Abstracts EDITOR'S NOTE: F o r information on how to set up y o u r own a b s t r a c t file a n d information retrieval s y s t e m incorporating a b s t r a c t s from FIRE TECHNOLOGY and other sources, see the article, " I n f o r m a t i o n R e t r i e v a l - - T h r e e Practical M e t h o d s , " on page 69 of the F e b r u a r y 1965 issue. In c l i p p i n g these a b s t r a c t s for mounting on file cards, the reverse side of each page s h o u l d be photocopied to retain the a b s t r a c t s appearing thereon. T h e classification code n u m b e r s followed by an asterisk (*) refer to new categories assigned s u b s e q u e n t to the publication in M a y 1964 of the N F P A Library Classification System for Fire Protection. The corresponding subject heading entries are d e s i g n a t e d in the footnotes. NFPA Lib. Class. 8.7A KEY WORDS: fire tests, flame spread, flame propagation, cedar shingles, cedar shakes, plywood, imitation brick, imitation stone. ABSTRACT: Ad hoc tests were carried out on ten 8-ft high by 551/2-in. wide mock-up samples of exterior walls to determine whether the exterior claddings, once ignited, would p r o p a g a t e fire upwards indefinitely. This was found to be the case with imitation brick and stone siding and with cedar shakes, but not with latex-painted drop siding or vertical boards. The behavior of cedar shingles and plywood was dependent upon other details of construction. Unpainted drop siding behaved anomalously. REFERENCE: "The Flammability of Exterior Claddings," J. H. McGuire, Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 1 3 7 - 1 4 1 .

Abs: 6 7 - 1 6 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 10.3C.lc KEY WORDS: hydraulics, pressure, friction losses, hoses, length, diameters, internal surfaces, testing. ABSTRACT: Tests of the effects of pressure on the length and diameter of stock fire hose have shown significant increases in diameter in the pressure range from 0 to 100 pslg. The increase was less pronounced in the pressure range from 100 to 300 psig. The work has yielded practical working diameters. When these values and selected internal roughness values were used in the Fannlng-Darcy Equation, good agreement was obtained between caJcuJated friction losses and those obtained experlmentaJly. REFERENCE: "Further Hydraulic Studies of Fire Hose," J. R. Gaskill, R. L. Henderson, and R. G. Purlngton, Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 1 0 5 - 1 1 4 .

Abs: 6 7 - 1 7 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 4.3B KEY WORDS: burning rate, crib fires, interacting fires, flame propagation. ABSTRACT: Measurements were made on the interaction effects of flames from burning proximate wood cribs under windy r The depth of flaming zone, propagation rate, and burning rate data are reported. The depth of flaming zone varied with the wind velocity and the crib configuration. The propagation rate and burning rate were correlated as a function of the depth of burning zone. No differences in behavior were detected due to small differences in spacing between the two fires. REFERENCE: "Interaction Effects of Wind-blown Flames from Wood Crib Fires," 3. Rios, J. R. Welker, and C. M. Sliepcevlch, Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 1 2 9 - 1 3 6 .

Abs: 6 7 - 1 8 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967~ Boston, Mass.

150

Abstracts

1S] NFPA Lib. Class. 6.8B.4

KEY WORDS: fire-retardant chemicals, spread.

flamespread tests, plywood, smoke density, flame

ABSTRACT: Individual flre-retardant chemicals were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing flame spread. Douglas fir plywood specimens were treated to various levels of chemical retention and exposed to fire in an 8-ft tunnel furnace; specimens were also evaluated with fire-tube and modified Schlyter panel tests. Monoammonium phosphate was the most effective chemical in reducing flammability, and zinc chloride ranked second in effectiveness of the eleven chemicals evaluated. REFERENCE: "Fire-retardant Effects of Individual Chemicals on Douglas Fir Plywood," H. W. Eickner and E. L. Schaffer, Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 9 0 - 1 0 4 .

Abs: 6 7 - 1 9 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 6.2C.2 KEY WORDS: autolgnition, aircraft fuels, altitude, air velocity, flammable liquids, kerosene, lubricants, hot surfaces, temperature. ABSTRACT. Data on aircraft engines have indicated that surface temperatures can exceed the closed-cup ignition temperatures of commonly used fuels and lubricants without igniting those flammable liquids on contact. Tests were made in a stagnant volume and in a wind tunnel to study the effects of mixture strength, altitude, air velocity, spray characteristics, and air gaps on ignition temperature. The intent of the study was not to obtain absolute values, but to derive a theory for predicting the effects of environmental changes on ignition temperatures. It is concluded that the risk of ignition is determined by the temperature of a critical volume of air-fuel mixture rather than by the temperature of a surface, and that current aircraft practices are justified. REFERENCE: "The Ignition of Flammable Liquids by Hot Surfaces," D. G. Goodall and R. Ingle, Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 1 1 5 - 1 2 8 .

Abs: 6 7 - 2 0 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 6.5B.5 KEY WORDS: dust, dust explosions, explosions, explosion hazards, explosive limits, lower explosive limit, testing. ABSTRACT: The accidental ignition of finely divided particles of combustible materials can constitute a serious explosion hazard. A distinction is drawn between static and dynamic hazard situations, and it is pointed out that most published data on the explosive limits of dusts resulted from static test methods yielding relative rather than absolute values. Both static and dynamic test techniques are described. It is concluded that explosions can be produced in static conditions at values below reported lower explosive limit (LEL) values and that, in dynamic situations, the true LEL values are appreciably higher than those determined by static test techniques. REFERENCE: "The Limits of Dust Explosibility," Lester A. Eggleston and Andrew J. Pryor,

Fire Technology, Vol. 3, No. 2 ( M a y 1967), pp. 7 7 - 8 9 . Abs: 6 7 - 2 1 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 17.8 KEY WORDS: static electricity, tank vehicles, tires, grounding, motor vehicles. ABSTRACT: Static in moving tank trucks originates in the contact between the tires and the road and not from the splashing of tank contents. For any speed, the tire resistance places a limit on the equilibrium voltage ( 2 3 0 0 - 5 0 0 0 volts) that a vehicle can reach. When a vehicle stops, the charge is reduced quickly to a nonhazardous level (below 1,500 volts). Rubber has enough conductivity to permit current flow at the potentials associated with static. Bonding during pressure transfer in the loading or unloading of rubber tired vehicles is unnecessary and no drag chains are required because no static hazard exists. REFERENCE: "The Hazard from Static Electricity on Moving Rubber-Tired Vehicles," Oliver W. Johnson, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 61, No. 1 (Jan. 1967) pp. 2 5 - 2 7 .

Abs: 6 7 - 2 2 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

]52

Fire Technology NFPA Lib. Class. 10.2

KEY WORDS: fire service administration, city planning, computers, information systems, insurance evaluation. ABSTRACT: A fire department needs information for administration, training operations, fire prevention, inspection, inventory, and maintenance of equipment. Probably, fire d a t a for both operational and reporting requirements can be subjected to computer processing through a systems analysis approach. Fire incident reports, first aid reports, operational reports, inspection reports, and fire permits provide a broad base from which to start the flow, analysis, and correlation of data. Weighted averages of the dominant fire risk variables can be related to suggested economic programs and b u d g e t a r y decisions to u p g r a d e selected fire operations and insure a more favorable American Insurance Association rating. REFERENCE: "Sogammis: Its Meaning to the City's Fire Service," John R. Briffett and William H. Mitchel, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 60, No. 6 (November 1966), pp. 5 7 - 5 9 .

Abs: 6 7 - 2 3 , Fire Technology, February 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 1 6.1D.2 KEY WORDS: electric equipment, automatic sprinkler systems, electric shock, sprinkler protection. ABSTRACT: Water discharge of 20 gallons a minute from an automatic sprinkler would do less d a m a g e to electrical equipment than 100 to 250 gallons a minute from a hose stream in a serious fire. Electronic equipment that has been wet can be restored to service more quickly than similar equipment damaged by fire. Most electrical assemblies are equipped with overcurrent devices to interrupt power flow in the event of malfunction. Fire departments would shut down any remaining power on response to an alarm. REFERENCE: "Automatic Sprinkler Protection for Essential Electrical and Electronic Equipment," Dan W. Jacobson, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 61, No. 1 (Jan. 1967), pp. 4 8 - 5 3 .

Abs: 6 7 - 2 4 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 1 8.3J KEY WORDS: extinguishers tion, carbon dioxide.

(fire), hydrostatic tests, standards, cylinders, corrosion, inspec-

ABSTRACT: The records are insufficient to establish frequency requirements for hydrostatic testing or to determine causes of explosive ruptures of fire extinguishers. The purpose of hydrostatic testing is to safeguard against failure from corrosion, d a m a g e from rough handling, pressure cycling, and exposure to abnormal heat. It is difficult to spot exterior corrosion under the nameplates. Thorough drying of extinguishers is a must for internal corrosion control. Dry-ice converters present special moisture problems. Based on experience, five years is considered a reasonable time limit for hydrostatic testing for fire extinguishers except for the dry-chemical or bromotrifiuoromethone extinguishers. REFERENCE: "Hydrostatic Testing of Fire Extinguishers," George H. Tryon, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 02 110), Vol. 6 1, No. 1 (Jan. 1967), pp. 3 2 - 5 , 53.

Abs: 6 7 - 2 5 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 15.4A.2 KEY WORDS: fire fighting foams, fire extinguishing systems, d r y chemicals Purple K, compatibility, three dimensional fires. ABSTRACT: The combined use of a compatible foam (XL-6) and dry chemical, (Purple K) on flammable liquid fires with a dual-agent gun only requires one operator. The d r y chemlcal is used to extinguish the fire, and the foam is used to form o vaportight blanket to prevent reflash. A three dimensional fire which could not be handled by either d r y chemical or foam alone was extinguished by one operator applying compatible foam to the pool fire and dry chemical to the burning pressurized stream in 35 seconds. The dual-agent system was used successfully to extinguish combination bilge and pressure fires in a 30- by 35-foot simulated engine-room compartment. REFERENCE: " A Dual-Agent Fire-Extlnguishing System," Ira Wilder, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 60, No. 6 (November 1966), pp. 1 0 - 1 2 , 45.

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Abstracts

]$3 NFPA Lib. Class. 8.8E

KEY WORDS: carpets, flame spread tests, cotton fabrics, regulations, standards, fire reports, life safety. ABSTRACTS: Regulatory officials have little concern relative to the hazards of floor covering and feel that regulation is not essential to public safety. The danger of fire spread by floor coverings has not been demonstrated except in the case of high cut-pile types of carpeting from the viewpoint of life safety. Present test methods do not yield an accurate evaluation of the hazards of floor covering. To preserve the integrity of exitways, floor coverings in hazardous areas could be limited to dense, low-pile carpets.

REFERENCE: "Floor Coverings: What is the Hazard?" Calvin H. Yuill, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Botterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 61, No. 1 (Jan. 1967), pp. 11-19. Abs: 6 7 - 2 7 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass.

NFPA Lib. Class. 8.1C.3g KEY WORDS: textiles, plants, loss prevention, electric equipment, automatic sprinklers, educa-

tion. ABSTRACT: The application of sound principles of loss prevention to textile plant hazards has improved their fire experience record in spite of the ease of ignition of fibers and lint and the numerous ignition sources. The principles are the same as those in other industries except for the details, and include good housekeeping, proper arrangement of processes, control or elimination of ignition sources, adequate fire protection, and well-trained people. The storage areas, where fires are infrequent but have a high damage potential, should be separated from manufacturing areas where fires occur more frequently. REFERENCE: "Loss Prevention in the Textile Industry," W. H. Marlowe, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 61, No. 2 (March 1967), pp. 15-23. Abs: 6 7 - 2 8 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass. N F P A Lib. Class. 6.81.6 KEY WORDS: clothing, life safety, fire retardants, regulations, cotton, textiles, fabrics. ABSTRACT: Compliance with the Federal Flammable Fabrics Act does not exonerate industry from liability to the consumer if the garment is inappropriate for safe use in a child's dress or for use in the kitchen or by the aged or infirm. Under the rule of strict liability, a legal commitment is imposed on the manufacturer, retailer, and distributor which guarantees the public that the product when used in the appropriate w a y will not cause unanticipated injury. REFERENCE: "The Clothing Fire Problem: Some Legal Aspects," Arnold B. Elkind, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 61, No. 2 (March 1967), pp. 11-14.

Abs: 6 7 - 2 9 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mass. N F P A Lib. Class. 8 . 1 C . 3 b KEY WORDS: life safety, educational occupancies, spread ratings.

exits, stairs, sprinklers, fire alarms, flame-

ABSTRACT: The exit requirements, building features, and sprinkler and alarm systems of interest in the design of buildings for educational occupancies are discussed on the basis of the Life Safety Code, NFPA No. 101, 1966 edition. The Code requires that hazardous areas, such as storage rooms, boiler rooms, janitor closets, maintenance shops, laundries, and kitchens be separated from the rest of the building by one-hour construction or be provided with automatic sprinklers. Kindergartens and first and second grades shall not be housed a b o v e the first floor except in fire-resistive construction. Open plan buildings shall not exceed 3 0 , 0 0 0 square feet in undivided area, and a solid wall or smoke-stop partition shall be provided at intervals not to exceed 300 feet. REFERENCE: "For Architects and Builders. Designing Life Safety in Educational Occupancies," Richard E. Stevens, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vok 61, No. 2 (March 1967), pp. 24, 25t 37.

Abs: 6 7 - 3 0 , Fire Technology, M a y 1967; Boston, Mast.