Internal Fire Research Articles

The John Sealy Hospital Fire Evacuation.

Advances in fire safety and building construction have made fires in modern health care facilities uncommon and easily contained. Therefore, emergent hospital evacuations resulting from an internal fire are rare. On January 4, 2017, a fire occurred at the John Sealy Hospital, part of the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, resulting in emergent evacuation of the hospital building and an adjacent office and patient care building. The internal emergency response system was quickly activated, and more than 100 patients and 200 staff members were evacuated within 27 minutes with no fire- or smoke-related injuries. Obstacles encountered during the evacuation process included difficulties with communication and confirming patient count in a timely manner. This article describes the emergent hospital evacuation during the fire, summarizes the subsequent reflections of a multiagency after-action review, and issues a call to action for further research and publication on emergency patient evacuation.

Pyrolysis and temperature characteristics of the gas produced by power-frequency arc in transformer oil

Oil-immersed transformers are widely used in power systems. When an arc fault occurs inside a transformer, the surrounding oil is rapidly pyrolyzed. These high-temperature, flammable gases are compressed into a high-pressure bubble, which is likely to cause tank deformations, explosions, and fires. Currently, related simulations on tank internal pressure and transformer fires are based on a constant gas composition, a constant gas production rate of 0.1 L/kJ, and a constant bubble temperature of 2000 K. This paper deals with a case of a power-frequency arc (5 kA, 30 mm, 80 ms) in transformer oil. The time-varying characteristics of pyrolyzed gas production, composition, and temperature are experimentally investigated. The percentage of hydrogen changes considerably, decreasing from 85.2 % to 70 %. The overall gas production rate increases slowly from 0.0574 L/kJ in the first 2.5 ms to 0.0982 L/kJ in 80 ms. The local temperature inside the main bubble (30 mm from the arc) decreases gradually from 2200 K to 1400 K, while the average bubble temperature decreases from 2550 K to 550 K. This case and these results provide an experimental basis for the parameter selections in the simulations about transformer internal pressure and fire progression.

Understanding Compartmentation Failure for High-Rise Timber Buildings

The traditional concept of compartmentation guaranteed by fire resistance is mainly concerned with the problem of destructive internal spread potential. External convective spread potential pertains to the loss of compartmentation associated with windows and facade systems. As such, it is assumed that internal fire spread occurs following mechanisms of excessive heat conduction and/or successive failure of the compartment boundaries, which can be, in most cases, conservatively characterised using traditional methods of performance assessment such as fire resistance. Nevertheless, external fire spread represents a potentially more effective route by which fire can spread through the convective advancement of flames and hot gases. This is particularly important in cases such as timber construction, where the presence of exposed timber can result in increased convective spread potential and where loss of compartmentation can result in disproportionate consequences. A simplified compartment fire model is proposed with the objective of quantifying the fuel contribution of exposed timber elements to the compartment fire and determining the impact of variable percentages of exposed timber on the convective spread potential. The overall results show that the convective fire spread potential increases with the increasing percentage of available timber.

Epiberberine inhibits bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe anti-tumor related diseases of Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) were correlated with its traditional use of removing damp-heat, clearing internal fire, and counteracting toxicity. In the recent years, Coptidis Rhizoma and its components have drawn extensive attention toward their anti-tumor related diseases. Besides, Coptidis Rhizoma is traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory herb. Epiberberine (EPI) is a significant alkaloid isolated from Coptidis Rhizoma, and exhibits multiple pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory. However, the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer and the inflammatory factors of metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis has not been demonstrated clearly. Aim of the studyBone metastatic breast cancer can lead to osteolysis via inflammatory factors-induced osteoclast differentiation and function. In this study, we try to analyze the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer and the inflammatory factors of metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolysis. MethodsTo evaluate whether epiberberine could suppress bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage, healthy female Balb/c mice were intratibially injected with murine triple-negative breast cancer 4T1 cells. Then, we examined the inhibitory effect and underlying mechanism of epiberberine on breast cancer-induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Xenograft assay was used to study the effect of epiberberine on breast cancer cells in vivo. Moreover, we also studied the inhibitory effects and underlying mechanisms of epiberberine on RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro. ResultsThe results show that epiberberine displayed potential therapeutic effects on breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage. Besides, our results show that epiberberine inhibited breast cancer cells-induced osteoclast differentiation and function by inhibiting secreted inflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. Importantly, we found that epiberberine directly inhibited RANKL-induced differentiation and function of osteoclast without cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, epiberberine inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogensis via Akt/c-Fos signaling pathway. Furthermore, epiberberine combined with docetaxel effectively protected against bone loss induced by metastatic breast cancer cells. ConclusionsOur findings suggested that epiberberine may be a promising natural compound for treating bone metastatic breast cancer-induced osteolytic damage by inhibiting IL-8 and is worthy of further exploration in preclinical and clinical trials.

Compliance of "Courses and Instructions on fire training" with the conditions of use of weapons by employees of security and convoy units of the police

The professional training of employees of security and convoy police units related to the lawful use of firearms should be practice-oriented. The developed standards with weapons, special shooting exercises, as well as simulated situations of operational and service activities, in fire training classes, should take into account the specifics and conditions of service activities of employees of this category. The problem of the study arises from the contradictions between the insufficient regulatory and legal provision of fire training of employees of security and convoy police units and, in this regard, the need to develop pedagogical technologies for practice-oriented training of employees of security and convoy police units to the lawful use of weapons. In this scientific work, the author presents the results of a retrospective analysis of regulatory legal documents regulating the organization of fire training in the internal affairs bodies, namely, Shooting courses and Fire training Manuals from 1992 to the present. In solving the research tasks, the following methods were used – general scientific methods: description, comparison, generalization, classification. Empirical data were systematized on the basis of mathematical statistics methods and presented using a graphical data analysis method. The scientific novelty of the study lies in determining the practice-oriented conditions of shooting exercises that contribute to improving the fire readiness of employees of security and convoy police units. The main results of the study are: - determination of criteria (physical conditions) for the orientation of exercises of shooting courses and fire training Manuals for the practice of using weapons by employees of security and convoy police units; - study of technical actions with weapons that ensure the necessary level of preparedness of employees of security and convoy police units for the lawful use of weapons. One of the key conclusions reached by the author is that when developing regulatory legal documents related to the organization of fire training in the Department of Internal Affairs, the practice of using firearms by employees of security and convoy police units, as well as the specifics and conditions of official and professional activity, was not sufficiently taken into account.

Physiological effect of Bhastrika Pranayama on Cardio-Pulmonary variables among healthy individuals - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background And Objectives: Bhastrika Pranayama boosts airflow into the body, which produces heat both physically and subtly, igniting both the body's and mind's internal fires. This fast-breathing Pranayama increases energy, cleanses and regenerates the lungs, tones the diaphragm, heart, and abdominal muscles, improves circulation. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the physiological impact of Bhastrika Pranayama on healthy individuals using cardio-pulmonary variables. Materials and Methods: 110 healthy male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 25 were enrolled, and they were randomly divided into a control group and a Pranayama group. The parameters SpO2, SBP, DBP, HR, RR, and PEFR were noted for pre and post values for both groups were recorded. The parameters were measured using a peak flow metre, cardiac monitor, and pulse oximeter. The Pranayama group received Bhastrika Pranayama for 4 weeks whereas the control group received no intervention. Result: The Pranayama group showed a significant improvement in SpO2 (p≤0.05), RR (p≤0.05) and PEFR (p≤0.05) and a small reduction in SBP, DBP and HR. Whereas, no significant changes were observed in the control group. Discussion: Following 4-week of Bhastrika Pranayama shows improvement in PEFR, RR, and SpO2 while lowers HR, SBP, and DBP somewhat. The benefits of Bhastrika Pranayama in healthy people in terms of fitness-related health conditions, both in the short and long term, may also be revealed by future research.

Is It Possible to Treat Multi-Resistant Bacteria Nowadays Without Using Any Kind of Antibiotics?

Introduction: We are facing an enormous increase in the number of multi-resistant bacteria worldwide and there are not enough antibiotics to treat them. The purpose of this study is to show that patients with multi-resistant bacteria have in their background, energy deficiency within their five internal massive organs according to the the five-element theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine which subsequently leads to the formation of internal Fire, that is one of the energy imbalances necessary to have adherence of bacteria inside tissues. Treating these energy alterations through correcting wrong eating habits, rebalancing the internal energy using Chinese medicine’s tools and replenishing the energy of these organs using highly diluted medications according to the theory of Constitutional Homeopathy of the Five Elements Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce the formation of internal Fire is the mode of treatment nowadays when facing patients with multiresistant bacteria infections. The conclusion of this study is to show that we need to treat the patient, and not just the disease the patient has, in order to effectively treat patients with multi-resistant bacterial infections.

Formalization of regulatory information (using the example of SR 30.13330.2020 Internal water supply and sewerage of building)

The article is devoted to the development of databases of the factographic reference system. The method of formalization of normative information is proposed. The classification of tables into “descriptive” and “prescriptive” has been introduced. The article describes an approach to the formalization of “prescriptive” tables, all the parameters of which are divided into two groups – quantitative and qualitative. SR 30.13330.2020 Internal water supply and sewerage of buildings Chapter 7 “Fire-fighting water supply” and Appendix J “Water consumption for firefighting” were chosen as the object of formalization. The data structure required to determine the internal fire extinguishing device, the number of fire cranes and water consumption is presented. A fragment of the database “Water consumption” and screen forms of the developed application “Water consumption for firefighting” are presented. The input data for the application is the type of building and the parameters depending on the type of building, the result is information about the need for fire-fighting plumbing and a link to the document. The presented example of expanding the database with information from SR 486.1311500.2020 indicates the flexibility of the proposed approach.

Energy Alterations in Patient with Acute Pancreatitis

Introduction: Acute Pancreatitis is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in United States and is increasing gradually. The Purpose of This Study is to demonstrate that patients with acute pancreatitis has energy deficiency inside the five internal massive organs and the treatment of this condition can reduce the levels of amylase reducing the formation of internal Fire, responsible for the inflammation in the energy level, according to the reasoning used by traditional Chinese medicine, which exists for more than 5000 years. Methods: one case report of 49 years-old female patient with acute pain in the abdomen in 2019, which discovered that it was an acute pancreatitis (amylase more than 1200 mg/dl). She was submitted to surgery to take out her gallbladder but the amylase did not reduce with this process (still high 900 mg/dl three months after the surgery). She went to my clinic to see my opinion about her case. I measured the energy of her five internal massive organs (Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lungs and Kidney) energy using radiesthesia procedure. Results: All her internal five massive organs were in the lowest level of energy, rated one out of eight. The treatment of her condition rebalancing and replenishing the energy of these organs using Chinese dietary counseling, auricular acupuncture with apex ear bloodletting, systemic acupuncture and replenishing the energy of these organs using highly diluted medications according to the theory of Constitutional Homeopathy of the Five Elements Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and crystal-based medications. The amylase levels reduced from 1200 mg/dl to about 236 mg/dl after this energy-based treatment using Chinese medicine’s tools. Conclusion: is to demonstrate that patients with acute pancreatitis have energy deficiency inside the five internal massive organs and the treatment of this condition rebalancing and replenishing the internal energy using highly diluted medications according to the theory of Constitutional Homeopathy of the Five Elements based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and crystal-based medications is of paramount importance to treat the cause of acute pancreatitis formation and not just treating the symptoms, that is the acute pancreatitis itself.

Features of the process of water filling the barrel of a periodic-pulse fire extinguishing installation

In the work, research was carried out, which made it possible to reveal the peculiarities of the process of filling the barrel of the periodic-impulse fire extinguishing installation with water. At the same time, a mathematical model for simulating the processes of water injection into a pipe with subsequent crushing of water by a shock wave was substantiated and proposed. To simulate the processes of water injection and water crushing in the shaft of the installation, a VOF model (volume of liquid model) is used, according to which there is no penetration of one medium into another, and which is based on the surface tracking method applied to a fixed Euler grid. On the basis of the developed mathematical model in the ANSYS software environment, numerical studies of the process of filling the barrel of a periodic-impulse fire extinguishing installation with water were carried out. According to the results of a numerical study of the process of filling the barrel of the periodic-impulse fire extinguishing installation with water, a relatively high inertia in the time of the water injection processes in relation to the gas detonation processes occurring in the periodic-impulse fire extinguishing installation was revealed. In particular, the time interval between detonation cycles in the installation operating at a frequency of 23 Hz is about 43,5 ms. If we discard the purge cycle, then we have a time interval of 21 ms, during which it is necessary to inject water into the barrel of the intermittent-impulse fire extinguishing installation. According to the results of the above studies, we have that only the time for the spread of the stream of water from one side to the other side of the barrel of the periodic-impulse fire extinguishing installation is 8 ms. The conducted research makes it possible to investigate the influence of the parameters of the fire extinguishing installation on the formation of a finely sprayed water jet, and the obtained results will significantly increase the level of operational readiness of the personnel of fire and rescue units during operational actions to extinguish internal fires.

Data-driven modeling of downwind toxic gas dispersion in lithium-ion battery failures using computational fluid dynamics

Understanding the toxicity hazard associated with lithium-ion battery systems (electric vehicles, e-mobility devices, energy storage systems, etc.) is critical due to their increasing prevalence in densely populated areas. In this work, a meta-analysis of literature data on the main toxic gas species emitted by lithium-ion batteries was conducted. The aggregated data were used as inputs to computational fluid dynamics simulations to characterize the universe of potential toxic gas concentration profiles. These simulations were run for various ambient conditions and battery characteristics. Results are reported in terms of estimated minimum safety distances based on immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) values, which could help inform decisions regarding effective firefighting and evacuation recommendations. A sensitivity analysis was also run to identify the key factors that influence safety distances as well as the combination of factors that led to the largest and shortest safety distances. Additionally, using toxicity data from the literature, the downwind toxicity of an internal combustion engine vehicle fire was compared to that of an electric vehicle fire. A relatively simple simulation setup was used for all simulations to make the results as general as possible.

Fire Effect and Performance of Bridge Pylon Columns under Construction

The fire effect and performance of bridge pylons under construction were investigated via an analysis conducted on two types of pylons with different wall thicknesses. Three fire scenarios, namely internal fire, external ring fire, and external side fire, were established for a 40 m high section of the bridge pylon under construction. The distribution of fire smoke and temperature was obtained using fire dynamics simulation software for different fire scenarios. In addition, a finite element simulation was performed using the thermal–mechanical coupling method to obtain the temperature, stress, and deformation of the columns. The simulation results demonstrate that the average temperature of the internal fire is higher. The chimney effect extends the height range of temperature influence. In the vertical direction, the temperature decrease curve for the internal fire follows a single negative exponential function, while the external fire adheres to a double negative exponential function. The thickness of the temperature influence in the bridge pylon is extended by heating to approximately 200 mm. The stress value considering the thermal expansion coefficient is nearly 27.5 times that without the expansion coefficient, while the deformation value increases by 1 to 8 times. In conclusion, the calculations of the coupled expansion coefficient are helpful in improving the fire safety of bridge pylons.

Study of critical velocity and back-layering length with fire sources both inside and outside a tunnel

The smoke back-layering length and the critical ventilation velocity in double fire scenarios where the fire sources were both inside and outside the tunnel were studied by small-scale tests and theoretical analysis. Results showed that the smoke back-layering length increased with an increase of the fire separating distance when the dimensionless fire separating distance was less than 3, and the values were larger than the results of a single internal fire at each fire separating distance. The dimensionless critical ventilation velocity segmentally increased with the increase of the dimensionless fire separating distance when the dimensionless fire separating distance was less than 10, and then remained constant. Moreover, the constant value was found to be close to that in the case of a single tunnel fire. In addition, an empirical model of dimensionless critical ventilation velocity was established for the double tunnel fire scenario both inside and outside a tunnel.

Application of internal fire probabilistic risk assessment in design optimization for marine SMR

Abstract Small Modular Reactors (SMR) have attracted more and more attention. It can provide economic, stable and clean power for remote areas. It is also a reliable solution in satisfying the power supply of small and medium grids, as well as comprehensive energy supply including heat, electricity, water and steam, and distributed energy supply. Internal Fire Probabilistic Risk Assessment (PRA) is a system analysis method of assessing fire risk for a nuclear power plant, which plays a more and more important role. It can provide an overall understanding of the internal fire risk for SMR. Corresponding design optimization suggestions can be obtained through further analysis of the fire areas with major fire risk, which can help reduce the risk of internal fire and improve the safety of reactor. The paper introduces the basic information of marine SMR and development of internal fire PRA. Then the internal fire risk for marine SMR have been analyzed by this method. The results show that marine SMR have high safety with a Core Damage Frequency (CDF) for internal fire risk of less than 1.0 × 10−7 per year.

Experimental Investigation of the Pyrolysis of Synthetic Materials Exposed to External and Internal Fires

Consideration was given to the issue of flammability during the thermal decomposition of synthetic materials used for the constructions to isolate the process equipment and building structures. The experimental research data obtained for the thermal decomposition of synthetic materials with the measurements of temperature as a function of the time of thermal radiation were given including a change in the mass and structure of the specimens of synthetic materials exposed to the thermal radiation during the fire. The obtained experimental data enabled the substantiation of the process of the thermal decomposition of synthetic materials depending on time and temperature and also a change in the mass of the specimens of synthetic materials before and after the tests.

Специфика пассивной противопожарной защиты для атомных электрических станций

Passive fire protection systems (elements) are the most preferred for use to ensure nuclear and radiation safety of the nuclear power plants in case of internal and external fires. The main passive fire protection systems (elements) of the nuclear power plants include: fire-resistant structures (walls, ceilings, columns, screens, etc.); fire-resistant sealing of penetrations (technological, electrical, ventilation, etc.); fire-resistant filling of openings in fire barriers (doors, gates, dampers, airlocks, etc.); structural fire protection; fire-resistant coatings; devices for emergency draining and self-extinguishing of flammable liquids. Among them, it is possible to distinguish both systems (elements) that perform the function only of fire protection (for example, fire-resistant coatings, fire dampers for ventilation systems), and the systems (elements) that perform other basic functions that also require fire protection (for example, building structures, sealed doors). Passive systems (elements) may simultaneously be subject to the requirements for protection against fire, other internal and external influences (flooding, flying objects, explosions, etc.), as well as the operational requirements specific to the nuclear power plants (resistance to radiation-ionizing radiation, decontaminating compositions, vibrations, high temperatures, etc.). Due to the complex nature of the requirements, a certain imperfection of the regulatory framework and processes for organizing design and construction in the nuclear industry, there is a certain shortage of products for the implementation of passive fire protection solutions that meet the necessary requirements. To solve the above problems in the field of passive fire protection of the nuclear power plants, it seems appropriate to organize work in the following areas: conducting research based on the Russian and international experience; development of the regulatory framework; improvement of the design and construction processes. The work in these areas could contribute to the early saturation of the Russian market with domestic products of passive fire protection, as a result, increase the level of safety and economic efficiency of the nuclear power plants.

Research Progress of Shear Thickening Electrolyte Based on Liquid–Solid Conversion Mechanism

As an essential component of the lithium-ion battery system, electrolyte plays a crucial role in ion transport between the electrodes. In the event of thermal runaway, commercial organic electrolytes are prone to internal disturbances and fires; hence, research on safe electrolytes has gradually become a hot topic during recent years. Shear thickening electrolyte, as a new type of smart electrolyte, can exhibit a liquid state in the absence of external force and rapidly converts to a quasi-solid state once the battery is subjected to drastic impact loading. In this paper, the recent progress of shear thickening electrolytes with liquid–solid switching performance is presented, including its working principles, synthesis and preparation procedure, and battery performance. Additionally, the perspective and challenges for practical application are discussed.

Fire probabilistic safety assessment of control room in TRIGA PUSPATI research reactor

An internal Fire Probabilistic Safety Assessment (FPSA) study was conducted in the control room of the TRIGA PUSPATI (RTP) research reactor. This study aims to determine the likelihood of a fire occurring in the control room of RTP and the probability of fire occurring after an accident loss of instrumentation and control (LOIC) to the core damage frequency (CDF) value. The quantification results of the CDF are compared between LOIC with fire-induced (LOIC-F) and without fire-induced (LOIC). A methodical strategy to identify potential fire hazards that includes the precise identification of the design area, the size of any opening compartments, the location of electrical cabinets and fire suppression systems, as well as the placement of any safety-related equipment was applied. Included is Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA), which determines failure modes and designates repercussions for each scenario. This research will contribute on providing essential information on status of fire in RTP’s control room as an insight of identifying any risk of fire scenario that may occur including investigation of current fire protection system sufficiency. In addition, a core damage end state of consequences of fire after an LOIC is also presented. The result of this research can be beneficial and creating awareness to the management as well as reactor operators in case of fire in the control room of RTP.

Microscale failure analysis of the ultra-high-performance polypropylene fibre reinforced concrete panel subjected to high thermal loading induced by fire exposure

To date, many buildings are prone to fire from non-structure systems like high-pressure laminates and insulated cladding systems. Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been applied to the cladding systems due to its excellent mechanical properties at room temperature and non-flammable characteristic. To improve its mechanical properties under fire condition, different fibres like PP fibre have been employed to reinforce UHPC. The tensile strengths of these ultra-high-performance PP fibre reinforced concrete (UHPPFRC) panels vary due to the different orientations of internal PP fibres. However, few studies have been carried out on the internal stress and fire resistance of these claddings. Study on understanding the fire behaviours and failure process of the UHPPFRC panel is essential for developing claddings with better fire resistance and durability. In this study, a coupled hygro-thermal–mechanical model is developed to predict the internal stress and temperature distribution within the UHPPFRC panel. The microscopic failure process of PP fibre and porosity change within the panel during heating are all embodied in the model, and its accuracy has been validated. The initial and the residual tensile strengths of the UHPPFRC panel are considered to fluctuate between two extrema due to the random fiber orientation. Based on this, Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is applied to investigate the effects of fibre dosage and heating rate on retarding crack propagation and failure of the UHPPFRC panel under high temperature. Results from the numerical investigation indicate that 0.55% dosage of PP fibre can effectively postpone crack occurrence and propagation within the UHPPFRC panel at linear elastic phase, and faster heating rate can accelerate the pore pressure generation process. Also, internal fibre orientation is a significant factor affecting the fire endurance of the UHPPFRC panel subjected to elevated temperature, which should be considered for safety and reliability evaluation of the structure.

UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES IN OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES EXAMPLE OF SELECTED VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE UNITS

This article presents the results of research concerning the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) in operations in selected Voluntary Fire Brigade (VFB) units. In addition to literatureresearch, a survey method was used. A SWOT analysis was also carried out based on the answersprovided in the questionnaires. The provided information shows that VFBs most often use UAVsfor searching for missing persons, monitoring mass events, tracking illegal rubbish dumps, aswell as during firefighting operations including monitoring of large area fires. Also noted weresuch cases of UAV usage as smoke surveys from chimneys, monitoring of internal fires, locatingwild boar herds during African swine fever (ASF) or initial assessment of the health of an injuredperson. As part of the SWOT analysis, 12 strengths and weaknesses of the UAV were identified,as well as 5 opportunities and threats related to their implementation and application. The articleends with conclusions and recommendations for further research and implementation related toUAVs. This may serve to assure further development of this technology and give an overview ofany pros and cons of its implementation in operational activities in the general security and safetysector, including rescue units.