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Condensed Aerosol Based Fire Extinguishing System Covering Versatile Applications: A Review

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Abstract

Implementation of Montreal Protocols-1987 enforced phase wise ban on production and application of ozone depleting chemicals (Halons). Since then, condensed aerosol-based fire extinguishing technology as an alternative to Halons has been a subject for numerous investigations for its research and applications worldwide. It has come up as the most efficient halon alternative technology in comparison to other alternatives such as water mist, dry powders, inert gases, hydro fluorocarbons, and carbon dioxide. Even it is three times more efficient than that of Halon 1301 on weight to volume basis. Over other Halon alternatives, it has many advantages, e.g., zero ozone depletion potential -atmospheric lifetime -global warming potential, modular structure, low space requirements, easy & cost-effective installation & maintenance, no requirement of piping & pressurized cylinders, no oxygen depression etc. Condensed aerosol based fire extinguishing systems (CAFES) have found versatile fire safety applications worldwide in many areas such as power generation, transportation, storage rooms, public buildings, heavy industries, battery storage systems, defence etc. This review mainly focuses on applications of CAFES for extinguishment of: class A fires in libraries, archives, storage rooms etc.; class B fires in machinery spaces, gas turbine enclosures, combat vehicles, chemical storage rooms; electrical fires occurring in control rooms, UPS rooms, electrical/power substations & panels. Various reports and case studies demonstrating its testing and implementation methodologies have also been covered. The future prospects of aerosol technology and potential research/applications areas are also discussed.

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Abbreviations

AFC:

Aerosol forming composite

ALT:

Atmospheric lifetime

CAFES:

Condensed aerosol-based fire extinguishing system

CPC:

Cooling pellet composite

DCDA:

Dicyandiamide

EMAA:

Encapsulated micron aerosol agents

EPA:

Environmental protection agency

FTIR:

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

GWP:

Global warming potential

MEC:

Minimum fire extinguishing concentration

ODP:

Ozone depletion potential

PFR:

Phenol formaldehyde resin

SNAP:

Significant new alternatives policy program

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Acknowledgements

Authors thank Sh. Rajiv Narang, Director, Center for Fire, Explosives and Environment Safety, DRDO, Delhi for his keen interest in compiling the literature for subject review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Fire, Explosive and Environment Safety, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India

    Meenakshi Rohilla, Amit Saxena, Inderpal Singh, Rajesh Kumar Tanwar & Rajiv Narang

  2. Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India

    Meenakshi Rohilla & Yogesh Kumar Tyagi

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  1. Meenakshi Rohilla
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Correspondence to Amit Saxena or Yogesh Kumar Tyagi.

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Rohilla, M., Saxena, A., Tyagi, Y.K. et al. Condensed Aerosol Based Fire Extinguishing System Covering Versatile Applications: A Review. Fire Technol 58, 327–351 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10694-021-01148-4

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