Impulse Fire Extinguishing System
Impulse fire extinguishing system (IFEX, engl. For impulse fire extinguishing system ) is a system for fire fighting , in which the water is not brought as usual as a jet into the fire, but as a fine water mist.
The water is filled into a steel cylinder and shot through four rubber lips on the front of the cylinder at 25 bar air pressure. The shot reaches a speed of around 400 km / h. The water is literally torn apart by the acceleration and the rubber lips.
The fine distribution of the water ensures a significantly higher cooling effect. In addition, the pressure literally blows out the flames when a fire starts (similar to blowing out a candle). Due to the low use of water, the water damage caused by room fires is kept to a minimum and, for example, in the event of a vehicle fire, significantly less polluted waste water is discharged into the sewer system or the environment.
The disadvantages of the system are the relatively high weight and the fact that lines for the water supply and compressed air supply are always required (except for the portable version), which cannot be extended at will. When extinguishing burning people, there is a risk that the high pressure will cause burn injuries or eye injuries. In addition, the stress for the firefighters is significantly higher in some areas and usually leads to sore muscles with joint pain after the deployment. In addition, the low water output of the device offers the user hardly any protection against flue gas ignition or the like , especially in the case of internal attacks .
IFEX systems are portable and mobile, for vehicle assembly, for assembly under helicopters , in tunnels or also stationary.
