Aerosol firefighting systems

An aerosol fire suppression system operates by using a mixture of inert gases and alkali metal salts (such as potassium) to extinguish fires. These aerosols work by interfering with the combustion reaction through chemical inhibition on the surface of the solid, accompanied by a smothering effect from the inert gas.

The solid phase, which makes up approximately 40% of the aerosol mass, consists of extremely fine particles that provide a large contact surface to absorb free radicals and inhibit combustion. In aerosol systems, the main inert gases used are nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.

The key component of the system is the aerosol generator, which internally generates a fine powder through a chemical process. This powder is then discharged and dispersed into the protected environment.