History of Water Extinguishers:
In 200 BC, a hand pump was invented by Ctesibius from Alexandria to extinguish fires. In the Middle ages, squirts were used to deliver water to the light. The Great Fire of London (1666) was put off using this invention. Captain George developed the first portable fire extinguisher in 1819, which used potassium carbonate as a fire suppressant.
It was in the 20th century when humanity came up with modern fire extinguishers like foam, dry powder fire exringuishers, water, wet chemicals, and carbon dioxide. There are five classes of fire (Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, Class E, Class F), and there is not a single fire extinguisher type that can put off all the fires safely and effectively. Each of the five types of extinguishers is used to put out different classes of fires.
Water Extinguisher Invention:
Water extinguishers were invented in the United States of America in 1997. These extinguishers could not be used on flammable liquids or electrical fires due to the fear of electrocution. Later, the plain water in the extinguisher was replaced with deionized water mist, and they named it ‘Water Mist Fire Extinguisher,’ which is also called ‘Dry Water Mist Fire Extinguisher.’ The Water Mist Fire Extinguisher is a massive breakthrough in portable firefighting technology. It can effectively put out fires in combustible materials (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B fires), electrical equipment (Class E) and deep fat fryers (Class F fires).
How do Water Mist Extinguishers work?
The deionized water mist is released from the canister and directly sprayed over the fire from a safe distance. The water mist cools down the fire to avoid re-combustion and suffocates the oxygen, thus smothering it. The water mist is non-conductive, thus eliminating the risk of electrocution. Class E fires with the voltage of over 1000V can be put out with the very versatile Water Foam (AFFF) Fire extinguishers.
For safety purposes, it is advised to keep a distance of at least 1m, especially with Class E fires. The droplets are microscopic and leave no residue making it an optimum choice for household fires, offices, and food preparation areas. Some manufacturers use nitrogen with water to create a fine water mist.
Water Mist Fire Extinguisher Advantages:
Clean extinguisher:There is no fear of collateral damage to the electrical equipment, buildings, or furniture because distilled water is used.
Residue-free: The mist is residue-free. The commercial businesses that are worried about the powdery residue left by other extinguishers can significantly benefit as it leaves nothing behind. It can be safely used in restaurants, homes, hospitals, and offices.
Reduced costs: It would not be wrong to call it the most ingenious invention in firefighting technology since it can put out virtually any fire safely and effectively. It can be used anywhere, be it your workplace or home. This reduces the training and maintenance costs substantially.
Environment-friendly: No concerns about the harmful environmental impacts since no toxic chemicals or gases are used or discharged. They cause absolutely no damage to the ozone layer.
Non-magnetic: The bodies of most, if not all, of the water mist fire extinguishers, are non-magnetic, making it useful in the magnetic-sensitive settings.
Portable: The fire extinguisher is easy to carry and provides the advantage of arriving at the fire scene quickly.
Inexpensive: The components used are economical as compared to foam, dry powder, and wet chemicals. They are rechargeable and have a better discharge duration than other extinguishers.
Human-friendly: They can be used on human beings and animals as well. The mist is quite harmless.
Health-friendly: Since the water mist is non-toxic, there is no risk of respiratory diseases.
Small spaces: Since there are no harmful effects, even if inhaled, it can easily be used in small areas such as boats.
Conclusion:
The Water Mist Fire Extinguisher is the best choice for almost all types of fires anywhere. It is the future of fire extinguisher technology. The myriad of advantages it provides over other extinguishers makes it an optimum solution. They are safe, effective, and economical in more ways than one. The organizations and households can equally benefit from this invention.
To order water mist, foam, DCP or CO2 fire extinguishers in Pakistan, just call Capital Solutions, Islamabad at 051-4446640