The Role of CO₂ Cylinders in Fire Extinguishers

As the core component of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers, CO₂ cylinders play a crucial role in the fire extinguishing process, achieving efficient fire suppression through the following key functions:

1.Providing Asphyxiating Fire - Extinguishing Gas：

Carbon dioxide itself is non - flammable and non - combustible. The carbon dioxide in the CO₂ cylinder is usually stored in a high - pressure liquid state. Once the fire extinguisher is activated, the liquid carbon dioxide rapidly converts into a gaseous state and is ejected. Since the density of carbon dioxide is approximately 1.5 times that of air, after being ejected, it can quickly settle and displace the surrounding air, forming a high - concentration layer of carbon dioxide on the surface of the burning material or in a confined space, effectively isolating the burning material from oxygen. When the oxygen concentration in the combustion area is diluted to less than 12% and the carbon dioxide concentration reaches 30% - 35%, most combustion reactions will cease due to the lack of necessary oxidants, thus achieving asphyxiation - based fire extinguishing and effectively curbing the spread of the fire.

2.Performing Cooling and Temperature - Reducing Functions：

During the process of being ejected from the cylinder, the liquid carbon dioxide undergoes a violent vaporization phase change. This process requires the absorption of a large amount of heat. According to data, approximately 578 kilojoules of heat are absorbed when 1 kilogram of liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes. This heat is mainly taken from the surrounding environment and the burning material itself, causing a sharp drop in the temperature of the burning material and its surroundings. When the temperature drops below the ignition point of the combustible material, combustion becomes difficult to sustain, further assisting in the fire - extinguishing process. Although the cooling effect of carbon dioxide contributes relatively less to fire extinguishing compared to its asphyxiating effect, in some cases, such as extinguishing small - scale initial fires, the cooling effect can quickly reduce the temperature and prevent the fire from reigniting, which is also of great significance.

3.Providing Fire - Extinguishing Power：

The interior of the CO₂ cylinder maintains a relatively high pressure, generally reaching more than 600 psi (pounds per square inch). This high - pressure state provides powerful propulsion for the ejection of carbon dioxide fire - extinguishing agents. When the valve of the fire extinguisher is opened, the high - pressure difference causes carbon dioxide to pass through the siphon tube, conduit, and nozzle at high speed, and finally be forcefully ejected from the spray tube, forming a gas flow with a certain impact force. This gas flow can not only deliver carbon dioxide precisely to the fire source but also, to a certain extent, disperse the hot air and smoke generated by the fire, enabling firefighters to observe the location of the fire source more clearly and carry out fire - extinguishing operations more effectively.

4.Suitability for Special Fire Scenarios：

Due to the non - conductive nature of carbon dioxide gas, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers filled with CO₂ cylinders have significant advantages in dealing with electrical equipment fires. When extinguishing electrical fires in places such as computer rooms and switchgear rooms, using carbon dioxide fire extinguishers can quickly put out the fire while minimizing the risk of secondary short - circuits caused by the conductivity of the extinguishing agent, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. At the same time, since carbon dioxide leaves no residue after fire extinguishing, it will not cause damage to precision instruments, archives, and other materials. Therefore, in places with high requirements for item protection, such as libraries, museums, and data centers, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers powered by CO₂ cylinders are an ideal choice for fire - fighting equipment.

In conclusion, relying on their unique physical and chemical properties, CO₂ cylinders provide a solid guarantee for carbon dioxide fire extinguishers to play an efficient role in various fire scenarios, and they are an important component in safeguarding life and property.

If you are interested in the specific details of the various weights of our CO₂ cylinders, you can click the link below to learn more.