Week 6: Fire Control Systems Notes
Fire Control Systems
--------------------
As mentioned in week 5, there are three elements needed to support combustion: a combustible
fuel, oxygen, and heat. If any one of these elements is removed, a fire will not burn. This is done
through various fire extinguishing agents.
Fire Extinguishing Agents
-------------------------
The portable and fixed fire extinguisher systems used in most aircraft are designed to displace
oxygen with an inert agent that does not support combustion. Common types include carbon
dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons, and dry powder.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
--------------------
- Effective for Class B and C fires.
- Used in fire extinguishers for external fires such as engine or APU fires.
- Displaces oxygen and reduces the oxygen content to prevent combustion.
- Mildly toxic, can cause unconsciousness and death by suffocation if inhaled for 20-30 minutes.
- Not effective on fires involving chemicals with their own oxygen supply or metals like magnesium
and titanium.
Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Halon)
--------------------------------
Fire Control Systems
--------------------
As mentioned in week 5, there are three elements needed to support combustion: a combustible
fuel, oxygen, and heat. If any one of these elements is removed, a fire will not burn. This is done
through various fire extinguishing agents.
Fire Extinguishing Agents
-------------------------
The portable and fixed fire extinguisher systems used in most aircraft are designed to displace
oxygen with an inert agent that does not support combustion. Common types include carbon
dioxide, halogenated hydrocarbons, and dry powder.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
--------------------
- Effective for Class B and C fires.
- Used in fire extinguishers for external fires such as engine or APU fires.
- Displaces oxygen and reduces the oxygen content to prevent combustion.
- Mildly toxic, can cause unconsciousness and death by suffocation if inhaled for 20-30 minutes.
- Not effective on fires involving chemicals with their own oxygen supply or metals like magnesium
and titanium.
Halogenated Hydrocarbons (Halon)
--------------------------------
