Fire extinguishing is a set of measures that are aimed at eliminating the fire. This complex includes many methods.
The main methods of extinguishing fires are the forced elimination of a flame source, cooling of the combustion medium and combustible material and depletion of oxygen in the air. All this is necessary in order to reduce the temperature of the upper layer of a combustible substance by removing the bulk of the heat. A decrease in the percentage of oxygen content is carried out by introducing mixtures of inert gases or vapors of certain substances, and fire extinguishing in this case is carried out precisely by slowing down the oxidation of combustible bodies.
In addition, a method of isolating a combustible substance is widespread, which consists in preventing oxygen from entering the oxidation zone. To do this, it is necessary to cover the combustion area with a fire extinguishing agent, for example, chemical foam or powder.
The main methods of extinguishing fires also include chemical and mechanical ways of eliminating the fire, which means inhibition of a complex of redox reactions, as well as direct elimination using a jet of water or gas under pressure.
Fire extinguishing is achieved with the joint use of fire extinguishing substances (water and water vapor, sand, foam, fire extinguishing compounds, as well as fabrics resistant to similar influences) and technical structures (cranes, hydrants, hoses, pumps, etc.).
The choice of the use of extinguishing agents is based on the type, nature and parameters of the fire, the state of the environment and the aggregate properties of the substances, the efficiency and effectiveness of fire extinguishing systems.
Fire extinguishing equipment includes hydrants. These are devices for taking water from a water supply system. Fire hydrants - a complete device consisting of a pipeline, valve, sleeve and barrel. To the storage of this fire extinguishing agent, many requirements are presented to maintain its operability.
Small-sized fires can be eliminated using primary fire extinguishing means, which traditionally include fire extinguishers of various designs, as well as fire tools and equipment. Fire extinguishers are classified by type of extinguishing agent. There are gas, foam and powder.
Fire extinguishing using gas fire extinguishers is carried out using a carbon dioxide composition, which is necessary to extinguish solid and liquid substances. In turn, foam fire extinguishers are used to eliminate the burning of liquid and solid substances. The disadvantage of such fire extinguishers is that they are forbidden to use for extinguishing materials, the interaction with which can cause an explosion. For example, they cannot eliminate a fire on electrical equipment that is energized. Powder extinguishers are used for substances of all states of aggregation. Importantly, they can be used to extinguish electrical installations up to 1000 V, which are energized.
