Potassium bicarbonate powder with the chemical formula KHCo3 is also known as K-Purple powder. This powder, like sodium bicarbonate powder, is suitable for extinguishing BC type fire. It is a conductor of electricity and, like sodium powder, it produces Co2 due to the action and chemical reactions of fire, which leads to the removal of oxygen and fire extinguishing of liquids (class B).
The main difference between this powder and sodium bicarbonate powder is the faster cutting of the chemical chain reaction that leads to fire and its spread. Therefore, it has several times more extinguishing effect than sodium powder and is very suitable for industrial environments, oil sites and gas pumps.
BC powder based on potassium bicarbonate used in Ariacoupling extinguishers, despite its very high purity and fineness, does not absorb moisture and does not become lumpy. The complete coating of powder particles by silicone oils makes the powder very smooth and easy to come out of the cylinder with less gas force.
The very low moisture absorption of this powder greatly increases its use in harsh environments such as oil sites in the south of the country and the Caspian Sea border areas.
The production process of this powder is more complicated and more expensive than sodium powder.