FIRE EXTINGUISHER DRONE

A Project report submitted for the J component requirement of the course

MEE3502 – Design Process Planning and Management

SUBMITTED BY:

18BME0662 JAYANDHAR R

18BME0931 TARUN A

18BME0650 A SAI KIRAN

18BME0856 PRANAV A R

18BPI0068 NISHANTH M

Under the guidance of

Prof. Dr. K. Anandavel

School of Mechanical Engineering

VIT, Vellore

June – 2021

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 DECLARATION

We hereby declare that the project entitled “Fire Extinguisher Drone" submitted by us, for the
fulfilment of J-component of the course MEE3502 – Design Process Planning and
Management in Mechanical Engineering to VIT is a record of bonafide work carried out by
us under the supervision of professor Dr. K. ANANDAVEL.
We further declare that the work reported in this thesis has not been submitted and
will not be submitted, either in part or in full, for any other course’s J-component in this
institute or any other institute or university.

Place: Vellore
Date: 05/06/2021

Signature of the Candidates

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our special thanks of gratitude to our professor Dr. K.
Anandavel who gave us the opportunity for getting engaged in this project or the thesis of
“Fire Extinguisher Drone” in the subject ‘Design Process Planning and Management’. We
came to know about my new things for which we are greatly thankful for.

18BME0662 – JAYANDHAR R
18BME0931 – TARUN A
18BME0650 – A SAI KIRAN
18BME0856 – PARANAV A R
18BPI0068 – NISHANTH M

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
SL. NO. DESCRIPTION
NO.

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMAY 5

2 INTRODUCTION 6

3 PROBLEM DEFINITION 6

4 PROBLEM SCOPE 6

5 TECHNICAL REVIEW 7

6 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS 9

7 DESIGN DECRIPTION 9

8 OVERVIEW 10

9 TESTING 11

10 PROTOTYPE 13

11 EVALUATION 14

12 CONCLUSION 16

14 REFERENCES 16

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 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This paper describes the importance of the Drone in Firefighting Operation. It reduces
the risk to the personnel involved in Firefighting operations. This Drone with Thermal
Imaging camera can also be used to detect the people who were trapped in the buildings
during Fire accident. The drones need to become smart and quick-witted in order to optimize
industrial processes, maximum their utility and can be widely established in the future
factories. If more emphasis is laid upon these criteria, they can be pertained in Engineering,
maintenance, critical infrastructure management and asset management operations.
The main advantage is providing on demand monitoring service faster than the current
approaches of using satellite images, remotely controlled drones. It is an object of the present
invention to provide a fire drone for fire suppression that can freely move ground and fly in
narrow place inside building where free entry of high-rise buildings is not secured and
visibility can be accelerated.
Implementation of drone systems in the industry can boast new opportunities and new
innovative business models. There are nearly 35 drone Start-Up companies in India and they
are trying to impose these innovative technologies into their systems to make their processes
safer, more reliable and more predictable. From the industrial point of view, implementation
of this technology can be ideal in the automotive industry.
Here we have discussed the adaptability and feasibility of the new drone fire extinguishing
methodology. Here we have prepared extinguishing pellets which are being attached to the
electromagnetic plates down below the drone. The efficiency of the drone is discussed and
the final conclusion is brought up.

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 INTRODUCTION

Generally, fire-fighting is done by humans and fire-fighting equipment which are

operated manually. This system will not work to find the victims who are trapped in that
situation and practically it is not easy for a fire-fighter to enter into the hazard place and find
the victims. So FFD is the best solution to find out the victims and also to control the fire.
Fires have led to huge losses of life and property throughout history. Fast access to the fire
and instant extinguishing is key to countering fire threats. Here in this research, we have
found out one of the possible solutions for extinguishing fire. The drones can be attached
with fire extinguishing pellets which are capable of bring the fire to a complete stop. These
pellets are capable and can be used to scale out the fire in small areas like fire in residential
areas or office areas.

PROBLEM DEFINITION

The main problem faced by the fire-fighting engineers or by the fire-fighters are the
high potential risk of indulging their life for the survival of the others as well as the time
constrains. Nowadays the fire accidents occur on a wider scale which has brought up time
constraint. This can be reduced by introducing the technology of drone into implementation.
Even though this technology exists till date the fire in the residential or the office areas can be
scaled down or completely put off by the usage of pellets.
As per statistics thirty-five Indians die in Fire accident daily, says the National Crime
Records Bureau (NCRB) based on the 12,748 lives in 2018. When the Fire service responders
arrive at the Fire scene, it is very difficult for them to predict the situation inside the building
or any closed area that is subjected to Fire, so Drone can be the best solution for the
Firefighters to take decisions about where to concentrate resources and how to approach and
enter the scene.

PROBLEM SCOPE

The main problem faced by the fire department is lack of efficiency and high potential
risk of the fire-fighter’s life as well as the time constrains in scaling down the intensity of fire
risks.

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 TECHNICAL REVIEW

Drones are basically flying unmanned robot that can be remotely controlled or made
to fly autonomously through software-controlled flight plans in their embedded systems,
working in conjunction with onboard sensors and GPS. The drones need to become smart and
quick-witted in order to optimize industrial processes, maximize their utility and can be
widely established in future factories.
Fire departments are seeing a greater prospect of using drones during structure fires and
rescue missions. In case of structure fire, when the fire fighters first arrive at the scene, the
drone can be deployed to carefully monitor the scene, before the firefighter personals are put
in harm's way. When equipped with a thermal camera, the drone can reveal where the
hotspots are, and also have the ability to see through smoke and in low light conditions.
These infrared cameras can then allow operators to recon crew members and conditions,
improving efficiency and safety.
The drone can also be equipped with a spotlight to help firefighters in dark or low light
conditions. After the smoke has cleared, the drones can also be used for critical evaluation of
damage, whether it be from a fire or other natural disaster.
Drones allow firefighters to quickly and effectively scout out dangerous fires, observe and
monitor a large blaze in the forests. This project aims to develop one such drone capable of
performing both surveillance and firefighting operations.
The below mentioned points specify how the drones are being used during and how it helps
during the fire-fighting process:
• Situational awareness: In a typical scenario where a fire has broken out in a building,
firefighters arrive at the spot and begin their operation with limited information about
the extent of the fire and damage it has caused to the structure. Instead, with a fleet of
drones, firefighters can begin with an aerial assessment of the scene and know the
extent of the fire before starting their rescue operation using drones.
• Reach difficult places: Drones are efficient in going to tight spaces since they are
nimble and agile, and deploying them first avoidings putting humans in unsafe
situations.
• Thermal assessment: In a firefighting situation, firefighters work against the clock to
save the lives and integrity of the structure. That is why it is important to direct their
efforts towards the source of a fire. Drones equipped with a thermal camera can assist
firefighters to identify hotspots inside a blazing structure. Accordingly, firefighters
can direct their efforts to bring the situation under control.
• Search and rescue: Firefighters are actively involved in search and rescue missions. A
thermal camera drone can do the job of 100 people by scanning a large area and
identifying people in distress. During a natural calamity like an earthquake, thermal
camera drones can fly over fallen structures and identify trapped individuals, and even
identify dangerous leakages.

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EXISTING SYSTEM

The existing system to reduce the impact of fire is the waters sprinklers, fire-fighting robots
and extinguishers. Generally, this is done by using some typical optical detectors that can
detect the senses the fire place and pass on the information and by using thermo switch,
thermo couple and tubular type. Automatic fire fighting area unit is used to prevent the fire
place but the extinguisher does not seem to reach the required potential. The thermostat
sensors present in the FFR senses the fire place but it has to be ready to build a correct vary
for sensing a fireplace
One of the foremost preliminary steps for proceeding with any research paper is through a
detailed survey of various journals relation to the selected topic. Herewith mentioned some of
the research papers that were studied:
Burchan et al. (2019) [1] demonstrated the use of Drone assisted wildfire fighting using fire
extinguishing pellets as a supplement to traditional firefighting methods. The proposed
system was a hexacopter with a payload weighing 15 kg and pellets of weight 0.5kg each. It
consists of scouting unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to detect spot fires and evaluating the
risk of wildfire approach to the building. It also sends the relative data of the firefighting
UAS to help them to control the situation. However, these pellets were not effective for class
A & B fires.
Abinesh. D. V et al. (2017) [4] designed quadcopter for the purpose of exploring the areas hit
by fires. The author compared different configurations of drone and finally selected the quad
with arm length of 220 mm, owing to its intuitive simplicity in its manufacturing and cost
effectiveness. The propeller used is 10 x 4 inches with the idea of improving stability. The
materials of the propeller are chosen keeping in mind the temperature, the drone has to
undergo while it is close to the fire.
Dr. Ronald T. et al. (2018) [5] discussed the concept and issues related to the unmanned
aerial systems in the fire service. Emphasis is placed on airworthiness of the drone, command
and control of the drones and crash avoidance. Recommendations include continued field
testing on UASs, surveying fire chiefs to access opinions on UAS implementation. And
coordination between the Federal Aviation administration (FAA) and fire chiefs in regulation
development on UAS technology use in the fire service.

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 DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

The product to be designed need to satisfy the entire needs of the firefighting department. The
drone structure should withstand the water current without any difficulty. The product should
have long life time, for that the selection of build material extremely important. There should
be enough room for the sensor to be placed and they need to be in rigid position.

QUALITY:
The product quality is to be achieved by fulfilling the end customer needs. In our product the
material we selected are carbon fiber and epoxy resin. The connectivity between the system
and the drone is through the GPS and Wi-Fi module which gives better quality results during
the survey.
PRODUCTIVITY:
Our product is installed with various sensor like thermal sensor, etc. which give us highly
efficient reading throughout the survey and the solar panel provides the energy for those
sensor and the motor to work.
ERGONOMICS:
Our product designed for easier mobility for the end customer, The product can be carried
anywhere with ease and can be operated. Our product is easier to upgrade and safe to use.
COST EFFECTIVENESS:
The cost of our drone is cheaper when compared to the product that are available in the
market and those that are available can perform only one task but the we designed can
perform multiple task at a time.

DESIGN DESCRIPTION

Performance: Q ground control mission planner with include long range 900 Mhz telemetry
radio. Advance, high band width position hold offering unprecedented precision,
repeatability, and stability. Lift a 15 kg pay load for 12 to 15 minutes. Silent drive technology
low noise and precise, efficient, closed loop control of the propeller. Iron has to 18-inch
folding props. User-definable LED light for max pilot visibility and control. High-speed data
logging. Optimized, lightweight motors. Incredible efficiency (watt/gram). Auto pilot
controlling.
Equipment Modifications for fire-fighting drone: Most drone used for firefighting operation
are equipped with add one including in this that is given below Thermal camera to identify
fire source and hot spot. Infrared camera that detect humans and animals. Extinguishing agent
takes, including power, form, water or specialized liquids. Mist distributors that spray a

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cooling mist to let drones and firefighters get closer to a fire. High-definition camera that can
help identify products and codes on packaging to determine too potentially dangerous and
flammable good. Fire pellets are used in order to minimise the time constraints in scaling.
Safety: Dual flight packs. Extensive data logging and review utilities to ensure system
performance over time. Redundant motor control signals. Auto RTH/land. Integrated and
customizable LEDs for orientation. Sensors alert pilot to mechanical issues with machine that
means that propeller balance, motor damage etc. Critical electrical components mounted
weather resistant shell. All PCB conformal coated for max durability and weather resistance.
Fire Pellets:
Fire pellet is based on revolutionary technology that provides far more advanced solutions
than portable fire extinguishers. The limitations and problems associated with conventional
methods of extinction (maintenance, training, etc.) are at the origin of its development. It is
easy to use and provides permanent protection as it self-activates in the presence of a flame
without human intervention.

OVERVIEW

Different models can function in slightly different ways, but the basic idea is the
same. An activation or trigger strip is embedded into the pellet’s outer casing, which securely
holds the dry fire extinguishing agent inside. When the activator or trigger is exposed to
flames for more than a few seconds, the casing will burst open and disperse a cloud of
chemical powder in the immediate vicinity. A fire extinguishing pellet can usually put out the
flames in an area with a radius ranging between 4 and 5 meters. An audible warning such as a
bang or other loud noise is set inside in order to alert those nearby.
The devices work as passive protection (without human intervention) in 3 different ways:
• Flame detection – activation occurs when heat or flames are sensed by the trigger
• Alarm – a loud noise alerts those nearby that there is a fire
• Fire extinguisher – the dry chemical agent reacts quickly and effectively to suppress
the flames in the immediate area
This new concept of FFD provided to reduce the time to clear a building or find a distressed
inhabitant. This is also useful to help the Firefighters as well as to save their lives. The
sensors that are used to make this drone is also cost effective so that the price point of the
drone can below and affordable to the many underfunded fire fighter department.

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 EVALUATION

Monoammonium phosphate, also known as tri-class, multipurpose, or ABC dry chemical,

used on class A, B and C fires. It receives its class A rating from the agent's ability to melt
and flow at 200°C to smother the fire. More corrosive than other dry chemical agents. Pale
yellow in colour.
IDEA
The idea behind a dry chemical fire extinguisher is to blanket the fuel with an inert solid
(similar to dirt or sand). A dry chemical, monoammonium phosphate ((NH4)H2PO4). These
solid powders coat the fuel and smoothens the fire.
TO MAKE THE POWDER TO FLOW (in lower temperatures less than 200°C):
Silicone is added slowly and the whole mass continued mixing for another 30 to 45 minutes
or longer, to produce a homogeneous mixture wherein each of the particles are coated with
silicone resin. The mixture is then poured into the pellets and stored at room temperature (70°
F.) for approximately 12 hours or overnight to permit polymerization of the silicone. The next
day the dry, powder mixture is poured into the fire extinguishing container for distribution
and use. The addition of the superfine silica Substantially enhances the free-flowing
properties of the dry mixture. The fire extinguishing composition of the invention is
completely foam compatible, being free of long chain fatty acid salts, and permits the
composition to be used together with mechanical foam Such as may be discharged from other
type fire extinguishers, and without danger of destroying such foams.

PROPERTIES OF THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Properties

Chemical formula H6NO4P+silicone

Flow rate 50gm/sec

cost 25Rs/kg

ordor none

Density 1.10 g/cm3

Melting point 200 °C

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PROPERTIES OF PELLET

Dimensions -volume of pellet 628.261cm3

Material – alumina
Cost – 50Rs/kg
Density-3.95g/cm3
Melting point – 2072 c
Volume of pellet – 628.261cm3
Volume of alumina used 45cm3

PRODUCTION COST

Volume of pellet *density of mono ammonium phosphate=mass of mono ammonium

phosphate
628.261*1.10=691.0871 approx 700gm.
Cost of 700g dry chemical is 17.5 rs.
Volume of alumina used = 45cm3
Mass of alumina required for a pellet is 45*3.95=160gm
Cost of alumina for a pellet is = 8rs
So the manufacturing cost of pellet is 4.5Rs
Therefore total cost of pellet is 30Rs.
Therefore the total mass of the pellet is 860gms
By this based on the drone carrying capacity we can use the number of pellets.

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PROTOTYPE

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EVALUATION

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 CONCLUSION

Fire extinguishing pellets offer unique benefits and are often used in conjunction with other
more traditional fire extinguishers in order to provide additional protection and coverage in
homes and offices.
This type of device is maintenance free and will typically offer about five years of
dependable coverage before needing replacement. Traditional extinguishers need to be taken
care of and can become costly to maintain.
Fire extinguishing pellets are effective in a passive and active manner that is, mounted on the
wall and/or thrown or rolled into the flames. Flexibility and ease of use makes it a wise
choice for family homes. Although it is not generally recommended that the device be
actively used on a Class B fire, it can still be mounted for passive protection in areas where
there is a high risk of Class B fires.
When activated, the dry chemical fire extinguishing agent inside the device is typically non-
toxic and harmless to humans and animals.
Multiple fire extinguishing pellets can be rolled or thrown into a large fire to help control the
spread and get the flames to a more manageable level.
Although the device must be stored in interior locations so as to be protected from the
elements, it can be effectively used to actively fight fires outside as well.
Many of the models available on the market are simple to dispose of when their expiration
date has elapsed. The chemical agent is usually mono ammonium phosphate, which can be
safely used as garden fertilizer when mixed with water. And its plastic or foam outer core can
usually be recycled, depending on the specifications of your local recycling program.
Not intended to replace the standard fire extinguisher, but rather used to ensure additional
protection and safety against blazes, a fire extinguishing pellet is reliable, effective, and
provides worry-free protection around the clock. Consider including one or more in your
household fire safety plan.

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 REFERENCES

• Burchan Aydin, Emre Selvi, Jian Tao and Michael J. Starek, Use of Fire-Fighting Balls for a
Conceptual System of Drone-Assisted Wildfire Fighting MDPI, March 2019,
doi:10.3390/drones3010017.

• Manuj C., Adarsh M Rao, Rahul S, Suhas C N, Vismay K G, Design and Development of Semi-
Autonomous fire Fighting Drone Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering (IOSR-JMCE)
June 2019, e-ISSN: 2394-3343.

• Dr. Ronald T. Wakeham & Dr. John C. Griffith, Unmanned Aerial Systems in the Fire Service:
Concepts and Issues. JMER,June 2018, e- ISSN: 2536-8

• Abdulla Al-Kaff, Angel Madridano, Sergio Campos, Fernando Garcia, David Martin and Arturo
de la Escalera, Emergency Support Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Forest Fire Surveillance MDPI,
Sept 2019, doi10.3390/electronics9020260.

https://www.fire-extinguisher101.com/article1108-fire-extinguishing-ball.html

https://www.shreefireservices.co.in/mono-ammonium-phosphate-base-dry-chemical-powder.html

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350089829_Fire_Extinguisher_Drone

https://www.ijert.org/design-and-development-of-heavy-drone-for-fire-fighting-operation

https://flytnow.com/drone-fire-fighting/

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