Purple-K
Purple-K, also known as PKP, is a dry-chemical fire suppression agent used in some dry chemical
Purple-K was developed by the United States Naval Research Laboratory in 1959, as an improvement over sodium bicarbonate for extinguishing oil and gasoline fires. It was named due to the characteristic lavender tint imparted to flames, owing to the potassium (chemical symbol "K") content. [4]
Characteristics
Purple-K powder has an acrid taste and odor, is free-flowing, floating on most liquids, non-abrasive, does not wet with water and is compatible with most
Purple-K is normally non-toxic, but ingestion of a large amount can cause alkalosis.
Uses
Purple-K is commonly used in oil refineries, airport ramps, service stations, military facilities, naval warships, power plants, and other places where large volumes of flammable liquids are handled. It is often paired with foam in
Purple-K is used in many forms, from small handheld fire extinguishers to large mobile and stationary units, including fixed-nozzle piping systems.
Cleanup of spent agent can be difficult, as it forms a residue when discharged. If the spent agent is dry it can be removed by suction, but when combined with water, hydrocarbons and other liquids, it forms a thick crusty scum that can be challenging to remove.[citation needed]
Purple-K should never be mixed with phosphate-based fire suppression agents (ABC dry chemical), as the resulting chemical reaction will destroy its efficiency.[clarification needed]
References
- ISBN 1593701357page 98
- ^ a b Fire extinguishing powders. A. E. Finnerty US. Army Research Laboratory, L. J. Vande Kieft. Halon Options. Technlcal Working Conference 6-8 May 1997. [1]
- ^ Dry Chemical Agents- Purple-K in Chemguard
- ^ "Purple K Powder", "Naval Aviation News", September 1959, page 19,
External links
- U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Purple-K-Powder
- MSDS for Purple-K powder