- Author
- Leonard, J. | Burns, R. | Beitel, J. J. | Ouelette, R. | Darwin, R.
- Title
- Use of Copper Powder Extinguishers on Lithium Fires.
- Coporate
- Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC Hughes Associates, Inc., Columbia, MD Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC
- Report
- NRL/MR/6180-94-7490; Funding Numbers 61-M259-X3, July 8, 1994, 27 p.
- Keywords
- fire extinguishers | lithium | copper | fire extinguishment
- Identifiers
- copper powder extinguishers
- Abstract
- The suitability of using copper powder extinguishers for controlling lithium fires resulting from a damaged Mark 50 Torpedo boiler assembly was evaluated. The results indicated that under ideal conditions, i.e., unobstructed access to the fire, copper powder will extinguish burning lithium when applied at the recommended rate of 4.5 kg (10 lb) of copper per 0.45 kg (1 lb) of lithium. However, the presence of obstructions or of high spots on the surface of the burning lithium increases the quantity of copper powder required for extinguishment.