Fire has always been considered a destructive element. But many mistakenly believe that the principle of extinguishing fire is only one. This is actually not the case. Each fire has its own individual character and requires a special approach when extinguishing a fire.
Why is a fire extinguisher called chladon?
Freon extinguisher (briefly OH) got its name from a gaseous hydrocarbon mixture. It is similar to that used (as a coolant) for refrigeration units. Now used freon extinguishing devices with the composition of FE-36 and its analogues. They do not cause corrosion and do not harm the ozone layer.
What is freon?
Freon is a colorless liquid, heavy in weight. It belongs to the category of safe, which are used to extinguish fires or after explosions. Freon begins to decompose when it is heated to 400 degrees. In this case, the substance becomes toxic. And from it substances containing bromine and fluorine begin to stand out.
Marking
The refrigerant fire extinguisher is marked according to generally accepted rules. The cylinder should have the date of issue and the name of the manufacturer. As well as GOST, indicating the amount of the extinguishing charge and the temperature range for the use of a fire extinguisher. The cylinder must contain class designations, models of ignition, and prohibitions are spelled out under which conditions it is forbidden to use OH.
Construction of chladone fire extinguishers
A freon extinguisher is similar in structure to carbon dioxide. Devices differ only in size and weight. In chladone fire extinguishers, they are somewhat smaller. Although the duration of the work is the same as that of carbon dioxide.
Freon bottle consists of:
- housing;
- locking trigger;
- siphon;
- extinguishing agent;
- holder in the form of a pen;
- bell;
- fuse.
Inside the container is a siphon tube that does not reach the bottom and is connected to a starting device. When the fire extinguisher is in the open position, the freon exits to the socket through the tube, acquiring a snowy state in air. In the container, the substance is in compressed form. The fire extinguishing mixture replaces oxygen, and combustion stops due to lack of nutrition.
Operating principle
A refrigerant extinguisher (OX) has the same principle of action as carbon dioxide. Liquefied gas is pushed out of the cylinder under excessive pressure. It expands at the exit, turning into a solid state. As a result, snow appears, covering the fire, and combustion stops.
The principle of action of self-working OH is based on the destruction of a capsule made of glass. As a result, a fire extinguishing agent is released into the fire. Most often, automatic OX are connected to heat or smoke sensors.
Fields and purposes of application
For what purposes are freon extinguishers used? To extinguish fires in places where it is necessary to preserve material values or fragile electrical equipment. And not only from fire, but also from the effects of the composition of the fire extinguisher. Freon cylinders are used in places:
- where is the electrical equipment up to 110 kW;
- the location of liquid substances (including fuel and oil products);
- where there are museum exhibits or archival values;
- finding gaseous materials having a high degree of explosion hazard;
- where is the expensive interior.
All of the above can be spoiled by exposure to carbon dioxide found in conventional fire extinguishers. Especially due to the sharp temperature difference. Therefore, most often at the scene of a fire, cylinders filled with freon are used.
An automatic OX (fire extinguisher) is also produced. The price is set by manufacturers depending on the volume of cylinders. Auto OX can be attached to stationary equipment. When the temperature rises to a certain level or an alarm is given, in the room where the fire occurred, the fire extinguisher opens automatically, without human intervention.
Places of application
The HFC fire extinguisher is designed to extinguish class B or C fires or electrical installations with a voltage of not more than 110 kV. Most often, OX are used in control centers and telecommunications. And also in production rooms where there is high-tech equipment. Recently, more and more freon fire extinguishers are used in the transport industry. Recommended for private cars instead of obsolete powder and carbon dioxide, which pollute the engine compartment and interior.
How to use a fire extinguisher?
A refrigerant fire extinguisher, the purpose of which is to extinguish fires without causing damage to property or fragile electrical equipment, can be used without firefighters.
If a fire is detected, a protective pin is pulled out of the fire extinguisher and the seal is removed. The hose is directed to a flame that is no closer than one meter. When extinguishing a fire, the fire extinguisher must be horizontal to the floor or ground. Then click on the starting device.
If the fire was extinguished in a small room, a window opens - for weathering the refrigerant vapor. This is to prevent choking. The full period of use of OX is 10 years. If it has not been used for 5 years, a recharge is done. Or the cylinder is refilled immediately after extinguishing the fire.
Freon extinguisher OH-2: advantages and disadvantages
Like all fire extinguishers, freon have their advantages and disadvantages. Among the advantages, ease of use is noted. The person is not exposed to electric shock or frostbite. A fire extinguisher is very easy to start. Main advantages:
- the composition does not have corrosive properties;
- OX-2 are used at temperatures from minus 20 to plus 50 degrees;
- apply regardless of precipitation and humidity;
- OH-2 have a cooling effect, which helps to prevent re-ignition in the focus;
- does not harm the treated surface, the freon quickly evaporates.
Freon extinguishers have several drawbacks. Cylinders are quite expensive. Refilled fire extinguishers are used only once; dosed start of the refrigerant is not possible. Freon vapors negatively affect human health, worsening overall well-being, irritating mucous membranes and making breathing difficult. If exposed to unprotected skin, OX may cause burns. And if the freon is in the stomach - then toxic poisoning.
Precautionary measures
Freon extinguisher has some limitations in use. Contact of the OX filler with alkali is not allowed during storage or extinguishing. Fire extinguishers must not be placed near heating appliances or explosive substances. With freon, you only need to work with protective equipment. Do not use OH near ventilation and hot pipelines. The unspent remainder of the freon in the cylinder is disposed of by special enterprises.
Cost OH
In our time, OX (fire extinguisher) was created to replace powder and carbon dioxide fire cylinders. The price for it varies depending on the manufacturer. Foreign cylinders are much more expensive than Russian ones. For example, fire extinguishers manufactured in Slovakia cost: -2 - 15,900 rubles, -4 - from 20,900 rubles, and -6 - from 28,900 rubles. Cylinders of Russian manufacturers can be bought for the amount of 9500 to 22 500 rubles.