Chemistry

7. Frozen(4)

During the past 30 minutes, Lee Jeong-cheol had been recording the evaluation results, and he let out a small sigh as he continued to write in his notebook.

He had only managed to gain the upper hand in one aspect. It was clear that if he failed to excel in most of the evaluations among the 28 chemicals, no matter how competitive they were in terms of price, the chance of winning the bid would become slim.

Just then, a message came in on his phone from the equipment team.

[It didn’t work well. The performance of Namyoung’s fireproof suits was impressive. And Youngwoo Tech wasn’t bad either.]

As it became clear that there would be no remarkable achievements on the equipment side, Jeong-cheol became anxious.

After reading the opinions of the two researchers from the Materials Center, he realized that the composition of Yujin Chemical’s extinguishing agent was similar to that of KG Chemicals. However, KG Chemicals had the ability to perform large-scale production processes optimally using the best equipment in the country.

Price, unit price, and uniform quality. Since KG Chemicals had an advantage in these areas compared to Yujin Chemical, he judged that he could still appeal as long as there was only a few seconds difference.

-Prepare for the 6th chemical test.

The manager instructed through the loudspeaker.

Jeong-cheol silently cheered on the employees who were setting up the gas device in the mobile evolution unit.

-Ignite.

The record from H Innovation this time was 31 seconds. Jeong-cheol swallowed a groan as he watched them celebrate for being quite fast. This was not an easy task either.

As Park, the team leader of Yujin Chemical, was preparing, Yoon Jaegil, approached the location where the boxes of KG Chemicals were lined up.

“We should finish before evening, right? It’s cold, isn’t it?”

As Yoon Jaegil greeted him, Jeong-cheol also bowed his head.

“Thank you for your hard work outside, Director.”

“We met three years ago, didn’t we? … If my memory serves me right, you’re the manager from that time, right?”

Jeong-cheol tried to come up with an answer that would maintain the dignity of his rival company, in response to Yoon Jaegil’s relaxed and casual question.

“That’s right. It was impressive how you added the compound right there in the snow. There were 12 of us, but KG Chemicals also ranked first with 9 at the time.”

Jeong-cheol couldn’t say anything to Yoon Jaegil’s humility, who was in a hurry to eat up all 28 chemicals today.

-Ignite.

As Park started spraying the gas, the two men’s attention briefly returned to the evaluation site. As Yoon Jaegil was watching the extinguishing scene, he said as he passed by.

“Manager, by the way, the fifth chemical used in the test earlier. It was impressive to perform so well that it was hard to believe based on the data I had. Even Germany’s Moso-Ro G’s wasn’t that good.”

Jeong-cheol turned to the assistant who was in charge of the “Lightwater,” which had managed to score some points.

“Was that the one that was recombined?”

“Yes, we accepted all of Researcher Jeong-woo’s opinions on basic materials. It’s unbelievable. We don’t have precision measuring equipment, but it seems to have reduced the oxygen blocking rate to 11%.”

Yoon Jaegil’s eyes brightened at the mention of the name that he had been interested in.

“Did Han Jeong-woo give an opinion?”

Startled by the record of Park, the team leader who had finished the evolution in the early 22 seconds, Lee Jeong-cheol turned his head, not having properly listened.

“What did you say?”

“It’s about Han Jeong-woo’s opinion…”

“Huh? Why are you calling me?”

Yun Jae-gil’s head turned suddenly at the sudden voice. Jeong-woo, dressed in thick orange clothing, was walking over with a rustling sound, and Yun Jae-gil was momentarily taken aback.

“What brings you here…?”

“I came to talk for a moment.”

Yun Jae-gil scrutinized Jeong-woo’s attire, which was unusual compared to before, and asked.

“Are you wearing that because it’s cold?”

“No, it’s our company’s fireproof suit, and I borrowed it for a moment. Is it fashionable? I was surprised when I saw it too. It looks like a ski suit.”

“A fireproof suit?”

Yun Jae-gil watched Jeong-woo with a sense of unease, wondering if he had guessed correctly.

“Director!”

However, he had to move, as a subordinate from Yujin Chemical was calling him from their position.

“What?”

He grumbled needlessly.

Jeong-woo tried to get used to the fireproof suit he was wearing for the first time, shaking his arms back and forth.

“The fabric is stiff, so it’s a little uncomfortable to move.”

Then he approached Lee Jeong-cheol, who was making a face as if he didn’t understand English.

“Manager, can I help you from the next test onwards?”

“What?”

A firefighting student assigned to KG Chemicals started spraying in front of the flames. They were trying to light a round tank decorated with fuel and extinguish it from a distance.

“Did Mr. Han Jeong-woo share his opinion?”

Lee Jeong-cheol turned his head, surprised by the record of Park, the team leader who completed evolution in his twenties. He had not listened properly.

“What did you say?”

“I’m talking about Mr. Han Jeong-woo’s opinion. What did he say?”

“Yes? Why are you calling me?”

Suddenly, Yoon Jae-gil’s head turned at the sound of a voice. Jeong-woo, wearing a thick orange fireproof suit, walked over, making rustling sounds. Yoon Jae-gil was momentarily stunned.

“Why are you here?”

“I came to talk for a moment.”

Yoon Jae-gil examined Jeong-woo’s outfit, which was different from earlier, and asked.

“Are you wearing that because it’s cold?”

“No, it’s our company’s fireproof suit, and I borrowed it for a moment. Do you like the fashion? I was surprised when I saw it too. It looks like a ski suit.”

“A fireproof suit?”

Yoon Jae-gil watched Jeong-woo with unease, wondering if there was something more to it.

“Director!”

However, he had to move when a subordinate from Yujin Chemical called for him.

“Why?”

He became annoyed for no reason.

Jeong-woo tried to adapt to the fireproof suit he was wearing for the first time, waving his arms back and forth.

“The fabric is stiff, so it’s uncomfortable to move.”

He then approached Lee Jeong-cheol, who was making a puzzled expression.

“Manager Lee, can I help you from the next test onwards?”

“Pardon?”

Yujin Chemical’s assigned firefighting school student began spraying in front of the flames. It was a task of setting fire to a cylindrical tank disguised as a fuel tank and extinguishing it from a distance, allowing the liquefied carbon dioxide to penetrate every corner of the oil layer.

After pointing to the test site, Jeong-woo spoke.

“According to the regulations, as long as the spray equipment is the same, it doesn’t matter how many people are present.”

“Are you saying that it would be better if Han Jeong-woo helps?”

The manager looked skeptical. Jeong-woo scratched his chin and replied.

“I won’t know until I try, but I can give enough tips to help control the fire. For example, when liquefied carbon dioxide is released, the directionality can penetrate every nook and cranny of the oil layer….”

Jeong-woo pointed to one side of the training fuel tank.

“The combustion reaction on the outer wall is much stronger! Adjust the spray nozzle to the upper right!”

The hesitant student adjusted the direction.

The flames inside the tank subsided quickly. The result was 30 seconds. It was faster than H Innovation by one second, although not as fast as Yu-jin Chemical.

“Carbon dioxide suppressants come in two types: high pressure and low pressure. Due to the cold weather, there may not be much difference in performance between the two. However, it’s important to have good directionality to save time.”

The manager looked at the young man who had just given his opinion with a steady gaze.

He knew that Jeong-woo had a strong sense of chemistry. Thanks to him, they had improved the Lightwater product enough to impress Yun Jae-kil.

“Okay then, please help us out.”

The manager nodded his head, thinking that if there was any hope, they should try it.

“I’m Jeong-woo. Nice to meet you.”

The student glanced at him briefly.

“I’m Jeong Pil-du.”

Although his face looked innocent, he appeared much older than Jeong-woo, and his muscles bulged as if he were a special forces agent.

“I thought you were my little brother when I saw you up close. Are you a former soldier? I heard that there are many former soldiers in the fire department.”

As the employees installed the carbon dioxide gas cylinder, Jeong-woo stood next to Jeong Pil-du.

“I’ll help you next time.”

“What do you mean by ‘help’?”

Jeong Pil-du responded with a sardonic tone, and Jeong-woo pointed to the gas cylinder.

“Even with gloves on, your hands get really cold when you spray that. Right?”

“That’s right.”

“Carbon dioxide suppressants put out fires by blocking oxygen, but they also have a cooling effect. When the liquid-state solution vaporizes into a gas….”

As Jeong-woo spoke, he noticed that Jeong Pil-du had no idea what he was saying, and instead looked at the H Innovation test that had just begun, trying to understand the molecular world.

“In other words, when the oil ignites, a large flame occurs in one area, right?”

“Are you talking about the ignition point?”

“Oh, so it’s called an ignition point. Anyway, in those petroleum tanks, the ignition point changes with every sloshing. If we follow that, we can enhance our product’s cooling effect and somewhat keep up with what Park, the team leader at Yu-jin Chemical, does.”

In the seventh test, H Innovation recorded 34 seconds.

“Despite the smoke, do you think it’s possible to grasp the situation? During the break, I heard from Major Miles that he’s a veteran who can instinctively see through the fire. He told us not to be discouraged.”

Seeing that Jeong Pil-du was too unsure of himself despite his appearance, Jeong-woo pointed to Manager Park standing in front of the fire and said, “It’s not as difficult as you think. Listen to me once.”

-Ignition.

After carefully examining the point where Manager Park first fired, Jeong-woo said, “That’s the veteran’s first firing point. The part where the smoke is thick and moving quickly is where the temperature is high. He’s not even touching the part where the relative speed of the smoke is slow. That’s where he finds the fire, right?”

“Ah…”

“When the burning speed is different, isn’t it easy to fire if you just find the best place to burn?”

Jeong Pil-du, who heard a fire-fighting method he had never thought of before, quickly paid attention to the voice.

“When the oil layer fluctuates due to spraying, the sparks burst on the outer wall of the tank. It’s also being extinguished immediately.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Oh, now! The gas is expanding and the flames are spreading all at once. Can you see it?”

Jeong-woo, satisfied with Jeong Pil-du’s eager expression, spoke.

“At that time, he stopped spraying, and the particles spread evenly, blocking oxygen all at once. Oh, but that requires some manual skills.”

“I’ll try. I’m practicing that skill too.”

Manager Park stepped back after achieving a result of 24 seconds. And the fire student assigned to KG Chemicals followed Jeong-woo perfectly for 24 seconds.

-Please prepare.

It was time for the 7th drug test for KG Chemicals.

Jeong Pil-du stood in front, took a posture, and Jeong-woo stood next to him as fireman Miles watched.

“Hey. Why are there two people? Is there a problem?”

Fireman Miles looked at Jeong-woo after hearing the loudspeaker’s voice.

“He’s a KG Chemical employee and he came to help put out the fire with him! You can’t fight the fire alone!”

Upon hearing Jeong-woo’s shout, Miles smiled and gestured for him to straighten his hat. Then he shouted, “Ignition!”

The flames rose on the tank.

‘Now what?’

When attacking the point where the fire is extinguished well, this fire student cannot show the veteran-level skillful firing.

Jeong-woo thought so and pondered a more daring way to block the combustion reaction.

“Shall we fire?”

“Just a moment.”

When black smoke rose and even the flames became difficult to see, Jeong-woo’s eyes sharply scanned the area around the tank.

“Aim for the center. Full power.”

Chiiik!

“Just 5 more seconds.”

“It’s not moving?”

“It’s okay.”

When liquid carbon dioxide is rapidly released into the atmosphere, it cannot absorb much heat at once, creating solid dry ice.

Due to the cold weather, pieces of dry ice actually fell down onto the oil layer.

“Release it on the tank wall. Another 5 seconds.”

“What?”

Having already wasted over 10 seconds, Jeong-woo gave a pleading look to the skeptical Jeong Pil-du and pointed his finger at the tank.

The dry ice inside and the liquid carbon dioxide poured onto the outer tank wall created a sudden cooling effect from both sides.

Jeong-woo surveyed the 2-meter diameter circular space where the combustion reaction had drastically subsided and shouted.

“That thing from earlier. Spray it and cut it off. Do it now!”

Chwat-jwa-jwa-jwa-!

Like extinguishing a candle, the flame inside the training fuel tank disappeared in an instant.

Everyone watching momentarily forgot their conversation and watched the scene unfold.

Jeong-woo turned his head towards the manager and asked, “What’s the time?”

“2 minutes and 21 seconds!”

Amidst the silence, many people outside the control line were stirred up by the manager’s shout. It was the shortest time on record today.

Especially, Mile-su looked at Jeong-woo and Jeong Pil-du with a look of “What’s that?”.

Jeong-woo took off his heavy fire helmet and raised his thumb to Jeong Pil-du as if to say “Good job”, “You’re just like Manager Park.”.

Jeong Pil-du looked at Jeong-woo with an incredulous expression.

“Thanks to you, Han Jeong-woo.”

“What are you talking about?”

When they returned to the KG Chemicals area, the manager and Assistant Gong greeted them with a jog.

“3 seconds faster than Eugene Chemical!”

“Jeong-woo, that was amazing. How did you manage to cut down so much time?”

When asked by Mr. Gong, Jeong-woo looked at the tank and said, “It’s a simple thermodynamic law using the temperature difference.”

“Simple?” Mr. Gong questioned.

Jeong-woo calmly smiled and asked, “What’s the next chemical?”

The manager replied, “It’s a mechanical foam. The next five chemicals will only evaluate performance since they are fixed installations.”

Jeong-woo stood still, realizing that he didn’t have to go to a separate test site. As he looked around, he noticed that Park, the team leader who looked like the man next door, was watching him, so Jeong-woo nodded his head in greeting.

15 minutes later.

-Ignition.

As soon as the fuel tank caught fire, the chemical sprayer connected to the tanker sprayed out the solution.

As the machine poured out the solution, the test progressed in a flash with records within 20 seconds.

From a distance, Jeong-woo watched the tenth solution from Taejin Precision Chemical record 18 seconds. The previous record from KG Chemical was 15 seconds.

“Two wins and two losses. Performance is consistently mediocre.”

So far, Yujin Chemical was leading with 6 wins and 4 losses. Although it wasn’t possible to say for other companies, the atmosphere was such that it would eventually come down to either Yujin Chemical or one of the other companies.

-Preparing for the 11th solution test!

The solution contained in the machine was an aqueous foam fire extinguishing agent.

As the first test from H-Innovation began, Jeong-woo, who was watching comfortably, was surprised.

There was an unusual phenomenon on the heated fuel tank.

The foam storm injected onto the cylinder covered the surface of the burning oil lake. However, a part of the foam disappeared due to the high temperature of the tank’s outer wall.

Failure to form a surface film.

It was a small phenomenon in the chemical world, but it would soon spread throughout the tank.

Since there was no one watching this, Jeong-woo reflexively scanned his surroundings. The only KG employee wearing a fire-resistant suit was himself. Jeong-woo quickly approached the test site with a portable extinguisher in his hand.

“Mr. Pil-doo!”

Jeong Pil-doo, who was waiting in front of the chemical truck, turned his head.

“Since it can’t be extinguished, be prepared with this.”

“What?”

“At least with this for now.”

Although Jeong-woo didn’t know why, Jeong Pil-doo trusted him and quickly put on his gear and equipment.

Inside the test fuel tank.

Although a certain amount of solution was continuously injected through the machine, the flames not only didn’t go out but rapidly emitted sparks.

When the flame, which usually extinguished within 20 seconds, didn’t go out even after 40 seconds, the H-Innovation team members were surprised.

-It’s a ring fire! Everyone back off! Hey, fire truck! Move out!

As Milesu’s voice echoed through the loudspeaker, the firefighters on standby moved.

“What should we do?”

Jeong Pil-doo, who had been preparing for a while, looked at Jeong-woo with a surprised expression.

“We need to extinguish it. Mr. Pil-doo is a firefighter too. After another 10 seconds, the temperature of the tank’s outer wall will become too high and it may melt. The remaining oil will spill out.”

Jeong Pil-doo approached the fuel tank without hesitation after Jeong-woo’s words. From the portable fire extinguisher that contained the test solution, a white powder poured out with a hissing sound.

Jeong-woo, who followed behind, couldn’t approach any further due to the heat and said from behind.

“The center doesn’t need to be targeted. It’s spraying along the wall.”

“Yes, sir… Oh, Mr. Jeongwoo!”

The flame that had shot up one meter above the fuel tank gradually subsided. The problem-causing flame went out on the road five seconds after it had splashed out.

The firefighters who had pulled out the hose from the fire engine and rushed to the scene were stunned by the sight.

“Hey, you! Over there!”

Miles spoke into the loudspeaker, but then ran up to Jang Pil-doo in one step, pushing aside the loudspeaker.

“Did you see that crazy kid? Why are you standing there with that at this timing?”

“Well, that’s… “

“No, I’m not angry. You did well. You quickly stopped what could have caused an accident.”

Jang Pil-doo was taken aback by the compliment, delivered in a scary face and tone.

“This kid has a sense of timing. How many years have you been?”

Jeongwoo, who was also intimidated by Miles’ scary demeanor, took a step back.

“It was him, not you.”

Miles looked over as Park Il-sung approached. Park Il-sung came closer and spoke.

“I felt strange about the fire, but this guy ran with his equipment before that.”

“Faster than Senior Seonbae, the fire extinguishing specialist?”

Jeongwoo flinched at Miles’ scrutinizing gaze.

“Earlier, this guy improved KG Chemical’s firefighting method. Maybe a firefighter?”

“No, I’m a researcher.”

Miles laughed and patted Jeongwoo’s shoulder.

“Don’t say that. Become a firefighter. We treat them well. Do you know they’re public servants? The hottest grooms nowadays.”

“I have a lot of work to do.”

Miles held onto Jeongwoo’s shoulder and turned towards where company officials were gathered.

“Next team, get ready! Time is tight!”

Jeongwoo breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Miles walk towards the command post.

“I didn’t expect to be nervous about appearance, but that person made me tremble.”

The thug-like Chan-yi was just a scholar compared to Miles.

“Let’s go too, Mr. Jang Pil-doo.”

Jeongwoo said and started walking back to KG Chemical with Jang Pil-doo. As they got closer, they ran into Park Il-sung.

“Are you going to continue with the remaining tests?”

“I have to. It’s a competition.”

“Just when I was getting bored, this happened. I’m looking forward to the A-grade fire test.”

Park Il-sung smoothly made a declaration and disappeared towards Eugene Chemical. Jeongwoo turned his head and asked Jang Pil-doo.

“What’s an A-grade fire test?”

“Did you say A-grade? It seems like stacking dry wood and extinguishing it with a Gwanchang.”

The sight of a fire igniting comes to mind when talking about fires. It’s not like a campfire. Jeongwoo was a little worried about the test, which required real firefighting experience.

The road to meet the expectations of Director Jang Tae-sun seemed still far and rocky.

As he walked towards his seat, Jeongwoo saw Song Bo-young waving her hand at the control line.

He nodded his head in response to her encouraging gesture.

It was 4 p.m. The weather was cloudy, and the mountain village was already darkening.