Application of Fire Extinguishing Agent from Cellulose Ether to Extinguish Forest Fires Using a Water Bottle Rocket
Abstract
Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic weed disrupting ecosystems, reproduces rapidly and causes a significant environmental challenge due to its difficulty in eradication. Thus, the utilization of this plant for fire suppression not only helps mitigate environmental concerns, but also enhances its economic value. This process involves synthesizing a water hyacinth to methyl cellulose, a type of cellulose ether. The synthesized compound is further processed into a hydrogel. When this hydrogel exposes to heat, it forms a protective coating over combustible materials, therefore, a temperature reduced and an oxygen for combustion limited. This prominent essence enhances its performance in wildfire suppression. This hydrogel contains fire extinguishing agents which is better adhesive to combustible wood surfaces than the conventional fire extinguishing substances. Thereby, the effectiveness in wildfire suppression is multiplied. When applied this hydrogel in water-propelled rockets deploying from a safe distance, the risk to firefighter on fire control duty is significantly reduced. The experimental trials were conducted using a water-propelled rocket at a pressure of 4 bar with various water levels in the container (k₀) at four different levels of 20%, 25%, 33%, and 50%. The results indicated that at 20% water level, the rocket achieved the highest velocity and the longest travel distance compared to the others. In the test for fire suppression performance on a Class 2A fire at 20 meter distance, the combination of MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate) and Methyl Cellulose demonstrated a superior fire-extinguishing efficiency was compared to using MAP alone. This combined formulation effectively reduced the radiant heat emission to 35 °C, using 7 seconds to extinguish fire. Also, it formed a protective coating over the fuel surface to preventing from re-ignition after suppression.