from burning.

* The titanium swarf that was soaked in Firebane and allowed to air dry for 2 days did not ignite after a 20 second direct blowtorch application. Note that the Firebane remained wet (not dried out) over the 2-day drying time.

* Titanium swarf that was fully saturated with Firebane completely stopped the propagation of flame and protected 100% of the titanium swarf from burning when tested in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium swarf.

2.2 Results

As-Received Baseline Testing. When tested as is, a 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kg) pile of titanium swarf ignited easily and immediately began burning vigorously. The pile of swarf still had visible flames over 2 minutes after ignition began {see FIG. 6).

Extinguishment of Titanium Swarf using Firebane. Another 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kg) pile of titanium swarf was lit using a blowtorch and, due to how quickly the titanium swarf ignites and burns, extinguishment began after a 2.5 second pre-bum. After ignition, extinguishment using the 2.5-gallon (9.46353 liter) handheld extinguisher filled with Firebane began. The extinguisher fully extinguished the titanium swarf fire in 15 seconds, using 0.92 gallons (3.48258 liters) of agent, and preventing 92% of the titanium swarf from burning.

The burn rate data from the as-received swarf with no extinguishment and with extinguishment using Firebane is seen below in Table 2. Tiibie 2. Extinguishment Data for '[Itanium Swarf

As-Received, No Firebane Extinguishment Ext i n ujsjirnerii

Initial Mass of Titanium Swarf (I s kgs) 2.5/1.1339$

Time to Extinguish (seconds) n/a 15

Volume of Agent Used to Extinguish (galions) _n id:??...

Mass of Unburned Titanium Swarf (Ibs kss) All burned 2.3/ ί .04326

Percentage of Titanium Swarf Protected by Extinguishment 0 92

<%)

Preventing Ignition by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane and then Air Drying tor 2 Days. Titanium swarf thai was saturated in Firebane and then allowed to ait- dry for 2 days proved successful in preventing ignition after more than 20 seconds of blowtorch application (see FIG. 7).

As was seen previously on the unprotected titanium swarf, the titanium swarf ignited quickly and burned vigorously when the flame from a blowtorch was applied. This was not the case with the saturated titanium swarf, in fact, after 20 seconds of applying the blowtorch to the saturated titanium swarf there was no indication of ignition.

After 25 seconds of blowtorch application, a small section of titanium swarf did ignite (see FIG. 8). The fire was extinguished using Firebane after it burned for 2.5 seconds.

Preventing Flame Propagation by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane. Titanium swarf that was saturated in Firebane stopped the propagation of fire when placed in line with, and touching, a piie of as-received titanium (see FIG. 9).

The as-received titanium swarf was ignited using a blowtorch and quickly began to vigorously burn (see FIG. 10), However, when the flame propagated to the section of titanium swarf saturated with Firebane, the flame propagation was immediately stopped and prevented any of the saturated titanium swarf from burning (see FIGS. 10 and i i). There is a distinct line between the as-received titanium swarf, which burned away completely, and the titanium swarf saturated with Firebane, which was 100% protected from flame propagation.

2.3 Sample Description

The titanium was received as very fine swarf stored in water, an example of the titanium swarf {see FIG. 12).

2.4 Test Procedure

Extingidshraetit of Titanium Swarf using Firebane in order to determine if Firebane is able to extinguish a titanium swarf fire, the following test set-up was used:

A GSL, Inc. 2.5-gaIlon (9.46353 liter) handheld extinguisher, FSE-HHE-C. listed and iabeled through Southwest Research institute (S Rl) as a Class A and D extinguisher, was adapted with a VEEJET 6530 nozzie, pressurized to 100 psi, and filled with 2.5 gallons (9.46353 liters ) of Firebane. The weight of the filled extinguisher is recorded. 2.5 lbs. (1.13398 kgs) of titanium swarf is weighed out and placed on a concrete slab in a 18 in. x 3 in. x 4.5 in. line (45.72 cm x 7.62 cm x 1 1 .43 cm) {see FIG. 13).

A blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until a quarter sized amount begins glowing. At. this point the fire will propagate rapidly throughout the entire pile of titanium swarf. Due to the rapid nature of which the titanium swarf burned on the baseline test, extinguishment on the titanium swarf began after a 2.5 second pre- burn.

After the titanium swarf is fully extinguished, the burned titanium is separated from the unburned titanium and weighed. This amount is subtracted from the initial weight of titanium swarf to determine the amount of titanium that was protected by Firebane The extinguisher is also weighed after extinguishment. This value is then subtracted from the initial weight of the filled extinguisher to determine the volume of agent used to extinguish the lire.

Preventing Ignition by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane and then Air Drying for 2 Days. In order to determine if titanium swarf fully saturated with Firebane and air dried for 2 days will prevent ignition, the followin test set-up was used:

Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days is tested using the same test set-up as before. A blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until ignition or for a sufficient amount of time to prove ignition is prevented by the Firebane If ignition does occur, begin extinguishment after a 2.5 second pre -bum.

Preventing Flame Propagation by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane In order to determine if titanium swarf fully saturated with Firebane will stop flame propagation, the following test set-up was used:

Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane is placed in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium swarf. A blowtorch is applied to the as- eceived titanium swarf until ignition occurs.

3.0 Soaking Extinguishment Svstem and Method using Diluted Firebane 3.1 Summary

The objective of this test was to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE ⁰⁵¹ 1170™ extinguishing agent ('"Firebane ^" ) to extinguish a fully involved titanium swarf fire, even as a 50% diluted solution. In addition, tests were performed to show that if pre-wetted with Firebane, the titanium swarf will not ignite even after 2 days of air drying after the application of Firebane. All tests were performed using a GSL, Inc. listed and labeled 2.5-galion (9.46353 liter) handheld fire extinguisher. The extinguisher was successful in extinguishing a 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kgs) titanium swarf fire in 22 seconds, using 0.92 gallons (3.48258) of Firebane, and preventing 92% of the titanium swarf from burning.

When diluted 50% with water, Firebane was successful in extinguishing a 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kg) titanium swarf fire in 26 seconds, using i .2 gallons (4.54249 liters) of the 50% diluted agent, and preventing 62% of the titanium swarf from burning.

The titanium swarf that was soaked in Firebane and allowed to air dry for 2 days prevented ignition in the titanium swarf pile after a 20 second direct blowtorch application. Note that the Firebane remained wet (not dried out) over the 2-day drying time. Titanium swarf that was fully saturated with Firebane completeiy stopped the propagation of flame and protected 100% of the titanium swarf from burning when tested in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium swarf.

3.2 Results

Extinguishment of Titanium Swarf using Firebane. When tested as-is, a 2.5 lb. (1 .13398 kg) pile of titanium swarf ignited easily and immediately began burning vigorously. The pile of swarf still had visible flames over 2 minutes after ignition began {.we FIG. 14).

Another 2.5 lb. (1.13398 kg) pile of titanium swarf was lit using a blowtorch and extinguishment began almost immediately due to how quickly the titanium swarf ignites and burns. After ignition, extinguishment using a GSL, Inc. 2.5-gallon (9.46353 liter) handheld filled with Firebane began. The extinguisher fully extinguished the titanium swarf fire in 22 seconds, using 0.92 gallons (3.48258 liters) of agent, and preventing 92% of the titanium swarf from burning.

To test the ability of 50% Firebane/50% water to extinguish a titanium swarf fire, another 2.5 lb. pile of titanium swarf was lit using a blowtorch. After ignition began, extinguishment began using a GSL, inc. 2.5-gallon (9.46353 liter) handheld filled with

50% Firebane/50% water. The extinguisher fuily extinguished the titanium swarf fire in

26 seconds, using 12 gallons (4.54249 liters) of agent, and preventing 62% of the titanium swarf from burning.

The burn rate data from the as received, full strength ( 1.00%) Firebane, and 50%

Firebane/50% water is seen below in Table 3.

Tabic 3. Extinguishment Data for Titanium Swarf

50%

As-Received, Firebaneand No 800% 50% W ater m E wg^ Extin ^g uishmen

Initial Mass of Titanium Swarf (Ibs kgs) 2.5/ f .13398

Time to Extinguish (seconds) n/a 22 26

Volume of Agent Used to Extinguish n/a 0.92/3.48258 1.2/4.54249

(gallons Uters) _

Mass of Unburned Titanium Swarf AH burned 2.3/1.04326 1.8/0.816466 (Ibs kgs)

Percefitage of Titanium Swarf Protected by 0 92 62

Extinguishment (%)

Preventing Ignition by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane and then Air Dryin for 2 Days. Titanium swarf that was saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days proved successful in preventing ignition after more than 20 seconds of blowtorch application (see FIG. 15). As was seen previously on the unprotected titanium swarf, the titanium swarf ignited quickly and burned vigorously when the flame from a blowtorch was applied This was not the ease with the saturated titanium swarf. In feet, after 20 seconds of applying the blowtorch to the saturated titanium swarf there was no indication of ^* ignition.

After 25 seconds of blowtorch application a small section of titanium swarf did ignite (see FIG. 16). The fire was quickly extinguished using Firebane. Preventing Flame Propagation by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane. ^' Titanium swarf that was saturated in Firebane proved to stop the propagation of fire when placed in line with, and touching, a pile of as-received titanium (see FIG. 17). The as-received titanium swarf was ignited using a blowtorch and quickly began to vigorously burn. However, when the flaine propagated to the section of iiianium swarf saturated with Firebane, the flame propagation was immediately stopped and prevented any of the saturated titanium swarf from burning (see FIGS. 18 and 19). There is a distinct line where the as -received titanium swarf burned away completely and where the titanium swarf saturated with Firebane was 100% protected from flame propagation. 3 J Sample Description

The titanium was received as very fine swarf stored in water (see FIG. 20).

3.4 Test Procedure

Extinguishment, of Titanium Swarf using Firebane. In order to determine if Firebane is able to extinguish a titanium swarf fire, the following test set-up was used:

« A GSL, Inc. 2.5-gaUon (9.46353 liter) handheld extinguisher, FSE-HHE-C, listed and labeled through a Southwest Research institute (SwRJ) as a Ciass A and D extinguisher was adapted with a VEEJET 6530 nozzle, pressurized to 100 psi, and filled with 2.5 gallons (9.46353 liters) of Firebane. The weight of the filled extinguisher is recorded.

• 2.5 lbs. (1 .13398 kgs) of titanium swarf is weighed out and placed on a concrete slab in a 1 8 in. x 3 in. x 4.5 in. line (45.72 cm x 7.62 cm x 1 1.43 cm) (see FIG. 21).

* A blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until a quarter sized amount begins glowing. At this point the fire will propagate rapidly throughout the entire pile of titanium swarf. « Extinguishment on the titanium swarf began almost immediately due to the rapid nature of which the titanium swarf burned on the baseline test.

• After the titanium swarf is fully extinguished the burned titanium is separated from the imburned titanium and weighed. This amount is subtracted from the initial weight of titanium swarf to determine the amount of titanium that was protected by Firebane.

» The extinguisher is also weighed after extinguishment. This value is then subtracted from the initial weight of the filled extinguisher to determine the volume of agent used to extinguish the fire.

Preventing gnition by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane and then Air

Drying for 2 Days. In order to determine if titanium swarf fully saturated with Firebane and air dried for 2 days will prevent ignition, the following test set-up was used:

• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane and then allowed to air dry for 2 days is tested using the same test set-up as previous.

· A blowtorch is applied to the titanium swarf until ignition or for a sufficient amount of time to prove ignition is prevented by the Firebane.

• If ignition does occur, begin extinguishment immediately.

Preventing Flame Propagation by Saturating the Titanium Swarf in Firebane. in order to determine if titanium swarf fully saturated with Firebanewi!l stop flame propagation, the following lest set-up was used:

• Titanium swarf that was fully saturated in Firebane is placed in line and touching a pile of as-received titanium swarf.

• A blowtorch is applied to the as-received titanium swarf until ignition occurs.

4.0 Soaking Extinguishment System and Method

using Firebane on a Zirconium Scrap 4.1 Summary

The objective of this test was to measure the burning rate of zirconium scrap using the test method found in the EPA-approved SW-846 Method 1030 and to demonstrate the ability of FIREBANE* ^' 1 170™ extinguishing agent ("Firebane") to stop the propagation of fire in the zirconium scrap using the test method found in the UN's Recommendations of Transport of Dangerous Goods.

Firebane was successful in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap thai was wetted with Firebane. Additional tests were performed on zirconium scrap that was allowed to soak in Firebane for 2 weeks and then allowed to air dry for 24 hours and 7 days respectively. Firebane was successful after air drying for both 24 hours and 7 days in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap that was wetted with Firebane,

4.2 Test Procedure

To begin, an EPA-approved SW-846 Method 1030 was used to calculate the burn rate of as-received zirconium scrap to use as a baseline. After the burn rate baseline was established, the UN's Recommendations of Transport of Dangerous Goods, section 33,2.1.4.3.2.2 was used to determine if Firebane would stop the propagation of fire when wetted, in addition to testmg its ability to stop the propagation of fire, zirconium scrap that was completely saturated in Firebane was tested. Details of all three tests are described below in section 4,4 and the as-received zirconium scrap is described below in section 4.3.

The SW and UN methods can assist in the determination of the ignitabiliiy of solids but are not required methods. Two criteria are necessary to determine if the waste is an ignitable solid. The generator must first determine that the waste is not a liquid and is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture or spontaneous chemical changes. If the waste meets these conditions. SW-846 Method 1030 is recommended to determine whether the waste "when ignited, burns so vigorously and persistently that it creates a hazard." If the waste meets both of these criteria, it is a hazardous waste.

Based on previous experience and knowledge, it was determined that wet zirconium (even if only slightly damp) wiii ignite easily and bum vigorously. Therefore, the zirconium scrap stored in water must be considered a hazardous waste.

The test method is intended to measure and describe the properties of materials or products in response to exposure to heat and flame. The test results alone should not be used to determine or appraise the fire hazard or the fire risk of material, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. The test resuits may be used, however, as elements of a complete fire hazard for fire risk assessment, which takes into account ail the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or risk of a particular end-use.

The test results presented apply specifically to the specimens tested, in the manner tested, and not to the entire production of these or similar materials, nor to their performance when used in combination with other materials.

4.3 Results

Burn Rate Testing. When tested as-is, the zirconium scrap ignited easily and burned vigorously. Table 4 details the burn rate data gathered for as-received zirconium scrap. FIG. 22 shows a progression of the zirconium scrap burning. Table 4. As-Received Bum Rate Data for Zirconium Scrap

Time elapsed between

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using UN's Transport Method. Firebane was successful in preventing the burning of as-received zirconium scrap. The section that was saturated with Firebane resulted in unburned zirconium. However, the section of saturated Firebane was so smali (1 mi of agent was applied) thai the fire jumped over the saturated section and burned the remaining half of the pile (see FIG. 23)..

Note that in the second frame of FIG. 23, the flame jumping the section protected by Firebane can be seen. Also, in the last frame, there is a noticeable section where no burning is taking place as compared to that behind and in front of it. This noticeable section is the one that had Firebane applied to it. Any zirconium that was fully saturated with Firebane was protected from fire and remained unburned (see FIG. 24)..

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using Zirconium Saturated with Firebane- Firebane was successful in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap thai was soaked with Firebane. For this test, the remaining half of the zirconium scrap pile was soaked in Firebane. There is a definite line where the as- received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane ^' protected zirconium scrap starts (see FIGS. 25 & 26).

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using Zirconium Saturated with

Firebane after 2 Weeks of Storage. To simulate a storage scenario, where the zirconium scrap would be stored in containers filled with Firebane instead of water, zirconium scrap was left to soak in a container of Firebane for 2 weeks. After this time, there was no corrosion observed on the zirconium (see FIG. 27).

After 2 weeks of storage, Firebane was still successful in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap that was soaked vvith Firebane. The zirconium scrap was removed from the container and allowed to dry for 5 minutes (but remained wet). The remaining half of the zirconium scrap pile was soaked in Firebane. There is a definite line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane ^" protected zirconium scrap starts (see FIGS. 28 and 29).

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using Zirconium Saturated with Pirebane^ 1 170 After 2 Weeks of Storage and then a 24 hour Dry Time. To simulate a scenario where the zirconium scrap might be stored with Firebane and then removed from the liquid storage container and allowed to sit overnight in open air, zirconium scrap was left to soak in a container of Firebane for 2 weeks and then taken out and allowed to air dry for 24 hours.

After 2 weeks of storage and a 24-hour air dry time, Firebane was still successful in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap tha was soaked with Firebane. Note that the Firebane remained wet (not dried out) over the 24-hour drying time. As previously, the last half of the zirconium scrap pile was soaked in Firebane . There is a definite line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts (see FIGS. 30 and 31 ),

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using Zirconium Saturated with Firebane after 2 Weeks of Storage and then a 7-Day Dry Time. To simulate a scenario where the zirconium scrap might be stored with Firebane and then removed from the liquid storage container and allowed to sit over the period of one week, zirconium scrap was left to soak in a container of Firebane for 2 weeks and then taken out and allowed to air dry for 7 days.

After 2 weeks of storage and a 7-day air dry time, Firebane was still successful in completely stopping the propagation of fire to zirconium scrap that was soaked with Firebane. Note that the Firebane remained wet (not dried out) over the 7-day drying time. As previously; the last half of the zirconium scrap pile was soaked in Firebane. There is a definite line where the as-received zirconium scrap ends and where the Firebane-protected zirconium scrap starts {see FIGS. 32 and 33).

4.3 Sample Description

The zirconium scrap was received as shavings stored in water (see FIG. 34).

4.4 Test Procedure

Burn Rate Testing. In order to caiculate the burn rate of the as-received zirconium in accordance with SW-846 Method 1030, Section 7.2, the following test setup was used:

« Remove enough zirconium scrap from the storage container to make a 250 mm long X 20 ram wide strip, and place it on an absorbent towel for 5 minutes.

» Clearly mark a 250 mm test path on the tile. For timing purposes, make additional marks at 80 mm and 180 mm from the start of the sample path. The distance between the two marks, 100 mm, wili be used to caiculate the bum rate {see FIG. 35).

» At the end of 5 minutes, roll the zirconium scrap into a 250 mm x 20 mm strip.

Place the strip of zirconium scrap on a low-heat conducting, non-combustible, impervious ceramic tile.

» Place the ceramic tile with the loaded zirconium scrap sample into a fume hood about 8 inches from the front. Position the sample perpendicular to the airflow, * A propane blowtorch, with a temperature of L000 C, was applied to the starting end of the zirconium scrap to ignite the test strip (if the samples does not ignite, hoid the flame tip on the sample for a maximum of 5 minutes).

* When the test strip or powder train has burned up to the 80 mm time marker, begin timing the rate of combustion with a stop watch. Stop the tinier when the burned strip reaches the 180 mm time marker. Record the amount of time (in seconds) required to burn the 100 mm test strip. Calculate the rate of burning by dividing the length of the bu n test strip ( 100 mm) by the total time (seconds). Results of the burn rate test should be reported in mm/see. Wastes that have a rate of burning of more than 2.2 mm/sec (or burn time of less than 45 seconds for

100 mm) are considered to have a positive result tor ignitabiiit according to DOT regulations. For metals, this time is 10 minutes or less for 1 0 mm (or a burn rate of more than 0.17 mm/sec).

Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using U 's Transport Method. In order to determine if a very small amount of Firebane would stop the propagation of fire according to and the U Recommendations of Transport of Dangerous Goods, section 33.214.3.2.2, the following test set-up was used:

* The same set-up as detailed above was followed. Once the zirconium scrap sample was placed on the ceramic tile, 1 ml of Firebane was added drop by drop 30-40 mm beyond the 100 mm timing zone. The test operator can be seen applying the Firebane in FIG. 36.

« Proceed with the test as usual being sure to note if the wetted zone has any impact on the propagation of fire. Stopping the Propagation of Fire Testing using Zirconium Saturated with Firebane. In order to determine if zirconium scrap fully saturated with Firebane would stop the propagation of fire the following test set-up was used:

* For this test, the same set-up above was used on one half of the zirconium pile. « For the other half of the pile, place the zirconium scrap directly from the storage container into a container with enough Firebane to fully cover all of the scrap.

* Remove enough zirconium scrap from the container of Firebane to make a 125 mm long x 20 mm wide strip, and place it on an absorbent towel for 5 minutes.

* At the end of 5 minutes, make a sample strip as detailed previousl thai is 125 mm long. Place this strip directly beside (and touching) the as-received zirconium scrap pile.

* Proceed with the test as usual being sure to note if the wetted zone has any im act on the propagation of fire.

5.8 I esel Fuel Extinguishment System and Method

5.1 Summary

The objective of this test was to evaluate the ability of Firebane* 1 179™ aqueous extinguishing agent ("Firebane") to extinguish a Diesel 5B pan fire. For each test, the same basic set-up was used: a small, military handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210-01 -519- 0942), Firebane as the extinguishing agent, 5.6W spray nozzle, and charged with 450 psi. Tests were conducted with varying headspace. With both a smaller and larger headspace. Firebane successfully extinguished a SB diesei pan fire.

In testing performed at the Aberdeen Test Center, using the same set-up as described above but on a 2B pan fire, 810 grams of Cryotecb CF7 (643 ml based on a density of 1 .26 g/ml) was used as the extinguishing agent. The objective was to verify through these tests that Firebane could extinguish a larger 5B pan fire while also using less than 810 grams of Firebane. Because a 5B pan fire is 2.5 times larger than a 28 pan fire (5 sq. ft. ( 1.524 sq. m) compared to 12.5 sq. ft. (3.81 sq. m)) and creates a much hotter fuel fire, the cyiinder was filled with more than 800 grains of Firebane.

For one test, the cyiinder was filled with 1265 grams (Π00 ml) of Firebane to create a small headspace. This sei-up was successful in fully extinguishing a 5S diesei pan fire in 6.28 seconds, using only 667 grams (580 ml) of Firebane. No re-flash occurred. The spray pattern from this test was not ideal.

For the second test, the cylinder was filled with less agent, 1035 grams (900 mi) of Firebane, to create a larger headspace. This set-up was successful in fuily extinguishing a 5B dissel pan fire, in 3.8 seconds, using 437 grams (380 ml) of Firebane. No re-flash occurred. The spray pattern from ratio of Firebane agent to headspace proved to work very well.

A third test was conducted using the same set-up as the second test. Again, this set-Lip was successful in fuily extinguishing a 5B diesei pan fires, in 3.0 seconds, using 391 grams (340 ml) of Firebane. No re- lash occurred.

5.2 Results

The Diesel 5 l Pan Fire l est Using a Small Military Handheld Extinguisher and Spray Nozzle testing was performed at the Hamilton Bum Center located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Each fire extinguishment was performed by the same firefighter using the same technique.

Firebane successfully extinguished the 5B diesei pan fires quickly and used less than 810 grams of extinguishing agent. The initial test was performed with the cylinder filled to capacity of 1265 grams ( 1 100 ml) of agent. The data gathered from this test is seen below in Table 5. Table 5. Firebane Diesel 5B Pari Fire Test Results

Cylinder Filled with 1265 grams ( 1 100 ml) of Firebane

Test *

Agent Used 1 179

Density of Agent (lbs/gat) 9.59

5B P il Area (ft ³ ) 12.5

Volume of Agent Used (mi) 480

Volume of Agent Used (grams) 552

Time To Extinguishment (seconds) 6.3

After fully extinguishing the 5 pan fire with the cylinder filled with 1265 grams (1 100 mi) of agent, the volume of agent was reduced to 1035 grams (900 ml) to provide more headspace, and thereby a better spray pattern for a longer amount of time. The cylinders were re-charged between each test. The data from these tests is seen below in

Table 6.

Table 6. Firebane Diesel 5B Part Fire Test Results

Cylinder Filled with 1035 grams (900 ml) of Firebane* I ί 79

lest a 1

Agent Used Firebane ^® 179

Density of Agent (lbs/gal) 9.59

5B Part Area 012) 12.5

Volume of Agent Used (ml) 380 340

Volume of Agent Used (grams) 437 391.

^' ime To Extinguishment (seconds) 3.8 3.0

Based on the volume of Firebane required to extinguish the fires, the test utilizing 1265 grams ( ! ! OO mi) of Firebane successfully met the fire test performance requirements of extinguishing the Diesel 513 pan fire and using less than 810 grams of Firebane agent.

Based on the volume of Firebane required to extinguish the fires, both tests utilizing 1035 grams (900 ml) of Firebane successfully met the fire test performance requirements of extinguishing the Diesel 5B pan fire and using iess than 810 grams of Firebane agent. 3 !

5.3 Sample Description

To create a 58 fuel fire scenario, a 12.5 ft ² (3.81 sq. m) pan was filled with 2 inches (5.08 cm) of water and 2 inches (5.08 cm) of diese! fuel (15.5 gafkms/58.67388 liters of diesei ).

Tests were conducted using a small miiitary handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210- 01 - 1 -0942) using the standard 5.6W spray nozzle (see PIG. 37). The cylinder was filled with agent and was then pressurized to 450 psi.

The fiash point and auto-ignition temperatures of Heptane, gasoline, and diesei are seen below in Table 7.

Table 7. Fiash point and auto-ignition temperatures.

! Auto-ignition

Fuel ! Fiash point ^ft F/°C temperature °F/°C

Heptane I 24.8Z-4 433/222.8

Gasoline (petrol) i -45A42.8 536/280

Diesei 1 100-130/37.8-54.4 4 ! 0/210

^" JP~8 ! ^" Ί 00/37.8 ~ 10/210

The flash point is an indication of how easily a fuel may burn. Fuels with higher flash points are less flammable. The auto-ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to ignite a gas or vapor in the air without a spark or flame being present. The key to extinguishing a pan lire and preventing re-Hash is cooiing the fuel beiow its auto-ignition temperature. 5.4 Test Proced « re in order to simulate a 5B pan fire a set-up was configured as follows: · A small miiitary handheld extinguisher (NSN 4210-01 -519-0942) was filled with agent and weighed. * A 12.5 sq. ft. (3.81 sq m.) area pan was filled with 2 inches (5.08 cm) of water and then diesel was poured 2 inches deep (5.08 cm) on top of the water.

c Before each subsequent test, the depth of the water and diesel fuel was measured and additional diesel was added as needed after each fire test to keep the level at 2 inches (5.08 cm).

» The cylinder was then charged with 450 psi of nitrogen gas.

« The diesei was lit and allowed to pre-burn for 60 seconds.

» After the pre-burn, fire extinguishment began.

• The time when the agent began discharging from the extinguisher to extinguishment of all v isible flames was recorded as "Time to Extinguishment."

* After extinguishment, the test pan was watched for any re-flash.

• After the test, the extinguishing agent was removed from the cylinder into a measuring container to validate the amount of agent used to extinguish the fire.

5.5 Test

1265 grams (1 100 ml) of Firebane. After the 60 second pre-burn, the diesel fuel was fully engulfed in flames (see FIG. 38). This picture is immediately before fire extinguishment with Firebane began.

The Diesel 5B pan fire is fully extinguished after 6.28 seconds of firefighting using a total of 552 grams (480 ml) of Firebane (see FIG. 39). No re-flash was seen.

When the cylinder was filled with 1265 grams (1 100 ml) of agent, the spray- pattern was only sufficient for firefighting for roughly 8 seconds. The decision was made to lower the amount of agent filling the cylinder to 1035 grams (900 ml) to allow for more headspace, thereby allowing a better spray pattern for a longer amount of time.

1035 grams (900 ml) of Firebane. Two tests were performed using the military cylinder filled with ! 035 grams (900 mi) of Firebane agent. FiGS. 40 and 41 and detailed information are from test #2. Test #1 was identical, with it taking less than 1 second longer to extinguish. Videos were taken from a distance and from a camera positioned on the helmet of the firefighter.

After less than 1 second of firefighting, the flames are quickly being extinguished (see FIG. 40). This frame on the right is from the firefighter's helmet camera and shows the flames are extinguished immediately upon introduction of Firebane spray.

The Diesel 5B pan fire is fully extinguished after only 3 seconds of firefighting usin a total of 391 grams (340 ml) of Firebane (see FIG. 41 ). No re-flash was seen.

6.0 Systems and Methods for Stabilizing the Evaporation Rate in a Hot Enclosure 6.1 Summary

The objective of this test was to evaluate how the aqueous extinguishing agent would affect temperature and humidity inside a sealed chamber and, in particular, whether the agent would worsen a skin bum scenario when deployed into a vehicle operating in a humid desert environment that was experiencing an external fire situation for 10 minutes. A preferred embodiment of the aqueous fire suppression agent, FIREBANE® 1 179™ ("Firebane"), was tested.

Humans are very sensitive to humidity, as the skin relies on the air to eliminate moisture. The process of sweating is the body's attempt to keep cool and maintain its current temperature, if the ah is at 100% relative humidity, sweat will not evaporate into the air. As a result, it feels much hotter than the actual temperature when the relative humidity is high. If the relative humidity is low, it feeis much cooler than the actual temperature because our sweat evaporates easily, cooling us off. For example, if the air temperature is 24°C 75°F) and the relative humidity is zero percent, the air temperature feels like 21 °C (69°F) to our bodies. If the air temperature is 24°C (75°F) and the relative humidity is 1 0 percent, we feel like its 27°C (80°F) out. The heat index is associated with relative humidity and is the reason the air temperature can seem cooler than the actual air temperature {see Table ?). A high relative humidity indicates that the dew point is closer to the current air temperature. Relative humidity of 100% indicates the dew point is equal to the current temperature and the air is maximally saturated with water. When the de point remains constant and temperature increases, relative humidity will. decrease.

Table 7. Monthly average minimum and maximum temperatures, relative humidity, and heat index in Baghdad, iraq

Avg. Mia. Temp. Avg. Max. Temp. Relative Avg. Max. Heat

(°F) (°F) Humidity (%) tndcx ( ^C F)

January 39 6J 7? jjlj

February _43 66 61 76.·.?

March 48_ 72 53_ _76.2

Aprrt 59 84 43 UA_

Ma 68 97 30 7

June 73 _ 106 21 J07.6

My _77 109 22

August 77 i l l 22 \ \ b.

Somber _ 70 104 _26 108.0

October _ 61 93 ³⁴ _ _„ _ _ ⁹⁴ JL _

November 52 77 ....._J ⁴ 7&A

December 41 64 71 78.0 6.2 Results

A sealed container was used to measure the temperature and relaiis'e humidity change of Firebane. distilled water, and a potassium acetate/water solution. The container was tilled with the same amouni of each agent and a humidity probe was inserted. At this point the container was air tight sealed. When a water bath reached 49°C ( 120°F) the sealed container was inserted until fully submersed. From previous experiments, it was found that it takes roughly 30 minutes for the aqueous agent's temperature inside the container to equilibrate with the water's outside temperature. The samples were left submersed in the hot water for an additional 20 minutes to gather data. When compared to water and a potassium acetate/water solution, the results showed that Firebane had the least amount of affect on the relative humidity change inside the sealed container, which in turn created the least amount of dew point temperature change {see FIG. 42).

Relative Humidity Change {%)

Firebane raised the humidity in the container to above 90% for 7.5 minutes, but then dropped and stayed below 65% for the majority of the time. The distilled water raised the humidity m the container to above 90% the entire 20 minutes after equilibrium was reached. The potassium acetate/water solution raised the humidity in the container to above 90% for 14.5 minutes, and stayed above 80% for the rest of the time.

Dew Point Temperature Change PC)

Firebane raised the dew point in the container to a maximum value of 39.7°C {see FIG. 43). The distilled water raised the dew point in the container to a maximum value of 47.6°C. The potassium acetate/water solution raised the dew point in the container to a maximum value of 45.2°C.

An environment becomes very uncomfortable, and a human's respiratory tract will be affected, in a hot, humid environment at a dew point above 40°C. Above this temperature, the skin will begin to burn if exposed for an extended amount of time.

At a dew point of 40°C and below, a human can tolerate the conditions for a longer time than 10 minutes. However, when the dew point reaches above 40°C, a human could not tolerate that environment for more than 10 minutes.

An extinguishing agent made and used according to this invention proved effective in controlling the dew point below 40°C.