Laboratory Evaluation of bicarbonate Powders as Fire Suppressants
Abstract
The Combustion Dynamics Section of the Navy Technology Center for Safety and Survivability is actively involved in addressing US Navy needs for fire protection, concentrating on the effectiveness of current and future fire extinguishing agents, with the responsibility to recommend and help design Navy shipboard total flooding fire suppression systems. We are currently examining several replacement agents and alternative suppression technologies including the use of aerosols and powders. This paper describes recent collaborative work with Kidde International on the flame extinction properties of various bicarbonate powders. We have examined the concentration of bicarbonate powders required to extinguish both laboratory counterflow propane-air diffusion flames and small obscured n-heptane pan fires. Extinction information as a function of powder composition and size has been obtained. Within experimental uncertainty, smaller particles were more effective than larger ones. Potassium bicarbonate was more effective than sodium bicarbonate for each particle size studies. Similar dependence on size and powder composition was observed in both the counterflow diffusion flame and small chamber pan fire tests. Powder extinction data are given as well as implications of the findings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA379699
Entities
People
- Adam Chattaway
- Bradley A. Williams
- James W. Fleming
- Mark D. Reed
- Ronald S. Sheinson
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory