CO2 for agricurtular silo

[Hunor]

Is CO2 the most effective substance to suppress silo fires? If CO2 is the optimal choice, than what amount is necessary? (worst case=nearly empty / half filled silo)
Nozzles should be located on the top or evenly vertically?
If not CO2, what else?
TIA

 

[cdafd]

From a non engineer or technical point of view
1. would say no if you are talking about the 100 feet tall or so silos
2. Amount of agent that would be needed
3. Time to get the agent dispensed
4. Integrity of the enlosure
5. Locating the nozzles
Have only seen one full room dump and that is what I am going off of.

Are you trying to put out the fire or prevent an explosion???

http://www.grecon-us.com/html/spark_detection_article.htm

http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/hid/din/529.pdf

 

[slipstick50]

for silo fires suppression:

grain or silage??

Look to publications by MWPS, Harvestore, etc.

We have a heck of a good reference library in our offices.

We also use Nitrogen gas to suppress fires.

CO2 is cheap and available, but does have CO in it also.... so monoxide poisoning is a problem with people around..

CO2 is heavier than air so a blanket of gas will build if it does not leak out from below or is not stirred on top.....

Really dangerous if low areas are around a silo... boot pits, etc.... as gas builds up and people go down and die....

if a fire is burning,, inject gas from below air flow up to the hot spot from below will slow a fire and can snuff it.. especially if the top of a bin or silo is closed so gas levels can build,, plastic sheeting and heating duct tape seals, etc.. We've even used a cap on top of the stored burning material of class A foam after the initial injection of gas has slowed the fire and reduced heat.

Becareful with CO2 and CO..

rmn