Sulphuric acid, when combined with bicarbonate of soda forms a chemical reaction which produces carbon dioxide. When mixed, the pressure created forces the mixture out of the chemical tank and propels it onto the fire. This is the basic function of most hand-held fire extinguishers.
What is a chemical fire engine?
Chemical engines were essentially fire apparatus equipped with large bicarbonate of soda and acid tanks (large soda/acid extinguishers on wheels). On arrival at a fire, the acid and soda powder – which were stored separately from the water – were added to the water as the chemical reaction is almost instantaneous.
What chemicals are used in firefighting?
Common combustion products include:
- carbon monoxide.
- hydrogen cyanide.
- nitrogen dioxide, and many others.
Which gas is used in fire engines?
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is primarily suitable for fighting fire classes B and C. Due to its physical properties, carbon dioxide is the only extinguishing gas that is also used in fire extinguishers and fire extinguishing devices.
Why is it called a fire engine?
Generically, a “truck” could be almost any vehicle used by the fire department, but the term has become specialized over the years. Originally, “engine” referred exclusively to “pump”, the important tool for getting water to a fire. Today, “fire engines” are those vehicles of the fire department that pump water.
Is fire retardant toxic to humans?
The chemicals used in fire retardants can be mildly irritating to humans, but have no serious health effects.
Which chemical is used in foam fire extinguisher?
Aluminium sulphate is used in ‘foam’ fire extinguishers, which contain radium bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate in separate receptacles on being mixed they form the foam of bubbklkes of CO2.