Evaluation of a Halon 1301 System for Postcrash Aircraft Internal Cabin Fire Protection.
Abstract
The use of a Halon 1301 fire-suppression system was evaluated in regard to increasing escape time during a ground crash situation with an internal cabin fire. Tests were conducted in a DC7 fuselage varying the exit configurations, and fire size at agent discharge. Smoke, temperature, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and Halon 1301 levels were continuously monitored during the tests at various locations throughout the cabin. A sampling system for collecting hydrogen fluoride (HF), Halon 1301's primary decomposition product, was used. Samples at four locations were taken every 30 seconds, for 5 minutes after discharge. The use of a curtain to inhibit the spread of HF was also examined. The results indicated that in order to minimize the HF concentrations, the fire should be extinguished when its size is as small as possible, and prior to the opening of cabin exits. In order to reduce HF concentrations, the cabin exits should be opened as soon as the fire is extinguished. The use of a curtain to partition the cabin greatly reduced the spread of HF from the fire zone to the protected section. Test results also indicated that a system malfunction causing Halon 1301 concentrations less than those needed to extinguish a fire could produce very high HF levels. Conversely, a deep-seated fire produced relatively small HF levels. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA032150
Entities
People
- Paul N. Boris
- Richard Hill