Effects of compressed air foam application on heat conditions in fire within a closed space

Abstract

This article evaluates the knowledge obtained in fi refi ghting tests using compressed air foam system (CAFS) within a confi ned space. Six experiments were conducted for verifi cation during the cooling of rooms and the self-extinguishing effect. The simulation was for a fully developed fi re within a room. The fuel was chosen to simulate ordinary combustible materials utilized in residential areas. Mantel thermocouples were placed in the rooms to record the temperature changes. Compressed air foam was fi rst applied with a standard fi re hose nozzle to the ceiling and then to the epicenter of fi re. Fire extinguishing was initiated after reaching the desired temperature in the room. The temperature for the start of fi re extinguishing matched the third phase of development of a fi re. Fire extinguishing was terminated after no obvious signs of fi re were shown in epicenter of fi re. The outputs of the experiments were evaluated on the basis of the amount of time passed for the temperature to drop below the suggested limit. Individual experiments were also conducted with various different admixing foaming agents over different locations. In the experiments, it has been verifi ed that the application of compressed air foam has a positive effect on room cooling. Use of a compressed air foaming agent does not allow for the development of steam that can scald fi refi ghters and reduce visibility. Furthermore, the extinguishing agent used is more effi cient utilizing less water fl ow out of the fi re area.