20LB Ansul Redline Cartridge (Purple K)

The Ansul Red Line RL-PK-20-G (Part No. 445452) is a 20 lb cartridge-operated hand-portable fire extinguisher charged with Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) dry chemical — the most effective dry chemical agent for Class B flammable liquid fires. Rated 80-B:C, it is built for high-hazard industrial environments where flammable liquid and electrical fire risk is the primary credible hazard, and where the reliability, durability, and field serviceability of the Red Line platform matter more than the upfront cost of a stored-pressure alternative.

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is approximately twice as effective per pound as sodium bicarbonate (PLUS-FIFTY C) on Class B fires, giving the RL-PK-20-G a meaningfully higher suppression rating than a PLUS-FIFTY C unit of the same size. The current RL-PK-20-G production model includes corrosion-resistant paint as standard, along with black anodized hardware — hose couplings, fill cap, carrying handle, nozzle body, nozzle lever, nozzle tip, and push lever — and a ring pin for added protection against accidental discharge. Every unit is equipped with a low-temperature nitrogen cartridge rated to -65°F, making it suitable for unheated outdoor enclosures and cold-climate industrial operations. It carries a 12-year limited warranty and is UL, ULC, FM, and USCG approved.

Purple K Agent and BC Suppression

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) suppresses Class B and C fires by rapidly interrupting the chemical chain reaction in the flame zone. The agent discharges as a dense cloud that knocks down fire quickly and effectively on gasoline, fuel oil, hydraulic fluid, solvents, and other flammable liquid fires, and its non-conductive properties make it safe for use on energized electrical equipment. Because it is a BC-only agent, it does not suppress Class A ordinary combustible fires — for environments where Class A coverage is also required, the FORAY (ABC) version of the 20 lb Red Line is the correct specification.

Red Line Platform Features

• Corrosion-Resistant Paint: Standard on all current RL-PK-20-G units — corrosion-resistant paint finish on the carbon steel cylinder provides enhanced protection in demanding industrial and marine environments.
• Black Anodized Hardware: All external metal components including hose couplings, fill cap, handle, nozzle body, nozzle lever, nozzle tip, and push lever are black anodized for corrosion resistance and durability.
• Ring Pin: The ring pin provides added protection against accidental discharge — a standard feature on current production units designed for environments where accidental actuation is a concern.
• Low-Temperature Nitrogen Cartridge: Factory-installed nitrogen cartridge rated to -65°F ensures reliable operation in cold-climate industrial environments and unheated outdoor storage locations.
• Cartridge-Operated Reliability: Agent and propellant stored separately. The agent tank remains at atmospheric pressure until activation, eliminating slow-leak pressure loss and making every moving part accessible for annual maintenance inspection.
• Field Recharge: Can be recharged on-site by a certified technician using Ansul-approved Purple K dry chemical without shop pressurization equipment.
• Metal Cartridge Guard Option: A field-installable metal cartridge guard is available as a distributor option on the 20 lb model, protecting the nitrogen cartridge from physical damage in tough environments.
• 12-Year Limited Warranty: Ansul's 12-year limited warranty from date of delivery.

The RL-PK-20-G is specified for high-hazard environments where Class B flammable liquid fires are the dominant credible hazard:

• Fuel Loading Racks and Storage Areas: Petroleum terminals, fuel depots, and fuel transfer operations where flammable liquid spill fires are the primary risk and maximum per-pound BC suppression efficiency is the correct specification.
• Oil Pumping Stations and Production Lines: Oil and gas process facilities where high-performance BC suppression needs to be immediately accessible at key staging locations.
• Chemical and Petrochemical Plants: Process areas with flammable solvent and chemical hazards requiring high-capacity BC portable protection with proven reliability.
• Aviation Ground Support: Aircraft fueling operations and flight line equipment where Purple K's rapid knockdown on aviation fuel fires makes it the agent of choice over sodium bicarbonate alternatives.
• Mining Operations: The Red Line's field recharge capability and low-temperature performance make it practical for remote mining sites where a service shop visit to recharge is impractical.
• Marine Vessels: USCG approved with the proper bracket. The corrosion-resistant paint and anodized hardware make the current RL-PK-20-G well suited for the marine environment without requiring the full CR (corrosion-resistant) model.
• Heavy Construction and Fleet Vehicles: Equipment fuel areas and generator zones on large construction sites and fleet operations where Purple K's BC performance at 20 lb capacity is the right balance of weight and suppression power.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the RL-PK-20-G must follow a documented maintenance schedule:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact, the ring pin is in place and the tamper seal is unbroken, and the unit is in its designated location. Confirm inspection tags are current and the hose and nozzle are free of obstruction.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must inspect all components — the cartridge-operated design makes every moving part accessible for this purpose. Verify nitrogen cartridge condition, check the hose and nozzle assembly, and confirm Purple K agent has not packed. Document on the inspection tag.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal, cylinder interior inspection, and component replacement as needed. Recharge only with Ansul-approved Purple K dry chemical.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The carbon steel agent tank must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements to verify structural integrity.

What is the difference between the RL-PK-20-G and the MIL-RP-K-20-E?

Both are 20 lb Purple K cartridge-operated units with 80-B:C ratings and UL, ULC, FM, USCG approvals. The MIL-RP-K-20-E meets military specification requirements and uses a ring-pin (RP) actuation design configured for mil-spec vehicle and vessel applications, and it ships with a mounting bracket. The RL-PK-20-G is the standard commercial Red Line model — the correct specification for industrial, commercial, and marine applications that do not require mil-spec certification. Both are field rechargeable with the same Purple K agent.

Why choose Purple K over PLUS-FIFTY C in a 20 lb Red Line unit?

Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is approximately twice as effective per pound as PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) on Class B flammable liquid fires. A 20 lb Purple K unit rated 80-B:C delivers meaningfully more Class B suppression than a 20 lb PLUS-FIFTY C unit of the same size. If your primary hazard is flammable liquid fires, Purple K is the higher-performance specification. PLUS-FIFTY C is a cost-effective BC alternative when maximum per-pound efficiency is not the driving selection criterion.

Can this unit suppress Class A fires?

No. Purple K is a BC-only agent. For environments where ordinary combustibles — wood, paper, packaging materials — coexist alongside flammable liquid and electrical hazards, specify the FORAY (ABC) variant of the 20 lb Red Line instead. Never rely on a BC-rated extinguisher as the sole fire protection for an area with significant Class A fuel load.