Smoke deposition and extraction in compartment fires with different ignition sources

Abstract

The paper presents the experimental research findings on the characteristics of smoke emission and deposition during compartment fires with different ignition sources: an open flame, a heated surface, local heating sources and exposed electrical conductors. The research involved the interior design and construction materials typical of residential and industrial premises: wood, linoleum and cardboard. Adaptive approaches were proposed to the creation of smoke deposition conditions at incipient fire stages using limited volumes of liquid. The foaming agent emulsion was found to be very effective for smoke suppression. The efficiency of several methods of smoke extraction using supply and exhaust ventilation was investigated. Efficient combined techniques of smoke extraction and deposition were identified. Smoke extraction was found to be most efficient at an air velocity of less than 3 m/s. The alternation of intermittent activation of the spraying system and supply and exhaust ventilation system is the most efficient method of smoke removal. Mathematical equations were derived to predict the characteristics of sprinkler and ventilation systems, providing effective smoke deposition and extraction.