Abstract
The fire growth rate index (FIGRA), which is the ratio of the maximum value of the heat release rate (Qmax) and the time (tmax) to reach the maximum heat release rate, is a general method to evaluate a material in the fire-retardant performance in fire technology. The object of this study aims to predict FIGRA of the polyethylene foam pipe insulation in accordance with the scale factor (Sf), the volume fraction of the pipe insulation (VF) and the ignition heat source (Qig). The compartments made of fireboard have been mock-up with 1/3, 1/4, and 1/5 reduced scales of the compartment as specified in ISO 20632. The heat release rate data of the pipe insulation with the variation of Sf, VF, and Qig are measured from 33 experiments to correlate with FIGRA. Based on a critical analysis of the heat transfer phenomenon from previous research literature, the predictions of Qmax and tmax are presented. It is noticeable that the fire-retardant grade of the polyethylene foam pipe insulation could have Grade B, C, and D in accordance with the test conditions within ±15% deviation of the predicted FIGRA. In case of establishing the database of various types of insulation, the prediction models could apply to evaluate the fire-retardant performance.
Highlights
Insulation is widely used in buildings as an important material to prevent energy loss of architecture [1,2,3]
The object of this study aims to predict fire growth rate index (FIGRA) of polyethylene foam pipe insulation in accordance with the scale factor (Sf ), the volume fraction of the pipe insulation (VF), and the ignition heat source (Qig )
In all the experimental result, the values of Qmax maintained a constant value within the range of ±3.48% average and ±12.26% maximum for the fixed volume fraction (VF), while the values of tmax were decreased, which were inversely proportional to the heat amount of ignition
Summary
Insulation is widely used in buildings as an important material to prevent energy loss of architecture [1,2,3]. Inorganic substance, especially molded stone wool, glass wool, etc., is not useful in the installation of piping compared to organic materials because of its highly absorbent feature as a mechanical weakness [10,11,12]. For these reasons, the specific material of pipe insulation is not regulated, and it is recommended to use materials that satisfy the fire retardants as an alternative [13]. The pipe insulation, which satisfies extremely low FIGRA values, should minimize the rapid spread of fire phenomenon even though the pipe insulation could not have the properties of the complete non-combustible
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