New water-based fire extinguishant: Elaboration, bench-scale tests, and flame extinguishment efficiency determination by cupric chloride aqueous solutions

Abstract

A new aqueous fire-extinguishing agent (AFEA) – the 40% aqueous solution of CuCl2 – was elaborated. The AFEA was prepared by dissolving copper(II) chloride dihydrate in water. The resulting solution was characterized by a series of physicochemical methods. The ability of the CuCl2-containing AFEA to suppress the hydrocarbon flame has been investigated under conditions of an enclosed space according to the all-Union State Standard 3789 and open space by means of elaborated technique. The testing results have revealed a short-term exposure of the 40% aqueous solution of CuCl2 directly onto flame causes the efficient inhibition of fire. It has been ascertained that under conditions of the experiment, the extinguishment duration of the seat of fire (the special fire of B1 class) by the CuCl2-containing AFEA aerosol was 0.6 s; this is 26 times more efficient than the same extinguishment by water aerosol. The experimental ascertained values of the AFEA aerosol feed intensity (IAFEA) and the minimal expenses of the AFEA to extinguish the seat of fire of B1 class are 0.057 L⋅m−2⋅s−1 and 0.034 L⋅m−2, respectively. These data have become a reliable basis to explain the hydrocarbon flame suppression mechanism by aqueous solutions of copper(II) salts.