DocM Posted April 7, 2011 Share Posted April 7, 2011 http://spectrum.ieee.org/energy/fossil-fuels/fighting-fire-with-electricity Fighting Fire With ElectricityScientists snuff out flames with electric field; DARPA wants system for submarines and jet fighters 6 April 2011?Researchers at Harvard University have found a new way to snuff out flames: zapping them with electricity. If they could turn their method into a practical device, it could give firefighters a way to control the direction and the spread of fires. It could also prevent the damage caused by water from sprinkler systems or fire-extinguishing foam. The researchers, led by chemistry professor George Whitesides, have been able to put out 45-centimeter-high flames of burning methane using an electrified wire. They presented their results at the American Chemical Society meeting in Anaheim, Calif., last week. > Goodman speculates that the technology could be built into a vehicle or a ship hold?s fire-suppression system. It could also be made into a backpack device that firefighters could carry. They could use it to put out fires or create paths through flames to enter buildings or to help people escape. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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