U.S. patent application number 17/349336 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-07 for long-term fire retardant with an organophosphate and methods for making and using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is FRS Group, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert J. Burnham, Gerald Geissler, Dennis Hulbert, Joseph McLellan, Michael S. Schnarr, David W. Wilkening.
Application Number | 20210309830 17/349336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005655200 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210309830 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hulbert; Dennis ; et
al. |
October 7, 2021 |
LONG-TERM FIRE RETARDANT WITH AN ORGANOPHOSPHATE AND METHODS FOR
MAKING AND USING SAME
Abstract
A forest fire retardant composition is substantially free of
ammonium and includes an organophosphate derived from (i) a
phosphorylation agent and (ii) an organic molecule comprising at
least two hydroxyl groups. The organophosphate may contain at least
one phosphate ester bonded to an organic molecule, wherein the
organic molecule comprises at least one monomer unit of about 2 to
40 carbon atoms. Preferably, at least 90% of the functional groups
of the organophosphate is a phosphate ester group. The composition
may also include a salt, including magnesium salt and/or calcium
salt. The anion in the salt may be hydroxide, carbonate or
phosphate. The salt may be an anhydrous salt, a salt hydrate, or a
combination of both. The composition is effective in suppressing,
retarding, and controlling forest fires while exhibiting corrosion
resistance and low toxicity.
Inventors: |
Hulbert; Dennis; (Grass
Valley, CA) ; Burnham; Robert J.; (Incline Village,
NV) ; Schnarr; Michael S.; (Sonora, CA) ;
Geissler; Gerald; (Roseville, CA) ; Wilkening; David
W.; (Ronan, MT) ; McLellan; Joseph; (Rocklin,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FRS Group, LLC |
Rocklin |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005655200 |
Appl. No.: |
17/349336 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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17031024 |
Sep 24, 2020 |
11041063 |
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17349336 |
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PCT/US2020/036367 |
Jun 5, 2020 |
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17031024 |
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63028765 |
May 22, 2020 |
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63024040 |
May 13, 2020 |
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62989350 |
Mar 13, 2020 |
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62858640 |
Jun 7, 2019 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C08K 3/016 20180101;
C08L 2201/02 20130101; C08L 101/00 20130101; C09K 21/02 20130101;
A62C 3/02 20130101; A62D 1/0042 20130101; A62C 5/00 20130101; A62D
1/0028 20130101; C08K 5/0066 20130101; C08K 5/17 20130101; A62D
1/00 20130101; C08K 3/22 20130101; C08K 2003/2241 20130101; C08K
5/523 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C08K 5/523 20060101
C08K005/523; C08K 5/00 20060101 C08K005/00; C08K 3/016 20060101
C08K003/016; C08K 5/17 20060101 C08K005/17; C08L 101/00 20060101
C08L101/00; C08K 3/22 20060101 C08K003/22; C09K 21/02 20060101
C09K021/02 |
Claims
1. A forest fire retardant composition, comprising: an
organophosphate comprising at least one phosphate ester bonded to
an organic molecule; a corrosion inhibitor; wherein: the organic
molecule comprises one to five monosaccharide units; each
monosaccharide unit is about 2 to about 40 carbon atoms; and the
composition is substantially free of ammonium.
2. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, wherein the
organic molecule comprises one or two monosaccharide units.
3. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, wherein the
monosaccharide unit is at least one of glucose or fructose.
4. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a salt comprising at least one of magnesium salt,
calcium salt, or magnesium calcium salt; wherein an anion in the
salt comprises at least one of carbonate or phosphate.
5. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a strong base in the forest fire retardant composition
in a weight percent of about 0.05% to about 60% relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the forest fire retardant
composition.
6. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, wherein the
corrosion inhibitor inhibits the corrosion of at least one of
brass, iron, aluminum, or magnesium.
7. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 6, wherein the
corrosion inhibitor comprises one or more azoles.
8. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a pigment present in the forest fire retardant
composition in a weight percent of about 0.25% to about 20%
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition.
9. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a colorant present in the forest fire retardant
composition in a weight percent of about 0.02% to about 3.0%
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition.
10. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a viscosity modifier present in the forest fire
retardant composition in a weight percent of about 0.05% to about
5.0% relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition.
11. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a buffering agent in the forest fire retardant
composition in a weight percent of about 0.25% to about 5.0%
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition.
12. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a glow-in-the-dark additive.
13. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, wherein: the
composition is in the form of a concentrate further comprising
water, wherein: the water is present in the concentrate in an
amount having a weight percent of about 5% to about 70% relative to
the total weight of the concentrate; and the organophosphate is
present in the concentrate in an amount having a weight percent of
about 15% to about 90% relative to the total weight of the
concentrate.
14. A kit comprising: a sealed container which contains the forest
fire retardant composition of claim 13 substantially in the absence
of external moisture; and instructions for using the composition to
make a final diluted product useful to suppress, retard, or contain
forest fires.
15. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 1, further
comprising a surfactant present in the forest fire retardant
composition in a weight percent of about 0.02% to about 3% relative
to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire retardant
composition.
16. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 15, wherein the
surfactant comprises at least one of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS),
sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate
(SDBS), 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, sodium octyl sulfate,
butylnaphthalenesulfonic acid sodium salt, or potassium oleate.
17. A forest fire retardant composition, comprising: an
organophosphate comprising at least one phosphate ester bonded to
an organic molecule, wherein the organic molecule comprises at
least one monomer unit of about 2 to about 40 carbon atoms; a
corrosion inhibitor; and a glow-in-the-dark additive, wherein the
composition is substantially free of ammonium.
18. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 17, further
comprising a salt comprising at least one of magnesium salt,
calcium salt, or magnesium calcium salt; wherein an anion in the
salt comprises at least one of carbonate or phosphate.
19. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 17, further
comprising a strong base in the forest fire retardant composition
in a weight percent of about 0.05% to about 60% relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the forest fire retardant
composition.
20. The forest fire retardant composition of claim 17, wherein the
corrosion inhibitor inhibits the corrosion of at least one of
brass, iron, aluminum, or magnesium.
21. A kit comprising: a sealed container which contains the forest
fire retardant composition of claim 17 substantially in the absence
of external moisture; and instructions for using the composition to
make a final diluted product useful to suppress, retard, or contain
forest fires.
22. A forest fire retardant composition, comprising: an
organophosphate comprising at least one phosphate ester bonded to
an organic molecule, wherein the organic molecule comprises at
least one monomer unit of about 2 to about 40 carbon atoms; a
corrosion inhibitor; and a colorant present in the forest fire
retardant composition in a weight percent of about 0.02% to about
3.0% relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition, wherein: the composition is substantially
free of ammonium; and the colorant comprises at least one of a
fugitive colorant or a non-fugitive colorant.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 17/031,024 filed Sep. 24, 2020, which is a bypass continuation
of PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/036367 filed Jun. 5, 2020, each
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety. PCT Application No. PCT/US2020/036367 claims a priority
benefit to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/858,640, filed
on Jun. 7, 2019, 62/989,350 filed on Mar. 13, 2020, 63/024,040
filed on May 13, 2020, and 63/028,765 filed May 22, 2020, which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Long-term retardants contain retardant salts that alter the
way a forest fire burns, decrease the fire intensity, and slow the
advance of the forest fire. Long-term retardants may be available
as wet or dry concentrates that are mixed with water thereby
improving water's effectiveness and ability to cling to fuels, over
a long period of time. Long-term retardants may be colored with
iron oxide, fugitive pigments, or remain uncolored.
[0003] In the "Ecological Risk Assessment of Wildland Fire-Fighting
Chemicals: Long-Term Fire Retardants" (September 2017), hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, the United States Forest
Service ("USFS") has established a chemical toxicity risk
assessment for fire-fighting chemicals currently approved for use
by the USFS. The USFS uses a variety of fire-fighting chemicals to
aid in the suppression of fire in wildlands. These products can be
categorized as long-term retardants, foams, and water enhancers.
This chemical toxicity risk assessment of the long-term retardants
examines their potential impacts on terrestrial wildlife, plant,
and aquatic species.
[0004] Further, in Specification 5100-304d (Jan. 7, 2020),
Superseding Specification 5100-304b (July 1999), Superseding
Specification 5100-00304a (February 1986), entitled "Specification
for Long Term Retardant, Wildland Fire, Aircraft or Ground
Application," hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, the
United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") Forest Service has
established the maximum allowable corrosion rates for 2024T3
aluminum, 4130 steel, yellow brass and Az-31-B magnesium. The
corrosivity of forest fire retardants, in concentrate, to aluminum,
steel, yellow brass and magnesium must not exceed 5.0 milli-inches
("mils") per year as determined by the "Uniform Corrosion" test set
forth in Section 4.3.5.1 of the USDA Forest Service Specifications.
The Forest Service Specifications identify the maximum amount of
corrosion acceptable when both the retardant concentrate and its
diluted solutions are exposed to each metal indicated above at
temperatures of 70.degree. Fahrenheit ("F") and 120.degree. F. in
both totally and partially immersed configurations. The maximum
allowable corrosivity of aerially applied fire-retardant diluted
solutions to aluminum is 2.0 mils per year ("mpy") and the maximum
corrosivity to brass and steel is 2.0 mpy when partially immersed
and 5.0 when tested in the partially immersed condition. In the
partially immersed configurations, one-half of the coupon is within
the solution and one-half is exposed to the vapors in the air space
over the solution.
SUMMARY
[0005] The invention relates generally to fire retardant
compositions and more particularly to long-term fire retardants
suitable for use in direct or indirect attack of forest fires.
[0006] Embodiments of the present technology include a forest fire
retardant composition. The forest fire retardant composition is
substantially free of ammonium. The forest fire retardant
composition includes an organophosphate and a corrosion inhibitor.
The organophosphate is derived from a phosphorylation agent and an
organic molecule comprising at least two hydroxyl groups. The
organic molecule may comprise a polymer. The organic molecule may
comprise at least one of an alkylene glycol derivative, a glycerol
derivative, or a saccharide derivative. The alkylene glycol
derivative may comprise at least one of ethylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol. The
glycerol derivative may comprise at least one of glycerol,
diglycerol, or triglycerol. the saccharide derivative may comprise
at least one of glucose, sucrose, fructose, xanthan, cellulose,
methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, or alginate. The phosphorylation
agent may comprise phosphoric acid or phosphoryl chloride.
[0007] At least 50% of the functional groups of the organophosphate
may comprise a phosphate ester group. Alternatively, at least 75%
of the functional groups of the organophosphate may comprise a
phosphate ester group. Alternatively, at least 90% of the
functional groups of the organophosphate may comprise a phosphate
ester group.
[0008] In another embodiment, the forest fire retardant composition
that is substantially free of ammonium and includes an
organophosphate comprising at least one phosphate ester bonded to
an organic molecule, and a corrosion inhibitor. The organic
molecule in this forest fire retardant composition comprises at
least one monomer unit of about 2 to 40 carbon atoms. The organic
molecule may comprise at least one of glucose, fructose, glycerol,
diglycerol or triglycerol.
[0009] The organophosphate may comprise a phosphorylated polymer
containing less than 12,000 monomer units. The ratio of phosphate
esters to monomer units (phosphate esters:monomer units) in the
organophosphate may be about 0.1:1 to about 10:1. The monomer unit
may comprise a linear chain of atoms. The monomer unit may comprise
at least one six-membered cyclic ring. The monomer units may be
bonded together through ether linkages. The monomer unit may
comprise at least one of a saccharide, a glycerol, an ethylene
glycol or a propylene glycol. The organophosphate may be present in
the forest fire retardant composition from about 5% to about 80% by
weight.
[0010] The forest fire retardant composition may further comprise a
salt comprising at least one of magnesium salt, calcium salt,
magnesium calcium salt, or a combination thereof. The anion in the
salt may comprise at least one of hydroxide, carbonate, or
phosphate. The salt may comprise magnesium salt, which may be
anhydrous magnesium salt or magnesium salt hydrate. The magnesium
salt may comprise at least one of MgCO3, Mg3(PO4)2,
Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2(H2O)4, or Mg3(PO4)2(H2O)8. As an alternative to
using a magnesium salt, or in addition to using a magnesium salt,
the salt may further comprise calcium salt, which may be anhydrous
calcium salt or calcium salt hydrate. The calcium salt may comprise
at least one of CaCO3, Ca3(PO4)2, Mg3Ca(CO3)4, or Ca3(PO4)2(H2O)2.
The magnesium salt and calcium salt may be present in the
composition in a weight ratio (magnesium:calcium) from about 5%:95%
to about 95%:5%. The salt may be present in the composition in a
weight percent of about 20% to about 70% relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition.
[0011] The corrosion inhibitor in the forest fire retardant
composition may be present in a weight percent of 0.5% to 4.0%
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition.
[0012] The forest fire retardant composition may further comprise a
pigment present in a weight percent of about 0.25% to about 6.0%
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the forest fire
retardant composition. The forest fire retardant composition may
further comprise a dye present in a weight percent of about 0.02%
to about 3.0% relative to the amount of organophosphate in the
forest fire retardant composition. The forest fire retardant
composition may further comprise a viscosity modifier present in
the forest fire retardant composition in a weight percent of about
0.25% to about 6.0% relative to the amount of organophosphate in
the forest fire retardant composition. The forest fire retardant
composition may further comprise a surfactant present in a weight
percent of about 0.02% to about 5% relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the forest fire retardant composition. The
forest fire retardant composition may further comprise a
glow-in-the-dark additive. The forest fire retardant composition
may further comprise a biocide.
[0013] The forest fire retardant composition may constitute a
liquid concentrate having an organophosphate concentration of about
15% to 99% by weight. For example, the liquid concentrate may have
an organophosphate concentration of about 20% to about 70% by
weight.
[0014] The forest fire retardant composition may further comprise
water, in which case the forest fire retardant composition may
constitute a final diluted product suitable for use in combating
forest fires. The final diluted product may have a weight percent
of organophosphate of about 5% to 35%. The final diluted product
may have a viscosity of about 100 to about 2,500 centipoise.
[0015] In another embodiment, a method of manufacture includes
combining, via batch mixing or continuously mixing, (i) an
organophosphate, (ii) a corrosion inhibitor, and (iv) a colorant.
The components may further comprise a salt comprising at least one
of calcium salt, magnesium salt, magnesium calcium salt, or a
combination thereof. The salt may be a liquid salt solution.
[0016] In another embodiment, a method of manufacture includes
receiving a forest fire retardant composition that includes an
organophosphate (including at least one of a phosphorylated small
molecule or a phosphorylated polymer) and diluting the composition
with water, in one or more diluting steps, to achieve at least one
of a liquid concentrate and/or a final diluted product.
[0017] In another embodiment, a method of combating a forest fire
includes depositing, via aerial or ground-based application, a
forest fire retardant composition containing an organophosphate, a
corrosion inhibitor, and water. The step of depositing includes at
least one of a direct attack on the fire or an indirect attack
before the fire. Combatting a forest fire includes at least one of
suppressing, retarding, and/or controlling the forest fire. The
step of depositing may be performed via aerial application from an
airplane or helicopter. Alternatively, the step of depositing may
be performed via ground-based equipment. The organophosphate in the
forest fire composition deposited may have a concentration of about
5% to about 35% by weight.
[0018] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the
foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater
detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed
subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are
contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology
explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure
incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most
consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] The skilled artisan will understand that the drawings
primarily are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to
limit the scope of the inventive subject matter described herein.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale; in some instances,
various aspects of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein
may be shown exaggerated or enlarged in the drawings to facilitate
an understanding of different features. In the drawings, like
reference characters generally refer to like features (e.g.,
functionally similar and/or structurally similar elements).
[0020] FIG. 1 is a flow chart diagram showing the process of making
a forest fire retardant composition.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a chemical structure of a cellulose monomer with
six phosphate ester functional groups.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] In General
[0023] As used herein, a dry concentrate means a concentrate that
has the appearance of a dry free-flowing powder, a waxy solid, or a
greasy solid. A dry concentrate may include small amounts of liquid
components, including liquid organophosphate, water, other
solvent(s) or aqueous solutions in concentrations low enough to be
substantially adsorbed onto the dry components, thereby having the
appearance of a dry free-flowing powder, a waxy solid, or a greasy
solid. As used herein, a liquid concentrate means a concentrate
that is a liquid. A liquid concentrate may include water, other
solvent(s), aqueous solution(s), or any combination thereof.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a forest fire retardant composition 500
can be provided in various forms. The composition 500 can be
provided as a dry concentrate 501 substantially free of water.
Alternatively, the composition 500 can be provided as a liquid
concentrate 502. The liquid concentrate 502 may be formed by adding
water, other solvent(s) or aqueous solutions to the composition
when it is prepared. Alternatively, the liquid concentrate 502 may
be formed by adding water, other solvent(s) or aqueous solutions to
the dry concentrate 501. Alternatively, liquid concentrate 502 may
be formed when the dry concentrate 501 is deliquescent,
hygroscopic, and absorbs moisture from the air or other moisture
source. Alternatively, the liquid concentrate 502 may include a
liquid organophosphate. If the liquid concentrate 502 includes a
liquid organophosphate, the liquid concentrate 502 may include
water, other solvent(s), aqueous solution(s), or any combination
thereof. The composition 500 can also be provided as a final
diluted product 503 in a form suitable to fight forest fires via
aerial- or ground-based application. The final diluted product 503
is formed either by diluting the dry concentrate 501 with water or
by diluting the liquid concentrate 502 with water.
[0025] Components of the Forest Fire Retardant
[0026] The forest fire retardant composition 500 includes an
organophosphate. The organophosphate may include one or more
phosphate esters bonded to an organic molecule. The organic
molecule includes at least one monomer unit of about 2 to about 40
carbon atoms. The organic molecule can be a small molecule, such as
glycerol, diglycerol, triglycerol, glucose or fructose.
Alternatively, the organic molecule can be a polymer of repeating
monomer units up to 12,000 repeating monomer units. Bridges between
repeating monomer units may be ether linkages. The monomer unit can
be small and/or linear, such as in polyethylene glycol, or large
and/or cyclic, such as in xanthan. The polymer backbone can be
polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, and/or another linear or
branched chain. Alternatively, the polymer backbone can be xanthan,
alginate, cellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose or another
polysaccharide. The small organic molecule is preferably
triglycerol. The polymer organic molecule is preferably cellulose.
The forest fire retardant composition 500 may include one
organophosphate or a combination of several organophosphates.
[0027] The number of phosphate ester functional groups on the
organic molecule can vary depending on the size of the organic
molecule and on the amount of functionalization. Phosphorylated
small molecules may be functionalized with about 1 to about 10
phosphate ester groups. Phosphorylated polymers may be
functionalized with a larger number of phosphate ester groups.
Phosphorylated polymers may be functionalized so that not all
monomers have phosphate esters. Alternatively, for example, in
instances when the monomer unit is more complex, each monomer unit
can be functionalized with up to 10 phosphate ester functional
groups. The ratio of phosphate esters to monomers (phosphate
ester:monomer) is about 0.1:1 to about 10:1, preferably about 0.5:1
to about 8:1, and particularly about 2:1 to about 6:1. The
phosphorylated small molecule is preferably triglycerol with at
least two phosphate ester functional groups, and more preferably
six phosphate ester functional groups. Alternatively, the
phosphorylated small molecule may be functionalized with one
phosphate ester per monomer unit, as in glycerol phosphate or
poly(glycerol phosphate).sub.n, where n is about 2 to about 5, and
more preferably where n is about 3. The phosphorylated polymer is
preferably cellulose with 95% of the monomers functionalized with
at least one phosphate ester functional group and with each
cellulose monomer functionalized with about 4 to about 6 phosphate
ester functional groups. Referring to FIG. 2, the cellulose monomer
can have up to 6 phosphate ester functional groups.
[0028] The organophosphate may be derived from an organic molecule
with two or more hydroxyl groups that has undergone a reaction with
a phosphorylation agent. The organic molecule may be at least one
of a small molecule or a polymer, such as a polyol. In a reaction
between a hydroxylated organic molecule and a phosphorylation
agent, one or more hydroxyl functional groups on the organic
molecule may be replaced by phosphate ester groups to produce the
organophosphate. The organic molecule may be an alkylene glycol
derivative, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polymers
of these compounds. Alternatively, the organic molecule may be a
glycerol derivative, such as diglycerol or triglycerol.
Alternatively, the organic molecule may be a saccharide, such as
glucose, xanthan, alginate, cellulose, methylcellulose or ethyl
cellulose. The phosphorylation agent may be phosphoric acid or
phosphoryl chloride. The organophosphate may be functionalized so
that the number of functional groups that are phosphate esters is
about 10% to about 99%, preferably about 50% to about 95%, and
particularly about 85% to about 95%.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, the composition 500 may begin as a dry
concentrate 501 substantially free of water. As used herein,
"substantially free of water," when referring to the dry
concentrate 501, does not refer to water, solvents or other liquids
absorbed or adsorbed into the dry concentrate 501. The dry
concentrate 501 may be in the form of a hard solid, a waxy solid,
or a greasy solid. The dry concentrate 501 may have no more than
about 3% by weight of water relative to the total weight of the
concentrate. The dry concentrate 501 may have an organophosphate
concentration of about 60% to about 99% by weight relative to the
total weight of the concentrate.
[0030] The liquid concentrate 502 may be formed by adding water,
other solvent(s) or aqueous solutions to the composition when it is
prepared. Alternatively, the composition 500 may be a liquid
concentrate 502 formed by the addition of water or other solvent to
the dry concentrate 501. The water may be tap water or water from
other convenient water sources. Alternatively, the liquid
concentrate 502 may include a liquid organophosphate. If the liquid
concentrate 502 includes a liquid organophosphate, the liquid
concentrate 502 may include water, other solvent(s), aqueous
solution(s), or any combination thereof. In the liquid concentrate
502, the weight percent of organophosphate is about 15% to about
99%, preferably about 15% to about 90%, more preferably 20% to 70%,
and particularly about 30% to about 60%. For example, the weight
percent of organophosphate in the liquid concentrate 502 is about
35% to about 55%. In the liquid concentrate 502, water may be
present in a concentration of about 5% to about 70% by weight
relative to the total weight of the concentrate.
[0031] The forest fire retardant composition 500 is substantially
free of ammonia. Preferably, the organophosphate does not contain
any ammonium functionalized compounds. Ammonium-functionalized
compounds may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic
environment. Additionally, ammonium-functionalized compounds may
release ammonia gas upon combustion. Ammonia gas is acutely toxic
and may cause burns to the skin and eyes. Additionally, ammonia is
toxic to aquatic organisms. The forest fire retardant composition
500 is less toxic than those forest fire retardants that contain
ammonia or ammonium-functionalized compounds.
[0032] The forest fire retardant composition 500 may further
include a corrosion inhibitor. The corrosion inhibitor includes an
inhibitor for brass, iron, aluminum, steel, copper, or magnesium.
The corrosion inhibitor for magnesium may include COBRATEC 928,
Denatonium benzoate, benzoic acid, Diammonium phosphate,
monoammonium phosphate, Wintrol SB 25Na, or a combination of the
above. The corrosion inhibitor may include one or more azoles. The
corrosion inhibitor may be a Wintrol.RTM. Super Azole Mix
(Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90 from Wincom, Inc). The Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90
is designed for aqueous application. Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90 provides
corrosion resistance in highly corrosive environments caused by
halogens, such as chloride. Optionally, Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H38Na may
be used as the corrosion inhibitor, alone or in combination with
Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90. The corrosion inhibitor may be, including but
not limited to, sodium selenite, sodium silicate, sodium stearate,
sodium benzoate, sodium fluoride, sodium phosphate, magnesium
phosphate, magnesium diphosphate, benzotriazole-5-carboxylic acid,
benzotriazole, 1,8-naphthalaldehydic acid, octadecylphosphonic
acid, sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDBS), Wintrol.RTM. BBT-25Na,
Wintrol.RTM. BBT, Wintrol.RTM. THT-T, Wintrol.RTM. THT-35PG,
Wintrol.RTM. THT-50K, Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90, Wintrol SB 25Na,
Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H38Na, Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H40(OS), Wintrol.RTM.
SAM-B90, berberine, pyrrolidine riccione, catechin, lysergic acid,
carmine, fast green, aniline, triethanolamine, p-chloroaniline,
p-nitroaniline, p-methoxyaniline, p-methylaniline, or a combination
of the above.
[0033] The weight percent of the corrosion inhibitor, relative to
the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 is about 0.25%
to about 5.0%, preferably about 0.5% to about 4.5%, more preferably
about 0.75% to about 4.0%, and specifically about 1.0% to about
3.5%. For example, the weight percent of the corrosion inhibitor,
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 is
about 1.0% to about 3.0%.
[0034] The forest fire retardant composition 500 may include a salt
504, including any salt disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos.
62/858,640, 62/989,350, or 63/024,040 which are hereby incorporated
by reference in their entirety. The salt 504 may include magnesium
salt. The anion in the magnesium salt may be at least one of
hydroxide, carbonate, or phosphate. The magnesium salt may have the
formula MgCO.sub.3, Mg.sub.3(PO.sub.4).sub.2, Mg(OH).sub.2, or
Mg.sub.5(CO.sub.3).sub.4(OH).sub.2. The salt 504 may include a
mixture of more than one magnesium salt. The magnesium salt can be
anhydrous, substantially free of any hydrate. Alternatively, the
magnesium salt can be a hydrate, substantially free of any
anhydrous. Alternatively, the magnesium salt can be a combination
of anhydrous and hydrate. The hydrate may have the formula
MgA.sub.x(H.sub.2O).sub.y, where A is an anion, x is equal to the
number of anions in the ionic compound and y is equal to the number
of hydrates. The magnesium salt hydrate is preferably
Mg.sub.5(CO.sub.3).sub.4(OH).sub.2(H.sub.2O).sub.4,
Mg.sub.3(PO.sub.4).sub.2(H.sub.2O).sub.8, or another magnesium salt
hydrate.
[0035] Instead of (or in addition to) magnesium salt, the salt 504
may be calcium salt and/or the salt 504 may be magnesium calcium
salt that includes both magnesium and calcium cations. The anion in
the calcium salt and/or magnesium calcium salt may be at least one
of hydroxide, carbonate or phosphate. The calcium salt may have the
formula CaCO.sub.3, Ca.sub.3(PO.sub.4).sub.2, Ca(OH).sub.2. The
salt 504 may include a mixture of more than one calcium salt or
magnesium calcium salt. For example, the magnesium calcium salt may
have the formula Mg.sub.3Ca(CO.sub.3).sub.4. The calcium salt or
magnesium calcium salt can be anhydrous, substantially free of any
hydrate. Alternatively, the calcium salt and/or magnesium calcium
salt can be a hydrate, substantially free of any anhydrous.
Alternatively, the calcium salt and/or calcium magnesium can be a
combination of anhydrous and hydrate. The hydrate may have the
formula CaA.sub.x(H.sub.2O).sub.y, where A is an anion. The calcium
salt hydrate is preferably Ca.sub.3(PO.sub.4).sub.2(H.sub.2O).sub.2
or another calcium salt hydrate.
[0036] In the composition 500, the weight percent of magnesium salt
(including both anhydrous and hydrate):calcium salt (including both
anhydrous and hydrate) is about 0%:100% to about 100%:0%,
preferably about 5%:95% to about 95%:5%, more preferably about
25%:75% to about 75%:25%, and particularly around 45%:55% to about
55%:45%. For example, the weight percent of magnesium:calcium is
about 50%:50%. The calcium salt forest fire retardant composition
may be used for a liquid concentrate.
[0037] The weight percent of the salt 504, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500 is about 0% to about 80%.
For example, the weight percent of the salt 504 relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 may be about 20%
to about 80%.
[0038] To control the viscosity of the composition 500, the
composition 500 may also include at least one viscosity modifier.
The viscosity modifier may be a polyurethane, a polyvinyl alcohol,
an acrylic polymer, a gum, a cellulosic, a sulfonate, a
polyurethane, a saccharide, a clay, an organosilicone, or a
protein, including but not limited to latex, styrene, butadiene,
polyvinyl alcohol, attapulgite, bentonite, montmorillonite, algin,
collagen, casein, albumin, castor oil, cornstarch, arrowroot, yuca
starch, carrageenan, pullulan, konjac, alginate, gelatin, agar,
pectin, carrageenan, chitosan, xanthan gum, guar gum, cellulose
gum, acacia guar gum, locust bean gum, acacia gum, gum tragacanth,
glucomannan polysaccharide gum, alginic acid, sodium alginate,
potassium alginate, ammonium alginate, calcium alginate,
polyethylene glycol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methyl
cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxymethyl cellulose
(HMC), hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), ethylhydroxymethyl
cellulose, hypromellose (INN), cetyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol,
acrylic microgel, or acrylic amide wax.
[0039] In one embodiment, the forest fire retardant composition 500
includes a first viscosity modifier. The first viscosity modifier
may be a polysaccharide gum.
[0040] In another embodiment, the forest fire retardant composition
500 includes both the first viscosity modifier (discussed above)
and a second viscosity modifier. The second viscosity modifier may
be a chemically substituted cellulose.
[0041] The weight percent of the viscosity modifier, relative to
the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 is about 0% to
about 5%, preferably about 0% to about 4%, more preferably about 0%
to about 3%, and more specifically about 0% to about 2%. For
example, the weight percent of viscosity modifier, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, may be about
0.05% to about 5.0%.
[0042] The forest fire retardant formulation 500 may further
include a strong base, including but not limited to magnesium
hydroxide (Mg(OH).sub.2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH).sub.2), sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), lithium hydroxide (LiOH), barium hydroxide
(Ba(OH).sub.2), sodium carbonate (Na.sub.2CO.sub.3), or potassium
hydroxide (KOH). The strong base may act as a flame retardant in
the composition 500. Alternatively (or in addition), the strong
base may be used to control the pH of the composition 500. The
weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500 is about 0.05% to about 60%.
For example, the weight percent of strong base, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 may be about 0.05%
to about 3%. In an alternative example, the weight percent of
strong base, relative to the amount of organophosphate may be about
20% to about 60%.
[0043] To control the pH of the composition 500, the composition
500 may also include buffering agents such as organic amines
including but not limited to triethanolamine
(C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3), diethanolamine, monoethanolamine, or
monoethylene glycol. The weight percent of the organic amine,
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500,
is about 0.25% to about 5.0%, preferably about 0.5% to about 4.5%,
more preferably about 0.75% to about 4.0%, and specifically about
1.0% to about 3.5%. For example, the weight percent of the organic
amine, relative to the amount of organophosphate in the composition
500, is about 1.0% to about 3.0%.
[0044] The composition 500 may also include surfactant components
such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS),
sodium 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS), 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic
acid, sodium octyl sulfate, butylnaphthalenesulfonic acid sodium
salt, potassium oleate, or a combination of more than one
surfactant, to reduce surface tension and increase the spreading
and wetting properties of the forest fire retardant composition
500. The weight percent of surfactant, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.005% to about
5.0%, preferably about 0.01% to about 4%, more preferably about
0.02% to about 3%, and more specifically about 0.05% to about 2.5%.
For example, the weight percent of surfactant, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.06% to
about 2.4%, and specifically about 0.08% to about 2.32%.
[0045] The composition 500 may also include adjuvants including but
not limited to triethanolamine, propylene glycol, propylene
carbonate, RJ-7033, RJ-7077, Silwet HS-312, Silwet HS-604, Silwet
625, Silwet 641, Silwet PD, polyethylene glycol, or polypropylene
glycol, or a combination of the above.
[0046] The composition 500 may also include a pigment such as
titanium dioxide. The titanium dioxide may act as a pigment, for
example, to provide a white pigment. The titanium dioxide may also
act as a photo-responsive material to create opacity by scattering
light or by protecting the components of the forest fire retardant
composition 500 from UV degradation.
[0047] The composition 500 may also include a pigment that is a
colorant. The colorant may be a fugitive colorant, a non-fugitive
colorant, or a combination of the two. The composition 500 has a
first hue which is a color, i.e., either colorless or a color which
blends with the normal vegetation and/or ground in the drop zone.
This first hue may be grey or white or a combination of the two.
The colorant initially colors the composition 500 to a second hue
which contrasts with the hue of the ground vegetation. The colorant
may be a fugitive component such as a dye or a dye which is
dispersed in a matrix (i.e., a pigment), which fades over time and
under ambient field conditions to a colorless or less highly
colored hue. Preferably the colorant is one that is compatible with
magnesium salt or calcium salt such as colorants that have been
used in de-icing, dust control, or fertilizers. The fugitive
colorant may fade over time with exposure to sunlight.
[0048] Several fugitive component dyes and pigments can be used as
a colorant. For example, many water-soluble dyes fade rapidly and
there are so-called fluorescent pigments (fluorescent dyes
encapsulated in a resin integument) which are suspended in forest
fire retardant compositions and which also fade rapidly to provide
a fugitive effect. Examples of fugitive dyes and pigments include,
but are not limited to, C.I. Basic Red I dye, 6BL dye, Basic Violet
II dye, Basic Yellow 40, acid fuchsin, basic fuchsin, new fuchsin,
acid red 1, acid red 4, acid red 8, acid red 18, acid red 27, acid
red 37, acid red 88, acid red 97, acid red 114, acid red 151, acid
red 183, acid red 183, fast red violet 1B base, solvent red,
Rhodamine B, Rhodamine 6G, Rhodamine 123, erythrosine B, Basacryl
red, Phloxine B, rose Bengal, direct red 80, direct red 80, Sudan
red 7B, Congo red, neutral red, Fluorescent Red Mega 480,
Fluorescent red 610, Fluorescent red 630, Fluorescent Red Mega 520,
Pylaklor Red S-361, Pylaklor Scarlet LX-6364A Pylam Bright Red
LX-1895 Pylam Coral LX-1801, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #4,
FD&C Red #40, FD&C Red #4 Lake, D&C Red #33, D&C
Red #33 Lake, and encapsulated-dye pigments which are available
commercially, e.g., the "AX" series pigments, supplied by Day-Glo
Color Corp., Cleveland, Ohio. The dye may be Liquitint 564
(.lamda.=564 nm) or Liquitint Agro Pink 564 (.lamda.=564 nm) from
Milliken & Company (Spartanburg, S.C.).
[0049] The colorant may be a colorant from Greenville Colorants
(New Brunswick, N.J.) or Milliken & Company (Spartanburg,
S.C.). For example, the colorant is a colorant that is compatible
for use with magnesium salt, such as colorants used in magnesium
salt dust-control and road-stabilization formulations, or in
magnesium salt de-icing formulations. The colorant may be Elcomine
Scarlet NAS, Elcomine Scarlaet NAS EX, or Iron Oxide GC-110P from
Greenville Colorants. The colorant may be a combination of
Liquitint 564 and Iron Oxide GC-110P.
[0050] The colorant of the composition 500 may be a dye or include
encapsulated-dye fugitive pigments without ultraviolet absorbers.
Compared to water soluble dyes, encapsulated-dye pigments are less
likely to permanently stain the normal vegetation and/or ground in
the drop zone. The fugitive component is present in an amount which
provides a color (second hues) to the forest fire retardant
composition 500 which is contrasts with the color of the vegetation
and/or ground in the drop zone (normally green, blue-green and/or
brown). Advantageously, the second hue is red, orange or pink. The
color of the dye may be red, orange, purple, pink or any
combination of the four. Preferably, the dye is one that is
compatible with organophosphate and magnesium salt.
[0051] The colorant may also include a non-fugitive component,
i.e., a component which is insoluble in the carrier liquid and
which, if colored, does not necessarily fade after aerial
application of the forest fire retardant composition 500. The
non-fugitive component of the colorant is present in an amount
sufficient to improve the aerial visibility of the composition when
it is first applied to the vegetation. However, the non-fugitive
component is present in less than an amount which prevents the
composition from thereafter fading a neutral color. The colorant
may be a combination of the fugitive and non-fugitive components.
The non-fugitive component in the forest fire retardant composition
500 may be iron oxide (Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 and/or Fe.sub.3O.sub.4). The
iron oxide may be present in combination with the fugitive colorant
described above and titanium dioxide or it may be present
alone.
[0052] The weight percent of pigment, such as titanium dioxide,
colorant, or Iron Oxide or Iron Oxide Black, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.25% to about
20%, preferably about 0.5% to about 18%, more preferably about
0.75% to about 16%, and more specifically about 1.0% to about 14%.
For example, the weight percent of pigment, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 1.2% to about
12%.
[0053] The weight percent of dye, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.02% to about
3.0%, preferably about 0.025% to about 2.0%, more preferably about
0.05% to about 1.5%, and more specifically about 0.075% to about
1.2%. For example, the weight percent of dye, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.3% to
about 1.1%.
[0054] The composition 500 may also include a glow-in-the-dark
additive. The glow-in-the-dark additive improves the visibility of
the fire-retardant composition during periods of darkness.
Nighttime visibility of the composition is improved, for example,
to the naked human eye and/or using imaging equipment such as
goggles. The glow-in-the-dark additive can include one or more
phosphorescent additives that imparts photoluminescence properties
to the forest fire retardant composition 500. The phosphorescent
additive may exhibit fluorescence and/or phosphorescence. The
phosphorescent additive may be charged with sunlight or artificial
lighting, such as UV radiation or Fluorescent lighting. The
phosphorescent additive may emit light in the visible light region
or in the ultraviolet region. Alternatively, the phosphorescent
additive may emit light in the near infrared region and be
visualized using infrared goggles. Examples of the phosphorescent
additive include LumiNova, LumiNova Green (G), LumiNova G PS-2,
LumiNova Blue Green (BG), a zinc sulfide pigment, or mixtures
thereof. The amount of the glow-in-the-dark additive, relative to
the amount of composition 500 is about 100 g/1000 L to about 1000
g/1000 L, preferably about 200 g/1000 L to about 800 g/1000 L, and
more preferably about 300 g/1000 L to about 700 g/1000 L. For
example, the amount of the glow-in-the-dark additive, relative to
the amount of composition 500 is about 350 g/1000 L to about 550
g/1000 L.
[0055] The glow-in the-dark additive may also include one or more
fluorophores. The fluorophore(s) may exhibit fluorescence and/or
phosphorescence. The fluorophore(s) may be visible in the near
infrared region (i.e., 700 nm-1700 nm wavelength of light).
Visualization can be achieved using near infrared goggles. Examples
of fluorophores include CH1055
(4.8-Bis(2-(4-(bis(4-(2-carboxyethyl)phenyl)amino)phenyl)-5H-[1,2,-
5]thiadiazolo[3,4-f]benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole), as well as Cy7 or
Cy7.5, or mixtures thereof.
[0056] The composition 500 may also include mineral oil. The
mineral oil may help reduce dusting during handling of the dry
concentrate 501.
[0057] The composition 500 may optionally include other
ingredients, such as spoilage inhibitors, flow conditioners,
anti-foaming agents, foaming agents, stability additives, biocide,
thickening agents, surfactants, adjuvants, corrosion inhibitors
other than those of the corrosion inhibiting system, opacifying
pigments, additional coloring agents, liquid carrier, and
water.
[0058] Forming the Dry and Liquid Concentrates
[0059] The dry components of the forest fire retardant composition
500 are batch mixed in a tumbler to form a dry concentrate 501.
Alternatively, the dry concentrate 501 may be mixed using
continuous mixing equipment. The mixing should be controlled to
ensure that all of the dry components are adequately dispersed.
First, any dry ingredients (solid organophosphate, salt, viscosity
modifier, titanium dioxide, surfactant, colorant, and dye) are
mixed together. Then, any remaining ingredients (liquid
organophosphate, triethanolamine, and Wintrol.RTM. SAM-H90) are
slowly added to the mixture while mixing. The dry concentrate 501
is then stored, substantially in the absence of air and/or external
moisture, in a sealed bag having a plastic liner. For example, each
sealed bag can contain about 2,000 pounds of the dry concentrate
501 during storage and shipment to the point of use (e.g.,
airfield). Alternatively, the dry concentrate 501 may be stored in
lined one-ton tote sacks or super sacks. Air-sealed bags with a
plastic liner supplied by Semi-Bulk Systems Inc. (St. Louis, Mo.)
can be used. Alternatively, an air-permeable moisture barrier can
be used, such as a barrier made of a silicone material. The dry
concentrate 501 is substantially free of water. The dry composition
501 is chemically stable under normal temperatures and pressures.
The dry concentrate 501 should be protected from exposure to
humidity and moisture on moisture-proof air pallets or under a
water-resistant tarp during storage.
[0060] The liquid concentrate 502 can be formed by adding water,
other solvent(s) or aqueous solutions to the composition when it is
prepared. Alternatively, the liquid concentrate 502 may be formed
by the addition of water or other solvent to the dry concentrate
501. The water may be tap water or water from other convenient
water sources. Alternatively, the liquid concentrate 502 may be
formed upon absorption of moisture by the dry concentrate 501 if
the dry concentrate 501 is deliquescent. Alternatively, the liquid
concentrate 502 may be formed by mixing a liquid organophosphate
with dry components. Alternatively, if a dry salt 504 is not
present in the dry concentrate 501, then a salt 505 may be added
during the process of converting the dry concentrate 501 to the
liquid concentrate 502. Alternatively, in the absence of dry
concentrate 501, a salt 505 may be added to the liquid concentrate
502 in the process of its preparation. The salt 505 may be a dry
salt or a liquid salt. For example, to produce the liquid
concentrate 502, a liquid salt 505 is added to the dry concentrate
501 (with or without the addition of more water or solvent beyond
that contained in the liquid salt). The liquid salt may be a
concentrated solution of magnesium salt, calcium salt and/or
magnesium calcium salt, including any liquid solutions made using
the dry salt 504. The weight percent of the salt 505 in the liquid
salt solution is about 10% to 60%, preferably about 15% to 55%,
more preferably about 20% to about 50%, and particularly about 22%
to about 45%, or about 25% to about 40%, or about 26% to about 33%.
For example, the amount of magnesium salt, calcium salt and/or
magnesium calcium salt in the liquid salt solution is at or near
the maximum soluble limit of magnesium salt, calcium salt or
magnesium calcium salt, respectively.
[0061] Any dry components and/or the dry concentrate 501 are first
mixed to disperse the components in the dry blend before any liquid
additions. The dry components and/or the dry concentrate 501 is
agitated to prevent clumping of the dry components when batch mixed
with water or other solvent to form the liquid concentrate 502.
Alternatively, any dry components and/or the dry concentrate 501
may be mixed with water or other solvent to form the liquid
concentrate 502 using continuous mixing equipment. The mixing
should be controlled to ensure that all of the dry components are
adequately dispersed and hydrated to ensure that the formulation is
maintained. Alternatively, the water, liquid organophosphate,
liquid salt solution 505, or solvent may be added by spraying onto
a ribbon of well-mixed dry ingredients. For example, the water,
liquid organophosphate, liquid salt solution 505, or other solvent
could be sprayed onto the dry components while traveling across a
conveyor belt. Once mixed, the liquid concentrate 502 is then
stored, substantially in the absence of air and/or external
moisture, in a sealed container. For example, the sealed container
for storage and shipment to the point of use (e.g., airfield) may
be a 1,000 L tote, a 5-gallon pail or a 55-gallon drum. Air-sealed
bags with a plastic liner supplied by Semi-Bulk Systems Inc. (St.
Louis, Mo.) can be used. Alternatively, an air-permeable moisture
barrier can be used, such as a barrier made of a silicone material.
The liquid concentrate 502 is chemically stable under normal
temperatures and pressures.
[0062] The dry concentrate 501 and/or the liquid concentrate 502
may be supplied as part of a kit that includes a sealed container
for storage and shipment, substantially in the absence of air
and/or external moisture (e.g., 1,000 L tote, a 5-gallon pail or a
55-gallon drum, lined one-ton tote sacks or super sacks, including
a plastic liner) and instructions for using the dry concentrate 501
or the liquid concentrate 502 to form the final diluted product 503
(described below). In the case where the final diluted product 503
is to be applied on a localized scale by homeowners or local
officials, for example, the kit may contain a tank for mixing and
applying the final diluted product 503 (e.g., a 1-2 gallon
hand-held or 4 gallon backpack or 5 gallon cart-style container
with an applicator wand and/or hose, or a 15-25 gallon tank capable
of being mounted on or pulled behind an all-terrain vehicle or
truck), and instructions for using the dry concentrate 501 and/or
the liquid concentrate 502 to form and apply the final diluted
product 503.
[0063] Forming the Final Diluted Product
[0064] The final diluted product 503 is formed either directly from
the dry concentrate 501 by mixing the dry concentrate 501 with
water or by mixing the liquid concentrate 502 with water. The dry
concentrate 501 or the liquid concentrate 502 is shipped to the
point of use (e.g., airfield), where it is diluted with water or
other solvent to form the final diluted product 503. The dry
concentrate 501 is added slowly into room temperature (or cooler)
water with stirring. The liquid concentrate 502 is designed for
addition to water in a volume ratio concentrate:water of about 1.00
to 2.50 to about 1.00 to about 6.00. The water may be tap water or
water from other convenient water sources. The product is mixed
using the current mixing equipment available to the user, including
the USFS.
[0065] The final diluted product 503 can also be prepared on a
commercial batch scale by combining the dry concentrate 501 or the
liquid concentrate 502 with a measured amount of water in an
appropriate mix vessel such as an agitated mix tank. The rate of
addition of solid or liquid concentrate to water should be
controlled to assure efficient mixing of the concentrate and the
water. Alternately, a continuous process may be conducted by
introducing the dry concentrate 501 or liquid concentrate 502 into
a water stream via a vacuum eductor system where the ratio of flow
through the eductor port to the bypass flow is roughly 1:9.
Downstream mixing should be accomplished to avoid product settling
in the receiving tank, or the receiving tank itself should be
vigorously circulated to facilitate solution and adequate hydration
of the dry concentrate 501.
[0066] The final diluted composition 503 can also be batch mixed by
feeding the dry concentrate 501 or the liquid concentrate 502 into
a well-circulated mix-batch tank. Alternatively, the final diluted
composition 503 may be mixed using continuous mixing equipment. Mix
tank agitation may be provided via an overhead mechanical stirring
apparatus or alternatively by a circulation pump sized to provide
turbulent mixing. Alternatively, a venturi-type vacuum eductor
mixer or an in-line high-shear mixer can be used. For batch mixing,
the mix water is agitated or circulated to provide efficient
mixing, then a one-ton sack of dry concentrate 501 is added slowly,
typically by suspending the sack over the mix tank (via a fork lift
or by other manner), and opening the discharge spout on the sack to
allow product to flow out of the sack into the mix solution. The
addition rate should be controlled to avoid settling of the solid
concentrate in the mix tank. The final diluted product 503 is in a
form suitable to fight forest fires via aerial- or ground-based
application.
[0067] The dry concentrate 501 or the liquid concentrate 502 is
diluted with water so that the final diluted product 503 has an
organophosphate concentration of about 1% to about 50%, preferably
about 3% to about 45%, more preferably about 5% to about 35%, and
more specifically about 7% to about 32%. For example, the weight
percent of the organophosphate in the final diluted product 503 is
about 8% to about 30%.
[0068] The liquid concentrate 502, may be diluted at about a
1.00:2.50, 1.00:4.00, 1.00:5.00, or 1.00:6.00 (liquid
concentrate:water) to form the final diluted product 503. The
liquid concentrate 502 is diluted with water so that the final
diluted product 503 has an organophosphate concentration of about
1% to about 5%, preferably about 3% to about 45%, more preferably
about 5% to about 40%, and more specifically about 7% to about 35%.
For example, the weight percent of the organophosphate in the final
diluted product 503 is about 8% to about 30%.
[0069] The viscosity of the liquid concentrate 502 should have a
viscosity that permits it to be pumped through a hose. The
viscosity of the liquid concentrate 502 at 70.degree. F. may be in
the range of about 100 cP to about 10,000 cP, preferably about 500
cP to about 7,000 cP, more preferably about 750 cP to about 5,000
cP, and more specifically about 1,000 cP to about 3,000 cP. For
example, the viscosity of the liquid concentrate 502 at 70.degree.
F. may be about 2,000 cP.
[0070] The final diluted product 503 should have a viscosity that
permits it to be pumped through a hose and applied to a forest
fire. The viscosity of the final diluted product 503 at 70.degree.
F. may be in the range of about 1 to about 1,000 cP, preferably
about 100 to about 700 cP, more preferably about 120 to about 500
cP, and more specifically about 150 cP to about 400 cP.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0071] Example 1 includes an organophosphate and does not include a
salt. In Example 1 below, a liquid concentrate 502 is prepared
containing the amounts of ingredients listed in Table 1 below. The
values in Table 1 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or
.about.1.0%, or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or
.about.3.0%, or .about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or
.about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Liquid Concentrate according to Example 1
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 0.00% Organophosphate 50.00% Pigments 1.00% Magnesium
Hydroxide 0.32% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.58%
Corrosion Inhibitor 0.58% Dye 0.21% Surfactant 0.04% Viscosity
modifier 0.00% Water 47.27%
[0072] An Example 1 final diluted product 503 is prepared by mixing
the liquid concentrate 502 of Example 1 with water in a volume
ratio concentrate:water of 1.00 to 1.50. According to Example 1
approximately 1 pound of the liquid concentrate 502 is mixed with
1.50 pounds of water to prepare the final diluted product 503. The
final diluted product 503 of Example 1 may be prepared by mixing
the liquid concentrate 502 of Example 1 with water in a volume
ratio concentrate:water of about 1.0 to about 1.1 to about 1.0 to
about 3.0.
[0073] The weight percent of the salt 504, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 1 is about
0%.
[0074] The weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 1 is about 0.05%
to about 10%, preferably about 0.1% to about 8%, more preferably
about 0.15% to about 6%, and more specifically about 0.2% to about
5%. For example, the weight percent of strong base, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.25% to
about 4.0%, and specifically about 0.32%.
[0075] The amounts of the ingredients in the Example 1 final
diluted product 503 are listed in Table 2 below. The values in
Table 2 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%,
or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or
.about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Final Diluted Product according to Example 1
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 0.00% Organophosphate 19.98% Pigments 0.40% Magnesium
Hydroxide 0.13% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.23%
Corrosion Inhibitor 0.23% Dye 0.08% Surfactant 0.02% Viscosity
modifier 0.00% Water 78.93%
Example 2
[0076] Example 2 includes an organophosphate and a salt. In Example
2 below, a liquid concentrate 502 is prepared containing the
amounts of ingredients listed in Table 3 below. The values in Table
1 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%, or
.about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or
.about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Liquid Concentrate according to Example 2
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 25.00% Organophosphate 50.00% Pigments 2.00% Magnesium
Hydroxide 0.64% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 1.00%
Corrosion Inhibitor 1.00% Dye 0.40% Surfactant 1.16% Viscosity
modifier 0.60% Water 18.20%
[0077] An Example 2 final diluted product 503 is prepared by mixing
the liquid concentrate 502 of Example 2 with water in a weight
ratio concentrate:water of 1.00 to 4.00. According to Example 2
approximately 1 pound of Example 2 502 is mixed with 4 pounds of
water to prepare the Example 2 final diluted product 503. The final
diluted product 503 of Example 2 may be prepared by mixing the
liquid concentrate 502 of Example 2 with water in a volume ratio
concentrate:water of about 1.0 to about 2.0 to about 1.0 to about
6.0.
[0078] The weight percent of the salt 504, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 2 is about 0%
to about 60%, more preferably 5% to 50%, and particularly about 10%
to about 40%. For example, the weight percent of the salt, relative
to the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 is about
15% to about 35%, and specifically about 25%.
[0079] The weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 2 is about 0.05%
to about 10%, preferably about 0.1% to about 8%, more preferably
about 0.2% to about 6%, and more specifically about 0.3% to about
5%. For example, the weight percent of strong base, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.4% to
about 4.0%, and specifically about 0.64%.
[0080] The amounts of the ingredients in the Example 2 final
diluted product 503 are listed in Table 4 below. The values in
Table 4 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%,
or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or
.about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Final Diluted Product according to Example 2
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 5.00% Organophosphate 10.00% Pigments 0.40% Magnesium
Hydroxide 0.13% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.20%
Corrosion Inhibitor 0.20% Dye 0.08% Surfactant 0.23% Viscosity
modifier 0.12% Water 83.64%
Example 3
[0081] Example 3 includes an organophosphate and a salt at a high
mix ratio. In Example 3 below, a liquid concentrate 502 is prepared
containing the amounts of ingredients listed in Table 5 below. The
values in Table 5 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or
.about.1.0%, or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or
.about.3.0%, or .about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or
.about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Liquid Concentrate according to Example 3
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 30.00% Organophosphate 50.00% Pigments 2.40% Magnesium
Hydroxide 0.77% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 1.35%
Corrosion Inhibitor 1.35% Dye 0.40% Surfactant 0.50% Viscosity
modifier 0.72% Water 12.51%
[0082] An Example 3 final diluted product 503 is prepared by mixing
the liquid concentrate 502 of Example 3 with water in a weight
ratio concentrate:water of 1.00 to 5.00. According to Example 3
approximately 1 pound of Example 3 502 is mixed with 5 pounds of
water to prepare the Example 3 final diluted product 503. The final
diluted product 503 of Example 3 may be prepared by mixing the
liquid concentrate 502 of Example 3 with water in a volume ratio
concentrate:water of about 1.0 to about 3.0 to about 1.0 to about
7.0.
[0083] The weight percent of the salt 504, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 3 is about 10%
to about 80%, more preferably 15% to 75%, and particularly about
20% to about 70%. For example, the weight percent of the salt,
relative to the amount of organophosphate in the composition 500 is
about 25% to about 60%, and specifically about 50%.
[0084] The weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 3 is about 0.1%
to about 10%, preferably about 0.2% to about 8%, more preferably
about 0.3% to about 6%, and more specifically about 0.4% to about
5%. For example, the weight percent of strong base, relative to the
amount of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 0.5% to
about 4.0%, and specifically about 0.77%.
[0085] The amounts of the ingredients in the Example 3 final
diluted product 503 are listed in Table 6 below. The values in
Table 6 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%,
or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or
.about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Final Diluted Product according to Example 3
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 5.00% Organophosphate 8.33% Pigments 0.40% Magnesium Hydroxide
0.13% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.23% Corrosion
Inhibitor 0.23% Dye 0.07% Surfactant 0.08% Viscosity modifier 0.12%
Water 85.42%
Example 4
[0086] Example 4 includes an organophosphate and a metal hydroxide
and does not include a salt. In Example 4 below, a liquid
concentrate 502 is prepared containing the amounts of ingredients
listed in Table 7 below. The values in Table 7 can be varied by
.about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%, or .about.1.5%, or
.about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or .about.3.5%, or
.about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Liquid Concentrate according to Example 4
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 0.00% Organophosphate 40.00% Pigments 4.80% Magnesium
Hydroxide 20.00% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.80%
Corrosion Inhibitor 0.80% Dye 0.28% Surfactant 0.10% Viscosity
modifier 0.60% Water 32.62%
[0087] An Example 4 final diluted product 503 is prepared by mixing
the liquid concentrate 502 of Example 4 with water in a weight
ratio concentrate:water of 1.00 to 3.00. According to Example 4
approximately 1 pound of Example 4 502 is mixed with 3 pounds of
water to prepare the Example 4 final diluted product 503. The final
diluted product 503 of Example 4 may be prepared by mixing the
liquid concentrate 502 of Example 4 with water in a volume ratio
concentrate:water of about 1.0 to about 1.5 to about 1.0 to about
4.5.
[0088] The weight percent of the salt 504, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 4 is about
0%.
[0089] The weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount of
organophosphate in the composition 500 of Example 4 is about 5% to
about 60%, preferably about 10% to about 50%, more preferably about
12% to about 40%, and more specifically about 15% to about 35%. For
example, the weight percent of strong base, relative to the amount
of organophosphate in the composition 500, is about 15% to about
30%, and specifically about 20%.
[0090] The amounts of the ingredients in the Example 4 final
diluted product 503 are listed in Table 8 below. The values in
Table 8 can be varied by .about.0.1%, .about.0.5%, or .about.1.0%,
or .about.1.5%, or .about.2%, or .about.2.5%, or .about.3.0%, or
.about.3.5%, or .about.4.0%, or .about.4.5%, or .about.5.0%.
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Final Diluted Product according to Example 4
Weight Percent of Each Ingredient in Ingredient Wet Concentrate
Salt 0.00% Organophosphate 10.00% Pigments 1.20% Magnesium
Hydroxide 5.00% Triethanolamine (C.sub.6H.sub.15NO.sub.3) 0.20%
Corrosion Inhibitor 0.20% Dye 0.07% Surfactant 0.03% Viscosity
modifier 0.15% Water 83.16%
[0091] Methods of Use
[0092] The forest fire retardant compositions of Examples 1 to 4
may be used to suppress, retard, or contain a forest fire. The
forest fire retardant compositions of Examples 1 to 4 function as
superior forest fire retardants and suppressants compared to the
PHOS-CHEK.RTM. brand long-term fire retardants (LTR) which have
previously been qualified for use by the USFS. A list of the
PHOS-CHEK.RTM. USFS Qualified long-term fire retardants is given in
Table 9.
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 List of PHOS-CHEK .RTM. USFS Qualified LTR
Products USFS Qualified LTR Products List Description PHOS-CHEK
.RTM. MVP-Fx Dry Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, High and Medium
Viscosity, High Visibility, Fugitive Color PHOS-CHEK .RTM. MVP-F
Dry Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, High and Medium Viscosity, Standard
Fugitive Color PHOS-CHEK .RTM. P100-F Dry Concentrate,
Gum-Thickened, High and Medium Viscosity PHOS-CHEK .RTM. 259-Fx Dry
Concentrate, Gum-thickened, Low Viscosity, High Visibility, Fixed
Tank Helicopter Powder Concentrate PHOS-CHEK .RTM. 259-F Dry
Concentrate, Gum-thickened, Low Viscosity PHOS-CHEK .RTM. LC-95A-R
Wet Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, Low Viscosity PHOS-CHEK .RTM.
LC-95A-Fx Wet Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, Low Viscosity, High
Visibility, Fugitive Color PHOS-CHEK .RTM. LC-95A-F Wet
Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, Low Viscosity PHOS-CHEK .RTM. LC-95-W
Wet Concentrate, Gum-Thickened, Low Viscosity, Red Iron Oxide,
medium Viscosity Liquid Concentrate
[0093] The forest fire retardant compositions of Examples 1 to 4
may contain one, two or more fire-retardant mechanisms of action as
a result of the two or more possible fire retardant ingredients,
including organophosphate and hydrated salt. The organophosphate
reduces the combustion temperature and creates a robust char layer
that acts as a physical barrier to combustion. The hydrated salt
pulls heat from the fire and produces free water as it dehydrates
in the flames.
[0094] The organophosphate in the forest fire retardant
compositions of Examples 1 to 4 prevent complete combustion of
flammable vegetation. Organophosphate reduces the temperature at
which the fire burns. Additionally, the organophosphate increases
the amount of char residue content. As the organophosphate burns,
it releases phosphoric acid, which contributes to the dehydration
of the surrounding polymer and vegetation, and results in the
formation of a robust char layer at the surface of the vegetation.
The robust char layer acts as a physical barrier that blocks heat
and oxygen from the flammable surface. The char layer buffers the
flammable vegetation from the fire's heat and slows the fire
spread.
[0095] The hydrated salt in the forest fire retardant compositions
of Examples 2 to 4 pull energy out of forest fires at they convert
the hydrates of the hydrated salt to free water. For example, the
final diluted composition 503 may include magnesium salt hydrate.
Once the final diluted composition 503 has dried after application,
the magnesium salt hydrate of the composition effectively retards
continued combustion. Magnesium hydroxide interferes with the
burning process through the release of inter gases (such as water
vapor). In this process a protective char layer is formed or the
amount of energy available for the spread of fire is reduced
through energy absorption. Magnesium salt hydrate is deliquescent,
absorbing sufficient moisture from the air to form a liquid
solution. Examples 2 to 4 are also self-rehydrating. The larger the
difference between the relative humidity of the atmosphere and the
critical relative humidity, the faster the water is rehydrated.
Generally, the relative humidity on a wildland fire is lowest
during the day and recovers during the night. In moderate burning
condition, the nighttime relative humidity recovery will rise to
50%-70%. This is an environmental condition that exists almost
every night on wildfires, thereby allowing magnesium salt hydrate
to absorb moisture from the air and pull it in to the fuel bed
leading to its improved forest fire retardant capabilities. The
forest fire retardants of Examples 2 to 4 will start to recover
water at a lower relative humidity and recover for a longer time
every burning period. Calcium salt has a similar retarding
efficiency to magnesium salt. Thus, calcium salt has potential use
as a long-term liquid fire retardant alone or in combination with
magnesium salt. Aluminum hydroxide functions in a similar mechanism
to magnesium hydroxide and has potential use as a long-term fire
retardant alone or in combination with magnesium hydroxide.
[0096] The PHOS-CHEK.RTM. LTR products of Table 9 use a similar
mechanism to that used by the organophosphate in forest fire
retardant 500 to slow the spread of fire. Diammonium phosphate
(DAP), an ingredient in PHOS-CHEK.RTM. LTR products, can promote
the formation of a robust char layer on flammable vegetation that
blocks the fire's heat and oxygen to slow the fire spread. In
contrast to the forest fire retardant 500, DAP contains ammonium
functional groups. Ammonium-functionalized compounds may cause
long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. Additionally,
ammonium-functionalized compounds may release ammonia gas upon
combustion. Ammonia gas is acutely toxic to humans and wildlife and
may cause burns to the skin and eyes. Additionally, ammonia is very
toxic to aquatic organisms. Forest fire retardant 500 is
substantially free of any ammonia or ammonium functional groups and
is much less toxic to humans and wildlife.
[0097] Direct Attack
[0098] In a direct attack, the final diluted composition 503 is
applied on the fire line. The final diluted composition 503 is a
thickened water suppressant which contains water to cool and
suppress the fire. For example, when the final diluted composition
503 includes organophosphate, the organophosphate lowers the
temperature of the flame front as it burns, releasing phosphoric
acid. The organophosphate promotes the formation of a robust char
layer that acts as a buffer to further combustion of flammable
vegetation. Additionally, if, for example, the final diluted
composition 503 includes a magnesium salt hydrate, the water
molecules of the magnesium salt hydrate thermally dehydrate in an
endothermic reaction, absorbing heat from the fire as the reaction
progresses and lowering the temperature of the flame front.
[0099] Indirect Attack
[0100] In an indirect attack, the final diluted composition 503 is
applied in fire containment lines at a significant distance from
the fire line. The indirect fire lines are built, and the fire is
allowed to burn into them. The long-term fire retardant must be
effective even after the water in the composition has evaporated.
In an indirect attack, the final diluted composition 503 is applied
to vegetation. When the flame front reaches vegetation treated with
the final dilute concentration 503, the organophosphate lowers the
temperature of the flame front as it burns, releasing phosphoric
acid. The organophosphate promotes the formation of a robust char
layer that acts as a buffer to further combustion of flammable
vegetation. Additionally, if, for example, the final diluted
composition 503 includes a magnesium salt hydrate, the final
diluted composition 503 is hygroscopic and self-rehydrating. As the
water in the final diluted composition 503 evaporates, the salt
concentration increases until it reaches its saturation level. When
the flame front reaches vegetation treated with the final diluted
composition 503, the hydrated water molecules cleave-off in an
endothermic reaction, absorbing heat from the fire as the reaction
progresses and lowering the temperature of the flame front.
[0101] Field Handling and Measurement
[0102] The forest fire retardant compositions of Examples 1 to 4
can be delivered to the field either as the dry concentrate 501,
liquid concentrate 502, or as the final diluted composition 503.
The final diluted composition 503 can be tested prior to
application in the field to confirm proper organophosphate content.
A refractometer can be used to test the final diluted composition
503. A density measurement can also be used to test the final
diluted composition 503. A density of less than 9.1 pounds per
gallon may indicate a proper organophosphate content. A pH
measurement can also be used to test the final diluted composition
503. A pH of about 6 to about 10 may indicate a proper
organophosphate content. A viscosity measurement can also be used
to test the final diluted composition 503. A viscosity measurement
of about 150 to about 2,500 cP may indicate a proper
organophosphate content.
[0103] Aerial Application
[0104] The final diluted composition 503 may be deposited via
aerial application from an airplane or helicopter. The airplane may
be a fixed-wing multi-engine aircraft, a fixed-wing single engine
airtanker (SEAT), a large airtanker (LAT), a very large airtanker
(VLAT), or an unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The helicopter may be
a fixed-tank helicopter (HF) or it may be a helicopter bucket (HB).
The final diluted composition 503 may be deposited in an indirect
attack to build a retardant line before a forest fire or directly
to a forest fire via aerial application.
[0105] Ground Application
[0106] The final diluted composition 503 may be deposited via
ground-based equipment, for example via ground application from a
truck or ground engine (G). The final diluted composition 503 may
be deposited in an indirect attack to build a retardant line before
a forest fire or it may be deposited directly to a forest fire via
ground application.
[0107] Clean Up Procedure
[0108] The dry concentrate 501 can be cleaned by broom and/or
vacuum. The dry concentrate 501 should be kept dry during cleaning
to minimize color staining that may occur when the dye is hydrated.
When the dry concentrate 501 is exposed to water, the product can
be cleaned with the use of a granular chemical absorbent material,
or if proper drainage is available, by rinsing surfaces clean with
adequate amounts of water. Dye coloration may be removed from
surfaces by treatment with liquid or dry detergent. The final
diluted composition 503 can be cleaned with soap or liquid
detergent and water. The color of the dye can be neutralized by
sodium hypochlorite or washed with liquid detergent.
CONCLUSION
[0109] All parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations
described herein are meant to be exemplary and the actual
parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will
depend upon the specific application or applications for which the
inventive teachings is/are used. It is to be understood that the
foregoing embodiments are presented primarily by way of example and
that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents
thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described and claimed. Inventive embodiments of the
present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system,
article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.
[0110] In addition, any combination of two or more such features,
systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are
not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope
of the present disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions and arrangement of respective elements of the exemplary
implementations without departing from the scope of the present
disclosure. The use of a numerical range does not preclude
equivalents that fall outside the range that fulfill the same
function, in the same way, to produce the same result.
[0111] Also, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or
more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The
acts performed as part of the method may in some instances be
ordered in different ways. Accordingly, in some inventive
implementations, respective acts of a given method may be performed
in an order different than specifically illustrated, which may
include performing some acts simultaneously (even if such acts are
shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments).
[0112] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other
references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
[0113] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0114] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0115] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0116] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0117] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0118] In the claims, as well as in the specification, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
[0119] In the claims, as well as in the specification, any
ingredient listed in an open-ended list of ingredients shall not be
negated or avoided by the addition of water or other solvent or
reactant that might cause a chemical change to such ingredient.
Thus, for example, even though it is known that an anhydrous salt
becomes hydrated in the presence of water, the inventors hereby act
as their own lexicographers, so that any composition "including" or
"comprising" an "anhydrous" salt is intended to cover both a dry
composition substantially free of water in which the salt has
substantially no water of hydration, as well as any wet composition
formed by the addition of water which causes the anhydrous salt to
become hydrated (or to undergo some other change). Both before and
after the addition of water or other ingredient, the composition
shall be regarded, for purposes of the specification and claims, as
comprising an "anhydrous" salt irrespective of any hydration,
solvation, or other change caused by the addition of water or other
ingredient. The same applies for any ingredient recited in an
open-ended list which might be chemically changed by the addition
of water or other ingredient to the open-ended list.
* * * * *