Fire suppression in a sealed system

In summary, the scenario involves an astronaut conducting experiments in a laboratory module within a space station when a fire breaks out. The astronaut escapes and seals off the module using an airlock before depressurizing it to suppress the fire. While this may stop the fire from spreading, it may not completely extinguish it unless the heat source is also addressed. The use of an oxidizer, such as in the case of a road flare burning under water, can sustain a fire even without oxygen. Further understanding of the fire triangle is recommended to fully comprehend fire behavior and suppression techniques.
  • #1
Robert House
29
4
Here is the scenario.

An astronaut is conducting experiments inside of a laboratory module within a space station when all of a sudden, a fire breaks out. The astronaut escapes from the laboratory module he was currently using and then proceeds to seal it off using an airlock.

He then deliberately depressurizes the laboratory module of it's oxygen, thereby suppressing the fire inside of it.

Is this plausible? Oxygen is what causes fire to spread so quickly. If there is no oxygen at all within a space capsule, would that stop the fire completely?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #2
Robert House said:
Here is the scenario.

An astronaut is conducting experiments inside of a laboratory module within a space station when all of a sudden, a fire breaks out. The astronaut escapes from the laboratory module he was currently using and then proceeds to seal it off using an airlock.

He then deliberately depressurizes the laboratory module of it's oxygen, thereby suppressing the fire inside of it.

Is this plausible? Oxygen is what causes fire to spread so quickly. If there is no oxygen at all within a space capsule, would that stop the fire completely?
As long as no flammable metals were involved, it should. Are you familiar with the Fire Triangle?

Depending on what was burning, it may not take a full depressurization to put out the fire. It would be nice not to have to waste all that air volume...
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
As long as no flammable metals were involved, it should. Are you familiar with the Fire Triangle?

Depending on what was burning, it may not take a full depressurization to put out the fire. It would be nice not to have to waste all that air volume...

Let's say in this scenario, the fire was causes by faulty electrical components. I am no familiar with the fire triangle but I will look into that.
 
  • #4
Robert House said:
the fire was causes by faulty electrical components.
No oxygen, no fire. You'll see that as you read more about the fire triangle.

Quiz Question (for after your reading) -- Why does a road flare burn under water with no oxygen available? :smile:
 
  • #5
berkeman said:
No oxygen, no fire. You'll see that as you read more about the fire triangle.

Quiz Question (for after your reading) -- Why does a road flare burn under water with no oxygen available? :smile:

Answer: Because the flare contains the perchlorate salt oxidizer
 
  • Like
Likes berkeman
  • #6
Robert House said:
Is this plausible? Oxygen is what causes fire to spread so quickly. If there is no oxygen at all within a space capsule, would that stop the fire completely?

A close look at the triangle will be a big help. You also are questioning if it will stop completely? In your scenario you are looking at a space capsule of some sort. Heat can be a challenge to dissipate in space. If a fire were to start and the you removed the oxygen it would cease to burn. If there was no follow up to lower the temperature of the fuel it will automatically reignite when oxygen is restored to the space. You are only part way to a complete extinguishment.
 
  • Like
Likes Robert House

Related to Fire suppression in a sealed system

1. What is fire suppression in a sealed system?

Fire suppression in a sealed system refers to the techniques and methods used to control and extinguish fires in enclosed or sealed spaces. This can include using fire extinguishers, fire sprinkler systems, or specialized gases to remove oxygen from the space and smother the fire.

2. Why is fire suppression important in a sealed system?

Fire suppression is important in a sealed system because fires in confined spaces can spread quickly and be difficult to contain. Without proper suppression techniques, a fire in a sealed system can cause significant damage and pose a threat to the safety of individuals in the area.

3. How does fire suppression in a sealed system work?

The specific methods of fire suppression in a sealed system vary, but typically involve removing one of the three elements necessary for a fire to burn: oxygen, heat, or fuel. This can be done using fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, or specialized chemicals or gases that interrupt the chemical reaction of fire.

4. What are the benefits of using a sealed system for fire suppression?

Using a sealed system for fire suppression can prevent the spread of fire and limit damage to the surrounding area. It can also provide a safe and controlled environment for individuals to evacuate and for first responders to enter and extinguish the fire.

5. Are there any risks associated with fire suppression in a sealed system?

There are some potential risks associated with fire suppression in a sealed system, such as the use of potentially harmful chemicals or gases. It is important to properly train individuals on the use of these suppression methods and to regularly inspect and maintain the system to ensure it is functioning properly.

Similar threads

I Schrödinger's astronaut as a quantum computer?
    • Quantum Interpretations and Foundations
Replies
27
Views
2K
How Does Firing a Cannonball in Space Affect an Astronaut's Rotation?
    • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
20
Views
2K
Writing: Input Wanted Can a Gamma-Ray Burst Affect Communication Devices?
    • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
792
Why do astronauts describe the smell of space as strong, metallic, and unique?
    • Cosmology
Replies
10
Views
3K
Kerbal Space Program - Rocket Design Basics
    • Aerospace Engineering
Replies
2
Views
7K
Do Movies Teach Us Realistic Life Skills?
    • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
8K
Which Chooses Fate: The Lady or the Tiger?
    • General Discussion
Replies
8
Views
5K
Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 242)
    • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top