Qualification test of smoke detectors

To improve the quality and reliability of fire detection and alarm, the author calls for internationally agreed upon test specifications that will not hinder future development. Note: The author delivered this paper at the NFPA Fall Meeting in Montreal, Canada, November 1978.     

Mathematical model for analyzing the trade-offs in aircraft hangar deluge sprinkler systems design

The author explores the use of simple mathematical models in optimizing the design of fixed protection systems by testing the cost sensitivity of an aircraft hangar foam-water deluge system to variations in semi-arbitrarily fixed design parameters. Note: The author is a doctoral candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.     

A novel fire test for pipe insulation

The author discusses the development of fire tests for pipe insulation that are intended to provide more realistic use conditions than traditional tests for the fire hazard of materials. Note: The author presented this paper at the 80th Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association, held in Houston, Texas, May 1976.     

Application of release rate data to hazard load calculations

The author illustrates methods of applying heat, smoke and toxic gas release rate data to calculating fire hazard loading values. Note: This paper was presented by the author at the 78th Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association on May 23, 1974 at Miami Beach, Florida.     

Smokeproof towers in center core structures

Smokeproof towers located on exterior walls utilize space that is considered desirable by landlords and tenants. The author discusses investigations into the possibility of interior smokeproof towers doing the job equally as well as exterior towers. Note: This paper was presented by the author at the 1965 Fall Conference of the National Fire Protection Association.     

Partial flooding of volumes with halon 1301

The author reports on recent experiments in low-level flooding of flight simulator rooms. Note: Mr. Robinson delivered this paper at the 81st Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association in May 1977.     

Fuel tank inerting and fire fighting,with liquid nitrogen

The vapor space in fuel tanks becomes a serious hazard when the vapor-to-air ratio falls within the explosive limits of the mixture. the author discusses a system that prevents the formation of explosive mixtures by using liquid nitrogen to render the vapor space inert. Parker Hannifin Corporation Note: The author presented this paper at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association in New York City on May 13, 1969.     

A survey of fire loads in hackney hospital

The author suggests that greater cost effectiveness in providing structural fire resistance in existing hospital buildings may result from tailoring fire resistance to the fire loads in the various accommodations rather than to have a blanket requirement to cover all types of accommodations. Note: The opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Department of Health and Social Security. Dr. Green is located in London, England.     

Liquid nitrogen as a powerplant fire extinguishant

Though liquid nitrogen may be a somewhat less efficient fire extinguishant than certain other agents, its presence in quatities sufficient to inert aircraft fuel tanks may justify its use for protecting aircraft powerplants. The author reports the results of preliminary tests conducted by the FAA. National Aviation Facilities Experimental Center Federal Aviation Administration Department of Transportation Note: The author presented this paper at the 73rd Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association in New York City on May 13, 1969.     

Interactions in binary halon mixtures used as fire suppressants

Tests were conducted using different ratios of the Halons 1301 and 1211 to determine their effectiveness in extinquishing fires when used in combination. The author discusses the test method and the test results. Note: This work was supported by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Wilmington, Delaware. The testing was conducted by the author while employed at the Factory Mutual Research Corp., Norwood, Massachusetts.     

An overview of the fire behavior of polymers

A review of the literature dealing with investigations of the fire behavior of plastics. Note: The author presented this paper at the Second Combustion Symposium on the Thermal and Oxidative Properties of Plastics sponsored by the American Chemical Society in April 1973.     

Characteristics of invisible particles generated by precombustion and combustion

The author discusses a series of tests designed to study the generation and behavior of submicron-sized particles and gases released by heated materials. Note: This paper was presented at the NFPA annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri on May 17, 1973.     

Halon 1301 flow in pipelines

An understanding of the mechanism of flow of Halon 1301 is necessary for the proper design of piping systems. Note: The author presented this paper at the 79th Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association held in Chicago, Illinois, May 1975.     

Extinction of fires by halogenated compounds — A suggested mechanism

The author suggests the halogenated compounds extinguish diffusion flames by promoting recombination of reactive oxygen atoms to form less reactive molecular oxygen; and he discusses data that tend to support his suggestion. Note: This paper is a contribution of the National Bureau of Standards not subject to copyright.     

Life support without combustion hazards

Consider the possibilities of a habitable atmosphere in which ignition cannot occur. The author reports on some investigations aimed at this very objective. Note: Presented at the 77th Annual Meeting of the National Fire Protection Association in St. Louis, MO on May 16, 1973.     

A final report on fire tests involving stored plastics

The Factory Mutual Research Corporation has completed a series of fire tests of stored plastics. This paper highlights the major points of the final report. Note: The author presented this paper at the National Fire Protection Association annual meeting held in Chicago, May 1975.     

Flame propagation of burning solid material with moisture

The author has developed an analytical model in an effort to determine the effect of moisture on flame propagation. To some degree, the study clarifies the fire controlling mechanism of liquids. Note: Mr. Ying is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Sciences.     

A simplified method for determining flame spread

The author discusses a small-scale fire test, which he proposes be used to determine flame-spread ratings for plastics during the development stages. Data on certain cellulosic materials indicate good correlation with the 25-ft tunnel test. Note: Based on a paper delivered by the author at the 22nd Annual Technical Conference of the Society of Plastics Engineers, March 12, 1966. At the time of the paper’s presentation, Mr. Levy was employed by the Pittsburgh Corning Corporation. He is currently with the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company.     

Flammability tests for cellular plastics—Part I

Many tests have been employed to describe the behavior of cellular plastics when exposed to fire. In this, the first part of a two-part article, the author discusses the requirements of various small-, medium-, and large-scale tests. Union Carbide Corporation Note: Based on a paper titled “The Flammability Characteristics of Cellular Plastics” delivered by the author at the May 1967 Polymer Conference at Wayne State University and subsequently published in the September 1967 issue ofIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry, Product Research and Development.     

Fumigants and grain dust explosions

This paper describes the results of a continuing experimental study on the possible effects of fumigant vapors on grain dust explosibility. Note: This study was conducted while the author was associated with Arthur D. Little, Inc.