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Submitted
October 17, 2023
Published
October 17, 2023
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Abstract

Halons are potentially used since the 1960s for various fire extinguishing applications. But, banned by Montreal protocol-1987 due to their Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). Since then, the search for efficient and environment-friendly Halon alternatives is of keen interest among the scientific fraternity. Pyrotechnically generated aerosols, dry chemicals, carbon dioxide, water mist, inert gases, etc have gained much attention in recent years as Halon alternatives. Pyrotechnically generated aerosols have been proven to be the most efficient extinguishants as it is four times more effective than Halon 1301 per unit mass basis. In the present study various pyrotechnic Aerosol-Forming Compositions (AFCs) have been prepared, characterized, and evaluated for fire extinguishing efficiencies.


Finely ground (≤ 75 μ) potassium nitrate (50-90%) and phenol-formaldehyde resin (7-13%) were considered as oxidizing and fuel cum binding agents respectively to prepare and optimize AFCs. Prepared AFCs were characterized for combustion efficiency, calorific value, burn rate, thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), minimum fire extinguishing concentration (MEC), etc. The burn rate and cal-Val were found in the range of 12-20 mm/s and 420-720 cal/g respectively. MEC was found in the range of 47-75 g/m<sup>3</sup>, which is much less than that of Halons and other Halon alternatives. Class B fire successfully extinguished within 5 sec. The developed pyrotechnically generated aerosols have versatile fire protection applications for enclosed areas of defence platforms.

Keywords

Pyrotechnic Compositions, Fire Extinguishants, Burn Rate, Minimum Fire Extinguishing Concentration

Article Details

How to Cite
Saxena, A., Rohilla, M., Devi, K., ., P., Kumar Tanwar, R., Narang, R., & Kumar Tyagi, Y. (2023). Potassium Nitrate Based Pyrotechnic Compositions as the Most Efficient Fire Extinguishing Agents. Journal of Aerospace Sciences and Technologies, 75(3A), 388–394. Retrieved from http://joast.org/index.php/joast/article/view/908
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