150LB Wheeled Ansul Redline (MET-L-X Dry Chemical)

The Ansul Red Line CR-MX-150-C (Part No. 417269) is a 150 lb wheeled cartridge-operated fire extinguisher charged with MET-L-X dry powder — a sodium chloride-based agent specifically formulated for Class D combustible metal fires. It is the largest wheeled MET-L-X unit in the Red Line family and is built for industrial environments where magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, or sodium-potassium alloy fires are a credible hazard at a scale that hand-portable units cannot address. Standard dry chemical, water, CO2, and foam agents are all contraindicated on combustible metal fires — they either fail to suppress or cause violent secondary reactions. MET-L-X provides effective suppression through physical encapsulation without triggering these secondary hazards.

Note: The CR-MX-150-C is Not UL Listed. MET-L-X agent addresses a specialized Class D hazard that falls outside standard UL fire extinguisher test protocols. The absence of a UL listing reflects the nature of the Class D hazard, not a product deficiency. This unit is approved by UL and FM for its intended application. Consult your fire protection engineer and authorized Ansul distributor before specifying.

MET-L-X Agent and Class D Suppression

MET-L-X is a sodium chloride-based dry powder. When applied to burning combustible metal, the agent melts from the intense heat and forms a solid, oxygen-excluding crust over the surface of the burning material. This crust cuts off the air supply to the fire and provides a heat-absorbing barrier that cools the metal below its auto-ignition temperature. At 150 lbs of agent with a 65-second discharge time, the CR-MX-150-C delivers the volume required to achieve full coverage depth — typically 2 to 4 inches — over a large metal fire incident.

Red Line Wheeled Platform Features

• Cartridge-Operated Reliability: The nitrogen propellant is stored in a separate attached cylinder. The agent tank remains at atmospheric pressure during standby, preventing agent packing in the heavy sodium chloride powder and ensuring full discharge reliability after extended standby periods.
• 50-Foot Hose: The 3/4 in. x 50 ft discharge hose allows the operator to position the unit at safe standoff distance from the burning metal and work from the perimeter inward.
• Corrosion-Resistant Construction: The CR designation indicates the corrosion-resistant finish — epoxy paint over polyester powder coat with black anodized fill cap and nozzle body — for long service life in harsh industrial environments.
• Self-Contained: No pressure regulator required. Direct nitrogen transfer from the attached cylinder to the agent tank simplifies activation and reduces maintenance complexity.
• On-Site Recharge: After any discharge, the unit can be recharged on-site by a certified technician without shop pressurization equipment. Recharge only with Ansul-approved MET-L-X dry powder agent.

The CR-MX-150-C is specified for facilities where large-scale Class D combustible metal fires are a credible hazard:

• Magnesium Die Casting and Foundries: Large-volume magnesium processing where a hand-portable MET-L-X unit would be insufficient to cover a full melt spill or casting area fire.
• Titanium and Zirconium Fabrication: Aerospace and industrial manufacturing operations where fine swarf accumulations or bulk material fires require the agent volume of a wheeled unit.
• Alkali Metal Processing: Facilities storing or processing sodium, potassium, or Na-K alloys at industrial scale where fire events can involve significant metal mass.
• Mining Operations: Underground and surface mining in environments where reactive metal hazards exist and field recharge capability is essential for remote operations.
• Heavy Manufacturing: Large industrial operations with documented Class D hazard exposures where wheeled unit mobility and 150 lb capacity are required by the hazard assessment.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the CR-MX-150-C must follow a documented maintenance schedule with additional considerations for the specialized MET-L-X agent:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the nitrogen cylinder valve is closed and the safety seal is intact. Confirm the 50-foot hose is properly stored and undamaged, and inspection tags are current.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must inspect all components, verify the nitrogen cylinder condition, check the hose assembly and nozzle, and confirm MET-L-X agent has not packed or caked. Document on the inspection tag.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal and cylinder interior inspection. Recharge only with Ansul-approved MET-L-X dry powder — do not substitute any other dry powder or dry chemical agent.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The agent tank must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing per NFPA 10 and DOT requirements.
• Operator Training: Personnel must be specifically trained on MET-L-X application technique. The agent must be gently applied to encapsulate the burning metal — high-velocity discharge will scatter burning material and worsen the incident.

Why is this unit Not UL Listed?

UL's standard fire extinguisher listing programs test against Class A, B, and C fire scenarios. Class D combustible metal fires are outside the scope of those test protocols. The CR-MX-150-C is UL and FM approved for its intended application — the Not UL Listed notation refers to the absence of a standard fire class rating, not a product quality issue.

What is the difference between MET-L-X and LITH-X?

MET-L-X is a sodium chloride-based dry powder effective on magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, potassium, and Na-K alloy fires. LITH-X is a graphite-based dry powder specifically formulated for lithium metal fires, and also effective on zirconium, titanium, and Na-K. If your primary hazard is lithium metal, specify the CR-I-LX-150-C (LITH-X) wheeled model. If your primary hazard is magnesium, titanium, or alkali metals other than lithium, MET-L-X is the correct agent.

How do I operate this wheeled unit on a metal fire?

Wheel the unit to within hose reach of the fire and unroll the 50-foot discharge hose. Open the nitrogen cylinder valve to pressurize the agent tank. Using the nozzle, gently apply the MET-L-X agent to the edge of the burning metal mass and work inward, building a complete crust layer over the entire surface. Do not apply agent in a high-velocity stream that would scatter burning material — the goal is a continuous, undisturbed crust.