Fire Extinguisher Siphon Tube

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Introduction: Drawing Agent from the Cylinder Base

The Fire Extinguisher Siphon Tube (also known as the dip tube or internal pick-up tube) is a crucial internal component that extends from the underside of the valve body down into the cylinder, near the base. Its sole function is to ensure that the pressurized propellant gas, stored above the agent, forces the extinguishing agent (powder, foam, or liquid) out of the cylinder and through the valve and hose assembly.

The length and material of the siphon tube are specific to the extinguisher type and size. They are typically made from durable, non-corrosive plastics (like Polyethylene or PVC) for dry chemical and water units, or metal (brass/stainless steel) for high-pressure CO2​ cylinders. The CO2​ siphon tube is metallic and ensures the liquid CO2​ (stored at the bottom) is discharged, not just the vaporized gas at the top.

Damage, blockage, or incorrect length of the siphon tube will result in a failure to fully discharge the agent, rendering the extinguisher ineffective and non-compliant with UL/NFPA standards. (Approx. 520 words)

Advantage: Full Agent Discharge, Agent Specificity, and Durability

  • Maximize Discharge: Ensures nearly all of the extinguishing agent is expelled from the cylinder, providing the full UL-rated extinguishing power.
  • Pressure Efficiency: Directs the pressure gradient effectively, using the top pressure to push the bottom agent out.
  • Agent Specificity: Designed with internal diameters and materials optimized for the viscosity and corrosion potential of the specific extinguishing agent.
  • Easy Integration: Designed for simple press-fit or threaded assembly into the standardized ports on the underside of the main valve body.
  • Resistance to Blockage: Tubes for powder agents often have wider internal diameters or specialized inlet designs to reduce the risk of caking and blockage.
  • Cost-Effective Replacement: Easily sourced and replaced component during mandatory 6- or 12-year internal servicing.

Specification: Material, Length, and Agent Compatibility

Component FunctionTransfers Agent from Cylinder Base to Valve Outlet
Material (Dry Chem)High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene
Material (CO2​/Water)Brass or Aluminum/Stainless Steel
Length/DiameterSpecific to Cylinder Volume and Extinguisher Type
Agent CompatibilityChemically resistant to ABC powder, water, or CO2​ liquid
Connection TypePressed-Fit or Threaded onto Valve Underside
Standard ComplianceUL 299/711 (Agent Discharge Performance)
Wear PointBase Tip (Risk of cracking or debris blockage)

Function in Various Extinguisher Types

Stored Pressure Dry Chemical

Ensures the pressurized nitrogen/air forces the powder up from the bottom of the cylinder.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Units

Must extend to the bottom to draw out the liquid CO2​, which provides the full extinguishing capacity.

Water and Foam Units

Draws the stored liquid agent for discharge, requiring a non-corrosive material to resist water-based agents.

Extinguisher Maintenance/Recharge

Requires removal, cleaning, and inspection during internal maintenance intervals to check for blockages or damage.

Manufacturing Assembly

Installed at the final valve assembly stage before the valve is threaded onto the charged cylinder.

Grow Your Bussiness With KAITUO

  • INNOVATION

    Professional R&D Team

    We have a professional R&D team of over 15 people who are able to provide innovative products and customized design services to our customers.
  • QUALITY

    Product quality assurance

    We adhere to quality as a lifeline for our business development, and strict quality management systems ISO and CE, as well as a variety of advanced quality testing equipment are our guarantees for product quality.
  • PRODUCTION CAPACITY

    Annual output exceeds 400,000

    Every month over 400,000 pcs of kinds of valves, including fire extinguisher valve, lpg valve, marine gas cylinder valve and so on.
  • SERVICE

    One-stop service

    We have complete design, and product development, testing and quality control are all carried out in the factory, which to a certain extent guarantees the high quality and performance of Kaituo fire equipment.

Payment & Shipping: Flexible Global Trade Solutions

We offer comprehensive and secure international trade terms tailored to our global clientele.

  • Accepted Payment Methods:

    Wire Transfer (T/T): Standard 30% deposit to confirm the order, 70% balance upon presentation of Bill of Lading (B/L) copy.

    Letter of Credit (L/C): Irrevocable L/C at sight for large volume component orders, providing maximum financial security for both parties.

  • Shipping Terms (Incoterms):

    FOB (Free On Board): Ningbo Port is our standard shipping hub.

    CIF/CFR: Available upon request; we manage shipping logistics to your designated port.

  • Packaging:

    Tubes are bundled or stacked in protective packaging to prevent bending or cracking during transit.

Comprehensive Information Summary

Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)50,000 Units (Plastic/HDPE), 10,000 Units (Brass/Aluminum)
Lead Time40-55 Days (Extrusion/Molding, Cutting, End-Milling, Quality Inspection)
PackagingBundled, Bulk Cartons, Protected to Maintain Straightness.
CertificationsUL 299 (Compliance to Discharge Flow), ISO 9001.
Raw MaterialsHDPE, PVC, Brass, Stainless Steel.
Customization OptionsLength (±1 mm), Internal/External Diameter, Connection Type (Threaded/Press-Fit), Agent Compatibility Coating.

Professional Usage Tips

  1. Length Verification:

    Always verify the length of the replacement siphon tube matches the manufacturer's specification for the specific extinguisher model; incorrect length reduces discharge efficiency.

  2. Check for Cracks:

    During internal inspections, carefully check plastic tubes for stress cracks or splitting near the valve connection point, especially in older units.

  3. Debris Clearance:

    Ensure the bottom opening (tip) of the tube is clear of any debris, foreign objects, or compacted powder before reassembly.

  4. Propellant Tube Confusion:

    In some old-style foam units, do not confuse the siphon tube with the internal gas cartridge tube; they serve different purposes.

  5. CO2​ Tube Inspection:

    Metallic CO2​ tubes must be checked for internal thread integrity and any signs of physical crimping that could impede liquid flow.

Get in Touch

ABOUT KAITUO
Ningbo Kaituo Valve Co., Ltd., also known as Ningbo Anke Fire Equipment Co., Ltd., is China Fire Extinguisher Siphon Tube Manufacturers and Wholesale Fire Extinguisher Siphon Tube Factory, specializing in the research and development, production and export of fire equipment. It owns the anke brand and a number of national high-tech patents.
Founded in 2001, our company mainly provides high-quality fire protection products for the international market, specializing in the production of various types of fire extinguisher accessories, marine gas cylinder valves, gas valves, etc. After years of hard work and continuous improvement of process reform, our products are exported to dozens of countries around the world and have won a good international reputation. All of our products have obtained the EU EN, CE certification in 2007.
Welcome all customers to call and visit us. Our company has a professional sales team to provide accurate services.
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FAQ

If it's too short, a significant amount of the agent will be left in the cylinder, reducing the extinguisher's UL fire rating.

The tube must be metal (brass/aluminum) to withstand the extreme high pressure and cold temperature of the liquid CO2​ agent.

Yes, especially in dry chemical units if the powder agent has caked or compacted over time, leading to blockage.

Yes. Its internal diameter is a key factor in controlling the flow rate and ensuring the discharge time meets the UL specification.

Yes, stored-pressure dry chemical units should be inverted and shaken monthly to prevent caking and ensure the powder flows into the tube.

The Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for high-volume plastic tubes is typically 50,000 units.

No, the tube only needs replacement if it is cracked, damaged, or blocked during the recharge process.

The principle is the same: the suddenly released propellant gas forces the agent into the tube and out the valve.

It is a synonym for the siphon tube, referring to its function of picking up the agent from inside the cylinder.

No. A tube that is too long will hit the cylinder base, preventing the valve from being properly seated and sealed.