Sylvain Brohez

The Measurement of Heat Release from Oxygen Consumption in Sooty Fires

This paper is a further contribution to the development of practi cal relationships based on oxygen consumption calorimetry to calculate the rate of heat release (RHR) in fires. The measurement of the RHR based on oxygen consumption was promoted in the 1980s. Previous workers introduced and as sessed the significance of adequate correction factors to take into account in completeness of combustion as reflected by carbon monoxide release. This paper focuses on materials releasing large amounts of soot in combustion. Classical oxygen consumption relationships are reviewed to derive adequate calculation procedures integrating the soot contribution. An analysis 1Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: sylvain.brohez@fpms. ac.be of the significance of the suggested soot correction factor is discussed through theoretical considerations as well as from results of lab-scale experiments.

Ability of the Fire Propagation Apparatus to characterise the heat release rate of energetic materials.

Energetic materials encompass a wide range of chemical compounds. They react very rapidly releasing large amounts of energy. One of their peculiarities is that they carry an oxidizer and do not require oxygen from the air as their primary reaction partner. The aim of this paper is to present an analysis of the ability to estimate the heat release rate of a sample energetic material using two calorimetric methodologies. The methods are based on Oxygen Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Generation principles. Data have been obtained from experiments carried out with the Fire Propagation Apparatus. First, results from smoke powder combustion tests reveal significant discrepancies between the two approaches. Results from a sensitivity analysis realised in a previous work underlined that the most likely parameters to alter the heat release rate estimation are the energy constants and the concentration of oxygen. Correction procedures have been developed; one based on the estimation of the amount of oxygen supplied by the oxidizer, and a second one based on the calculation of new energy constants accounting for the chemical decomposition of the tested materials. Results are presented in this study.

Lignin fractionation as an efficient route for enhancing Polylactide thermal stability and flame retardancy

Abstract Due to its variable botanical origin, functionality, reactivity, and heterogeneity, using lignin in industrial application is not an easy task. In the present study, we investigate the effect of lignin fractionation as a simple way for reducing the variability in its properties. Kraft lignin was separated by ultrafiltration membranes in two fractions with a specific molecular weight and the properties of each fraction were characterized through FTIR, XPS, TGA and cone calorimeter test. Lignin fractions display different thermal and combustion behaviors. Thus, the two fractions have been evaluated as flame retardant additives for polylactide (PLA). PLA composites, containing well dispersed lignin (20 wt%), were produced by melt blending in an internal mixer. The thermo-degradant effect of each fraction on PLA during melt processing was investigated by rheological analysis and size exclusion chromatography while the composites thermal stability and fire properties were evaluated using TGA and cone calorimeter test. Results showed that using appropriate lignin fraction enables for obtaining PLA composites presenting enhanced properties

Learning Role-Playing Game Scenario Design for Crisis Management Training: From Pedagogical Targets to Action Incentives

Emergency and crisis management requires, from operatives and decision-makers, specific knowledge that cannot be acquired through theoretical course or real-life practice only [1]. Besides, developing practical exercises adapted for agents and their needs is even more difficult when the system where they operate is complex [2]. It is therefore necessary to develop such exercises according to both rigorous and flexible methodology.