150LB Wheeled Ansul Redline (Lith-X Dry Chemical)
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Wholesale PricingThe Ansul Red Line CR-I-LX-150-C is a heavy-duty, wheeled fire suppression unit engineered specifically for Class D combustible metal fires. In facilities handling lithium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium, a standard extinguisher is not just ineffective — it is dangerous. Water, foam, and ABC dry chemical agents can cause violent explosions or hydrogen gas releases when they contact burning metals. The CR-I-LX-150-C addresses this by utilizing 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 series, this unit uses a cartridge-operated design. The nitrogen propellant is stored in a separate external cylinder, keeping the LITH-X agent unpressurized during standby. This prevents the packing or caking of the specialized graphite powder — a critical reliability feature for a unit that may sit in standby for extended periods before being needed. The 150 lb agent capacity provides the volume required to cover large metal fire incidents where multiple inches of agent depth over the burning surface are needed to achieve full suppression and prevent re-ignition.
The Science of LITH-X: Sintering and Heat Dissipation
1. Sintering and Crust Formation
LITH-X is a graphite-based agent containing specialized additives. When it contacts burning metal — which can exceed 5,000°F — the agent undergoes sintering. The particles melt together to form a solid, oxygen-impermeable crust over the surface of the burning material. This crust excludes the atmosphere, cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire without causing the violent secondary reactions that water or standard dry chemical agents produce.
2. Thermal Conductivity and Heat Sinking
Graphite is an excellent conductor of heat. Unlike agents that simply blanket a fire, LITH-X acts as a thermal 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 to prevent re-ignition of the cooled mass.
3. Low-Velocity Discharge Physics
A high-pressure discharge on a molten metal fire would blast burning material across the facility. The CR-I-LX-150-C features a specialized low-velocity nozzle that allows the operator to apply the agent gently onto the burning surface, building the protective crust layer by layer without disturbing or scattering the hazard.
Why the 150 LB LITH-X Wheeled Unit is the Battery Plant Standard
- Lithium-Specific Engineering: With the global rise in lithium battery manufacturing, LITH-X has become the primary agent specified for lithium metal fire hazards. The 150 lb wheeled capacity provides the agent volume required for the large-scale lithium fires that can occur in bulk storage and processing areas.
- Cartridge-Operated Reliability: The Red Line external cartridge design ensures the agent is fluidized by the nitrogen propellant at the moment of activation, preventing the packing that can occur in stored-pressure units subjected to vibration.
- Extended Suppression Capacity: Metal fires often require 2 to 4 inches of agent depth over the entire burning surface to achieve full suppression. The 150 lb capacity provides the volume needed for large metal spill incidents.
The Ansul CR-I-LX-150-C is the primary choice for high-hazard metallurgical zones where mobile Class D fire protection is required:
- Lithium Battery Manufacturing: Protecting raw material storage and processing areas where bulk lithium is handled and the risk of large-scale metal fires is highest.
- Aerospace Foundries: Safeguarding magnesium and titanium casting operations where metal swarf and large melt volumes create significant Class D hazards.
- CNC Machining Facilities: Providing mobile Class D defense for shops milling reactive metals where fine metal dust creates flash fire risk.
- Chemical Research Laboratories: Essential for facilities handling alkali metals such as sodium and potassium in bulk quantities where a hand-portable unit would be insufficient.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Ansul (A Johnson Controls Brand) |
| Model Number | CR-I-LX-150-C |
| Unit Type | Wheeled Cartridge-Operated Extinguisher |
| Agent Type | LITH-X (Graphite-Based Dry Powder) |
| Fire Class | Class D (Combustible Metals) |
| Agent Capacity | 150 lbs (68 kg) |
| Propellant | External Nitrogen Cartridge |
| Nozzle Type | Specialized Low-Velocity Nozzle |
| UL/ULC Rating | Not UL Listed (Class D — outside standard UL test protocols) |
| Certifications | NFPA 10 Compliant |
To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the CR-I-LX-150-C must follow a strict maintenance protocol:
- Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify tires are properly inflated and the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact. Confirm inspection tags are current and the low-velocity nozzle is free of obstruction.
- Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must conduct an internal inspection, verify nitrogen cartridge condition, and confirm LITH-X agent condition. Only Ansul-approved LITH-X graphite agent may be used for recharge — do not substitute any other dry powder agent.
- Specialized Operator Training: Personnel must be specifically trained on LITH-X application technique. The goal is to gently encapsulate the burning metal — not to blast it. Improper discharge technique can scatter burning metal and worsen the incident.
- 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal and cylinder interior inspection.
- 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory to verify the structural integrity of the steel pressure vessel.
Where can I find LITH-X agent and service for this unit?
Contact a specialized fire equipment provider or authorized Ansul dealer. LITH-X graphite agent is a specialized product not stocked at general fire supply outlets — confirm availability before ordering to ensure timely recharge after any deployment.
Can I use LITH-X on an electrical fire?
No. LITH-X is a Class D agent only. Graphite is electrically conductive, and the low-velocity nozzle is not designed for electrical fire suppression. Always use a Class C rated agent (CO2, dry chemical, or clean agent) on energized electrical equipment fires.
How do I operate this wheeled unit on a metal fire?
Wheel the unit to within hose reach of the fire and unroll the discharge hose. Open the nitrogen cartridge valve to pressurize the agent tank. Using the low-velocity nozzle, gently apply the LITH-X agent to the edge of the burning mass and work inward, building a complete crust layer over the surface. The goal is a continuous, undisturbed crust — do not sweep aggressively as this will scatter burning metal.
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