EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF FLAME EXTINCTION BY SODIUM-BICARBONATE (NAHCO3) POWDER

An experimental study is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of so dium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) powder in extinguishing flames burning hydro carbon fuels. Experiments are performed formed on flames stabilized in a counterflow burner. Powders with various particle sizes are used. T he minimum amount of NaHCO3 powder required to extinguish these flames is measured and compared with previous measurements using CF3Br and N -2. The results show NaHCO3 to be much more effective than CF3Br and N -2 in extinguishing the flames. The calculated equilibrium temperature s of NaHCO3 inhibited flames close to extinction show that NaHCO3 inhi bits the flame by chemical mechanisms.