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Pyrene Fire Extinguisher from the Pioneer Zephyr
Specifications
Pyrene Fire Extinguisher from the Pioneer Zephyr
Category
Agriculture and Environment
Classification
CHENHALL - Tools & Equipment for Science & Technology - Regulative & Protective T&E - Protective Devices - Device, Fire Protection - Extinguisher, Fire
Object Origin
Manufacturer:
Pyrene Manufacturing Company
Date Manufactured:
1934
Physical Characteristics
Object Description: Gold toned metal hand fire extinguisher mounted in a red metal box. Text, including manufacturer's information and use instructions, is engraved on the front of the extinguisher. "C.B.&Q.R.R." is stamped on the upper front, just below the nozzle.
Materials:
metal
Marks: At top: "Pyrene / FIRE / EXTINGUISHER / Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. / INSPECTED / 1 QUART HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER / CLASSIFICATION / B-2; C-2 / No V- 322523" At bottom: "Pyrene Manufacturing Company / NEWARKS / NEW JERSEY / ATLANTA / KANSAS CITY / SAN FRANCISCO / CHICAGO"
Measurements: Case:
Height: 15 in, Width: 5 in, Depth: 4 in
Weight: 6.4 lbs
Credit
Gift of Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, 60.14b
Display Status
On Exhibit
Pyrene Fire Extinguisher from the Pioneer Zephyr
About: Pyrene Fire Extinguisher from the Pioneer Zephyr
About: Pyrene Fire Extinguisher from the Pioneer Zephyr
This fire extinguisher features a hand-pump to spray carbon tetrachloride onto a fire, and was used on the diesel-powered Pioneer Zephyr train, famous for setting a speed record when it traveled from Denver to Chicago in 13 hours on May 26, 1934. Later studies found that Carbon Tetrachloride increases the risk of liver cancer and reacts with water at high temperatures to form highly toxic phosphene gas, resulting in its disuse in fire extinguishers by the 1950s.
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