wegqg t1_j1v1jx9 wrote
It's a shame the BCF Halon extinguishers are no longer manufactured (since Halon is the worst CFC depleter known to science) I remember a single 1/4 second spray on a full-on oil fire (as in, a barrel of burning oil) put it out immediately, remarkable shit.
thisusedyet t1_j1v3kkt wrote
The problem with halon is it tends to kill people in the room too, not just the fire. It’s a little too good at displacing oxygen
Oscar_Cunningham t1_j1w82pc wrote
I don't think that's true.
> For example, Halon 1301 total flooding systems are typically used at concentrations no higher than 7% by volume in air, and can suppress many fires at 2.9% v/v. [...] Halon 1301 causes only slight giddiness at its effective concentration of 5%, and even at 15% those exposed remain conscious but impaired and suffer no long-term effects.
Also, Halon extinguishers don't work by displacing oxygen. They disrupt the chemical reaction of the fire itself by providing an alternative reaction.
thisusedyet t1_j1wa925 wrote
Apologies, I'd heard that a while ago and never questioned it. Turns out Halon fell out of favor because it damages the Ozone layer; CO2's the bigger danger for oxygen displacement.
EDIT:
Inhaling halon compounds in high concentrations can cause central nervous
system disorders including dizziness, unconsciousness and tingling in the arms and legs. Exposure
to halon compounds may also cause cardiac sensitization resulting in irregular heartbeats and even
heart attacks (in a severe circumstances). This is because when halon is used on fires, it produces
such decomposition byproducts as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide and traces of free
halogens.
8yrdPerson t1_j1xmt1m wrote
I can't speak to effectiveness of each, but there are other cool ones out there too; FM200 is something that removes the HEAT from the fire triangle!
Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments