2007-03-20 08:33:07 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Most fire extinguishers have a dry-chemical in them. Monoamonium-phosphate or Sodium Bicarbonate. Some have CO2, water, foams, and halogenated agents.
By far, the most common overall type is the Multipurpose ABC dry chemical fire extingiusher. This is the one with the mono-ammonium phosphate. It's a yellow finely powdered chemical that is suitable for all ordinary classes of fire.
Argon is used as a fire extingiushing agent on some gaseous agent systems. Its actually a mixture of inert gases with argon as the main component. The agent is brand named "Argonite" and is available through several manufacturer's in the U.S. inlcuding Kidde-Fenwal and Chemetron.
For more information about hand-portable fire extinguishers, agents used, and the different types of fire visit...
http://www.fireextinguisher.com
2007-03-22 08:19:06 · answer #1 · answered by todvango 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Typically there is a pressure tank inside filled with gas (there could be argon, it just says inert gas on the label usually) and then the rest of the extinguisher will be full of water (class A), foam-making chemicals (class AB), baking soda (class BC), or (most common) mono-ammonium phosphate (a dry powder) (class ABC). There are also extinguishers with a cone shaped nozzle that are completely full of pressurised Halon or Carbon Dioxide (Halon is being phased out due to its environmental impact) A large silver one is likely water or foam, and the other types (including the most common ABC) are usually red or white.
2007-03-24 00:44:56 · answer #2 · answered by Clay H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are several types of fire extinguishers for different types of fires.
Type A fires the extinguisher has acid and baking soda which makes a gas that sprays out water. This is a vey old type no longer used.
Type B has a powder called PKP and a gas to force it out.
Type C is a CO2 extinguisher with carbondioxide under pressure.
The type with Halon are no longer allowed because of effects on the ozone layer.
There are newer foam extinguishers that spray a foam that smothers a fire.
2007-03-20 16:07:38 · answer #3 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, usually carbon dioxide.
Go here for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher
2007-03-20 15:41:09 · answer #4 · answered by computerguy103 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋