Effect of Suppressants on Metal Fires.
Effect of Suppressants on Metal Fires.
(1745 K)
Ohlemiller, T. J.; Shields, J. R.
NISTIR 5710; NIST SP 890; Volume 1; 26 p. August 1995.
Fire Suppression System Performance of Alternative
Agents in Aircraft Engine and Dry Bay Laboratory
Simulations. NIST SP 890. Volume 1, Gann, R. G.,
Editor, 97-119 pp, November 1995, 1995.
Available from:
Government Printing Office
Order number: SN003-003-03371-5
Keywords:
metal fires; halons; halon alternatives; magnesium;
suppression; titanium
Abstract:
As part of a study to determine the impact of
halon-alternative fire suppression agents on metal
fires, small diameter rods (ca. 1-2 mm) of magnesium and
titanium were burned in oxidizing atmospheres containing
various percentages of agent vapor. Magnesium was
burned in flowing air at pressures of 0.27 and 0.79 MPa
(25 and 100 psig). Add-on levels of 5% and, in some
cases 10%, by weight of halon 1301, HFC-125, HFC-227ea,
FC-218 and CF3I were examined. In all cases, the
burning, which had been vigorously established before
agent vapor introduction, was extinguished. Titanium
was burned in a flowing oxidizing gas containing 40 to
50% oxygen in nitrogen at pressures from 0.31 to 0.79
MPa (30 to 100 psig). Here only halon 1301, HFC-125 and
HFC-226ea were added on, at 10% and 15% by weight. All
three of these agents slowed, or, in certain cases
extinguished, the burning process. Very limited data
showed HFC-227ea to slow the burning rate less than did
an equal add-on of HFC-125 or halon 1301. The
suppressive impact of the agent vapors seen in this
study is counter to that in previous studies where
burning enhancement has been seen.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899