What is the most effective fire suppression agent for LNG fires?

For fires involving liquefied natural gas (LNG), the most effective suppression agent is dry chemical. This is due to the unique properties of LNG, which is a flammable cryogenic liquid. When LNG leaks and vaporizes, it creates a vapor cloud that can ignite and cause a fire or explosion.

Dry chemical agents, such as those containing monoammonium phosphate or sodium bicarbonate, are effective because they can interrupt the chemical reaction that occurs in a fire, thereby extinguishing the flame. They are particularly useful for suppressing flammable gas fires due to their ability to quickly blanket the fuel source and displace oxygen, which is essential for combustion.

In contrast, water is ineffective as a suppression agent for LNG fires since it can spread the flammable liquid and potentially increase the fire hazard. Foam can also be used, but traditional foams may not be effective with LNG due to the nature of the fuel and the potential for the foam to be displaced by the cryogenic liquid. CO2 can be used in some situations, but it may not effectively protect against the rapid spread of LNG fires in an outdoor environment.

Therefore, dry chemical agents provide a more effective response to LNG-related incidents compared to the alternatives.