Jozef Martinka

Moment of Lignocellulosic Materials Ignition Defined by Critical Mass Flow Rate

On the base of experimental observations of mass loss rate in dependance of time in isothermal condition in circulating air atmosphere was determined the moment of lignocellulosic materials ignition. Experiment was performed in an electrically heated hot-air furnace according to ISO 871 standard (Setchkin furnace) in conjunction with precision scales. Experiment was performed with ignition source. The ignition source was kanthal wire. Experiment was performed at one temperature, three positions of samples in the oven and various air-flow speeds. Pure cellulose as a model compound was impregnated by water solution of KHCO3 and (NH4)2HPO4.

A Comparison of the Behaviour of Spruce Wood and Polyolefins during the Test on the Cone Calorimeter

This article deals with comparison of the behaviour of spruce wood and polyolefins (polyethylene PE and polypropylene PP) during the test on the cone calorimeter. Samples were tested on the cone calorimeter at heat flux of 20 and 40 kW/m2. An evaluation of the behaviour of examined materials was based on the determination of the maximum and the average heat release rate, yield of carbon monoxide (CO), and relative comparison of tendency to fire propagation in a flashover phase. The tendency of materials to fire propagation in the flashover phase was evaluated based on the Pearson ́s correlation, the Spearman ́s correlation and the Kendall ́s correlation coefficient of HRR-CO and CO2-CO. Spruce wood showed better properties in comparison with PE and PP in all evaluated parameters (the maximum and the average heat release rate, the yield of CO, and also the resistance to fire propagation in the flashover phase. Additionally, spruce wood showed significantly lower sensitivity of dependence of the maximum and also the average heat release rate on external heat flux.

Monitoring of Thermal Degradation of Fireproof Coating

Under the fire conditions, the resistance of cable distribution is required for a fixed period, depending on the intended use of the cable. To increase the fire resistance of cables a fireproof coating may be applied. Article deal with the behavior of the fireproof coating during elevated temperature. Concretely, the aim is monitored a coating weight change under the conditions of dynamically increasing temperature and with or without using air-flow. It is also monitored the change in weight, depending on the isothermal temperatures in dynamic air atmosphere.

Fire Risk of Halogen-Free Electrical Cable

Abstract This paper deals with the fire risk of a selected halogen-free electrical cable. The research was objected to a three-core power electric cable for a fixed installation CHKE J3x1.5 (cross section of each copper core was 1.5 mm2) with a declared class of reaction to fire B2ca, s1, d1, a1. The electrical cable was manufactured and supplied by VUKI, a. s., Slovakia. The fire risk of the electric cable was evaluated based on the heat release rate, total heat release, smoke release rate, total smoke release and effective heat of combustion. These parameters were measured using a cone calorimeter at 50 kW m−2 (specimens and cone emitter were placed horizontally during the test). The measured electrical cable showed a maximum heat release rate of nearly 150 kW m−2, a maximum average heat emission rate of almost 100 kW m−2, a total heat release of almost 130 MJ m−2, a maximum smoke release rate of almost 2.5 s−1, a total smoke release of more than 800 m2 m−2, an effective heat of combustion (cable as a whole) of nearly 9 MJ kg−1 and an effective heat of emission (polymeric parts of the cable) of 26.5 MJ kg−1.

Critical Heat Flux Determination of Electric Cable Insulation

Abstract Electric cables can contribute to the spread of fire through the insulating layer. This paper focuses on their properties characterizing the initiation of fire. Samples of ethylene-based cable insulation were tested using a cone calorimeter by exposing them to external heat flows of six different values (25 kW m−2 – 50 kW m−2). Time to initiate flame burning was observed. The critical heat flux (depending on the method of calculation was in the range 2.94 kW m−2 – 4.59 kW m−2) and the thermal response parameter (342 kW s−0.5 m−2) was calculated from the time of initiation and external heat flow dependence.

DTA Evaluation of Spruce Wood Degradation Process

Abstract The decomposition stages of spruce wood sawdust were analyzed by means of sequential differential calorimetry. Two stages of decomposition were identified and activation energy of one stage was calculated using the Kissinger method. The DTA was conducted by means of SEDEX safety calorimeter. Sample was analyzed under three heating rates of 10, 20 and 45 °C/h in temperature range from room temperature to 400 °C. The calculated activation energy for the last and most clear decomposition peak was 122.63 KJ/mol. The results are comparable with the data calculated by J.V. Rissanen et al., who calculated activation energy for Spruce hemicellulose as 120 KJ/mol.

Investigation Of Spontaneous Combustion Tendency Of Vegetable Oils By The Means Of Differential Thermal Analysis

Abstract The potential of vegetable oils to undergo violent thermal oxidation is long-known problem. The process of this oxidation is investigated by the means of differential thermal analysis. Polyurethane foam was saturated with Tung oil rich in unsaturated fatty acids at three different mass rations, and airflow at three different rates is introduces to the sample to ensure sufficient volume of air for oxidation. The samples were thermally stressed both dynamically and isothermally. The results were compared to results of standard differential Mackey test.

The Activation Energy Of Ignition Calculation For Materials Based On Plastics

Abstract This article deals with the activation energy of ignition calculation of plastics. Two types of polyamide 6 and one type of polypropylene and polyurethane were selected as samples. The samples were tested under isothermal conditions at several temperatures while times to ignition were observed. From the obtained data, activation energy relating to the moment of ignition was calculated for each plastics. The values for individual plastics were different. The highest activation energies (129.5 kJ.mol−1 and 106.2 kJ.mol−1) were achieved by polyamides 6, while the lowest was determined for a sample of polyurethane.

Fire Risk Assessment of Spruce Pellets

In the presented paper is assessed fire risk of pellets made from spruce wood (Picea abies L.) without bark, processed by hot pressing without the use of additional chemicals. Fire risk was assessed on the basis of heat release rate (HRR), the specific carbon monoxide production rate (SCPR) and the time dependence of the induction period of spontaneous ignition on temperature. HRR and SPCR were determined on the cone calorimeter test performed according to ISO 5660-1:2002 standard. Samples were loaded by 20 kW/m2 heat flux during the test. The maximum HRR was 229 kW/m2 and average HRR was 55 kW/m2. Maximum SCPR was 0.37 g/(m2s) and the average SCPR was 0.16 g/(m2s). The dependence of the induction period of spontaneous ignition on temperature was determined by a modified test performed according to ISO 871:2006 standard. Modification of the test procedure was based on measurement of the induction time period of the spontaneous ignition on temperature, and temperatures higher of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 °C than spontaneous ignition temperature. The obtained data proved an exponential dependence of the induction period of spontaneous ignition on temperature.

Investigation of Airflow Influence on Self-Heating Process of Linseed Oil Using Safety Calorimeter SEDEX

The oxidative self-heating process of vegetable oil with high content of unsaturated fatty acids was investigated by the means of sequential scanning calorimetry in safety calorimeter SEDEX. The oil was applied on the cotton, and was put to the standard pressure sample vessel, which was modified for air inlet. The behavior of sample was studied under three rates of air flow. First experiment was carried out in the temperature range between approximately 30 and 350°C at a heating rate of 45°C/h. Second scanning was carried out in the temperature range from 30 to 200°C at heating rate of 10°C/h.