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Post by firedude on Oct 21, 2010 5:00:12 GMT -5
What would happen if methane gas got into the creeks, rivers, or water systems. What would happen when we go to use the water that has methane gas in it to fight our fires? any ideas? this has been pressing on my mind. ;D
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Post by chief322 on Oct 21, 2010 17:50:35 GMT -5
You are my brother always...but are you seriously asking that question?
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Post by chief322 on Oct 22, 2010 19:26:42 GMT -5
Methane is present in just about every water source. Methane gas is a by product given off from a bacteria. To solve this problem would be the use of a chlorination system. That is why a municipal water system that has gone through a treatment facility doesn't show levels of methane. Creeks, rivers and streams, by nature contain methane gas. This is even compounded in waters that have a high agriculture presence surrounding the watershed. Excrement contains higher than normal levels of methane. Have you ever noticed "cow pocks" in creeks or ponds?
Lets remember that water, in its simplest form, is a chemical makeup of gasses that produce a liquid state when combined. Introduction of various other gasses, both flammable (methane) and inert (nitrogen) are always present. Normal, everyday breathing air contains a vast amount of nitrogen.
Static water sources that do not have the means to be aerrated or replentished with ambient air will have higher levels of "outside gases" such as methane. Creeks, streams and rivers are a moving body of water that incorporates air into it as it moves. Wells however, do not move and are pretty much sealed from outside influences.
The PPM in wells will always be greater than an exposed water source. Then remember the fire tex. Those PPM must be in a certain range to support combustion (another chemical reaction). We may have wells and ponds that are rich in prevalent methane and not even know it because the presense of the gas is to rich to burn.
From a fire department standpoint I think we are all safe. Especially if you are hitting the hydrant!
Tim
And I stayed at a holiday inn express last night!!!!!!!
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