Silo firefighting with CO₂

When a silo catches fire, it is important to be able to intervene immediately pending the arrival of the fire brigade to limit the damage as much as possible. Liquid CO₂ or dry ice (CO₂ in solid form) is ideally suited for this because it shuts off the supply of air very quick. Also during the post-extinguishing, one can use CO₂.

Application scope

Because CO₂ is inert and the density is 1.53 times higher than that of air, it is an ideal way to extinguish and to monitor a silo fire. Both the solid (dry ice) as well as the liquid form of CO₂ is suitable to use.

An extra plus point of dry ice is the high-sublimation energy (approximately 620 kJ/kg) causing the burning mass to be cooled.

Liquid CO₂ after expansion (below a pressure of 5 bar) forms CO₂-snow and is therefore an alternative solution.

Requirements

For the calculation of the volumes needed one should know that 1 kg CO₂ (both dry ice as well as liquid CO₂) releases 0.5 m³ gas. To be able to expel the burning air sufficiently in the silo, one must add approximately three times the volume of the silo of CO₂ gas. This corresponds to a mass CO₂ of six times the volume of the silo.

IJsfabriek Strombeek is a point of reference in the field of CO₂. We deliver in addition to dry ice for an intervention also liquid CO₂ for permanent fire protection. This can be done in cylinders, packages or bulk.

Our experienced team of engineers with all their experience and expertise is ready to help you with any questions.

Advantages

• very rapid intervention is possible
• permanent fire protection
• low price of CO₂
• perfect method for damage control pending the arrival of the fire brigade

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