sammutusväliaine

Sammutusväliaine refers to the substance used to extinguish a fire. The primary function of a sammutusväliaine is to interrupt the chemical or physical process of combustion. Different types of fires require different extinguishing agents, as the effectiveness of a particular agent depends on the nature of the burning material and the fire's characteristics.

Common sammutusväliaine include water, foam, dry chemical powders, and inert gases. Water is effective for Class A fires (ordinary combustibles like wood and paper) as it cools the burning material below its ignition temperature and smothers the fire by producing steam. Foam is used for Class B fires (flammable liquids and gases) and Class A fires. It forms a blanket over the burning surface, separating the fuel from the oxygen and providing a cooling effect.

Dry chemical powders, such as those containing monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, are versatile and effective for Class A, B, and C fires (electrical fires). They work by interrupting the chemical chain reaction of combustion and, to some extent, by smothering the flames. Inert gases like carbon dioxide and nitrogen are often used for Class B and C fires, as well as in situations where water or dry chemicals might cause damage to sensitive equipment. They extinguish fires by displacing oxygen, thereby starving the fire of the air it needs to burn. The choice of sammutusväliaine is crucial for effective firefighting and minimizing collateral damage.