Design Parameters for Stack-Mounted Light Extinction Measurement Devices.
Design Parameters for Stack-Mounted Light Extinction
Measurement Devices.
(2354 K)
Putorti, A. D., Jr.
NISTIR 6215; 34 p. January 1999.
Available from:
National Technical Information Service
(NTIS), Technology Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161.
Telephone:
1-800-553-6847 or 703-605-6000;
Fax: 703-605-6900.
Website: http://www.ntis.gov
Order number: PB98-128928
Keywords:
light extinction; fire tests; furniture calorimeters;
smoke; smoke meters; smoke yield; measurement; research
facilities
Abstract:
The light attenuation characteristics of the smoke
produced by fire are commonly measured in both fire
experiments and standard fire tests. The results of
these measurements are traditionally used for building
and fire code regulatory purposes, design and testing of
fire detectors, advanced material development, and life
safety calculations. In addition, recent research
suggests that for various fuels burning in
over-ventilated fires, light extinction measurements may
be used for the determination of the mass concentration
of smoke per unit volume and smoke yield. The methods
used for measuring light extinction in various fire
tests and experiments are not consistent, however, and
frequently do not take into account previously
determined sources of uncertainty. This paper discusses
existing methods of light extinction measurement,
theoretical aspects of light extinction, and measurement
device features that are necessary for the accurate and
precise measurement of extinction. The topics are
discussed in the context of smoke mass concentration and
smoke yield determination for fire experiments conducted
in the furniture calorimeter at the NIST Large Fire
Research Facility and in other similar fire research
facilities.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899