TetraKO is a fire suppression agent marketed by EarthClean Corporation, based in South St. Paul, Minnesota. It takes the form of a white powder, which is intended to be mixed with water and sprayed on structures or foliage using unmodified firefighting equipment, up to a day in advance of a wildfire.[1][2]
| TetraKO | |
|---|---|
| Material type | fire suppression agent |
| Physical properties | |
| Density (ρ) | ~1.0 g/cm3 |
Mechanism of action
editTetraKO forms an aqueous gel that exhibits low viscosity under pressure, allowing it to be sprayed like water. It adheres to structure surfaces, including walls and ceilings, trapping moisture against the surface. Like Class A foams, it is intended to improve the wetting effectiveness of water used in fire suppression.[3] When heated, it releases a dense steam which suppresses fire by displacing oxygen.[2]
In wildfire and structure fire tests, TetraKO performed better than both plain water and water mixed with Class A foam concentrate.[3]
Composition and safety
editThe primary ingredient in TetraKO is corn starch; it also contains polymer ingredients which improve its ability to act as a non-Newtonian fluid.[1] The product is certified non-toxic and biodegradable, unlike many common firefighting foams.[2][4]
References
edit- ^ a b David Pogue (host) (November 6, 2013). "Making Stuff Safer". Making More Stuff (NOVA). Episode 4. PBS. Transcript.
- ^ a b c Class-A Fire Suppressant & Mid-Term Retardant Powder Concentrate—Product Data and Specifications (PDF), EarthClean Corporation
- ^ a b Information Paper on Next Generation Water Enhancer for Fire Protection and Suppression in Wildland and Structural Applications (PDF), Technology Council of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, March 31, 2012
- ^ Haugen, Dan (August 25, 2010). "EarthClean raises $765K for rollout of TetraKO non-toxic firefighting gel". The Line. Retrieved September 16, 2014.
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