Why are halogenated agents ineffective on fires involving hydraulic fluids or lubricants?

Halogenated agents, such as halon, are primarily used because of their ability to suppress fires by interrupting the combustion process. However, when it comes to fires involving hydraulic fluids or lubricants, these agents may lack sufficient cooling effects necessary to manage and suppress such fires effectively. The combustion of hydraulic fluids or lubricants often generates high temperatures, and while halogenated agents can displace oxygen crucial for combustion, they do not have the inherent ability to rapidly cool the surrounding environment or the burning material itself. This lack of cooling can allow the fire to continue burning, as the heat from the flammable liquid can lead to re-ignition or sustained combustion.

In contrast, on fires fueled by solid or even certain liquid materials, halogenated agents may work more effectively because their design focuses on interrupting the chemical chain reactions in flames rather than providing direct cooling.