Enhancement and suppression of counterflow diffusion flame by HFC-125

Abstract

Efficient fire extinguishing is a safety prerequisite for protecting the environment from fire damage. Understanding the effect of fire extinguishing agent on flame in complex environment is basic work for efficient fire extinguishing. We investigate the impact of HFC-125 on the extinguishment of propane-air highly stretched diffusion flames. Flame thickness is measured using the proportional method. Parameters such as dimensionless flame stand-off distance and flame stretch rate are calculated. Low concentrations of HFC-125 initially increase the flame thickness, but as the concentration increases further, the flame thickness decreases and the flame suppression effect of HFC-125 intensifies. HFC-125 reduces the amount of carbon soot generated and accelerates the transition from yellow to blue flame. Within a specific concentration range, N2 has a minimal effect on flame structural parameters compared to HFC-125. High concentration of N2 forms a high bright blue flame, while HFC-125 reacts with the flame to form a blue-violet flame. Compared to HFC-125, HFC-227ea can significantly reduce flame thickness and increase dimensionless flame stand-off distance, exhibiting a notable suppression effect. Furthermore, high concentrations of HFC-125 substantially reduce the critical flame stretch rate and provide a lower extinguishing concentration in counterflow diffusion flames than in the cup burner.