How does potassium carbonate extinguish fire

At high temperatures, Potassium bicarbonate decomposes to form potassium carbonate, water and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide smothers the fire, the potassium carbonate form will prevent oxygen from reaching the fire and I’m assuming that the reaction is endothermic which would serve to rob the fire of heat.

Once it decomposes, potassium bicarbonate breaks down to form carbon dioxide. 2 KHCO 3 → K 2 CO 3 + CO 2 + H 2 O. Carbon dioxide is non-flammable and does not support combustion. Since it is heavier than air, CO 2 has the ability to smother fire by covering it and preventing oxygen getting to it. Potassium bicarbonate is the main component of fire

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Why is potassium bicarbonate used in fire extinguishers?

Sodium bicarbonate is used in most dry fire extinguishers. Potassium bicarbonate is commonly utilized in industrial applications, as it decomposes at the higher temperatures found in grease and chemical type fires. The essential factor in extinguishing fires is excluding oxygen by the safest and most effective means.

Potassium bicarbonate is also used in certain types of fire extinguishers. When such an extinguisher is used, the potassium bicarbonate reacts with an acid present in the device to produce carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide propels a liquid from the extinguisher and, itself, helps put out a fire.

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People Also Ask how does potassium carbonate extinguish fire

How does a potassium bicarbonate fire extinguisher work?

When such an extinguisher is used, the potassium bicarbonate reacts with an acid present in the device to produce carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide propels a liquid from the extinguisher and, itself, helps put out a fire. What are the 4 types of fire extinguishers?

How does a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher work?

The carbon dioxide propels a liquid from the extinguisher and, itself, helps put out a fire. What are the 4 types of fire extinguishers? There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

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What is potassium bicarbonate used for?

Potassium bicarbonate is commonly utilized in industrial applications, as it decomposes at the higher temperatures found in grease and chemical type fires. The essential factor in extinguishing fires is excluding oxygen by the safest and most effective means.

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Reference:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_extinguisher

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