Determination of the heat release rate of large scale hydrocarbon pool fires in ventilated compartments

This contribution deals with the experimental determination of the Heat Release Rate (HRR) of hydrocarbon pool fires based on Oxygen Consumption (OC) and Carbon Dioxide Generation (CDG) calorimetry. This methodology, initially developed for open atmosphere fires, is modified for fires in ventilated compartments. The fire tests considered are under-ventilated large scale hydrocarbon pool fires in one confined and mechanically ventilated room. The formulation of the HRR for compartment application is presented as well as the fire experiments, the facility and the measurement techniques. This study presents the methodology that leads to the determination of the HRR and discusses the results and features of this method. First, the results of the mass balances of all species and soot within the compartment are presented and discussed. These are key elements to validate the accuracy of the HRR determination. Then, the calculation of the heat release rate with the two methods, OC and CDG, are presented. The OC methods give higher amplitude than the CDG methods. The effects of CO and soot production on the HRR calculation are discussed. This analysis points out the different features of each method (OC and CDG) and thoroughly discusses their advantages and drawbacks. The overall analysis gives guidelines for fire HRR calculation for fires in ventilated compartments.

► Determination of the Heat Release Rate of hydrocarbon pool fires.
► Application of Oxygen Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Generation methods to fires in ventilated compartments.
► Guidelines for fire HRR calculation for fires in ventilated compartments.