EXTINGUISHMENT OF ALKALI METAL FIRES.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate agents and techniques for extinguishment and control of fires resulting from leakage of high temperature and high pressure alkali metals under sea level and reduced atmospheric pressure en vironments. Characteristics of ignition and com bustion at various absolute pressures and partial pressures of oxygen are an integral part of this investigation. Current practices for extinguish ment and control of alkali metal fires have been reviewed. Use of an inorganic salt such as NaCl is generally accepted as an extinguishment for sodium, potassium and NaK fires. Graphite is the recommended extinguishant for lithium fires. Little information was available for rubidium and cesium fires since these metals have just recently come into widespread usage. A review of physical and chemical properties of alkali metals with respect to control and extinguishment was made in hope that the information would guide the selection of extinguishants. Experimental evi dence from this study has verified some of the conclusions drawn from this review, but in some cases conclusions based on this review have not been verified. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0410733
Entities
People
- S.j. Rodgers
- W.a. Everson