Fire Extinguishment - Principles

Starvation

By eliminating the Combustible Fuel.

Smothering

By cutting off the Oxygen   Supply.

De energizes 

By cooling to a point below Ignition Temperature.

Inhibition of Chain Reaction

Breaking the Chain Reaction

Fire Tetrahedron GIF

STARVATION

•       Combustion will cease, if un-burnt fuel is removed by physical or mechanical means.

•       Electrical equipment- Electrical current supply cut off.

•       Gas Fires -stop the flow of gas.

•       Storage Tanks – Transfer to another tank. 

•       Water curtain-blocks the passage of heat to the fuel. 

SMOTHERING

•       Oxygen is removed or prevented from reaching the combustible material.

•       This can be done by-

o    blanketing

o    diluted by an inert gas

o    dispersion by non-combustible powder

o    blanket of foam

De energizes (COOLING)

•       Heat is removed by cooling with water.

•       Cooling of the burning material reduces the Temperature of material.

•       If the temperature of material is below Ignition Temperature combustion ceases.

INHIBITION OF CHAIN REACTION

•       This can be achieved by some vaporizing liquids or dry chemical powder.

•       DCP captures these free radicals and slow down chain carriers. Due to breaking the chain reaction fire will no more.