Optical Measurement of Toxic Gases Produced During Firefighting Using Halons.

Abstract

Several optical techniques Fourier transform infrared (Kr-IR) emission and absorption spectroscopy, mid- and near-infrared tunable diode laser (MIR-TDL, NIR-TDL) absorption spectroscopy have been used to measure toxic gases produced during inhibition of flames by halogenated hydrocarbons (Halons). Fire types studied include low-pressure premixed flames, atmospheric-pressure counterflow diffusion flames, open-air JP-8 (turbine fuel) fires, and confined JP-8 fires. Spectra are presented and analyzed for these fires inhibited by CF3Br (Halon 1301) and C3F7H (FM-200). For low-pressure premixed flames, spectra are presented that show production of the CF3 radical in CHWO/Ar flames inhibited by CF3Br. For real scale fire testing, it is shown that type and amount of toxic gases produced during fire inhibition are highly dependent on fire conditions and temperatures, and that some species not considered important (CF2O) are often produced in significant amounts. Finally, it is shown that HF production, during inhibition of vehicle fires using FM-200, is highly dependent on time to suppression.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA325498

Entities

People

  • Andrzej W. Miziolek
  • Kevin L. McNesby
  • Robert G. Daniel
  • Steven H. Modiano

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Biomedical
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Absorption Spectra
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Chemistry
  • Department Of Defense
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Emission Spectra
  • Halogenated Hydrocarbons
  • Laser Beams
  • Laser Diodes
  • Laser Spectroscopy
  • Lasers
  • Measurement
  • Production
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy

Readers

  • Combustion and Flow Dynamics.
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Spectroscopy.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Directed Energy - Lasers