We can find carbon dioxide everywhere, from our fizzy drinks to the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Two oxygen molecules are bound together by one carbon atom, which produces this colorless gas without odor. It is nice to have carbon dioxide around; however, it is created when plants photosynthesize and are indispensable when battling fires.
Fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide to extinguish fires
In fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide is used due to its ability to displace or reduce atmospheric oxygen. When it comes to fire triangles, we must understand how important oxygen is to a fire's spread and start. The fire will be extinguished if the oxygen in the formula is removed and replaced with the gas from the discharged CO2.
Co2 Fire Extinguisher
It is important to understand that when attempting to extinguish a fire at a workplace, the type of suppression needed depends on a variety of factors, including the type of substance igniting the fire and the type of equipment, and human safety concerns around the fire.
A water extinguisher is used to extinguish ordinary combustion fires (Class A fires), eliminating the heat associated with the fire; such devices are not useful when the fire source is a liquid or gas (Class B or C fires). The reaction may inadvertently cause the flaming liquid to displace or splash, and water may not be able to reduce the heat from the fire to a low-enough temperature to terminate the combustion reaction that keeps the fire burning. By displacing the oxygen the fire relies on, a carbon dioxide extinguisher can put out the fire in this case.
Besides being capable of extinguishing electrical (Class C) fires, CO2 extinguishers also douse various other fires since carbon dioxide is non-conductive. The solids will continue to smolder after extinguishment and may be reignited once the air is returned to its immediate surroundings. Thus, they cannot be used to extinguish ordinary flammable, combustible solids. An extinguisher with a dry chemical formula is an effective way to eliminate all of the types of fire that a carbon dioxide extinguisher can, in addition to other fire types such as Class A fires.
Nevertheless, a carbon dioxide extinguisher would be more effective for the extinguishment of Class B or C fire, as dry chemical extinguishers emit a poisonous gas that can be breathed in if used in an enclosed space without protecting the lungs properly.
The mechanism by which carbon dioxide is extinguished
The extinguishing effect of carbon dioxide relies primarily on thermophysics, whereby the reacting gases do not attain a temperature sufficient to support a population of free radicals required for flame chemistry to continue. In the case of inert gases that are currently being used to suppress fires (argon, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and mixtures of these), the burning pressure observed using a cup burner exhibits a linear relationship with the temperature of the mixture of agent and air.
In addition to being a minor fire suppressant, carbon dioxide also dilutes the chemical reaction products, lowering the collision rate between each other and decreasing the rate at which heat is released.
What you need to know about Co2 fire extinguishers
Unlike other fire extinguishers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can be safely used on live electrical circuits. Among the things that carbon dioxide extinguishers can be used for are flammable liquids and gases, solvents, oils, grease (except those used in cooking), tars, oil-based paints, and lacquers. It is also possible to extinguish CO2 fires involving energized electrical equipment.
By displacing the oxygen, carbon dioxide extinguishes the fire. CO2 gas emits a dry ice-like appearance when released from an extinguisher. A 'cloud' of CO2 surrounds the fire and reduces its oxygen content. The wind drift caused by this type of extinguisher makes it difficult to use it outside. Adding oxygen back to the flames is possible when the wind blows off the carbon dioxide from a fire.
There is a relatively narrow discharge range. Gases spread when they are released, so CO2 does too. Therefore, the level of the CO2 stream can only be discharged within a range of 3-10 feet. Extinguishers with this range have a range less than half that of ABC extinguishers.
After the fire has been extinguished, the substances do not leave a residue. By cutting off oxygen, carbon dioxide cools the fire and reduces the temperature. It will disappear into the atmosphere without leaving any trace after the CO2 fire extinguisher puts out the fire. In general, there will be no damage caused by the CO2 gas. As opposed to an ABC extinguisher, which uses a powder that may be corrosive, this is a huge advantage for expensive electronic equipment.
You should avoid contact with dispensed carbon dioxide if you are barefoot. There is the possibility of frostbite. When carbon dioxide is discharged from an extinguisher, it becomes dry ice. If a fire were to occur, the extremely cold CO2 would offer protection against it by cooling down flammable fluids or electronics. Nevertheless, as the carbon dioxide contains extremely cold temperatures, keep bare skin away from the discharge.
A description of the risks associated with CO2 fire extinguishers
Carbon dioxide extinguishers may cause asphyxiation if they are used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Gasification of liquid carbon dioxide
Once the extinguisher is discharged, the liquid carbon dioxide turns into gas. There is a good chance that if the extinguisher were to be used without the proper hose and horn attached, someone might be seriously injured by the kick from the unit. The working pressure of the unit is more than 50 BAR (unlike the 10 BAR that water-based units have). This category includes wrist injuries such as strains and broken wrists.
Faster discharge
CO2 units discharge more quickly as a result of the higher pressure. In other words, users of this type of extinguisher should ensure that the fire is properly extinguished before attempting to tackle it. Once a fire is started, it can quickly burn through things.
Frost burn
While the CO2 discharges from the system, the temperature will be extremely low when it changes from a liquid to a gas. Frost burn can occur if the extinguisher is not provided with a frost-free horn or if the user does not hold the extinguisher correctly.
Risk of electrocution when dealing with an electrical fire
When a person tries to investigate the fire after it has been extinguished, there is an obvious risk of electrocution. If you need to check if the fire has been put out, it's best to cut off the electricity supply completely via emergency shut-off switches - or, ideally, shut down the electricity before even trying to extinguish it.
Guidelines to Remember
A pressure gauge is not usually present on CO2 fire extinguishers. Check whether the indicator has been pushed into the cartridge for equipment that uses cartridges. Comparing the measures with the label information is important when trying to determine the carbon dioxide category. In that case, your douser may be empty because there is a significant difference.
Tamper-proof seal checks are included in the monthly check as well. Check that the pull pin is securely attached and the seal has not been damaged. Make sure that the ductwork is not damaged or showing signs of leakage as well. Take a rechargeable model to a professional for repair if you notice any defects.
Conclusion
Those unaware of how to deal with fires may feel more secure knowing how to do so. Some find it easy to eliminate fires and when they figure out how to remove them. But you need to know fire safety. Even though you may not want to think about a house on fire, it is important to stay strong and keep an eye on something common that isn't on the list for fire safety. Co2 fire extinguishers can help prevent fires if they are used appropriately, in the correct place, and at the right time. Having a fire extinguisher is not enough. Many of us don't know when and how to use it.
