CFC-free and phosphor-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for extinguishing fire, comprising: (A) preparing a CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent using a composition comprising 1-70 wt % of a sulfosuccinic acid ester; 1-30 wt % of a wetting agent; and rest in water; (B) diluting the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent by water to form an aqueous solution; and (C) spraying the aqueous solution to a space containing a burning substance. The present invention not only enhances the wettability and permeability of water, but also increases its affinity to burning substances; accelerates cooling of burning substances; inhibits further combustion; reduces water for firefighting; reduces smoke and emission; mitigates environmental problems caused by haze substances from combustions on the ground and in the air and all possible related health hazards. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is biodegradable, non-toxic to human and environment, and easy to use.

Claims

1. A method for extinguishing fire, comprising: (A) preparing a CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent using a composition, wherein the composition consists of: 1-70 wt % of a sulfosuccinic acid ester; 1-30 wt % of an alkyl diol; and rest in water; (B) diluting the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent by water to form an aqueous solution; and (C) spraying the aqueous solution to a space containing a burning substance; wherein the fire extinguishing agent does not contain any fluorine-containing substances or phosphorus-containing substances.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the sulfosuccinic acid ester is an alkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the alkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester is a monoalkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester, a dialkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester, a multi-alkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester, or a combination thereof.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the monoalkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester has an alkyl group having a carbon chain of 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the dialkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester has an alkyl group having a carbon chain of 1 to 18 carbon atoms.

6. The method of claim 2, wherein the alkyl sulfosuccinic acid ester has the following formula: ##STR00002## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are different or same alkyl groups.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is free of heavy metals and chloride ions.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is biodegradable.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent to water is 1:100000 to 1:10.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution is sprayed to the space containing the burning substance by sprinkling or mist-spraying.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution is sprayed from top to bottom in the air to the space containing the burning substance.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the burning substance is a gas, a liquid, a solid, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the space containing the burning substance is a region above or in the burning substance.

14. The method of claim 1 wherein the alkyl diol is propylene glycol or diethylene glycol.

15. The method of claim 1 wherein the fire to be extinguished comprises burning rubber bands, plastic tableware, vehicle tire fragments naphtha or kerosene.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the fire comprise burning naphtha or kerosene.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for using the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention; and

(2) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device containing the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(3) The following content describes the details of the present invention in accordance with certain embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily realize other advantages and functions of the present invention from the following disclosure. The present invention can also be performed or practiced by other different embodiments. Regarding different views and applications, numerous variations and modifications can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

(4) Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for using the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided in the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is diluted by water. The diluted aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is then sprayed. Preferably, the aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is sprayed by sprinkling or mist-spraying onto or into a space containing a burning substance. A fire is then extinguished and the environmental problems caused by the burning substance and all possible related health hazards are then mitigated.

(5) In other words, a fire can be extinguished by the following steps:

(6) (a) the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is highly diluted by water to form an aqueous solution; and

(7) (b) the aqueous solution from step (a) is sprayed, such as by sprinkling on or mist-spraying to, a space containing a burning substance, preferably from top to bottom in the air to an upper region or an internal region of the space containing the burning substance, by an appropriate sprinkling or mist-spraying nozzle or an appropriate sprinkler or mist-sprayer.

(8) Please refer to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a device containing the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is disposed in a first tank 1. Water is disposed in a second tank 2. The first tank 1 and the second tank 2 are each connected to a third tank 3. The third tank 3 comprises a stirrer. The stirrer stirs the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent from the first tank 1 and the water from the tank 2 to form a diluted aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent. The diluted aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is further disposed in a fourth tank 4 connected to the third tank 3. A spraying device 5, preferably a sprinkling or mist-spraying nozzle or a sprinkler or mist-sprayer, connected to the fourth tank 4. The spraying device 5 sprays, such as sprinkles or mist-sprays, the diluted aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent to a space containing a burning substance. Preferably, the diluted aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is sprayed from top to bottom in the air to an upper region or an internal region of the space containing the burning substance.

(9) A few embodiments of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention are as follow:

Example 1

(10) TABLE-US-00001 CFC-Free and Phosphor-Free Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent Composition Percentage di-isooctyl sulfosuccinic acid ester 70.0 propylene glycol 10.0 pure water 20.0

(11) The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent as described above was diluted by distilled water to form a 1 wt % aqueous solution. The aqueous solution was mist-sprayed to a region above or in the burning substance. After mist-spraying, observation was done at certain time intervals and the fire extinguishing effect was assessed.

(12) TABLE-US-00002 Observation on Test Site Burning Substance Pure Water Mist-Spray Mist-Spray with Tested: (0.2 mL per spray) CFC-Free and two wide rubber Phosphorus-Free bands Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent added (0.1 mL per spray) began mist-spraying fire continued after 10 fire was after fire started sprays extinguished fire was extinguished immediately and completely after additional completely after 2 1 mist-spray with the sprays agent added fire smoke was fire smoke was hardly reduced immediately reduced

(13) As shown in the table above, the fire on the burning substance (wide rubber bands) was not extinguished by the pure water mist-spray. The mist-spray with the agent added was able to extinguish fire rapidly and completely in a remarkably and relatively small amount. In addition, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to reduce fire smoke immediately.

Example 2

(14) TABLE-US-00003 CFC-Free and Phosphor-Free Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent Composition Percentage di-octyl sulfosuccinic acid ester 35.0 octyl sulfosuccinic acid ester 35.0 diethylene glycol 10.0 pure water 20.0

(15) The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent as described above was diluted by distilled water to form a 1 wt % aqueous solution. The aqueous solution was mist-sprayed to a region above or in the burning substance. After mist-spraying, observation was done at certain time intervals and the fire extinguishing effect was assessed.

(16) TABLE-US-00004 Observation on Test Site Burning Substance Pure Water Mist-Spray Mist-Spray with Tested: (0.2 mL per spray) CFC-Free and plastic tableware (10 g) Phosphorus-Free Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent added (0.1 mL per spray) began mist-spraying fire was extinguished fire was extinguished after fire started after 10 sprays immediately and completely after 3 sprays

(17) As shown in the table above, the fire on the burning substance (plastic tableware) was not extinguished by the pure water mist-spray. The mist-spray with the agent added was able to extinguish fire rapidly and completely in a remarkably and relatively small amount.

Example 3

(18) The 1 wt % aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent diluted by distilled water in Example 1 was mist-sprayed to a region above or in the burning substance. After mist-spraying, observation was done at certain time intervals and the fire extinguishing effect was assessed.

(19) TABLE-US-00005 Observation on Test Site Burning Substance Pure Water Mist-Spray Mist-Spray with Tested: (0.2 mL per spray) CFC-Free and vehicle tire Phosphorus-Free fragments (10 g) Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent added (0.1 mL per spray) began mist-spraying fire continued after 10 fire was after fire started sprays extinguished fire was extinguished completely after 4 completely after sprays additional 2 mist-sprays fire smoke was with the agent added reduced immediately fire smoke was hardly reduced

(20) As shown in the table above, the fire on the burning substance (vehicle tire fragments) was not extinguished by the pure water mist-spray. The mist-spray with the agent added was able to extinguish fire rapidly and completely in a remarkably and relatively small amount. In addition, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to reduce fire smoke immediately.

Example 4

(21) The 1 wt % aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent diluted by distilled water in Example 1 was mist-sprayed to a region above or in the burning substance. After mist-spraying, observation was done at certain time intervals and the fire extinguishing effect was assessed.

(22) TABLE-US-00006 Observation on Test Site Burning Substance Pure Water Mist-Spray Mist-Spray with Tested: (0.2 mL per spray) CFC-Free and #150 solvent Phosphorus-Free naphtha Aqueous Fire (10 mL) Extinguishing Agent added (0.1 mL per spray) began mist-spraying fire continued after 10 fire was after fire started sprays extinguished fire was extinguished completely after 5 completely after additional sprays 2 mist-sprays with the fire smoke was agent added reduced immediately fire smoke was hardly reduced

(23) As shown in the table above, the fire on the burning substance (#150 solvent naphtha) was not extinguished by the pure water mist-spray. The burning substance (#150 solvent naphtha) was even scattered and deflagrated under the high temperature of fire. However, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to extinguish fire rapidly and completely in a remarkably and relatively small amount. In addition, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to reduce fire smoke immediately.

Example 5

(24) The 1 wt % aqueous solution of the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent diluted by distilled water in Example 1 was mist-sprayed to a region above or in the burning substance. After mist-spraying, observation was done at certain time intervals and the fire extinguishing effect was assessed.

(25) TABLE-US-00007 Observation on Test Site Burning Substance Pure Water Mist-Spraying Mist-Spray with Tested: (23 ml per second) CFC-Free and industrial kerosene Phosphorus-Free (1000 mL) Aqueous Fire Extinguishing Agent added (23 mL per second) began mist-spraying fire continued after fire was after fire started for spraying for 153 seconds extinguished 45 seconds fire was extinguished completely after completely after spraying for 97 mist-spray with the agent seconds added sprayed for 10 fire smoke was seconds reduced immediately fire smoke was hardly reduced

(26) As shown in the table above, the fire on the burning substance (industrial kerosene) was not extinguished by the pure water mist-spray. The burning substance (industrial kerosene) was even scattered and deflagrated under the high temperature of fire. However, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to extinguish fire rapidly and completely in a remarkably and relatively small amount. In addition, the mist-spray with the agent added was able to reduce fire smoke immediately.

(27) In view of the results described above, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is able to effectively inhibit combustion of the substances of types A and B, such as rubbers, plastics, solvents, industrial kerosene. Fires of the aforesaid substances can be extinguished completely. In addition, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is able to reduce fire smoke rapidly. Thus, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is very beneficial in increasing and improving the efficiency of firefighting, evacuation, safety and health of firefighters, and the environmental problems caused by fire.

(28) Accordingly, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention comprises sulfosuccinic acid ester, which is an ionic surfactant having high wettability and permeability, and a wetting agent. During a fire extinguishing process, by enhancing the wettability of water and the affinity of water to the burning substance, the temperature of the burning substance can be lowered rapidly. The combustion of the burning substance can then be inhibited and prevented. The safety and environmental problems caused by fire smoke from combustion and all possible related health hazards can then be mitigated as well.

(29) In addition, in comparison with the fire extinguishing methods using the conventional fire extinguishing agents, the fire extinguishing method using the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention has the following advantages:

(30) 1. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention has high wettability. Thus, it can rapidly reduce the surface tension of water and increase the affinity of water to a burning substance. The temperature of the burning substance can then be lowered rapidly. The combustion of the burning substance can then be inhibited. The water consumed and polluted during a fire extinguishing process can then be reduced. In addition, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention can reduce fire smoke rapidly. Thus, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is very beneficial in increasing and improving the efficiency of firefighting, evacuation, safety and health of firefighters, and the environmental problems caused by fire.

(31) 2. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention has high permeability. When the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent is sprinkled or mist-sprayed to a space containing a burning substance, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent can penetrate the surface or into the interior of the burning substance in a short time. The affinity of water to the burning substance is enhanced. Hence, the temperature reduction of the burning substance can be accelerated and further combustion can be inhibited.

(32) 3. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention can be prepared using water in advance or on a fire site. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent can be sprinkled or mist-sprayed to extinguish fire depending on the fire site and the property of the burning substance. Therefore, the CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent have advantages, such being highly flexible, highly convenient, and highly economical.

(33) 4. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention is biodegradable (can biodegrade very fast) and is not hazardous to the environment.

(34) 5. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent provided by the present invention can be sprayed in a small amount. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent does not contain any fluorine-containing substances, phosphorusous-containing substances, heavy metals, and fluoride ions. The CFC-free and phosphorus-free aqueous fire extinguishing agent will not be hazardous to human under appropriate use.

(35) It should be clearly understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative only and it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.