Flash Burn Hazard Criteria Re-Evaluation for Propellant Fires,
Abstract
When thermal radiation effects present the most significant hazard from an explosive material, and any other effects such as blast and fragmentation are of little or no consequence, explosives with these properties are classified as Hazard Division 1.3. This hazard division includes many of the propellants, some of which can burn with great violence and intense heat, emitting considerable radiant energy capable of causing injury and death at significant distances and others which burn for a long time with small flame areas, possibly emitting, sporadic thermal plumes with hazardous effects limited to the immediate environment. After a review of the historical basis for the present quantity distance relationship used for HD 1.3, this paper will discuss recent studies in the combustion characteristic of propellants to evaluate any significant factors influencing radiant energy release in storage or processing. Recent studies on the effects of exposure of people and facilities to short duration flashes of radiant heat energy will be reviewed to assess their applicability to the Q-D relationships for HD 1.3. Finally the preliminary tests made to develop a different set of Q-D relationships for HD 1.3 explosives will be presented for consideration.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADP005382
Entities
People
- R. B. Crockard