Co2 Fire Extinguishers
There are primarily six types of fire extinguishers: CO2, foam, water, powder, wet chemical, and water mist. Among these, Co2 fire extinguishers are famous for their role in countering flammable liquid fires and electrical fires. They work by simply displacing the oxygen without leaving residue, making them suitable for environment where sensitive electronic devices are under use such as laboratories and server rooms. They provide reliable safety against fire hazards by following the NFPA 10 and ISO standards.
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Their working mechanism is based on flame suffocation by displacing oxygen and removal of heat. A high-pressure cylinder discharges CO2 gas through its nozzle. Since there is rapid cooling during expansion, gas changes into snow-like matter. Because it is heavier than air, it blankets it, replacing oxygen and thus suffocating the flames. The rapid cooling effect additionally cools the temperature of the burning material.
CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER SPECIFICATIONS
They can be used in different settings such as laboratories, offices, server rooms, homes and industrial setups. They are particularly suitable for suppressing class E (electrical) fires and class B (Flammable liquids) fires. Few major specifications of these extinguishers are:
- Colour Code – it implies the type of fire extinguisher, for example, CO2 fire extinguisher has black-coloured label with a symbol of flammable liquid or electrical equipment.
- Capacity or Sizes of CO2 Fire Extinguishers – These are available in several sizes as per the desired fire safety requirement. Commonly employed sizes are 2/3 kg (used for compact spaces such as small offices or electrical rooms), 5/6 kg (ideal for large spaces such as laboratories and server rooms), and 10/25 kg (used in industrial areas with large-scale electrical networks).
- Pressure Ratings – Their usual pressure tolerance is up to 250 bar while working pressure is approximately 125 bar at 20⁰C. However, to check the integrity of extinguisher, the pressure rating for hydrostatic testing is much higher, i-e., around 250 bars.
- Shell Construction – CO2 fire extinguisher shell is specially designed from durable steel to withstand high pressures. Its shell construction involves the following key steps:
Material Composition – Mostly they are made up of carbon steel as it has excellent strength-to-weight ratio with composition between 0.12% – 0.25%, which is good enough to provide strength against high pressure CO2. Additionally, some alloy elements such as silicon, manganese, or chromium are also added to further enhance the properties of carbon steel. For instance, chromium improves corrosion resistance while manganese increases hardness.
Manufacturing Process – It involves two major steps: Cold Rolling and Heat Treatment (annealing or quenching). Cold rolling is done to get the required shell thickness and smooth surface finish, while heat treatment is performed to increase toughness and stress resistance which aids in maintaining shell’s structural integrity under high pressure.
Protective Coating Against Corrosion Resistance – A layer of paint as protective coating is applied to prevent the shell from rust, this increases the lifespan of fire extinguisher.
- Hydro Testing- Ensure pressure gauge (if present) stays in the green zone and the safety pin is in place with the tamper seal intact. If any discharge is made, recharge the extinguisher immediately. Furthermore, for shell integrity checks, hydrostatic testing should be performed every 5 to 12 years.
CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER SIZES
They come in various sizes depending upon the setting that needs to be protected against fire hazard, few main types are:
- Portable CO2 Fire Extinguishers – They are used for small to medium settings with sizes ranging between 2 – 5 kg.
- Mobile CO2 Fire Extinguishers – These wheeled-based extinguishers are primarily used in areas where fixed fire safety system is not installed or practical such as vehicles and constructions sites.
CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER USES
They are generally used for suppressing class E electrical fires as CO2 does not conduct electricity, and class B flammable liquid fires such as gasoline, solvents, and oil. They are perfect for use in settings with sensitive equipment as CO2 fire extinguisher do not leave any residue.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR USING CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
- Avoid using them in confined or small spaces as merely 4% of CO2 gets poisonous and can cause death at just 8%.
- When CO2 is discharged, its temperature can drop to -60⁰C, which can cause frostbite, so it is highly recommended to wear gloves while handling it.
What are the advantages of a CO2 fire extinguisher?……
One of its most prominent advantages is that it is residue-free extinguisher, making it ideal for safety of expensive and sensitive electronic equipment.
How to check CO2 fire extinguisher?
As it usually does not have a pressure gauge, it is checked simply by weighing the unit. The weight of the cylinder should be the same as mentioned on the label.
Co2 Fire Extinguisher Price in Pakistan
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CONCLUSION
Co2 fire extinguishers are critical fire safety tool for the environment with flammable liquids and electrical equipment. Properly understanding their operation, types, sizes and pressure specifications establish the efficacious fire safety system. Additionally, adherence to national and international standards ensure that Co2 fire extinguishers provide reliable and efficient protection against fire hazards. Thus, investing in such tools brings positive change in working environment by reducing both property and human loss.