In Indonesia there are generally 4 types of media used in APAR (Light Fire Extinguisher). The following types of media and their uses;
1. Dry Chemical Powder
This type of extinguisher is a multifunctional extinguisher that can be used to extinguish a variety of fires. Media with powder content is media that contains several types of powder with components including as
Monoammonium phosphate, also known as ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, is a chemical compound with the formula MAP is a key component in agricultural fertilizers as well as some fire extinguishers. It is used extensively in optics and electronics. Suitable for fires of classes A, B, C, and D.
Formula: (NH4)H2PO4; contains 12% N (nitrogen) and 61% P2O5 (phosphate).
Molar mass: 115.03 g/mol
Solubility: insoluble in ethanol; insoluble in acetone
Melting point: 190° C (374° F; 463 °K).
Crystal Structure: Tetragonal
NFPA 704 (fire diamonds): 0 1 0
Refractive index (nD): 1.525
Potassium bicarbonate is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula KHCO3. It is a solid white.
Molar mass: 100.115 g/mol
Soluble in: Water
Acidity (pKa): 10.329 6.351 (carbonic acid)
Other cations: Potassium carbonate; ammonium bicarbonate
Another anion: Potassium carbonate
LD50 (median dose): >2000 mg/kg (rat, oral)
The chemical compound sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate, has the formula NaHCO3. It's a salt made up of sodium cation and bicarbonate anion. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline, but often appears as a fine powder.
Molar mass: 84.007 g/mol
IUPAC ID: Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
Density: 2.2 g/ cm³
Formula: NaHCO3
Soluble in: Water
Sodium Chloride, Class D
Class D powders are sodium chloride-based dry chemical fire extinguishing powders that are suitable for extinguishing class D fires made of metals such as magnesium, aluminum, alkali, and so on. Powder D is intended for use in extinguishers and other powder systems.
This substance's function is to break the chemical reaction in the fire triangle, allowing the fire to be extinguished. Powder, also known as dry chemical powder, has a low melting point and small particles. This powder media is suitable for a wide range of fire classes.
2. CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
Media with mainly natural gas (CO2). Does not result in a short circuit or an electric short circuit. Great for putting out fires in generators, transformers, and electrical panels. However, because it binds oxygen and causes breathing problems, this medium is not recommended for use in a small space.
3. Foam
The fire extinguisher tube contains either a chemical solution pressurized with N2 or a system of two chemicals that create foam bubbles with CO2 as a booster. Suitable for class A and B fires. Due to the presence of aqueous film-forming foam. However, foam media cannot be used on class C (electrical) fires because it is a conductor and can aggravate short circuits.
4. Clean Agent
After halon was banned because it was harmful to the environment and might destroy the ozone layer, a clean agent-based fire extinguisher appeared as a replacement for halon. When this medium is still in the tube, it is liquid, but when sprayed on the fire point, it transforms into a gas. Environmentally friendly media capable of extinguishing class A, B, and C fire risks with non-conductive, non-corrosive, and residue-free properties (does not leave marks) that are safe for humans and do not harm the ozone layer It is appropriate for electronic device fire protection. SV-36 (HFC-236fa hydrofluorocarbo) gas is present in one of these media.
So there you have it, an explanation of the various types of media in Light Fire Extinguisher. So, as soon as possible, determine what type of media is appropriate for your needs in order to minimize risk.