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Dispersion of toxic combustion products from large fires

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Conclusions

The computer models discussed here are used by MHAU to give an initial indication of the possible hazards to the local population from the dispersion of combustion products from large fires.

Agreement between the computer model and the wind tunnel data is encouraging, particularly at relatively low values of the buoyancy flux parameterF U −3 L −1. HSE is proposing to commence large-scale dispersion trials in the open air in the near future. It is hoped that this will enable greater confidence to be had in the predictions of the computer models.

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Abbreviations

c :

Specific heat (J kg−1 K−1)

g :

Acceleration due to gravity (m s−1)

H :

Plume thickness (m)

ΔH :

Plume rise (m)

L :

Length scale (m)

L p :

Lift-off parameter

Q :

Heat release rate (MW)

T :

Temperature (K)

U :

Windspeed (m s−1

U * :

Friction velocity (m s−1)

x :

Distance (m)

x v :

Horizontal virtual component (m)

Z :

Vertical virtual component (m)

r :

Density (kg m−3)

Δr :

Density difference (kg m−3)

References

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  2. Anon.Fire Prevention, May 1988, p. 50.

  3. D.A. Carter, “Methods for Estimating the Dispersion of Toxic Combustion Products from Large Fires,”Chem. Eng. Res. Des., 67 (1989).

  4. D. J. Moore, “Lectures on Plume Rise,”Atmospheric Planetary Boundary Layer Physics, (Longhetto, 1980), pp. 339–340.

  5. G. M. Briggs, “Plume Rise Predictions,” Lectures on Air Pollution and Environmental Impact Analysis, American Meteorological Society (1975).

  6. P. H. Thomas, “Fire, Research Technical Paper No. 7,” HMSO (1963), p. 16.

  7. G. M. Briggs, “Lift Off of Buoyant Gas Initially on the Ground,” ADTL Contribution File no. 87 (draft), Air Resources Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Laboratory NOAA (Oak Ridge, Tennessee, November 1973).

  8. D. J. Hall, C. F. Barrett, A. C. Simmonds, “Wind Tunnel Model Experiments on a Buoyant Emission From a Building,” Warren Spring Laboratory Report, LR 355 (AP) (May 1980).

  9. D. J. Hall and R. A. Waters, “Further Experiments on a Buoyant Emission From a Building,” Warren Spring Laboratory Report, LR 567 (PA) (June 1986).

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Carter, D.A. Dispersion of toxic combustion products from large fires. Fire Technol 28, 168–173 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01857943

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