Fires from combustible metals produce what type of fire?
2 Answers
A combustible metal fire is a Class "D" fire.
Explanation:
Do NOT try to put the fire out with water--the metal will break down the water forming a metal oxide and hydrogen which will ignite.
Do NOT use a class B (burning liquid) fire extinguisher. Generally those contain monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, neither of which will be effective.
Look for a Class D fire extinguisher. Class D fire extinguishers generally have materials which will melt to form an oxygen-impermeable barrier between the burning metal and the air, smothering the fire.
One that you don't extinguish with water.
Explanation:
You will have to qualify your question here. In the laboratory and elsewhere, you will find several types of fire extinguishers that are designed for a particular type of fire. In the event that you have to use one, you are usually much too flustered to make such a decision. One of the most effective extinguishers is a liquid nitrogen dewar. Of course, you have to be close enough to the fire (and they are HOT) to pour the liquid nitrogen on the conflagration. And often, when you do this, the fire reignites when all the nitrogen is boiled off.
