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Synergism between chemical and physical fire-suppressant agents

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Abstract

A pronounced synergism is reported for mixtures of physical and chemical agents used in flame extinguishment. Mixtures containing approximately 90% (by volume) of either carbon dioxide or nitrogen and 10% of CF3Br or CF2ClBr are much more effective in suppressing fires (in cup-burner tests) than would be predicted by an additivity of effects. A method is proposed for delivering solutions of chemical agents dissolved in liquid CO2 to obtain cooperative fire-suppression effects, while simultaneously reducing the danger to humans and the environment. A simple model has been developed to give very good predictions of the extinguishment concentrations of mixtures of physical and chemical agents.

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Lott, J.L., Christian, S.D., Sliepcevich, C.M. et al. Synergism between chemical and physical fire-suppressant agents. Fire Technol 32, 260–271 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01040218

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