Encapsulated Micron Aerosol Agents (emaa)

A new class of fires suppressants, known as Encapsulated Micron Aerosol Agents (EMAA), having superior volumetric efficiency, low initial and life cycle costs, low toxicity, no known global atmospheric environmental impacts (ODP/GWP), and with the potential for a wide variety of applications, is being developed via a joint program between the private sector and the U.S. Air Force. The research program consists of developing solid compound formulations that, when pyrotechnically initiated, generate powerful fire suppressant aerosols that behave as lighter than air gases. Preliminary indications are that these aerosols are up to six times more powerful as fire suppressants than Halon 1301 on a mass basis. Using a solid, gel, or powder as the starting point for generation of an aerosol eliminates the need for piping and pressure cylinders, creating a potential for application in a wide variety of fire suppression roles: facilities, aircraft, portable rapid deployment shelters, fuel storage tanks, battery/UPS rooms, unmanned telecommunications facilities, and armored vehicle engine compartments. The speed of aerosol formation is dependent on system design and configuration. Mechanisms of aerosol fire suppression are discussed and the most recent test results are presented.