Flame suppression agent, system and uses

• US 20040129435A1
• Filed: 11/04/2003
• Published: 07/08/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Clyde F. Parrish
• Original Assignee: Clyde F. Parrish
• Inventors: Parrish, Clyde F
• Granted Patent: US 8,511,396 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 169/44
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 2/04 Removing or cutting-off the supply of inflammable material
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 3/0292 by spraying extinguishants directly into the fire A62C3/0242 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 99/009 Methods or equipment not provided for in groups A62C99/0009 - A62C99/0081
• CPC Class Codes: A62D 1/0021 Microcapsules
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 13/16 Interfacial polymerisation
• CPC Class Codes: C08K 9/08 Ingredients agglomerated by treatment with a binding agent
• CPC Class Codes: C08K 9/10 Encapsulated ingredients

Abstract

Aqueous droplets encapsulated in a flame retardant polymer are useful in suppressing combustion. Upon exposure to a flame, the encapsulated aqueous droplets rupture and vaporize, removing heat and displacing oxygen to retard the combustion process. The polymer encapsulant, through decomposition, may further add free radicals to the combustion atmosphere, thereby further retarding the combustion process. The encapsulated aqueous droplets may be used as a replacement to halon, water mist and dry powder flame suppression systems.

Claims

1. A flame suppression agent, comprising:

aqueous droplets encapsulated in a flame retardant polymer.

2. The flame suppression agent of claim 1, wherein the aqueous droplets have a size of approximately 5-250 microns.

3. The flame suppression agent of claim 1, wherein the aqueous droplets consist essentially of water.

4. The flame suppression agent of claim 1, wherein the aqueous droplets comprise water and a gelling agent.

5. The flame suppression agent of claim 4, wherein the gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of gelatin and methyl cellulose.

6. The flame suppression agent of claim 1, 3 or 4, wherein the flame retardant polymer is a brominated polymer.

7. The flame suppression agent of claim 6, wherein the brominated polymer is poly(4-bromostyrene).

8. The flame suppression agent of claim 6, wherein the brominated polymer is poly(1,6-hexamethylene tetrabromoterephthalamide).

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the brominated polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(4-bromostyrene) and poly(1,6-hexamethylene tetrabromoterephthalamide).

9. A method of suppressing a flame, comprising:

applying polymer-encapsulated aqueous droplets to the flame.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the aqueous droplets contain essentially water.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein the aqueous droplets contain water and a gelling agent.

12. The method of claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the aqueous droplets are encapsulated in a halogenated polymer.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the halogenated polymer is a brominated polymer.

15. A fire suppression system, comprising:

a container containing encapsulated aqueous droplets; and

a dispenser for dispensing the encapsulated aqueous droplets from the container upon demand.

16. The fire suppression system of claim 15, wherein the aqueous droplets contain essentially water.

17. The fire suppression system of claim 15, wherein the aqueous droplets contain water and a gelling agent.

18. The fire suppression system of claim 15, wherein the container is a pressurized container.

19. The fire suppression system of claim 15, wherein the fire suppression system is a dry powder fire extinguisher.

20. The fire suppression system of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the aqueous droplets are encapsulated in a halogenated polymer.

21. The fire suppression system of claim 20, wherein the halogenated polymer is a brominated polymer.

22. The fire suppression system of claim 21, wherein the brominated polymer is selected from the group consisting of poly(4-bromostyrene) and poly(1,6-hexamethylene tetrabromoterephthalamide).