What kind of chemical is in a wet chemical fire extinguisher?
What kind of chemical is in a wet chemical fire extinguisher?
The
wet chemical agent inside a wet chemical fire extinguisher is typically a
mixture of water, a surfactant (a substance that reduces the surface tension of
a liquid), and an alkaline solution such as potassium acetate or sodium
bicarbonate. This mixture is designed
to be effective at extinguishing fires involving cooking oils and fats, as well
as any accompanying fire that may have spread to surrounding surfaces.
Wet chemical fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish fires
involving cooking oils and fats, such as those that occur in deep fryers
and other kitchen equipment. These extinguishers work by creating a layer of
foam on top of the burning oil or fat, which smothers the fire and prevents
oxygen from reaching the fuel. The foam also helps to cool the burning oil or
fat, further reducing the risk of re-ignition.