30LB Amerex B570 - Sodium Chloride Chemical Class D Fire Extinguisher - OEM

The Amerex B570 is a 30 lb Class D dry powder fire extinguisher engineered for combustible metal fires — one of the most dangerous fire scenarios in the industrial world. Ordinary extinguishing agents such as water or CO2 are not only ineffective on Class D hazards but can be catastrophically dangerous, causing violent explosions or hydrogen gas releases. The Amerex B570 uses a specialized sodium chloride-based dry powder to safely encapsulate and extinguish burning metals without triggering secondary reactions.

Designed for high-risk environments like aerospace foundries, CNC machining centers, and research laboratories, the B570 is a special hazard tool specifically formulated for magnesium, sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium alloys (NaK). When your facility works with reactive metals, the Amerex B570 is not just an option — it is a code-mandated necessity for life safety and property protection.

The Physics of Suppression: Sintering and the Heat-Absorbing Crust

• Thermal Conductivity Management: Combustible metals burn at temperatures exceeding 5,000°F. The sodium chloride agent acts as a heat sink, drawing thermal energy away from the metal and slowing the combustion reaction.
• Oxygen Exclusion: As the agent is applied, the salt particles undergo a phase change, melting together to form a solid, oxygen-proof crust that adheres to the burning metal and prevents the wicking effect that allows metal fires to spread.
• Prevention of Re-Ignition: The crust remains intact long after discharge, preventing molten metal from re-igniting upon exposure to air — a common failure point with generic suppression agents applied to Class D fires.

The Soft-Flow Advantage: Engineered for Operator Safety

• Non-Dispersing Application: High-pressure discharge from a standard unit would blast burning metal shavings (swarf) across the facility. The B570's soft-flow extension wand allows the powder to fall gently onto the fire, building the protective crust without disturbing the hazard.
• Safety Stand-Off Zone: Metal fires emit intense UV radiation and toxic fumes. The long extension wand allows the operator to maintain a safe distance while ensuring precise agent placement.
• Versatile Discharge: For fires requiring greater reach, the extension applicator can be detached, allowing a straight-stream discharge for fires inside a large foundry furnace or on a high shelf.

The Amerex B570 is the specified choice for facilities dealing with reactive metal hazards:

• Aerospace and Defense: Essential for protecting titanium and magnesium components used in aircraft engine assemblies and structural fabrication.
• CNC Machining and Fabrication: Protecting shops from swarf fires — the highly flammable metal shavings produced during milling of reactive alloys.
• Foundries and Die-Casting: Providing the primary first-response tool for molten metal spills and casting area fires.
• Automotive Manufacturing: Protecting production lines for magnesium engine blocks and reactive alloy components.

Because the B570 protects against extreme hazards, it requires a rigorous maintenance cycle as dictated by NFPA 10:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: In industrial shops, dust and debris buildup is a concern. The extension wand and nozzle must be clear of metal shavings and obstructions. Ensure each unit has a legible, current inspection label.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must verify that the sodium chloride powder is free-flowing. Heavy machinery vibration can cause packing over time — a packed agent will not discharge correctly in an emergency.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: The unit must be fully inspected internally per NFPA 10 and recharged with fresh sodium chloride dry powder.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: A high-pressure test to verify the structural integrity of the steel cylinder, required by NFPA 10 and DOT.

What is the difference between the B570 and the B571?

The B570 uses sodium chloride dry powder and is the general-purpose Class D unit for magnesium, sodium, potassium, and NaK alloy fires. The B571 uses a copper-based agent specifically designed for lithium fires. If your facility handles multiple reactive metal types including lithium, consult with your fire protection engineer to determine whether you need both units staged in separate hazard zones.

How does the cost compare to a standard ABC extinguisher?

Class D units carry a higher upfront cost than standard ABC models, but for facilities working with reactive metals, they are not optional — NFPA 10 and most AHJs require Class D protection wherever combustible metal hazards are present. Without the correct agent, a metal fire can become an uncontainable event regardless of how many standard extinguishers are staged nearby.

Where can I find the B570 and compatible accessories?

Always source specialized Class D equipment from a certified fire equipment provider. If you need a fire extinguisher cabinet to protect the B570 and its extension wand from industrial grime and physical damage, ensure the cabinet is sized correctly for the 30 lb cylinder and the length of the extension applicator.