Patrick Ladbrooke
In case of fire - pray!-7358
Invented in the 19th century, this type of extinguisher was filled with sodium bicarbonate solution. To operate, a plunger at the thick end was banged on the floor, smashing a glass phial of sulphuric acid inside the unit. The acid reacted violently with the bicarbonate and the carbon dioxide produced pressurised the container expelling the contents through the tapered nozzle. Best not to lean over it while operating the plunger then! Seen in the historical section of Snape Maltings, in its original position on the malting floor.
In case of fire - pray!-7358
Invented in the 19th century, this type of extinguisher was filled with sodium bicarbonate solution. To operate, a plunger at the thick end was banged on the floor, smashing a glass phial of sulphuric acid inside the unit. The acid reacted violently with the bicarbonate and the carbon dioxide produced pressurised the container expelling the contents through the tapered nozzle. Best not to lean over it while operating the plunger then! Seen in the historical section of Snape Maltings, in its original position on the malting floor.