2
to evaluate the optimal nozzle location and orientation for
the conditions tested.
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
Tests were designed to assess the influence of different noz-
zle locations and fire suppression agents in handling spray
fires ignited by various flammable liquids like diesel fuel,
motor oil, and hydraulic oil on a diesel engine. A modified
steel shipping container serves as the designated test facil-
ity at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Mining Research Division in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The container measured 40 feet
(12.2 meters) in length, 8 feet (2.4 meters) in width, and
9.5 feet (2.9 meters) in height, as depicted in Figure 1. To
safeguard the wooden floor from ignition during tests, steel
plates were installed over it. Ventilation control was facili-
tated by a 1-horsepower, 42-inch (1.07-meter) diameter
variable-speed fan positioned at one end, while the oppo-
site end remained open, allowing for adjustment of airflow
up to 500 feet per minute (2.54 meters per second).
To gauge the gases emitted during the diesel engine
fire trials, an infrared gas analyzer was employed. It mea-
sured carbon monoxide (CO) levels ranging from 0 to
5,000 parts per million (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2) lev-
els ranging from 0 to 1 percent, and oxygen (O2) levels
ranging from 0 to 25 percent. The infrared gas analyzer’s
output voltage was converted to record the data on a lap-
top and visually represent it in real-time. Figure 2 shows Figure 1. Steel shipping container (a) outside and (b) inside,
modified to be used as a fire suppression test facility
Figure 2. Schematic experimental setup
to evaluate the optimal nozzle location and orientation for
the conditions tested.
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
Tests were designed to assess the influence of different noz-
zle locations and fire suppression agents in handling spray
fires ignited by various flammable liquids like diesel fuel,
motor oil, and hydraulic oil on a diesel engine. A modified
steel shipping container serves as the designated test facil-
ity at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) Pittsburgh Mining Research Division in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The container measured 40 feet
(12.2 meters) in length, 8 feet (2.4 meters) in width, and
9.5 feet (2.9 meters) in height, as depicted in Figure 1. To
safeguard the wooden floor from ignition during tests, steel
plates were installed over it. Ventilation control was facili-
tated by a 1-horsepower, 42-inch (1.07-meter) diameter
variable-speed fan positioned at one end, while the oppo-
site end remained open, allowing for adjustment of airflow
up to 500 feet per minute (2.54 meters per second).
To gauge the gases emitted during the diesel engine
fire trials, an infrared gas analyzer was employed. It mea-
sured carbon monoxide (CO) levels ranging from 0 to
5,000 parts per million (ppm), carbon dioxide (CO2) lev-
els ranging from 0 to 1 percent, and oxygen (O2) levels
ranging from 0 to 25 percent. The infrared gas analyzer’s
output voltage was converted to record the data on a lap-
top and visually represent it in real-time. Figure 2 shows Figure 1. Steel shipping container (a) outside and (b) inside,
modified to be used as a fire suppression test facility
Figure 2. Schematic experimental setup