350LB Wheeled Ansul Redline (Plus Fifty Dry Chemical)

The Ansul Red Line CR-I-350-C is a 350 lb wheeled cartridge-operated fire extinguisher charged with PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) dry chemical agent. It is built for high-hazard industrial environments where flammable liquid and electrical fire risk is present at a scale that no hand-portable unit can address. With a UL/ULC rating of 240-B:C, it delivers substantial Class B and C suppression from a single self-contained unit that one trained operator can deploy and maneuver to the source of the fire.

The CR-I-350-C is the sodium bicarbonate variant of the Red Line 350 lb C Model family. PLUS-FIFTY C is a proven BC agent well suited for fuel storage areas, loading docks, chemical plants, and other environments where flammable liquid and electrical hazards dominate. The unit is completely self-contained — an attached nitrogen cylinder is the only pressure source required to fully expel all 350 lbs of agent. The pressure remaining in the tank after discharge is sufficient to purge the hose of residual chemical.

Agent and Suppression Mechanics

PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) suppresses Class B and C fires by interrupting the chemical chain reaction in the flame zone. The agent discharges as a dense cloud that knocks down fire rapidly by breaking the free-radical combustion cycle. While Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is approximately twice as effective per pound on Class B fires, PLUS-FIFTY C is a proven workhorse agent for large-volume industrial applications where agent cost and availability are factors in system design.

Red Line C Model Platform

• Large Diameter Steel Wheels: The wheel centerline is located close to the center of gravity for balance and easy one-person maneuvering to the source of the fire.
• Two-Position Ball Valve Nozzle: The aluminum nozzle barrel provides a solid, round agent stream. The ball valve allows the operator to stop and restart discharge during an approach.
• Indicator Fill Cap: A red stem indicator pops up when the unit is pressurized, giving an immediate visual confirmation of readiness.
• On-Site Recharge: The cartridge-operated design allows field recharge without shop equipment — a critical advantage for remote industrial facilities.

The CR-I-350-C is suited for high-hazard environments where large-scale flammable liquid fires are a credible risk:

• Fuel Storage and Loading Terminals: Protecting tank farms, loading racks, and transfer areas where fuel spills can escalate rapidly.
• Chemical Plants: Providing high-volume BC suppression for solvent and flammable chemical storage and process areas.
• Offshore Platforms: Deck areas and engine rooms where flammable liquid fires in confined spaces require immediate high-volume response.
• Heavy Manufacturing: Protecting dip tanks, quench tanks, paint spray booths, and industrial processes with significant flammable liquid exposure.
• Airports: Aircraft fueling areas and ground support equipment zones where rapid knockdown of fuel fires is non-negotiable.

To maintain NFPA 10 compliance, the CR-I-350-C must follow a documented maintenance schedule:

• Monthly Visual Inspection: Verify the indicator fill cap shows no pressurization (unit should be at rest), the nitrogen cylinder safety seal is intact, wheels are undamaged and tires are inflated, and the hose and nozzle are free of damage or obstruction. Confirm inspection tags are current.
• Annual Maintenance: A certified technician must inspect all internal components, verify nitrogen cylinder condition, check the hose assembly, and confirm the agent has not caked or packed. Document on the inspection tag.
• 6-Year Internal Examination: Full internal inspection per NFPA 10 including agent removal, cylinder interior inspection, and component replacement as needed before recharge.
• 12-Year Hydrostatic Test: The welded steel agent tank must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing to verify structural integrity of the vessel.

What is the difference between PLUS-FIFTY C and Purple K?

Both are BC dry chemical agents that suppress Class B and C fires by interrupting the flame's chemical chain reaction. Purple K (potassium bicarbonate) is approximately twice as effective per pound on Class B fires, making it the preferred choice for maximum suppression density. PLUS-FIFTY C (sodium bicarbonate) is a reliable, widely available alternative for large-volume BC applications where cost and agent availability factor into the selection. Neither agent is rated for Class A fires.

Can one person operate the CR-I-350-C?

Yes. The Red Line C Model is specifically designed for single-operator deployment. The wheel centerline is positioned near the center of gravity to make maneuvering manageable, and the nitrogen valve and discharge nozzle are designed for straightforward one-person operation.

How is the unit recharged after discharge?

The cartridge-operated design allows on-site recharge by a certified fire equipment technician without requiring shop pressurization equipment. Replace the nitrogen cylinder, refill the agent tank, and verify all seals before returning to service. This is a major logistical advantage for remote facilities.