Extinguishants vapourizing liquid

Use of carbon tetrachloride to extinguish a wax fire caused an explosion. This was attributed to a violent reaction between unsaturated wax components and carbon tetrachloride initiated by radicals from decomposing peroxides [1], Perhaps a more likely explanation could be that contact of the cold low-boiling liquid with the hot molten wax led to the physical effect of a vapour explosion, rather than the chemical explosion postulated [2],... 

Because MIPs are formed at low temperatures, liquid samples cannot be introduced because they extinguish the plasma, even small amounts of organic vapour. However, the on-line coupling of HPEC to MIP-OES has been described for the speciation of mercury and arsenic compounds. Continuous cold vapour (CV) or hydride generation (HG) techniques were used as interfaces between the exit of the HPEC column and the MIP, held in a surfatron at reduced pressure [24]. 

All organic solvents are volatile and have a vapour density greater than one, i.e. their vapours are heavier than air and will therefore settle at floor level this is important to note when considering ventilation. With the exception of the chlorinated hydrocarbons they tend to be flammable and explosive and in the liquid form most have specific gravities of less than one so will float on water. In the event of a fire, attempt should not be made to extinguish with water, as the solvent will float away and the fire be spread. The chlorinated solvents, being neither flammable nor explosive but heavier than water, have been used as fire extinguishants. 

Although in certain respects plasma polymerization may be thought of as plasma-initiated polymerization this latter description is normally reserved for polymerization reactions that take place after the plasma (normally excited in the vapour of the monomer above the liquid monomer) has been extinguished. Polymers formed in such a way are generally linear and of high molecular weight. Typical monomers are vinyl compounds and the products are often crystalline. 

Fire point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off sufficient flammable vapours to produce a sustainable flame when ignited. The fire point is normally a few degrees higher than the flash point. (Also refers to the panels on which fire alarms and extinguishers are mounted.)... 

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