Startup Proposes Infrasound Fire Suppression as Sprinkler Alternative

A new startup, Sonic Fire Tech, is commercializing a system that uses infrasound waves to extinguish fires. The company recently demonstrated its technology in Concord, California. During the demonstration, a kitchen fire was extinguished by infrasound waves emitted from wall-mounted devices.

The science behind acoustic fire suppression involves vibrating oxygen molecules away from a fire's fuel source. This action deprives the fire of the oxygen needed for combustion. This method has been documented in scientific literature and the press for some time.

Sonic Fire Tech aims to replace traditional sprinkler systems with its infrasound technology. Sprinklers can cause significant water damage, particularly in environments like data centers or homes. The company's goal is to implement this technology in both commercial and residential settings. They also envision a backpack-based system for wildland firefighters.

Geoff Bruder, co-founder and CEO of Sonic Fire Tech, stated that the company developed a way to distribute infrasound through ducting, similar to a sprinkler system. The company claims its system activates in milliseconds, disrupting combustion before flames spread. This contrasts with traditional sprinklers, which activate after a heat threshold is met and can release large volumes of water.

However, two experts expressed skepticism about the technology's ability to replace traditional sprinklers. They also questioned its effectiveness in uncontrolled wildfire situations. Sonic Fire Tech maintains its system is an effective alternative, particularly for kitchen fires, which account for a significant portion of residential fires.