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Technology Developed by NASA Engineers That Extinguishes Flames with Sound Uses Infrasonic Waves to Suffocate Fire, Reduce Property Damage, Combat Fires with Lithium Batteries, and Open a New Path in Combating Urban and Forest Fires
Technology that extinguishes flames with sound is the name given to a system created by former NASA acoustic engineers, developed in the United States, which uses sound waves to suffocate fire by removing oxygen from the burning area, without water or chemicals, aiming to reduce property damage, avoid dangerous reactions, and make firefighting more efficient in homes, industries, forests, and electric vehicles.
The solution was developed by Sonic Fire Tech, an American startup founded by acoustic specialists who worked on aerospace projects. The idea emerged from studies on how sound affects particles in the air and evolved into a system capable of interrupting the chemical reaction of fire in a completely physical way.
How Sound Waves Can Extinguish Flames by Interfering with the Chemical Reaction of Fire
For fire to exist, three elements need to be present at the same time: oxygen, fuel, and heat. The technology that extinguishes flames with sound directly targets oxygen, one of the pillars of combustion.
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The system emits infrasonic waves, with a frequency below 20 hertz, which are not perceivable by the human ear. These waves make oxygen molecules vibrate at a speed greater than combustion can keep up with. As a result, the chemical reaction of fire is broken and the flames are extinguished.
According to Sonic Fire Tech, the process does not involve physical contact with fire. The main source of this article explains that sound creates an unstable environment for combustion, preventing oxygen from continuously feeding the flames.
System Reaches Up to 7.5 Meters and Can Be Installed Like Traditional Sprinklers
The acoustic boxes developed by the company can extinguish flames at a distance greater than 7.5 meters. In indoor environments, the design resembles traditional sprinkler systems, but without water.
Metal tubes form a fixed network on the ceiling or walls. These tubes convey the impulse generated by a central acoustic device to emitters spread throughout the environment. Sensors detect abnormal increases in temperature and automatically activate the sound cone directed at the fire source.
The difference is that after use, there is no flooding, chemical residues, or additional damage to objects that were not affected by the fire. This reduces losses and the time needed to resume the use of the space.
Technology That Extinguishes Flames with Sound Can Be Crucial in Fires with Lithium Batteries
One of the most promising uses of the system is in fires caused by lithium batteries, common in electric cars, electric bikes, and electronic devices.
In these cases, using water or chemical extinguishers can worsen the situation, as the chemical reaction can reignite the flames. The sound technology does not eliminate the so-called thermal runaway of the battery but can keep the fire confined to the original area, preventing it from spreading.
Startup with Former NASA Engineers Raises US$ 3.5 Million to Expand Infrasonic Technology
Sonic Fire Tech raised $3.5 million in a seed funding round to accelerate certifications, increase production, and initiate pilot projects. The funding was co-led by funds such as Khosla Ventures and Third Sphere, specializing in environmental impact technologies.
The funds will be used for certifications with institutions such as UL and FM Global, production expansion to up to 500 units by 2026, and the implementation of testing in homes, dealerships, and fire departments.
With this, the technology that extinguishes flames with sound could move from being just a lab innovation to becoming a real tool in firefighting, especially in an increasingly electricity- and battery-dependent world.
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