Introduction.
Introduction.
(29 K)
Gann, R. G.
NIST SP 890; Volume 1; 789 p. November 1995.
Fire Suppression System Performance of Alternative
Agents in Aircraft Engine and Dry Bay Laboratory
Simulations. Volume 1., Gann, R. G., Editor(s), 1-5 pp,
1995.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
Order number: PB96-117775
Keywords:
fire suppression; aircraft engines; nacelle fires;
simulation; halon 1301; halon alternatives; ultraviolet
radiation
Abstract:
In a remarkably short period of time, the world has
identified, responded to, and ameliorated a new threat
to the global climate (WMO, 1995). Following a
mechanism first proposed by Rowland and Molina in 1974,
chemically stable chlorine-, bromine-, and
iodine-containing molecules rise to the stratosphere and
are quantitatively photodissociated by ultraviolet
radiation. The halogen atoms then catalytically convert
ozone (O3) molecules, whose chemistry shields the
earth's surface from excess ultraviolet radiation, into
oxygen (O2) molecules, which have no such filtration
effect. The evidence supporting this hypothesis soon
became substantial, and the international political
community produced a landmark agreement in 1987, the
"Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone
Layer". Subsequent international amendments to this and,
domestically, the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1990 have led to
restrictions on both production and use of identified
ozone-depleting substances (ODSs).
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899