Study of Efficiency Parameters for Using Fire-Extinguishing Aerosols to Suppress Flammable Liquid Fires in Open Spaces

Abstract

In production and economic activities, a large number of flammable and flammable liquids are used. A significant part of them is stored and circulated in industrial equipment located in open spaces. This creates a risk of fires at petrol stations, energy companies, tank farms and other facilities, especially in wartime, when rapid response by firefighters is difficult. Automated fire extinguishing systems using fire extinguishing aerosols are a promising solution for such situations due to their efficiency, simplicity and reliability.The aim of the study is to determine the optimal conditions and parameters for the use of fire extinguishing aerosols for extinguishing fires of combustible liquids in an open space.To achieve this goal, experimental studies were carried out using a 55B model fire and a fire extinguishing aerosol generator (FAG). The studies included determination of the extinguishing time, aerosol supply intensity, aerosol concentration in the cloud, aerosol supply duration, aerosol cloud retention time and aerosol coverage area.According to the study, it was found that successful extinguishing of the model fire is achieved by supplying aerosol from FAG with a charge of 2800-2880 g from a height of 4.5 metres at a right angle. The following parameters were determined: the optimum aerosol supply rate (160 g/s) and the aerosol concentration in the stream (140-180 g/m3). The duration of aerosol supply is 18-20 seconds, the retention time of the aerosol cloud is 50-60 seconds, and the final aerosol concentration in the cloud is 97 g/m3.The study also analysed the dynamics of changes in the aerosol coverage area and aerosol concentration in different zones of the flow cone. It is shown that the aerosol concentration in all zones of the cone exceeds the required extinguishing concentration.A methodology for determining the parameters of effective use of aerosol fire extinguishing systems in open spaces has been developed.From the analysis, it can be concluded that fire extinguishing aerosols are an effective means of extinguishing fires of flammable liquids in open spaces. The results obtained can be used for the design and implementation of automated fire extinguishing systems at facilities with increased fire hazard, which in turn will increase the efficiency of fire extinguishing, help reduce material damage and risk to human life, especially in wartime.