Abstracts EDITOR'S NOTE: F o r information on how to set up your own a b s t r a c t file and information retrieval s y s t e m incorporating a b s t r a c t s from FIRE TECHNOLOGY a n d 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 - Three Practical M e t h o d s , " on page 69 of the F e b r u a r y 1965 issue. In clipping these a b s t r a c t s for mounting on file cards, the reverse side of each page should be photocopied to retain the a b s t r a c t s appearing thereon.

KEY WORDS: analysis (mathematical), fire protection engineering, costs, simulation.

ABSTRACT: A method, based on a mathematical model, is presented for the evaluation of the optimal number of fire stations to be assigned to an arbitrary area. The model includes the number of stations, the area of coverage, the average velocity of fire apparatus between the fire station and the fire, the average extinguishment rate in fires per hour, the average fire facility cost, and the average cost of Fire loss including loss of life. Graphs are provided for use by fire service personnel. REFERENCE: " A Fire Station Placement Model," Richard D. Guild and Jess E. Rollin, Fire

Technology, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb. 1972), pp. 33-44. Abs: 7 2 - 1 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass. KEY WORDS: analysis (mathematical), sprinkler systems, kinetics, velocity, sprinklers.

ABSTRACT: In the analysis of sprinkler systems, it is often difficult to reconcile experimentally determined flows and pressures with values calculated by the usual methods because of the problems associated with the use of kinetic energy or velocity pressure of the moving fluid in the calculations. A sprinkler discharge formula derived from Bernoulli's Equation provides improved accuracy and greater simplicity. The formula is modified for use with normal pressures. REFERENCE: "Analytical Methods for Calculating Sprinkler Discharge," Peter Joseph Chicarello, Jr., Fire Technology, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb. 1972), pp. 45-52.

Abs: 7 2 - 2 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass. KEY W O R D S : combustibles.

hyperbaric chambers, sprinkler systems, water sprays, extinguishing~

fires,

ABSTRACT: Hyperbaric chambers require an effective fire extinguishing system. Under pressure, downward injected water sprays contract and the area covered by the spray decreases as pressure increases. Drop size increases with the ambient pressure and the distance from the nozzle. The difficulty in extinguishment depends more upon the oxygen concentration than upon the total pressure. An impinging let nozzle with many holes of comparatively large diameter (2 ram) is preferred to the conventional spray nozzle. REFERENCE: "Extinction of Fires in Hyperbaric Chambers: Part I, Water Spray Properties and Extinction with Single Spray Nozzles," Atsushi Nokakukl, Fire Technology, VoL 8, No. 1 (Feb. 1972), pp. 5-18.

Abs~ 7 2 - 3 , Fire Technologya February 1972; Boston, Mass.

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76

Fire Technology KEY W O R D S : air supported tests, crib tests, structures.

structures, polyethylene, smoke, flammaE~lity, stability, fire

ABSTRACT: In fire tests of an air-supported structure of 6 rail polyethylene membrane, a large propagating tear developed when the upper membrane was uniformly heated by a hostile fire. It is possible to design the upper membrane to prevent such a failure by using a higher melting point membrane with panels of low melting point membrane strategically placed in order to fail first. Tear size might be limited by casting fibrous glass or other high melting point fiber into the membrane. REFERENCE: "Test Burn and Failure Mode Analysis of an Air-supported Structure." L P. Custer, Fire Technology, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb. 1972), pp. 19-23.

Richard

Abs: 7 2 - 4 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY W O R D S : radiation, flames, convection, heat flux, radiant flux, mathematical models.

ABSTRACT: The computed spatial dependence of graybody radiation from a specific cone shape, representative of small fires, showed the greatest radiation intensity directly above the cone. The inverse square law was accurate beyond a distance of three times the maximum cone dimension. Radiation contributed up to 74 percent of the total heat flux with the remainder due to convection. Convective intensity was greatest directly above the flame and negligible beyond 60 ° from the flame symmetry axis. REFERENCE: " G r a y b o d y Radiation from Conical Flames," C. Stuart Kelley and Frlckel, Fire Technology, Vol. 8, No. I (Feb. 1972), pp. 24-32.

Robert

Abs: 72-5, Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY W O R D S : fire protection engineering, fire spread, ignition, fire research, flame spread, conduction.

ABSTRACT: A flow diagram depicting the development and growth of a fire in a buildlng has been created. By defining the elements contributing to the propagation of fire and by examining the development process, the author hoped to identify those areas in which current technology can be applied to fire protection as well as those areas requiring further research. The flow diagram recognizes that there are alternate courses available throughout the fire development process. While the diagram is not without its limitations, it has been helpful to the author in his practice of fire protection englneering. REFERENCE: "A Systems Analysis of the Energy Environment in Buildings," Harold E. Nelson, Fire Technology, Vol. 8, No. 1 (Feb. 1972), pp. 53-66.

Abs: 7 2 - 6 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY W O R D S : protein foam, aqueous film-formlng foams, spill fires. A B S T R A C T : Mechanical foams based on hydrollzed protein are practical, economical, blanketing agents for flammable and combustible liquid fuel fires; however, they have relatively poor resistance to burnoff from fuel saturation if the foam is plunged into a depth of fuel and are relatlve[y incompatible with several dry chemical agents. Fluoroproteln foams have the advantages of mechanical foams as well as good resistance to saturation by hydrocarbon fuels and better compatibility with dry chemicals. Aqueous film-forming foams knack down spill fires quickly and are compatible with dry chemicals; however, their main disadvantage is their relatively rapid drainage (inability to retain water in the foam). REFERENCE: "Aqueous Film-Forming F o a m s Facts and Fallacies," D. N. Meldrum, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Mass. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 66, No. 1 (Jan. 1972), pp. 57-64.

Abs: 7 2 - 7 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

Abstracts

77

KEY WORDS: homes for the aged, sprinklers, vertical openings, fire detectors, life safety, stairways, flammability, interior finishes.

ABSTRACT: Experience indicates that fatal fires will continue to occur ~n nursing homes because of the combustibility of materials in the buildings, because there is no automatic means of extinguishment in use, and because stairways, corridors, and other openings permit, smoke and heat to spread. Low combustibility should be the rule for clothing, bedding, and fu'rnishings and low flame spread for wall finish and ceilings. Effective barriers to the spread of smoke, heat, and flames are necessary as are products-of-combustion detectors to bring immediate help to the patient. Complete sprinkler protection should be installed in nursing homes. REFERENCE: "Convalescent Home Fire Experience: A Perspective View," Chester I. Babcock, Fire Journal (National Fire Protectic~l Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 66, No. 1 (Jan. 1972), pp. 52-56.

Abs: 7 2 - 8 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY WORDS: erting, fuels.

halogenated extinguishing agents, flooding, life safety, extinguishing, in-

ABSTRACT: Halon 1301, while effective as an extinguishing agent at very low concentrations, is not a panacea since there may be many applications where another agent is better. Halon 1301 is heavier than water, and its vapor density is five times that of air. Because of its low heat of vaporization, the saturated liquid will immediately vaporize upon discharge. Halon 1301 is most effective in areas containing high-valued equipment where personnel are likely to be involved. It can be used for total flooding with little hazard to personnel. REFERENCE: "Halon Extinguishing Systems Design Criteria," John E. Echternacht, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971) w pp. 5 1 - 5 5 , 66.

Abs: 7 2 - 9 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY W O R D S : rack storage, fire protection standards, test fires, sprinkler systems.

ABSTRACT: The NFPA Standard for Rack Storage of Materials (No. 231C), which covers storage heights up to 25 ft, is based on an extensive, realistic testing program. Tests conducted with intermediate sprinklers or sprinklers in racks indicated a significant reduction in the area of application of the ceiling sprinklers, the total water demand, and the amount of damage (70 percent reduction). The tests indicated that back-to-back flue space between racks is not necessary as long as the transverse flue space is maintained. REFERENCE: "Meeting the High-Piled Storage Challenge with Standards," C. W. Schlrmer, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 02 110), Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971), pp. 61-66.

Abs: 7 2 - 1 0 , Fire Technology~ February 1972j Boston, Mass.

KEY W O R D S : schools, fire safety, life safety, fire detection, fire resistance.

ABSTRACT: Open classroom school design eliminates the principle of providing structural fire safety in segments of varying degrees of fire resistance, by supplying exit systems of fire resistive corridors and stairs, and by establishing maximum travel distances to exterior exits. To open up entire buildings to one common atmosphere requires compensatory safety factors, such as fire-resistive construction, automatic suppression, automatic detections automatic venting, and public protection. REFERENCE: " A New Approach to Fire Safety in Open-Plan School Buildings," C. Walter Stickney, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , V o l . 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971), pp. 3 8 - 4 1 .

Abs: 7 2 - 1 t, Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

78

Fire Technology KEY W O R D S : electrical cables, flame retardants, automatic fire protection, halogenated extinguishing agents.

ABSTRACT: Grouped fire-retardant cables installed in accordance with the National Electrical Code may still be a fire hazard. Built-ln protection for cable installations includes the use of UL listed cable with the highest temperature rating that meets other operating requirements~ the use of cable that has passed full-scale tests; the separation of power and control cablesa spot temperature checks; fire barriers; heat detection; smoke detection; and automatic fire suppression equipment. REFERENCE: "The Grouped Electrical Cable Fire Problem," L. E. Otdendorf, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971), pp. 4 2 , 4 3 , and 45. Abs: 7 2 - 1 2 , Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston, Mass.

KEY WORDS: hospitals, electric appliances, life safety, ignition, fire hazards, (electrical), electrical shock.

grounding

ABSTRACT: The hospital is a hostile environment for electrical appliances. Frequently knobs, switches, and cords become damaged. Physicians and nurses regard electrical appliances merely as tools, and maintenance is poor. To combat the organized neglect, emphasis must be placed on the safety of the hardware in contrast to safety measures that must be supervised and taught on a continuous basis. The electric safety of appliances depends on the : integrity of grounding circuits. REFERENCE: "Electrical Hazards in Hospitals and That Green Wire," Carl W. Walter, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch ,St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971), pp. 2 3 - 2 7 , 29. Abs: 7 2 - 1 3 , Fire Technologys February 1972: Boston, Mass.

KEY WORDS: utility tunnels, fire protection, cable trays, electrical fires, combustible insulation s gas detectors, fire fighting.

ABSTRACT: Predominant fire hazards in utility tunnels are grouped combustible cables, oil-insulated cables, gas piping, and combustible pipe insulation. The ignition source can be electrical overheating, arcs, or sparks. The risk of gas leak explosions should be minimized by the use of adequately ventilated tunnels and by the isolation of gas lines from corrosion and mechanical damage. In case of a gas leak, the gas supply should be shut off, but other fires can be extinguished with an automatic sprinkler or fixed spray nozzle. REFERENCE: "Fire Protection for Utility Tunnels," Wilbur L. Wails, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Boston, Ma. 0 2 1 1 0 ) , Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov° 1971), p p . . 5 - 7 , 9. Abst 7 2 - 1 4 , Fire Technology, February 1972~ Boston, Mass.

KEY WORDS: fire alarms, high-rise buildings, life safety, evacuation, occupancies.

ABSTRACT: In a high-rise building, it is possible when consideration is given to the fire Iocation and severity, escape routes, and capabilities of the occupants that evacuation to safe areas within the building or even on the same floor may be preferred to immediate evacuation of all the occupants when a general alarm sounds. One suggested procedure was to sound an immediate alarm on the affected Floor and control evacuation Flow by slightly delayed evacuation alarms on other floors in a progressive sequence radiating a w a y from the affected location. REFERENCE: " A New Concept of Evacuation Alarm Signaling in High-Rise Buildings," Robert W. McPherson, Fire Journal (National Fire Protection Association, 60 Batterymarch St., Bostona Ma. 02 110), Vol. 65, No. 6 (Nov. 1971), pp. 8s 9, Abs: 7 2 - 1 5 t Fire Technology, February 1972; Boston~ Mass.