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 forcedelimination of the source of the flame, cooling of the combustion medium and combustible matter, and depletion of the oxygen content in the air. All this is necessary in order to reduce 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 isolationa combustible substance that 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 basic methods of extinguishing fires also includethe chemical and mechanical ways of eliminating fire, by which are meant the inhibition of a complex of redox reactions, as well as the direct liquidation by means of a jet of water or gas under pressure.

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

The choice of the application of fire extinguishing substances 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.

Technical means that are performedfire extinguishing, include hydrants. These are devices for taking water from the water supply system. Fire-fighting cranes are a complete device consisting of a pipeline, a valve, a hose and a barrel. The storage of this fire extinguishing means presents many requirements to keep it operational.

Elimination of small fires can beis made with the help of primary fire extinguishing means, 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.

Extinguishing fire with gas extinguishersis carried out with the help of the carbon dioxide composition, which is necessary for the quenching of solid and liquid substances. In turn, foam extinguishers are used to eliminate the burning of liquid and solid substances. The drawback of such fire extinguishers is that they are not allowed to be used to extinguish materials, the interaction with which is likely to 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 to fire electrical installations up to 1000 V, which are under voltage.