Перспективы научных исследований свойств воздушно-механической пены для локализации и ликвидации горения разливов сжиженного природного газа

Abstract

Purpose. The relevance of creating a technology for containing and eliminating flame combustion of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) is beyond doubt. The use of foam fire extinction is one of the most promising options for creating such a technology. The purpose of the publication is to assess the possibilities of using air-mechanical foam to contain and eliminate the flame combustion of LNG, as well as to assess the prospects for scientific research in this direction. Methods. A review of regulatory documents that establish requirements for LNG and foam concentrates for extinguishing fires in of the Russian Federation was carried out. Methods for determining fire-extinguishing efficiency of foam were analyzed. The results of our own experiments, as well as international and domestic experience in conducting such studies are discussed. Findings. Based on the analysis of literary sources and the results of our own experimental studies the prospects for scientific research in the direction of extinguishing fires of LNG by foam are formulated. It is argued that in order to сontain and eliminate LNG flame combustion it is necessary to use high-expansion foam whose fire-extinguishing efficiency will also depend on the characteristics totality of a specialized foam concentrate and the characteristics of the LNG spill surface. Research application field. Further studies of air-mechanical foam properties for сontaining and eliminating flame combustion of LNG are promising. The composition of the foam concentrate used plays a key role in the foam effectiveness in preventing combustible vapors and gases from entering the combustion zone. The area of the research should also include solving practical problems on determining the foam expansion ratio and determining the normative intensity of foam supply, depending on which surface LNG spill occurred. Conclusions. The analysis of the obtained results made it possible to formulate promising areas of scientific researches on the use of air-mechanical foam for containing and eliminating LNG flame combustion, among which are the following: – developing formulations of specialized foam concentrates for extinguishing LNG fires; – searching options of foam use to control LNG burn-up; – determining the environmental conditions influence on the effectiveness of foam fire extinguishing LNG spills; – developing methods for determining foam concentrates quality for extinguishing LNG fires, and others.