30LB Ansul Redline Cartridge (LITH-X)
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Wholesale PricingThe Ansul Red Line LX-I-30-G is a specialized, cartridge-operated fire extinguisher engineered for Class D combustible metal fires. In facilities handling lithium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium, a standard extinguisher is not only ineffective — it can be dangerous. Common agents like water or CO2 can trigger violent exothermic reactions or hydrogen explosions on burning metals. The LX-I-30-G uses LITH-X, a graphite-based agent that smothers and cools metal fires through physical encapsulation rather than chemical reaction.
As part of the Red Line cartridge-operated series, this unit uses an external nitrogen cartridge to keep the agent and propellant separated during standby. The dense graphite powder remains unpressurized until the moment of activation, preventing the packing that can occur with heavy dry powders in stored-pressure units. When the plunger is struck, the nitrogen fluidizes the agent for a reliable, consistent discharge. With a 30 lb capacity, the LX-I-30-G is the largest hand-portable LITH-X unit in the Red Line family and the definitive choice for industrial operations handling lithium, titanium, zirconium, and high-melting-point metal hazards.
The Science of LITH-X: Sintering and Thermal Dissipation
1. Sintering and Crust Formation
LITH-X is a graphite-based agent containing specialized additives. When applied to burning metal — which can exceed 5,000°F — the agent undergoes sintering, a process where particles melt together to form a solid, oxygen-excluding crust over the fuel surface. This crust cuts off the atmosphere from the burning metal, stopping the combustion reaction without a chemical interaction that could cause a secondary hazard.
2. Thermal Heat Sinking
Graphite is an exceptional thermal conductor. Unlike agents that simply blanket a fire, LITH-X acts as a heat sink, drawing intense heat away from the molten metal and dissipating it through the surface of the crust. This helps bring the metal below its auto-ignition temperature — a critical step in preventing re-ignition of the cooled metal mass.
3. Low-Velocity Discharge Physics
A high-pressure discharge on a molten metal fire would blast burning liquid metal across the facility. The LX-I-30-G is designed for a low-velocity discharge, allowing the operator to apply the agent gently onto the burning surface to build the protective layer without causing splatter of the molten material.
Why the Red Line LX-I-30-G is the Industrial Standard for Class D Protection
- Lithium-Specific Suppression: As EV production scales, bulk lithium fire risk has grown significantly. LITH-X handles the unique, high-intensity burn characteristics of lithium metal, which remains reactive even under some standard dry powder agents.
- Cartridge-Operated Reliability: The external cartridge ensures the agent is only pressurized at the moment of need, eliminating slow pressure loss during standby and allowing on-site recharge without shop equipment.
- Industrial Build Quality: Carbon steel cylinder with polyester powder coat finish, built to withstand the aggressive atmospheres of foundries and chemical processing environments through its full 12-year service life.
The Ansul LX-I-30-G is the primary choice for high-heat metallurgical zones where specialized Class D fire protection is required:
- Lithium Battery Manufacturing: Protecting raw material handling areas where bulk lithium metal is stored and processed before cell assembly.
- Aerospace Foundries: Safeguarding magnesium and titanium casting and machining operations where metal swarf and fine particulate create Class D fire risk.
- CNC Machining Centers: Providing portable Class D defense for shops that mill reactive alloys and generate combustible metal dust.
- Chemical Research Laboratories: Essential for facilities handling alkali metals such as sodium and potassium where contact with air or moisture creates spontaneous ignition risk.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ansul (A Johnson Controls Brand) |
| Model Number | LX-I-30-G |
| Unit Type | Cartridge-Operated Hand Portable |
| Agent Type | LITH-X (Graphite-Based Dry Powder) |
| Fire Class | Class D (Lithium, Zirconium, Titanium, Sodium, Potassium, Na-K Alloys) |
| Capacity | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
| UL/ULC Rating | Refer to Nameplate (Not UL Listed for fire class) |
To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the LX-I-30-G must follow a strict maintenance protocol:
- Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact. Check the nozzle screen to ensure it is not clogged with shop dust or debris. Confirm inspection tags are current.
- Annual Professional Maintenance: A certified technician must verify the agent's condition and fluidity. The cartridge-operated design makes every moving part accessible for this inspection.
- 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal and replacement with Ansul-approved LITH-X dry powder.
- 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The carbon steel cylinder must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements.
- Specialized Operator Training: Personnel must be trained specifically on LITH-X application technique. Unlike ABC extinguishers where the goal is to sweep the base of the fire, LITH-X must be gently applied to encapsulate the burning metal — not blasted at it.
What happens if I use water on a lithium metal fire?
Water reacts violently with burning lithium, causing an immediate exothermic reaction that releases flammable hydrogen gas. This results in an explosion that intensifies the fire and disperses burning material. Always use a dedicated Class D agent like LITH-X on lithium metal fires — water, foam, CO2, and standard dry chemical agents are all contraindicated.
Is this the same as a sodium chloride extinguisher?
No. Sodium chloride-based agents (such as MET-L-X) are effective on magnesium, sodium, titanium, and zirconium fires. LITH-X is graphite-based and is the preferred agent specifically for lithium fires, as well as for zirconium, titanium, and sodium-potassium alloys. If your facility handles multiple Class D metal types, consult a fire protection engineer to determine whether one agent covers all your hazards or whether multiple agents are required.
Can I get a bracket or wall mount for the 30 lb LX-I-30-G?
Yes. Due to the weight of approximately 60 lbs fully charged, a heavy-duty wall mount bracket is recommended. A specialized vehicle bracket is available if the unit is being deployed on mobile service equipment. Consult your authorized Ansul distributor for the correct bracket part numbers for your installation.
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