Predicting the Suppression Capability of Quick Response Sprinklers in a Light Hazard Scenario

Abstract

Fire growth and Required Delivered Density measurements were obtained for a vinyl-cov ered reclining chair as part of a program to evaluate the Actual Delivered Density (ADD)/Required Delivered Density (RDD) approach to suppression prediction for quick response sprinklers in a light hazard scenario. In two tests, chemical and convective heat release rates of the burning chair were obtained from a fire products collector, while the radiative heat release rate was measured using a heat flux gauge.

The average maximum chemical heat release rate was 1.5 MW (85,000 Btu/min) with the convective fraction being 56%. The average growth time of the fire, assuming a second power growth curve (t2), was 100 s. The RDD of the chair was determined by measuring the effect of water application on the convective heat release rate of the chair. Nominal application densities of 2.4, 3.7, 6.1 and 8.6 mm/min (0.06, 0.09, 0.15, and 0.21 gpm/ft²) were applied over a convective heat release rate range of 100 to 450 kW (5700 to 25,600 Btu/min). The RDD over the range was observed to be between 3.7 and 6.1 mm/min (0.09 and 0.15 gpm/ft²). Due to variations in fire spread and shielding, the RDD did not vary systematically with heat release rate.

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