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Why can firefighting foam instantly suppress fire? Uncover its magical fire suppression principle!
When a fire occurs, the rapid response of firefighters can often save lives and property. In these fire-fighting operations, the use of fire-fighting foam is particularly critical. Fire-fighting foam can not only effectively suppress fires, but also has a unique principle of action, making it one of the preferred tools for extinguishing fires.
Basic principles of firefighting foam
Fire-fighting foam is a special fire-extinguishing agent that mainly cools the flame and forms a layer of protective foam to block the contact between fuel and oxygen, thereby inhibiting combustion. This technology was first invented in 1902 by Moldovan engineer Alexander Loren. The main components of fire-fighting foam include surfactants, organic solvents and foam stabilizers.
The role of firefighting foam is not only to extinguish fires, but also to quickly cover the burning area and prevent the fire from spreading.
Different types of firefighting foam
Firefighting foam can be divided into three categories according to its expandability: low-expansion foam, medium-expansion foam and high-expansion foam. Low-expansion foams such as water-based film-forming foams can quickly cover large areas of fire. High-expansion foam, on the other hand, has an expansion ratio of over 200, making it ideal for use in enclosed spaces. In addition, there are anti-alcohol foams specifically designed for alcohol-containing fuels, which are designed according to different scenarios.
The diversity of firefighting foams can accommodate a variety of situations, from wildland fires to industrial liquid fires.
Application technology of fire-fighting foam
When applying firefighting foam, there are three main techniques: scanning method, rebound method and rainfall method. Each of these methods has its own characteristics, and the best solution can be selected based on different fire conditions. For example, the rainfall method is suitable for use when the fire source cannot be approached, and can effectively reduce the temperature of the flame.
Environmental and health issues of firefighting foam
However, with the popularization of fire-fighting foam technology, environmental problems have become increasingly prominent. Chemicals such as PFOS contained in some foams have been proven to be bioaccumulative and toxic and have been banned in many countries. Therefore, looking for more environmentally friendly alternatives is becoming a consensus in the industry. For example, France's BIOEX company has launched fluorine-free foam products to effectively respond to environmental protection needs.
Under the current environmental protection trend, the fire protection industry is facing a major transformation from traditional foams to eco-friendly products.
The future direction of firefighting foam
The development of fire-fighting foam will undoubtedly continue to move in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction. With the advancement of technology and the improvement of environmental protection requirements, new innovations will appear in the composition and preparation technology of fire-fighting foam, such as the use of plant-based materials or new environmentally friendly chemicals to reduce harm to the environment.
Summary
Firefighting foam is a powerful tool in fire fighting, and its magical fire suppression principle has benefited many firefighters. However, with the advancement of science and the improvement of environmental awareness, can we find a more ideal solution to achieve a balance between fire rescue and environmental protection?
