Burning Behavior in a Poorly-Ventilated Compartment Fire -Ghosting Fire-

Abstract

We have investigated fire behavior in a poorly ventilated compartment using a methyl alchol pool fire of 30cmφ as a source in a box of 2m(W) ×3m(L) ×0.6m(H). Temperatures, gas concentrations of CO, CO2, O2, and methyl alcohol vapor, fuel consumption rate, and air exchange rate were measured simultaneously. The level of the fuel surface was kept constant during the tests by means of automatic fuel supply system. The began to detach from the fuel surface as the oxygen concentration decreased to about 6 vol. %, it color then bocoming pale blue. The later detached from the fuel surface and a flame was observed for 20-40min. In the poorly ventilated burning conditions, it was revealed that the air exchange rate was about 5 litters/sec, oxygen concentration was about 13-14 vol. %, and the burning rate was about 0.3-0.33 g/sec which was almost 1/5 of the normal burning rate. Based on the O2, and CO2 concentrations and air exchange rate, the fuel comsumption rate was estimated and which corresponded to the consumption rate measured. It was found that three times of the stoichiometrically required ventilation was occurred in the ghosting period and it ensured complete combustion of methyl alcohol.