The Global Equivalence Ratio Concept and the Prediction of Carbon Monoxide Formation in Enclosure Fires


Book Description

This report summarizes a large number of investigations designed to characterize the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) in enclosure fires--the most important factor in fire deaths. It includes the first complete review and analysis of the studies which form the basis for the global equivalence ratio (GER) concept. Past and very recent (some as yet unpublished) investigations of CO formation in enclosure fires are reviewed. Based on the findings, two completely new mechanisms for the formation of CO, in addition to the quenching of a fire plume by a rich upper layer which is described by the GER concept, are identified. The first is the result of reaction between rich flame gases and air which is entrained directly into the upper layer of an enclosure fire. Detailed chemical modeling studies have shown that CO will be generated by these reactions. The second is due to the direct generation of CO during the pyrolysis of oxygenated polymers (such as wood) which are located in highly vitiated, high temperature upper layers. The findings of these studies form the basis of an analysis which provides the guidelines for when the use of the GER concept is appropriate for predicting CO formation in enclosure fires. It is concluded that there are limited conditions for which such use is justified. Unfortunately, these conditions do not include the types of fires which are responsible for the majority of fire deaths in building fires.




The Global Equivalence Ratio Concept and the Prediction of Carbon Monoxide Formation in Enclosure Fires


Book Description

Roughly two thirds of all deaths resulting from enclosure fires can be attributed to the presence of carbon monoxide which is known to be the dominate toxicant in fire deaths. The mechanisms responsible for the generation of high concentrations of CO in fires are poorly understood. This work summarizes the result thus far of a long-term program which is seeking to develop an understanding of and predictive capability for the generation of CO in fires.




The Global Equivalence Ratio Concept and the Prediction of Carbon Monoxide Formation in Enclosure Fires


Book Description

This report summarizes a large number of investigations designed to characterize the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) in enclosure fires--the most important factor in fire deaths. It includes the first complete review and analysis of the studies which form the basis for the global equivalence ratio (GER) concept. Past and very recent (some as yet unpublished) investigations of CO formation in enclosure fires are reviewed. Based on the findings, two completely new mechanisms for the formation of CO, in addition to the quenching of a fire plume by a rich upper layer which is described by the GER concept, are identified. The first is the result of reaction between rich flame gases and air which is entrained directly into the upper layer of an enclosure fire. Detailed chemical modeling studies have shown that CO will be generated by these reactions. The second is due to the direct generation of CO during the pyrolysis of oxygenated polymers (such as wood) which are located in highly vitiated, high temperature upper layers. The findings of these studies form the basis of an analysis which provides the guidelines for when the use of the GER concept is appropriate for predicting CO formation in enclosure fires. It is concluded that there are limited conditions for which such use is justified. Unfortunately, these conditions do not include the types of fires which are responsible for the majority of fire deaths in building fires.










SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering


Book Description

Revised and significantly expanded, the fifth edition of this classic work offers both new and substantially updated information. As the definitive reference on fire protection engineering, this book provides thorough treatment of the current best practices in fire protection engineering and performance-based fire safety. Over 130 eminent fire engineers and researchers contributed chapters to the book, representing universities and professional organizations around the world. It remains the indispensible source for reliable coverage of fire safety engineering fundamentals, fire dynamics, hazard calculations, fire risk analysis, modeling and more. With seventeen new chapters and over 1,800 figures, the this new edition contains: Step-by-step equations that explain engineering calculations Comprehensive revision of the coverage of human behavior in fire, including several new chapters on egress system design, occupant evacuation scenarios, combustion toxicity and data for human behavior analysis Revised fundamental chapters for a stronger sense of context Added chapters on fire protection system selection and design, including selection of fire safety systems, system activation and controls and CO2 extinguishing systems Recent advances in fire resistance design Addition of new chapters on industrial fire protection, including vapor clouds, effects of thermal radiation on people, BLEVEs, dust explosions and gas and vapor explosions New chapters on fire load density, curtain walls, wildland fires and vehicle tunnels Essential reference appendices on conversion factors, thermophysical property data, fuel properties and combustion data, configuration factors and piping properties “Three-volume set; not available separately”




Fire Behavior of Upholstered Furniture and Mattresses


Book Description

In the United States alone, deaths due to furniture and bed fires still rank as the top-most category of fire losses. The flammability of upholstered furniture is a major concern of engineers and others across a wide swath of organizations. This book was written to provide its audience with the science and engineering need to better understand the combustibility of the products they manufacture, purchase, and try to extinguish. Beginning with a brief overview of materials, safety design and standards, the text covers topics such as flame ignition, spread, toxic gases, heat release rate (HRR), test methods, fire hazard analysis, and selected regulations in the US, UK, and EU.




Projects 1993


Book Description