At all times, fires threatened human life, and rescuers were looking for a way to eliminate them. Fire extinguishers have become an indispensable device for firefighters in fighting fires. In the article, we will consider such a type of fire extinguishers as air-emulsion, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as popular models.
Description and features of the fire extinguisher
The Emulsion Fire Extinguisher (OVE) is the most effective, environmentally friendly and safe for humans fire extinguishing device. It is an improved modification of the air-foam fire extinguisher. The composition of its extinguishing mixture, in addition to surfactants, additionally includes antifreeze and various components that make it possible to obtain an aqueous emulsion. This improvement has greatly expanded the range of applications of this tool.
VE-fire extinguisher, unlike other varieties, is reusable (it can be refilled up to 40 times). Its main significant differences are the ability to extinguish liquids andelectrical equipment, as well as the ability to function properly in the widest range of climatic conditions.
Also, experts note that this device has high values of the protected area: for one 5-6 liter HE fire extinguisher, this figure reaches 100 square meters.
Purpose and scope
Due to the unique physical properties of the emulsion, this fire extinguisher is used to extinguish a wide variety of fires:
- Class "A" and "B". A fire extinguisher is indispensable for extinguishing fires resulting from the ignition of both solid and liquid combustible substances.
- Class "E". The fire extinguisher is used to extinguish electrical equipment under high voltage (up to 10 thousand V).
The OVE fire extinguisher can be used in a variety of weather conditions, in temperature ranges from -40 to +50 degrees.
Used in residential and social facilities with an increased number of people, as well as to protect public and private transport.
Design and principle of operation
The design of an air emulsion fire extinguisher (OVE) is generally similar in structure to fire extinguishers containing other active substances in the composition:
- the cylinder is made of welded steel sheet, which is a fairly light material, so the fire extinguisher is quite light in weight;
- according to the type of overpressure source used, RE-fire extinguishers can be of two types: injection (pressurecreates a layer of compressed gas, which is pumped into the cylinder on top of the extinguishing agent) or equipped with a separate cartridge connected to the trigger;
- when the shut-off device is activated, the emulsion moves through the siphon tube and then through the rubber hose to the sprayer, with which it is sprayed, mixed with air, onto the combustion centers.
The fire extinguisher cylinder is coated with powder enamel, which makes it highly resistant to mechanical damage and adverse weather conditions. The inside of the cylinder is treated with an anti-corrosion compound.
The OVE fire extinguisher has a special composition of the extinguishing agent that distinguishes it from others. It is an emulsion - an aqueous solution of surfactants. Such a mixture is well distributed and mixed with air, which increases the length of the jet (this allows you to be at a safe distance from the source when extinguishing) and high efficiency of the impact on the combustion source. Quenching occurs immediately when the emulsion enters the fire area. The cessation of the combustion process occurs as a result of the fact that the emulsion creates a film on the surface, under which the burning surface is cooled. In addition, the resulting film effectively deposits combustion products that are toxic to humans and prevents re-ignition.
Operating Rules
In order for the fire extinguisher not to be damaged ahead of time and to effectively perform its functions, the list of rules must be observed:
- forto bring the fire extinguisher into operation, it is necessary to break the seal and pull out the safety pin;
- direct the sprayer at the fire area and press the trigger; the charge with the emulsion flies out due to the excess pressure created by the layer of compressed gas.
When using a fire extinguisher is prohibited:
- hit him;
- use balloon if mechanical damage is visible;
- point at people.
OVE must be sealed and have the manufacturer's receipt.
The device has a long service life, it does not need to be re-certified, and the OVE fire extinguisher may not be recharged for 10 years (40 recharges are allowed over the entire service life).
To check the he alth of this device, it is enough just from time to time to visually control the readings of the barometer scale.
Advantages and disadvantages
The OVE fire extinguisher, due to its special composition - emulsion, combines the positive qualities of water and air-foam fire extinguishers, while not having the disadvantages that these devices have. Its Benefits:
- highest performance and versatility compared to other types of fire extinguishers;
- environmental safety: harmless to human he alth, and also does not damage material property in the fire, does not harm the environment;
- large protected area;
- when quenching does not createdust content, thus does not impair visibility;
- does not increase the amount of carbon dioxide when ignited in an enclosed space;
- you can start extinguishing immediately, without personal protective equipment, in the presence of people, right during the evacuation;
- ability to extinguish objects under electrical voltage;
- possibility of application at negative ambient temperatures;
- long service life.
The main disadvantage is the high cost. But it is justified by the effectiveness of the fire extinguisher. The device can replace several dozen foam analogs during service.
Manufacturers and Models
The leaders in terms of product popularity are the Russian companies Rusintek, Bontel, Samurai, NPO Pulse. These manufacturers offer a wide range of models that differ in charge mass in the range from 2 to 50 kg.
Small cylinders (2 or 4 kg) are ideal for car interiors. Characteristics of OVE fire extinguishers:
- working pressure – 1.85 MPa;
- use temperature from -40 to +50 °С;
- jet duration - no less than 12 seconds;
- fire extinguishing efficiency - 2A (class A), 55V (class B), up to 1000V (class E).
Cylinders of 8, 10, 40 and 50 kg are more often installed in large areas - warehouses, hangars, etc. Cylinders with a high mass of charge, from 10 kg and above, are mobile, that is, they are equipped with a trolley forease of use. The most popular models for domestic use are five- and six-kilogram fire extinguishers.
Among imported models, the device from MiniBombero (Spain) attracts attention, which has a very compact size, with a charge volume of 250 ml.
Kingsway Industries TRI-MAX fire extinguishers are distinguished by the presence of a case for storing the device. These models are lightweight and easy to use.
Fire extinguishers from the British company Angus Fire are also known all over the world. They differ in weight and volume, but all devices do an excellent job of extinguishing the same materials.
It can be said that a fire extinguisher is an integral part of the security of any premises. The regulations establish the mandatory presence of this device, as well as its timely check and recharge.
