skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: POWDERS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES

Abstract

The development of a powder suitable for extinguishing fires of burning U, Pu, or Th is described. The powder consists of a mixture of powdered inorganic chlorides and/or fluorides inert towards the bunning metal. The mixture has a melting point below the melting point of the burning metal such that fusion of the powder takes place locally where the powder contacts the burning metal. A frit is formed around the locally fused portion of the powder, excluding the ambient atmosphere from the metal. Absorption of latent heat by fusion of the locally fused portion of the powder exerts a chilling effect on the metal. Examples of preferred powder mixtures are given. The mixture can be prepared by grinding the components together, but preferably the components are fused together before grinding to facilitate melting upon application to a fire. After a fire has been extinguished, U or Pu may be recovered from the residues by leaching with water to remove the soluble chlorides. (P.C.H.)

Inventors:
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Originating Research Org. not identified
OSTI Identifier:
4702260
Patent Number(s):
US 3095372
Assignee:
United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
NSA Number:
NSA-17-029154
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 1959 Jul 01; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-63
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
HEALTH AND SAFETY; ABSORPTION; CHLORIDES; COATING; COMBUSTION; COOLING; EFFICIENCY; FLUORIDES; GASES; LEACHING; MELTING; MELTING POINTS; MIXING; PLUTONIUM; POWDERS; RESIDUES; SAFETY; THERMAL RADIATION; THORIUM; URANIUM; WATER

Citation Formats

Cope, L H. POWDERS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES. United States: N. p., 1963. Web.
Cope, L H. POWDERS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES. United States.
Cope, L H. 1963. "POWDERS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES". United States.
@article{osti_4702260,
title = {POWDERS FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRES},
author = {Cope, L H},
abstractNote = {The development of a powder suitable for extinguishing fires of burning U, Pu, or Th is described. The powder consists of a mixture of powdered inorganic chlorides and/or fluorides inert towards the bunning metal. The mixture has a melting point below the melting point of the burning metal such that fusion of the powder takes place locally where the powder contacts the burning metal. A frit is formed around the locally fused portion of the powder, excluding the ambient atmosphere from the metal. Absorption of latent heat by fusion of the locally fused portion of the powder exerts a chilling effect on the metal. Examples of preferred powder mixtures are given. The mixture can be prepared by grinding the components together, but preferably the components are fused together before grinding to facilitate melting upon application to a fire. After a fire has been extinguished, U or Pu may be recovered from the residues by leaching with water to remove the soluble chlorides. (P.C.H.)},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/4702260}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 1963},
month = {Tue Jun 25 00:00:00 EDT 1963}
}