A team of electrical engineering graduates from the University of Mindanao has developed an innovative device that uses sound waves to extinguish fires before they spread. Named the “portable fire exterminator using shock waves,” this invention operates by emitting sound vibrations that can quickly suppress flames.
Engineer Francis James Bagol, along with his colleagues, designed the device to target small, emerging fires. According to Bagol in an interview with GMA Integrated News, the device’s advantage lies in its ability to be mounted on ceilings, where it can detect and respond to fires automatically. “The device can extinguish fires as soon as they start,” Bagol shared, explaining that they meticulously studied the sound wave range and energy efficiency to create a focused shock wave powerful enough to put out flames instantly.
According to the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the device is particularly useful in enclosed spaces filled with electrical equipment, where traditional water-based fire extinguishers pose risks. It is equipped with a fire sensor that activates the sound wave upon detecting heat, putting out fires within seconds depending on the type of fuel involved.
The shock wave travels through a barrel, intensifying before reaching the flame, allowing the device to perform at a safe noise level of 80 decibels, which is below the risk threshold of 85 decibels. It’s also eco-friendly, leaving no chemical residue.
This device earned first place in the 2021 Department of Science and Technology’s Regional Invention Contest and second place at the 2022 National Invention Contest, highlighting its potential to enhance fire safety in various settings.
