Element E50 Fire Extinguisher good idea in airplane?
My wife recently sent me this tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@byotools/video/7283533691756989742?_r=1&_t=8g6CBQoGEWI for this product https://elementfire.com/products/element-e50 which seems like it would be a great thing to keep in the cockpit in case of a fire.
However, I can't find any data saying it would be safe to use in an enclosed cockpit. I note their product does not list aircraft as a possible use case. What do other people think about this?
Comments
I don't think this would be a good alternative to a Halon system that is the first choice for airplane fires. It might be an ok choice for the hanger or for exterior fires on the ground.
From the scant details it looks like they are burning Potassium Nitrate and emitted out is water vapor, Potassium and N2. The potassium is definitely corrosive as KOH. My other concern is once initiated you cannot stop it - it will keep emitting for 50 seconds.
Halon is perfect for a plane cockpit. In the event of a fire which is almost surely electrical turning off the load and a brief burst of Halon to suppress any small fire.
A fuel fire in the cockpit is likely to consume the plane unless the source can be turned off regardless of the extinguisher available.
In aviation terms, halon fire extinguishers are a bargain too.
Eric Panning
1981 Seneca III
Hillsboro, OR (KHIO)
Here is a video in operation that highlights the challenges. I think that the cloud coming out would completely obscure your view.
Here is Halon. It exits as a cold jet but quickly disipates.
Eric Panning
1981 Seneca III
Hillsboro, OR (KHIO)