Best suited fire extinguisher for high-risk Industrial Segments
Tough industrial settings demand equally robust fire extinguishers. Designed for rugged industrial use, gas cartridge-operated extinguishers are preferred in manufacturing plants for their advantage of a simple and immediate recharge process. An operator can discharge the gas cartridge-operated extinguishers, recharge them, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time. Unlike other types of fire extinguishers, a gas cartridge-operated model can be refilled immediately after each use. Furthermore, this can be accomplished on-site, making it easy for regular maintenance and service.
These extinguishers have a high agent flow rate and are known for their ability to discharge the agent from a greater distance that makes gas cartridge-operated more effective in harsh industrial environments. A high-flow delivers a faster extinguishing-agent discharge from a farther distance, keeping its operator away from the fire.
A gas cartridge-operated powder-type fire extinguisher is a more dependable safety device in cold temperature conditions.
Gas Cartridge-Operated Vs. Stored Pressure Fire Extinguishers
The stored pressure fire extinguisher has an extinguishing agent and propellant (typically nitrogen or compressed air) stored in the same container. Gas cartridge-operated extinguishers function differently than stored pressure extinguishers based on where the propellant for the extinguishing agent is stored. In gas cartridge-operated units, the extinguishing media is stored in the non-pressurized cylinder while the propellant (typically CO2 gas or nitrogen) is stored in a separate cartridge located inside the cylinder body. A gas cartridge needs to be activated to pressurize the fire extinguisher.
Gas Cartridge-Operated Fire Extinguisher Working Principle
Let’s understand the functioning of gas cartridge-type fire extinguishers,
Gas cartridge-operated extinguishers the cylinder, the propellant is stored in a separate cartridge. The gas cartridge contains compressed gas (CO2 gas). When the operating lever is squeezed, the cartridge gets punctured. The carbon dioxide gas moves from the punctured opening of the cartridge and gets quickly expelled through the diffuser tube to create pressure inside the cylinder. The pressure pushes the extinguishing agent up inside the siphon tube. The extinguishing media discharges from the nozzle, passing through the hose.
Gas cartridge-operated extinguishers are preferred in industrial use for their advantage of a simple recharge process, allowing an operator to discharge the extinguisher and recharge in a reasonable amount of time.
Features of a Gas Cartridge-Operated Fire Extinguisher
Below are the features of Minimax gas cartridge-operated fire extinguishers.
⦁ Metal diffusor tube with lock nut provides durability.
⦁ Aluminium siphon tube to withstand sudden impact and tough industrial handling.
⦁ The pressure release device on the valve limits pressure within the cylinder to the specified value and prevents accidents due to overpressure in an extinguisher.
⦁ Vertical slots on mounting threads provide venting passage for residual pressure (in case extinguisher was operated), reducing accidental risks while servicing and maintenance.
⦁ High agent flow rate and discharge distance,
⦁ Easy onsite refilling service and maintenance.
Fire extinguishers are a necessity for industrial plants because they are high-risk environments. Gas cartridge-operated fire extinguishers have the characteristics that make them great safety devices for the industrial segment. These extinguisher types are often specified in the oil and gas, marine environments, construction, automobile, heavy equipment, and chemical industries.
