Ben wrote:>>>>>>> "assuming that I used some foam (or other type of
chemical extinguisher) for that engine fire, I would have had to clean or
replace quite a bit of those components..."
>>>>>>>>>>>>>
CO2 extinguishers are about the best you can ask for (IMHO) for a vehicle
fire.

CO2 doesn't require a closed space, like Halon, and it doesn't leave a mess
like foam or dry chem. Beyond choking the fire, CO2 super-cools the
surfaces that surround the flame, greatly reducing the possibility of
re-ignition. The cooling and sublimation of CO2 lasts for several minutes
AFTER you stop extinguishing, as the flakes of dry ice sit on the formerly
flaming surfaces.

The extinguishers are cheap, in-expensive to refill ($15 for a 30 lb.), and
best of all, do no damage to your car or the environment.

One drawback, they can be large. I carry a 30 lb....enough to extinguish
the tail flame on the space shuttle. Smaller versions are available, but I
like a little overkill in my insurance policies.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   Benjamin Tan [SMTP:BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM]
Sent:   Monday, January 24, 2000 4:50 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: FIRE!!!!!!

I knew that it did something to the ozone layer. I actually have not gone
through the site other than a cursory view. Saving it for rainy day
viewing.

On the argument concerning in favor of it's use, I have about 4-5 of these
extinguishers. I have owned them for more than 10 years. In that period of
time, I used it once. They don't expire unlike most other extinguisher
types.

Now assuming that I used some foam (or other type of chemical extinguisher)
for that engine fire, I would have had to clean or replace quite a bit of
those components. I wouldn't even know how or try to determine the
environmental impact of manufacturing, marketing, delivering those parts
would be. Then there's the fact that it would have had some additional
environmental impact had I chemical extinguishers recharged during my 10+
years of ownership.

Does that make any sense?

BenT