Sound Waves to fight fires ?

Acoustic fire suppression was investigated by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) 15 years ago. Ten years ago an acoustic extinguisher similar to a subwoofer was built. As noted, the principle is to block combustion by pushing oxygen molecules away from fuel.

Attempting to scale this up is hindered by damaging sound effects. Initial models used 30 to 60 hertz. Sonic employs equipment below an inaudible 20 hertz. The plan is to test these in the attic of homes in the wildland-urban interface. Pistons in metallic ducts will transmit the energy to the eaves after sensors detect a flame. 50 pilot installations are planned this year. We'll see.

Maybe one day that 911 dispatcher's instructions will be: "Get out of the house!, but before you leave, turn on the TV."
 
When I came on the job 45 years ago they were telling us someday fires might be fought with sound waves. Hahahahah.
 
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