150LB Wheeled Ansul Redline (Lith-X Dry Chemical)

The Ansul Red Line 150 lb (CR-I-LX-150-C) is a heavy-duty, wheeled fire suppression unit engineered specifically for the most volatile industrial hazards: Class D combustible metal fires. In facilities handling lithium, magnesium, sodium, or potassium, a standard fire extinguisher is not just ineffective—it is a detonator. Water, foam, and even ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher agents can cause violent explosions or hydrogen gas releases when they contact burning metals.

The CR-I-LX-150-C solves this by utilizing Lith-X, a graphite-based agent that smothers and cools metal fires without reactive consequences. As part of the legendary Red Line series, this unit utilizes a cartridge-operated design. By isolating the nitrogen propellant in an external cylinder, the Lith-X agent remains unpressurized during standby. This prevents the "packing" or "caking" of the specialized graphite powder, ensuring 100% discharge reliability.

The Science of Lith-X: Sintering and Heat Dissipation

1. The Sintering Process (Crust Formation)

Lith-X is a graphite-based agent containing specialized additives. When it contacts a burning metal (which can exceed 5,000°F), the agent undergoes a phase change called "Sintering." The particles melt together to form a solid, oxygen-impermeable crust. This crust excludes the atmosphere, starving the fire of oxygen. This is a primary reason fire equipment companies specify Lith-X for lithium-processing plants.

2. Thermal Conductivity and Heat Sinking

Graphite is an excellent conductor of heat. Unlike other agents that simply "blanket" a fire, Lith-X acts as a massive thermal heat sink. It draws the intense heat away from the molten metal and dissipates it through the crust, helping to bring the metal below its auto-ignition temperature faster than any other types of fire extinguishers for Class D hazards.

3. Low-Velocity Discharge Physics

A high-pressure discharge on a molten metal fire would blast burning liquid metal across the facility. The CR-I-LX-150-C features a specialized Low-Velocity Nozzle. This allows the operator to "pour" the 150 lbs of agent onto the fire, building the protective crust gently without disturbing the hazard or causing a "splatter" effect.

Why the 150 lb Lith-X Unit is the "Battery Plant Standard"

• Lithium-Specific Engineering: With the global rise in lithium battery manufacturing, the need for Lith-X has never been greater. While other wholesale fire equipment agents (like Sodium Chloride) are effective on some metals, Lith-X was specifically formulated for the unique challenges of lithium fires.
• Cartridge-Operated Reliability: In a high-vibration manufacturing environment, stored-pressure units can lose charge. The Red Line external cartridge design ensures that the agent is "flushed" and fluidized by the nitrogen propellant at the moment of activation.
• Extended Suppression Duration: A 150 lb agent capacity provides the "Stay-Power" required for large metal spills. Because metal fires often require a thick layer of agent (sometimes 2 to 4 inches deep), the high capacity of the wheeled fire extinguisher is essential.

The Ansul CR-I-LX-150-C is the primary choice for "High-Hazard" metallurgical zones where portable fire protection is mandatory:

• Lithium-Ion Battery Manufacturing: Protecting raw material storage and processing areas.
• Aerospace Foundries: Safeguarding magnesium and titanium casting operations.
• CNC Machining Facilities: Providing a mobile defense for shops that mill reactive metals where metal dust can lead to flash fires.
• Chemical Research Labs: Essential for facilities handling alkali metals (Sodium, Potassium) in bulk.

Manufacturer	Ansul (A Johnson Controls Brand)
Model Number	CR-I-LX-150-C
Agent Type	Lith-X (Graphite-Based)
Fire Class	Class D Fire Extinguisher
Operation Type	Cartridge Operated (External Nitrogen)
Nozzle Type	Specialized Low-Velocity Nozzle

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance and ensure your facility passes its fire inspection, the CR-I-LX-150-C must follow a strict protocol:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify tires are properly inflated and the nitrogen cartridge safety seal is intact. Check that the fire safety sign for Class D hazards is properly displayed.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must conduct an internal inspection. This is a more technical process than simply checking fire extinguisher inspection stickers on a standard office unit.
• Specialized Training: Personnel must be specifically trained on the "application technique" of Lith-X. Unlike a home fire extinguisher, the goal is not to "blast" but to "encapsulate."
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: Mandatory to verify the structural integrity of the steel pressure vessel.

Where can I find a fire equipment company for Lith-X agent?
You must visit a specialized fire equipment store or an authorized Ansul dealer. Standard fire supply store outlets typically do not stock 150 lb containers of Lith-X graphite.

Can I use this on an electrical fire?
Lith-X is not a Class C fire extinguisher. While graphite is a conductor, the low-velocity nozzle and agent density make it unsuitable for electrical fires. Always ensure your fire safety material clearly distinguishes your Class D units from other types.

How do I use the PASS method fire extinguisher technique on this?
The PASS acronym for fire extinguisher use is adapted for wheeled units: Open the nitrogen cylinder, Aim the low-velocity nozzle at the edge of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Pour (Sweep) the agent to create a complete seal.