There are two types of fire extinguishers: wet and dry. Dry chemical extinguishers (dry-chems) are comprised of very small particles, usually sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or an ammonium phosphate base specially treated with added particulate material to resist packing, resist moisture absorption (caking), and allow for proper flow capabilities.
Dry-chems are some of the most effective yet underutilized extinguishing tools we have on the apparatus. Burn-to-learn training and demonstrations limit their effectiveness, primarily because of the cost and logistics of refilling them. Some fire stations have the ability to recharge dry-chems, but most fire companies have to tag them for service and wait until the utility truck comes to service them or switch them out with charged extinguishing units from a contract vendor. Unless the station keeps a spare, some companies may run without a dry-chem until it is replaced by the maintenance division.
The Eliminator® dry chemical fire extinguisher by Rusoh® Inc., in Eau Claire, WI, is the newest innovation in handheld dry-chem units. The first thing to notice about the Eliminator is the unique design—it doesn’t look like a typical dry-chem fire extinguisher. The top of the extinguisher is substantially larger and sturdier looking, then tapers down. The separate carry handle is enclosed and is larger compared to most open-lever handles, and the opening is large enough to accommodate a gloved hand. The other noticeable feature is the large discharge nozzle at the end of the hose (photo 1). These features were enough to capture my curiosity at FDIC International 2021.
1 The Eliminator doesn’t look like a typical dry-chem fire extinguisher. The top of the extinguisher is substantially larger and sturdier looking, then tapers down. (Photos 1 and 3 courtesy of Dan Stewart, Rusoh Inc.)
To establish a training or marketing need for a new product, one has to first identify the problems with existing systems—in this case, standard dry-chem extinguishers. Standard dry-chems are constantly under pressure and the pressure gauge can sometimes be inaccurate. Over time, they can lose partial or total pressure. This results in insufficient pressure and substandard extinguishing power to discharge the chemical agent completely or not at all, rendering the unit useless for extinguishing fires. Over time, corrosion can also render the valve nonfunctional. If the plastic security tab breaks, the lock pin can fall out. When that happens, bumping or grabbing the handle can cause the lever to depress, discharging the dry-chem.
Finally, the chemical extinguishing agent compacts over time at the base of the extinguisher. This can result in ineffective performance during a fire because the actual discharge content is less than what was required for its rating. The extinguishers are supposed to be removed from their brackets and checked on a monthly basis. This inspection includes firmly bouncing the extinguisher on the ground to break up any caked powder, but we know this rarely, if ever, happens.
The Eliminator has an ergonomic design, making it easier to carry, hold, and operate. The rustproof engineered proprietary polymer construction makes the unit extremely durable and allows it to be stored in areas exposed to the elements without corrosion (photo 2). The storage range temperatures are between -40°F and 120°F. The test pressure for the extinguisher is 540 pounds per square inch (psi). There’s even a luminescent hose strap, which makes the extinguisher easily visible in darkness. This sturdy design allows for Rusoh® to offer an 8-year limited warranty on all units against defects in material or workmanship.
The fluffing wheel system is a patented, modern design for portable dry-chems. When the extinguisher is removed from its hanging bracket, the hand wheel at the base of the extinguisher is turned for three complete rotations (photo 3). The wheel turns a small corkscrew auger inside the unit, “fluffing” the premeasured dry chemical powder and ensuring no agent is packed down before the unit is charged. With training, these turns can be accomplished in a couple of seconds.
2 The Eliminator’s ergonomic design makes the extinguisher easier to carry, hold, and operate. The engineered proprietary polymer construction makes the unit extremely durable, resisting rust and corrosion. (Photos 2, 4, and 5 by author.)
3 The fluffing wheel turns a small corkscrew auger inside the unit, “fluffing” the premeasured dry chemical powder and ensuring no agent is packed down before the unit is charged.
4 Display cutaway. The Eliminator carries 5.9 pounds of Class ABC or Purple K extinguishing agent. The CO2 cartridge discharges the premeasured powder at a flow rate of 0.4 pounds per second. The entire extinguisher is discharged in approximately 13 seconds with an open flow.
5 The recharge kit comes with a premeasured extinguishing agent, either a Class ABC or Purple K canister; a CO2 cartridge; and seals to switch out after use.
The top of the unit holds a CO2 cartridge, which serves as the propellant. The Eliminator is not under pressure until the CO2 cartridge is depressed and punctured. Pulling the yellow lever down charges the unit to 185 psi. Having the discharge valve and lever integrated into the wide-mouth nozzle allows for greater flow control with a wider discharge pattern and precise aiming control. The CO2 cartridge enables superior knockdown power because the pressure is full strength compared to stored-pressure extinguishers, which can become unreliable with less pressure over time. The Eliminator is then operated using the T- PASS technique: Twist the lock to break the tamper seal. Pull down the lever to charge the CO2 unit. Aim the nozzle away from you, low, toward the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Sweep the nozzle side to side. It is always a good idea to take a deep breath and hold it before discharging the agent because most dry-chem agents can irritate unprotected eyes and lungs.
The Eliminator standard 5-pound model carries 5.9 pounds of Class ABC extinguishing agent for normal hazards in Class A, B, and C fires. The UL/ULC rating is 3-A:40-B:C, which makes it a little overkill for residential home and kitchen use but excellent for commercial business and office use. There is also a 40-B:C Purple K unit available. Both units are U.S. Coast Guard approved for Type A-Size II and Type B:C-Size I, so it is also an excellent extinguisher for marine vessels. The CO2 cartridge discharges the premeasured 5.9 pounds of powder at a flow rate of 0.4 pounds per second, so the entire extinguisher is discharged of its contents in approximately 13 seconds with an open flow (photo 4).
Fully charged, the unit weights approximately 12 pounds. It measures 16.75 inches in height and 8.5 inches in width and has a unit depth of 5.7 inches, so it will fit in any apparatus compartment and most standard size fire extinguisher or fire hose cabinets. A smaller 2.5-pound ABC extinguisher more suitable for home and vehicle is expected to be available before the end of the year.
The Eliminator MSRP is around $150. Where the cost savings really come into play is with commercial occupancies that require numerous fire extinguishers—for example, office buildings, factories, supermarkets, educational facilities, public assemblies, and hospitals. When you consider the cost of annual inspections, certifications, maintenance, and refill service fees, the savings can become significant.
The Eliminator was designed specifically to minimize or eliminate the invasiveness and cost of third-party servicing. Since this is a cartridge-based unit, there is no 6-year tear down or 12-year hydrostatic testing required. Each extinguisher recharge kit comes with a premeasured extinguishing agent, either a Class ABC or Purple K canister; a CO2 cartridge; and seals to switch out after it is used (photo 5). Training is accomplished with a company-sponsored online manufacturer’s service and maintenance program that meets the certification requirements for National Fire Protection Association 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers. Currently, approximately half the states require state-level certification.
Raul A. Angulo is a captain (ret.) from the Seattle (WA) Fire Department with more than 40 years of experience. He is on the Editorial Advisory Board of Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment and the author of the new textbook Engine Company Fireground Operations 4th Edition (Jones and Bartlett Learning).
