Fire Hazards of Aerosol Cans in Aircraft Cargo Compartments
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to determine the hazards associated with aerosol cans involved in cargo fires. Over the last several years the chlorofluorocarbon propellant used in aerosol cans has been replaced with hydrocarbons such as butane, propane, and isobutane. These flammable gases would normally be prohibited on passenger carrying airplanes but there is an exception for up to 75 ounces per person for medicinal and toilet articles when carried in checked baggage only. Seven fire tests involving aerosol cans were conducted in an 800-cubic-foot cargo compartment. The main conclusions of the study were that hydrocarbon propellants in aerosol cans increase the damage potential of luggage fires; the fires in a simulated Class D compartment where aerosol cans ruptured and ignited were not contained; a Class C compartment provides significantly more protection against aerosol can fire threat than than does a Class D compartment; an aerosol can rupturing and igniting in a class D or Class C cargo compartment would eliminate the compartments ability to control ventilations and drafts; and aerosol cans would be exposed to elevated temperatures for a longer period of time in a luggage fire in a Class D compartment than in a Class C compartment. Keywords: Aerosol cans; Fire safety; Cargo fires; Flammable gases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA220494
Entities
People
- David R. Blake
Organizations
- Federal Aviation Administration