The most effective means of fighting fire are fire extinguishers, the principle of which is based on the spraying of the extinguishing agent into the hearth of the flame in order to block the access of oxygen (combustion catalyst) to it. These fire extinguishing agents have an extensive classification according to the volume of the cylinder, the method of operation and the composition of the fire extinguishing mixture. So, there are carbon dioxide, air-foam, powder and air-emulsion fire extinguishers.
What is an air-emulsion fire extinguisher intended for?
Among all the variety of fire extinguishing agents, this type of fire extinguisher It is considered effective and universal, which can be used to eliminate the flame in both residential and non-residential premises. It is used to extinguish burning cars. Air-emulsion fire extinguishers are also able to extinguish electrical equipment under a voltage of not more than 1000 volts.
The extinguishing agent in the container is safe for humans and the environment. Release is made in volumes of 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 25, 40 and 80 liters. The choice of a specific displacement depends on the area of the protected object, the design features of the structures, the type of production activity and the degree of fire hazard.
According to the manufacturer’s passport, an air-emulsion fire extinguisher is designed to eliminate the ignition of solids, combustible liquids, and electrical appliances. Its use in the combustion of metals and metal-containing elements will be useless.
Where can I use this type of fire extinguisher?
Most primary fire extinguishing media are portable, easy to transport and extinguish. This quality and air-emulsion fire extinguishers did not bypass. Cylinders with a volume of up to 10 l have a convenient handle as part of a locking and starting device, for which it is necessary to hold a fire extinguisher during its operation. 
Cylinders with a large volume are delivered on a special trolley, which allows you to freely transport a fire extinguisher between the centers of ignition, burning rooms. Cylinders of 25, 40 and 80 l have a long hose in the design, which makes it possible to extinguish a fire without moving the fire extinguisher.
The use of an air-emulsion fire extinguisher is possible in:
- residential multi-apartment buildings;
- private homes;
- non-residential buildings of any purpose (shops, museums, production shops);
- health care facilities;
- public transport;
- railway transport;
- special equipment.
Specifications
The body of the fire extinguisher is made of sheet metal, which facilitates its weight compared to other types. Inside the cylinder there is a special fire extinguishing emulsion, consisting of a solution of water and additives, which is pushed through a siphon tube of a locking-starting device (ZPU), crushed, mixing with air. Due to this quality of the emulsion, the range and high efficiency of the elimination of combustion are ensured. A rubber hose with a tip in the form of a spray gun is attached to the ZPU.
Air-emulsion fire extinguishers do not have one major drawback like powder and carbon dioxide counterparts: when spraying the emulsion on a flame, there is no dustiness in the air, visibility does not deteriorate, there is no risk of poisoning by the sprayed substance.
The effectiveness of the emulsion is maintained at a temperature range of -30 to +50 degrees Celsius, which expands the scope of its application even in areas of the Far North of the Russian Federation. When you click on the ZPU, the operation will occur after 7 seconds.The duration of charge exit from the cylinder is no more than 15 seconds. The length of the ejected jet is approximately 5 m. The shelf life of the emulsion mixture inside the fire extinguisher is 10 years.
How to use an air-emulsion fire extinguisher? The instruction on his cylinder contains an algorithm for actuating the locking and starting device and the rules for extinguishing a fire in various conditions.
How much does an air-emulsion fire extinguisher cost?
The cost of this type of fire extinguisher exceeds many times the price of powder or carbon dioxide. The reason for this is the changed composition of the body, an expensive fire extinguishing emulsion. The average price for a standard 4 liter cylinder is about 3,000–4,000 rubles. The injection type is 1.5 times more expensive than a disposable fire extinguisher.
