Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Greener extinguisher for aircraft toilet fires", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 74 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2002.12774dad.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Greener extinguisher for aircraft toilet fires
Keywords: Aircraft, Fire, Fire safety
According to Fire Fighting Enterprises, by using its new extinguisher, fires in the waste-bins of aircraft toilet compartments can be automatically suppressed without environmentally harmful extinguishants. FFE claims that its product releases non-toxic FE-36 which has no effect on the ozone layer (Plate 2).
The compact extinguisher is designed to tackle smouldering litter in toilet compartment bins, where discarded cigarettes may pose a significant fire risk. The extinguishing agent is said to be released immediately when the temperature in the bin rises beyond a pre-set level. A built-in pressure switch can be used to trigger remote visual and audible signals in the event of a discharge, alerting crew members to the incident and allowing the cause to be investigated.
Plate
2 FFE's extinguisher for toilet waste bin fires releases non-toxic FE-36
which reportedly has no effect on the ozone layer
Already used by Airbus as a replacement for Halon-based appliances as they expire, the FFE product is believed to be the first aircraft extinguisher of its type to use an environmentally friendly, inert extinguishing agent. As well as offering zero ozone depletion potential, FE-36 claims to combine excellent fire suppression capabilities with minimal toxicity, making it safe to use in an enclosed toilet compartment.
The waste-bin extinguisher from FFE joins a range of products designed specifically for aviation use, including automatic extinguishers for installation elsewhere in the toilet compartment, and portable extinguishers for cabin and cargo compartment fire-fighting.
Details available from: Fire Fighting Enterprises Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1438 317216; Fax: +44 (0) 1438 722136; E-mail: rbrown@ffeuk.com; Website: www.ffeuk.com