'Kakao Meoktong' Fire: If This Product Was Used... GFI Making Ultra-Fine Capsule Fire Extinguishers

World's First Microcapsule Fire Extinguisher Developed
Attached to Batteries, Power Strips, and Distribution Panels for Early Fire Suppression
Recognized for Technical Excellence with 'Inno-Biz Certification' and More

A view of GFI (GFI) Plant 1 located in Yangchon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do.

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] The 'Kakao blackout' incident on the 15th of last month was caused by a fire at the Pangyo data center. Police and fire authorities believe the fire started in the uninterruptible power supply (UPS) backup battery manufactured by SK On. Although 30 automatic fire extinguishing devices were activated at the time of the fire, initial suppression failed. The battery was blocked by a thick cover, rendering the extinguishing devices ineffective. With recent advancements in the battery industry, related fire accidents are occurring in various places. Is there a technical way to immediately block such fires upon ignition?

GFI Leading the Ultramicroscopic Capsule Fire Extinguisher Market

GFI equipment producing microcapsules containing digestive agents.

On the 3rd, at the headquarters of GFI located in Yangchon-eup, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi Province, Yoon Seongpil, head of marketing at GFI, expressed regret, saying, "If the batteries used in the data center fire had applied our technology, it would have been different," and explained, "Fires can occur not only in batteries but also in power strips, server rooms, and wiring, and GFI has the technology to suppress fires early in such places."

Founded in 2014, GFI is a company that manufactures ultramicroscopic capsule fire extinguishers using nanotechnology. The microcapsules containing the extinguishing agent break down and vaporize the agent when a certain temperature is reached due to fire, thereby suppressing the fire. The extinguishing agent is Novec 1230, produced by the global chemical company 3M. The products, including fire extinguishers (automatic extinguishing pads), automatic fire extinguishing tapes and covers, can be applied to various places requiring fire prevention such as energy storage systems (ESS), distribution boards, and equipment control boxes.

Currently, GFI is applying its products to the UPS battery covers produced by a well-known domestic battery manufacturer, Company S. The method involves attaching the ultramicroscopic capsule fire extinguisher 'Aegis Automatic Extinguishing Pad' inside the battery cover. Unlike other fire suppression devices, the pad requires no power supply and is easy to install by simply attaching it. When a fire occurs inside the battery and the pad temperature rises to around 120?200 degrees Celsius, the extinguishing agent, which vaporizes 50 times faster than water, immediately suppresses the fire.

"We Will Reduce Traditional Market Fires by 10%"

Yoon Seongpil, Head of Marketing at GFI, is demonstrating the company's product.

The 'Aegis Automatic Extinguishing Pad' equipped with GIF's ultrafine capsule fire extinguisher is shown extinguishing the flame of a torch lighter.

Mr. Yoon took out a torch lighter and an Aegis automatic extinguishing pad from his bag and demonstrated the fire suppression process. When the pad was brought close to the lit lighter, the fire went out in less than two seconds despite the ignition button being pressed. Mr. Yoon said, "Our product is especially useful in traditional markets where power strips and distribution boards are everywhere and fire risks are high," adding, "Next year, I plan to carry a bag and visit over 1,600 traditional markets nationwide to promote the product and conduct public interest projects."

GFI entered the power strip market in May. So far, it has recorded about 1 billion KRW in power strip sales, with a target of 5 billion KRW next year. Although this is still small compared to total sales (20.6 billion KRW as of 2021), it is being pushed as the main B2C (business-to-consumer) business. Inside the factory, employees were busy attaching pads to power strips on a production line to manufacture finished products.

GFI has donated hundreds of its products, including power strips, free of charge to traditional markets such as Seoul’s Gwangjang Market and Anyang’s Nambu Market. Traditional markets frequently use electrical devices such as small aquariums, heated mats, and fans, and power strips often accumulate dust and moisture, causing frequent fires. A representative example is the November 2016 fire at Daegu Seomun Market, which destroyed 679 stores. Mr. Yoon also showed a charred power strip from his bag, evidence of a fire actually prevented by his company’s product at a butcher shop in Anyang City. He emphasized, "Most traditional market fires occur between night and dawn," and added, "Our goal is to widely promote our product and reduce traditional market fires by 10% next year."

Proving Technological Superiority... Targeting 30 Billion KRW in Sales Next Year

Yoon Seongpil, CEO of GFI Marketing Division, is explaining the power strip equipped with their company's product.

Mr. Yoon confidently stated, "GFI has obtained all kinds of technical certifications available from the government."

In October 2020, GFI acquired the Inno-Biz certification. The Inno-Biz certification is a system by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups that selects and certifies technology-innovative small and medium enterprises. Kim Hyungyoung, full-time vice president of the Inno-Biz Association, who met at GFI headquarters, said, "Inno-Biz companies are scaling up through continuous technological innovation," and added, "The association directly discovers companies leading manufacturing innovation and promotes their excellence and brand awareness."

GFI has received 10 certifications in technology, product, quality, and environment, including the Inno-Biz certification. It holds 18 patents. Last year, it won the Future Unicorn Company Presidential Award. Mr. Yoon said, "Anywhere in Korea where electricity is used?factories, vehicles, ships, buildings?is our market," and stated, "Based on our excellent technology, we expect to grow sales to around 30 billion KRW next year."