Fire Extinguisher Type for Platinum Catalysts?

9/10/2020

Does anyone have experience with a specific fire extinguisher for fires involving platinum catalysts? I know this would generally fall under the Class D type of extinguishers but was wondering if there is a platinum specific extinguisher like there is for lithium fires (lith-x brand). Also, if you do have experience is there any difference in operation besides a regular extinguisher (for example how the agent is propelled)?

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5 Comments

Jim Fry

9/10/2020 10:27:28 am

You might want to look at an additive called F500. If my memory is correct, you can add it to a 2.5 gallon water extinguisher equipped with a spray wand for use on combustible metals. I'd suggest you contact the manufacturer directly to discuss the use on platinum. It's just an idea for you to look into.

Franck

9/10/2020 10:39:05 am

I don't know if there is a specific fire extinguisher for Platinum.
Normally solid platinum metal is not combustible.
In some circumstances (finely divided dust), there might be an explosion/fire hazard (to be confirmed), but the potential hazard is normally much less than with titanium, aluminium, magnesium, zirconium or hafnium.
Normally, metal fire extinguishers (class D) should be suitable (Met-L-X) for all metal fires (except Lithium where Lith-X or copper powder is recommended).
The way the powder is pulverized from metal fires extinguishers is different from normal powder extinguishers. The class D powder is much heavier so that there is not the same pulverization effect that could potentially disperse the metal dust and create a cloud of metal dust that could explodes or burnt more violently.
Specific training of operators with class D metal fire extinguishers is therefore recommended as the way to apply the media is somehow different.
Note that if the hazard is from molten metal, then portable extinguishers are to be determined based on the combustible elements in the surrounding areas. Avoid water on liquid metal as you can have hydrogen release and explosion.

Bob Kleinheinz

9/10/2020 11:16:43 am

We have 2 large sites now storing and using lithium batteries. They have purchased extinguishers made just for the batteries. I know the units are large and cost about 900 dollars per extinguisher. I am not sure of the name of type but they are out there...

Franck

9/10/2020 01:32:13 pm

Lithium batteries fire is not the same as lithium metal fire.
Lithium batteries use lithium ion, not metal.
Specific fire extinguisher is different for them.

Clifford Carroll

9/10/2020 03:27:33 pm

Use DRY sand, graphite powder, dry sodium chloride-based extinguishers. DO NOT USE WATER, FOAM or CO2 extinguishing agents. Here is the website.

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Platinum#section=Fire-Fighting

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Fire Extinguisher Type for Platinum Catalysts?

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