Generation and analysis of toxic gases in fire -- Calculation of species yields, equivalence ratios and combustion efficiency in experimental fires

2018 ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremy Russell-Smith ◽  
Brett P. Murphy ◽  
C. P. (Mick) Meyer ◽  
Garry D. Cook ◽  
Stefan Maier ◽  
...  

Although biomass burning of savannas is recognised as a major global source of greenhouse gas emissions, quantification remains problematic with resulting regional emissions estimates often differing markedly. Here we undertake a critical assessment of Australia’s National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI) savanna burning emissions methodology. We describe the methodology developed for, and results and associated uncertainties derived from, a landscape-scale emissions abatement project in fire-prone western Arnhem Land, northern Australia. The methodology incorporates (i) detailed fire history and vegetation structure and fuels type mapping derived from satellite imagery; (ii) field-based assessments of fuel load accumulation, burning efficiencies (patchiness, combustion efficiency, ash retention) and N : C composition; and (iii) application of standard, regionally derived emission factors. Importantly, this refined methodology differs from the NGGI by incorporation of fire seasonality and severity components, and substantial improvements in baseline data. We consider how the application of a fire management program aimed at shifting the seasonality of burning (from one currently dominated by extensive late dry season wildfires to one where strategic fire management is undertaken earlier in the year) can provide significant project-based emissions abatement. The approach has wider application to fire-prone savanna systems dominated by anthropogenic sources of ignition.


2014 ◽  
Vol 53 (17) ◽  
pp. 6978-6984 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Sheng Wang ◽  
Guo-Hui Wang ◽  
Yun Liu ◽  
Yun-Hong Jiao ◽  
Dan Liu

2018 ◽  
Vol 32 (10) ◽  
pp. 1393-1407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chen Liu ◽  
Ruowen Zong ◽  
Haiyan Chen ◽  
Junling Wang ◽  
Chaopeng Wu

Toxic product in fire disasters is the most important reason for fire casualties. With wide application of polymer material, the toxic products in fire effluents are getting more and more diversified and complicated. Polyurethane is one of the most widely used materials. In this article, the fire toxicant release has been evaluated for thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and its flame-retardant composites. Ammonium polyphosphate (APP), aluminum hydroxide (ATH), and nano-montmorillonite (MMT) were combined into different flame-retardant combinations at certain ratios. Three kinds of flame-retardant combinations (APP-ATH, APP-MMT, and APP-ATH-MMT) were blended to reduce toxicity of TPU. The properties of thermal stability and decomposition were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TGA/infrared spectrometry, static tube furnace, and steady-state tube furnace were used to evaluate the toxic gases, including CO and HCN. Fractional effective dose (FED) was calculated based on the concentrations of CO, CO2, and HCN. The results showed that more than 50% toxicity effect in FED was accounted for HCN. The comprehensive toxicity of TPU was reduced in the samples with APP-ATH and APP-ATH-MMT. The yields of CO, CO2, and O2 consumption were indicated much lower in the samples with APP-ATH-MMT than the other two combinations.


1981 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 175-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.A. Anderson ◽  
A. A. Watson ◽  
W. A. Harland

A study of fire deaths, in operation in the Glasgow area since 1976, has been aimed at elucidating the role of smoke and toxic gases in fire fatalities, especially where these occurred in buildings. During the first 3 years of the project, 199 cases were examined of which 182 were eligible for inclusion in the study. This paper reports the major pathological features of these cases and gives details of the epidemiological and demographic statistics. Most of the fatalities (79 per cent) occurred in dwellings. While the old and young members of the community were shown to be particularly vulnerable, male and female casualties were approximately equal in number. The peak periods for fire deaths were at weekends and in the winter months. Burn injuries were present in 83 per cent of cases included in the study, and in 66 per cent these would have been sufficient to cause death, although it was difficult to distinguish between premortem and postmortem burns. Fatal levels of carbon monoxide were present in 52 per cent of the fatalities, and in these cases death was attributed to the inhalation of fire gases. Soot deposition in the respiratory tract as a result of smoke inhalation was observed in 91 per cent of the cases and further injury to the respiratory tract was present in 84 per cent of the cases. Evidence of significant haemolysis was present in 48 per cent of the fatalities. Chronic disease processes were also observed in many fatalities, including lung disease (16 per cent), cardiovascular disease (29 per cent) and liver disease (32 per cent). These rates reflect the high levels of incidence of these diseases in the Glasgow area.


1976 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-200 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theresa A. Perenich ◽  
E. C. Tuazon

An important aspect of the flammability question which needs investigation is that of the lethal gases which are emitted when synthetic carpets are burned. Several studies have found that toxic gases and smoke are a major cause of fatalities to individuals involved in fire situations. This study examined gases which were produced when carpets of nylon, acrylic, or acrylic/modacrylic fibers were burned. Infrared spectra of the carpet fibers were obtained upon pyrolysis of the samples. The results showed that hydrogen cyanide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, acrylonitrile, acetylene, ethylene, methane, and ammonia were emitted. Each of the specific toxicants produced upon burning can be lethal if present in sufficient quantities. In addition, research has shown that cumulative and synergestic effects of these gases may cause debilitation and death. This study indicates the possible need for biological smoke tolerance standards for interior furnishings.


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