To extinguish fires and prevent their spread, an OP-8 powder type fire extinguisher is used. They are used to complete fire shields, cabinets. It is possible to install on the floor in a special stand.
Characteristics of the fire extinguisher OP-8
As an extinguishing agent , ABCE powder is used. Giving is made within 15 and more seconds. Depending on which powder is charged, OP-8 is used to extinguish fires that belong to the following classes:
- B (liquid or fusible substances);
- E (electrical installations whose voltage does not exceed 1000 V).
Fire extinguishers of this type are not suitable for extinguishing substances whose combustion occurs without oxygen (for example, alkaline and alkaline earth metals). This is due to the fact that the action of the extinguishing powder consists in knocking down the flame mechanically, while air is removed from the combustion zone.
OP-8 fire extinguisher has several advantages:
- It works instantly when you press the lever.
- It has a high ability to extinguish fires.
- Profitability (low cost for the total fire area that can be extinguished).
The OP-8 fire extinguisher is 505 mm high and 175 mm in diameter. Its mass is 12 kg with a charge mass of 8 kg. This is enough to extinguish a fire on an area of up to one hundred square meters.
You can operate at a temperature range from minus 50 to plus 50 degrees. Service life 10 years. But after 5 years, the powder fire extinguisher OP-8 must be recharged. Gas pressure is checked by a manometer.
Powder Extinguisher Design
Fire extinguishers are made in the form of a welded cylinder made of steel. A locking device with a siphon tube is installed in the neck. A hose with a bell is connected to the locking element.
Fire extinguishing powder can be released both at once and in batches. This is permissible thanks to the valve located in the head.
At the top, the OP-8 fire extinguisher is equipped with a manometer that indicates operability (for this, the arrow should be in the green sector).
Operating principle
The operation of the OP-8 powder fire extinguisher is based on the exit of the powder from the cylinder due to the pressure of the displacing gas. Gas in the cylinder is under pressure of 0.4-1.6 MPa.
In the event of a fire, a check is pulled out of the fire extinguisher. The bell must be directed towards the fire. After pressing the lever of the locking element, you can begin to extinguish.
To extinguish a fire , a cloud of powder of a certain concentration must be created around the fire. In addition, this cloud protects from high temperatures, so you can get closer to the fire. Do not put out the fire at very close range. A powerful jet can scatter burning material to the sides, thereby only exacerbating the situation.
Do not get close to the fire at the beginning of the fire. Due to the high pressure of the powder jet, oxygen is sucked into the source of ignition at the first moment, while the fire swells.