Fire extinguisher and its types

Fire capsule is a cylinder-shaped tank that is filled with special materials under pressure and helps us to control the fire during a fire. and prevent its spread. Considering that the types of fire are different; How to deal with it is also different and depends on the nature of the fire. For this reason, over time, various fire extinguishers have been created, each of which is suitable and usable for different fires.

Powder and gas capsule

CO2 capsule

Foam capsule

Water and gas capsule

Biversal capsule

According to the area where the capsule is installed and the volume and type of flammable materials in the environment, the weight of the fire extinguisher can be determined. Fire extinguishers are usually designed manually up to the weight of 12-14 kg and wheeled for larger weights. The greater the weight of the capsule, the greater the coverage area (that is, the area where the extinguisher is able to extinguish the fire). According to the standard, capsules weighing less than 18 kg are installed at a height of 1 meter and more than 18 kg at a height of 1.5 meters so that the head of the capsule is placed at this height.

Generally, fire extinguishers have the following parts: A cylindrical body inside, depending on the type of capsule, there is powder, water, or CO2 gas under pressure. The holding handle that is used to move the capsule. The pin, which is placed as a needle between the lever and the handle, does not allow the contents of the cylinder to exit until it is separated from its seal. A lever or latch that pushes the contents of the capsule after pulling out the pin. The guiding hose that increases the speed of the material and directs it accurately to the fire. It is trumpet-like in CO2 capsules.

Fire extinguishers in the past were usually shown with different colors so that the user could quickly use the appropriate extinguisher. For example, capsules with water content are red, CO2 capsules are black, capsules containing powder are blue, and bioversal capsules are green. But in Iran, most of the capsules are usually red, and the difference between each one is determined by a colored strip on its body.

When using a fire extinguisher, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of extinguisher. Because the use of fire extinguishers is different and according to the types of fire, the required type of extinguisher is also different.

The use of CO2 capsules is mostly used in closed places and for electric fires and electronic equipment, because it is not a conductor of electricity and has no effect on such It does not leave any residue.If possible, avoid using these types of capsules outdoors. Because it causes gas dispersion and reduces its effectiveness. Considering that its throwing power is between 2 and 4 meters, it should be as close to the fire as possible. The minimum discharge time of these extinguishers is about 16 seconds. If less than 10% of it has been used, it can be reused. This type of capsule is used to extinguish type B and C fires.

CO2 gas is used inside a cartridge to provide pressure in this type of capsule. This type of extinguisher is uncontrollable, that is, if the gas comes out of the cartridge, it is not possible to use it again. The minimum duration of its discharge is about 60 seconds. This type of capsule is used to extinguish the fire of wooden items, cardboard, furniture, carpet, etc. This type of capsule is suitable for extinguishing type A fire.

The foam capsule with a mustard band around it is used to extinguish liquid fires.Foam like water has an adverse effect on some goods such as electrical or paper equipment and should not be used. The use of this type of capsule is less than other extinguishers, but it is the best extinguisher for extinguishing flammable liquids. The foam quickly covers the surface of the liquid and prevents its expansion by preventing oxygen from reaching it. This type of capsule is suitable for type B fire extinguishing.

This type of capsule is used to extinguish any type of fire. But its most effective use is to extinguish the fire of liquids and metals. It is used, the description of which is given in the article on types of firefighting powder. This type of capsule is suitable for large fires, flammable liquids, electrical sources and flammable gases. This type of capsule is suitable for fire extinguishing type A, B, C and D.

Biversal capsules have the following features and are suitable for extinguishing fires of flammable solids and liquids such as paper, cloth, plastic, wood, oils, diesel and thinner: environment lover No flame return Non-corrosiveness Very high ability to extinguish large fires Inactivator of all 4 main factors of fire propagation (oxygen-heat-fuel-fire chain) This type of capsule is suitable for fire extinguishing type A and B.

There are two types of differences for these two capsules, one difference in terms of appearance and the other difference in terms of use. In terms of appearance, the CO2 capsule is a cylinder without a welding line on its body, and its outlet is funnel-shaped, but the powder capsule is not like this. In terms of application, powder capsules have more uses and are used for different types of fire, while CO2 capsules are suitable for electrical fires and flammable liquids.