re: The flaming process and halons

[Bob and Mauri Rand <r-mrand@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

When the fuel and air are at the correct mixture and an ignition source is
introduced, fire will occur.  The flame is a combination of the
decomposition of the fuel and the oxidizing agent (air).  This is called the
uninhibited chemical chain reaction.  As the fuel burns, it releases heat,
causing more vapors to burn, and they ignite.  Also as this chemical chain
reaction occurs, it releases free chemical radicals in the flame area of the
fire.  Halon which is no longer produced such as carbon tetrachloride,
chlorotrifluoromethane, and chlorofluorodibromomethane) when introduced to
the flame, break down into free radicals also.  These free radicals combine
with the ofther free radical released from the burning process and make
stable molecules.  Therefore, the flame goes out.  Be careful though, the
liquid may still be producing vapor, oxygen is present, and an ignition
source may be present which will start the process all over again.

Hope this was not too confusing.



Bob Rand
Fire Instructor IV, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy
Hazardous Materials Technician, Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
1987 Alfa Spider Quadrifoglio

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