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Fire Extinguishers – The Construction and Operation

The Construction and Operation of Modern Fire Extinguishers

Modern portable fire extinguishers are typically Stored Pressure or Cartridge Operated Fire Extinguishers. Manufacturers of fire extinguishers tend to produce both types of fire extinguisher with stored pressure fire extinguishers being the most common.

Fire Extinguisher Construction Materials.

Typically modern fire extinguisher bodies are constructed from Steel, Aluminium or Aluminium Alloy. These materials give the fire extinguisher a durable exterior to withstand knocks, external temperatures and corrosion. The cartridge in gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers is usually coated in plastic to give the cartridge extra protection against the contents of the fire extinguisher. There are two types are gas cartridges in modern fire extinguishers, these are; piercing disc and frangible pip cartridges. The piercing disc gas cartridge features a diaphragm which is pierced by a suitable shaped spindle. The frangible pip gas cartridge features a pip which is broken by a blunt spindle. In a gas cartridge operated fire extinguisher only the cartridge itself is pressurised whereas in a stored pressure fire extinguisher the entire body of the fire extinguisher is pressurised.

How the different fire extinguishers work.

Stored pressure fire extinguishers work in the following way:-
1.    The fire extinguisher is operated by releasing the pin, breaking the tamper seal and pressing down on the fire extinguisher handle.
2.    The pressure stored within the top of the fire extinguisher (dry air or nitrogen) is released.
3.    The pressure forces down on the extinguishing agent within the fire extinguisher (water, foam, powder etc.)
4.    The extinguishing agent is forced up the syphon tube within the fire extinguisher, through the head cap and hose onto the fire.
5.    Some fire extinguisher hoses are fitted with a squeeze grip control to regulate the flow of the extinguishant.
Gas cartridge fire extinguishers work in the following way:-
1.    The fire extinguisher is operated by releasing the pin, breaking the tamper seal and pressing down on the fire extinguisher handle.
2.    The action of pressing down on the fire extinguisher handle pushes a pin down onto the seal of the gas cartridge.
3.    The pin pierces the seal on the gas cartridge and releases the pressure in the gas cartridge.
4.    The pressure within the fire extinguisher from the gas cartridge then forces down on the extinguishant.
5.    The extinguishant is then forced up the syphon tube, through the head cap and hose onto the fire.
Water Fire Extinguishers are commonly available on the market and are the type of extinguisher that people will see most often whilst going about their daily business.  Water fire extinguishers are available in a variety of sizes with the 6 litre and 9 litre version being the most popular.  

Foam Fire Extinguishers are also widely available in today’s market.  There are commonly two types of foam fire extinguishers available. These are AFFF, FP, FFFP, AR and EF, with the AFFF variant being the most commonly used.  

Powder Fire Extinguishers are found in a variety of modern buildings.  The powder fire extinguisher found most often is the ABC Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher.  This type of extinguisher is again available in a variety of sizes and fire ratings with 6 Kg and 9 Kg being the most common.  

Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers are not quite as common as the water and foam fire extinguishers, however they do have their particular areas where they are very effective.  They are commonly seen in 2Kg and 5Kg versions and are often seen near to electrical equipment.

About the Author

The Safety Centre range of top-quality slim fire blankets. Suitable for smothering and extinguishing fires in homes, kitchens, schools, offices and factories.

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