New classification of foaming agents for fire extinguishing

Abstract

Extinguishing fires of petroleum products during emergency spill at industrial facilities of capital construction, transport, gas stations and the destruction of oil tanks is most effective when using foamers. Classification of foaming agents intended for extinguishing of fires of oil products, which is based on the structure of spreading coefficient of water foam-forming solution over hydrocarbon surface is presented. Results of experimental studies using various foaming agents with different structure of spreading coefficient are given. It is determined which of homologs of a number of sodium primary alkylsulfates differ in foaming capacity and fire extinguishing efficiency. It is revealed that decrease of interfacial tension value leads to reduction of extinguishing time of a heptane flame.