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David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 657
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 05:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I am specifying fire extinguishers for a chemistry lab. This lab will have combustible metals, such as magnesium, that spontaneously react when exposed to air.

All I can find out from NFPA 10 is that I need a type D dry powder extinguisher. I can not find a manufacturer that makes these specialized types. Any idea on size or manufacturer?
Marc C Chavez
Senior Member
Username: mchavez

Post Number: 150
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 05:44 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Magnesium does not spontaneously combust. If it did my back pack would have gone up a long time ago. Now once started...that's another story. Once started its so hot that it breaks water down into H and O and burns even better! (If I have my physics right)
Now metallic sodium ... or phosphorous…
try http://www.ilpi.com/safety/extinguishers.html#Picking
David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: david_axt

Post Number: 658
Registered: 03-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 06:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Found it: http://www.amerex-fire.com/Literature/classd.pdf

I also did research on Mg and found out that is reacts with moisture in the air.
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 324
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 - 07:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Magnesium used to be one of the light weight components in helicopters in the Vietnam war, and the pilots were told that if they were hit, that the helicopter would combust before they could eject from the seat. Hence, they better be careful where they flew.

http://www.safetyemporium.com/ILPI_SITE
this site also has sand and sodium in a bucket that will extinguish the chemical fires as well, and aren't as tricky to use as a pressured extinguisher.

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