An Algorithm For Estimating Carbon Monoxide Formation In Enclosure Fires

Pitts, William M.

doi:10.3801/iafss.fss.5-535

Cited by 12 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Most of the studies published before 1995 was reviewed by Pitts [11]. However, he extended the initial concept over following years resulting in publication of an algorithm for CO production in enclosure fires [21]. He did not propose any quantitative correlations but tried to explain governing mechanisms.…”

Section: Carbon Monoxide Production During Fires; a Short Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon monoxide production during underventilated fires in corridors

Ukleja¹,

Delichatsios²,

Zhang³

et al. 2014

Fire Saf. Sci.

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This work presents experimental results and non-dimensional correlations of factors and conditions affecting carbon monoxide (CO) production in corridor-like enclosure fires. Thirty eight experiments were performed in a three metre long corridor-like enclosure having a cross section 0.5 m x 0.5 m, door-like openings in the front panel and a propane gas burner located near the closed end being flushed with the floor. Measurements of carbon monoxide concentrations were performed at locations inside the enclosure and also in the exhaust duct of a hood collecting the combustion products for direct comparison. Visual observations through the opening revealed that flames were detaching from the burner for tests with global equivalence ratios (GERs) greater than one for the burning inside the enclosure (underventilated fires). After detachment, flames were travelling towards the opening then finally stayed anchored in the vicinity of the opening and emerged outside. After flames were visible outside, the concentration of CO inside the corridor increases to much higher levels owing to the recirculation of gases inside the enclosure behind the flames. A correlation between CO concentration inside the enclosure and GER was found with CO increasing initially but then decreasing for high global equivalence ratios. An additional correlation was found between the CO yield and the GER in the enclosure before the flames reached and then, anchored at the opening of the enclosure. Finally, it was found that the ratio of CO to smoke yield, y co /y s , is not constant but increases for global equivalence ratios of the enclosure greater than one in contrast to its value being constant for over ventilated conditions.

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Section: Carbon Monoxide Production During Fires; a Short Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Carbon monoxide production during underventilated fires in corridors

Ukleja¹,

Delichatsios²,

Zhang³

et al. 2014

Fire Saf. Sci.

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“…EVF-related research [39][40][41] focuses mainly on the physics of flame projection; the effect of EVF on species concentrations has not been sufficiently investigated. In the majority of compartment fire tests, oxygen and combustion product concentrations are measured near the fuel source [42,43] or at a sampling position in the hood [44], aiming to determine the heat release rate. In this work, the gas composition of the EVF product was measured near the top edge of the façade; the obtained measurements are shown in Figure 8…”

Section: Air Mass Flow Rate and Composition Of Gaseous Productsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characteristics of Externally Venting Flames and Their Effect on the Façade: A Detailed Experimental Study

et al. 2016

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In a compartment fire, Externally Venting Flames (EVF) may significantly increase the risk of fire spreading to adjacent floors or buildings; EVF-induced risks are constantly growing due to the ever-increasing trend of using combustible materials in building facades. The main aim of this work is to investigate the fundamental physical phenomena associated with Externally Venting Flames (EVF) and the factors influencing their dynamic development. In this context, a series of fire tests is conducted in a medium-scale compartment-façade configuration; an n-hexane liquid pool fire is employed, aiming to realistically simulate an "expendable" fire source. A parametric study is performed by varying the fire load density (127.75, 255.5 and 511 MJ/m 2) and opening factor (0.071 and 0.033 m 3/2). Emphasis is given to characterization of the thermal field developing adjacent to the façade wall. Experimental results suggest that the three characteristic EVF phases, namely "internal flaming", "intermittent flame ejection" and "consistent external flaming", are mainly affected by the opening dimensions, whereas the fuel load has a notable impact on the fuel consumption rate and heat flux to the façade. Fuel consumption rates were found to increase with increasing fire load and opening area, whereas the global equivalence ratio increases with decreasing opening factor. The obtained extensive set of experimental data can be used to validate CFD fire models as well as to evaluate the accuracy of available fire design correlations.

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“…Pitts [25] introduced an engineering approach for estimating carbon monoxide formation in enclosed fires. The major conclusions of earlier studies can be summarised as follows:…”

Section: Co Co 2 and Unburned Hydrocarbonsmentioning

confidence: 99%