Fire extinguishing: basic methods and means

Fire extinguishing is a combination of activities that are aimed at eliminating fire. This complex includes many methods.

The main methods of extinguishing fires are forced elimination of the source of the flame, cooling of the combustion medium and fuel and depletion of the oxygen content in the air. All this is necessary in order to lower the temperature of the upper layer of the fuel by removing the main part of the heat. A decrease in the percentage of oxygen is produced by introducing mixtures of inert gases or vapors of certain substances, and in this case the fire is extinguished precisely by slowing down the oxidation reaction of the combustible bodies.

In addition, the method of insulation of a combustible substance is widely used, which consists in preventing the entry of oxygen into the oxidation zone. To do this, it is necessary to cover the combustion area with a fire extinguishing agent, for example, chemical foam or powder.

The main methods of fire extinguishing also include chemical and mechanical ways of eliminating fire, which include the inhibition of a complex of oxidation-reduction reactions, as well as direct liquidation by a jet of water or gas under pressure.

Fire extinguishing is achieved by the joint use of fire-extinguishing substances (water and water vapor, sand, foam, fire-extinguishing compounds, and resistant to similar effects) and technical structures (cranes, hydrants, sleeves, pumps, etc.).

The choice of the application of fire extinguishing agents takes place according to the type, nature and parameters of the fire, the state of the environment and the aggregate properties of the substances, the efficiency and effectiveness of fire extinguishing systems.

The technical means by which fire extinguishing is performed include hydrants. These are devices for taking water from the water supply system. Fire cocks are a complete device consisting of a pipeline, a valve, a hose and a barrel. To the storage of this fire extinguishing means are presented many requirements, designed to preserve its efficiency.

Elimination of medium-sized fires can be achieved with the help of primary fire extinguishing agents, which are traditionally referred to as fire extinguishers of various designs, as well as fire tools and equipment. Classification of fire extinguishers is carried out according to the type of extinguishing agent. There are gas, foam and powder.

Fire extinguishing with the help of gas fire extinguishers is carried out with the help of carbon dioxide composition, which is necessary for extinguishing solid and liquid substances. In turn, foam extinguishers are used to eliminate the burning of liquid and solid substances. A disadvantage of such fire extinguishers is that they are not allowed to be used to extinguish materials, the interaction with which can cause an explosion. For example, they can not eliminate the ignition of electrical equipment that is energized. Powder fire extinguishers have found application for substances of all aggregate states. Most importantly, they can be used for fire extinguishing of electrical installations up to 1000 V, which are under voltage.