Experimental study of thin-layer boilover in large-scale pool fires.

Area of Science:

• Fire Science and Engineering
• Combustion Research
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Understanding large-scale pool fires is crucial for fire safety and risk assessment.
• Thin-layer boilover is a complex phenomenon that requires further investigation at industrial scales.
• Previous research has primarily focused on smaller-scale experiments, limiting applicability to real-world scenarios.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the occurrence and characteristics of thin-layer boilover in large-scale pool fires (1.5-6 m diameter).
• To analyze the intensity and onset time of thin-layer boilover using commercial hydrocarbons (gasoline and diesel).
• To compare experimental findings with existing literature to validate and expand upon current knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a series of controlled pool fire experiments using gasoline and diesel fuels.
• Monitored and recorded key parameters, including boilover intensity and onset time.
• Scaled experiments to large diameters (1.5 to 6 meters) to simulate industrial conditions.

Main Results:

• Thin-layer boilover was observed exclusively with diesel fuel, not with gasoline, under the tested conditions.
• Quantitative data on the intensity and onset time of boilover were collected for diesel fires.
• The experimental results provide valuable insights into the behavior of large-scale hydrocarbon fires.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms that thin-layer boilover is fuel-dependent and occurs in large-scale diesel pool fires.
• The collected data on boilover intensity and onset time are critical for refining fire models and safety protocols.
• This research underscores the importance of considering fuel properties in large-scale fire risk assessments.