Performance evaluation of bromofluoropropene in extinguishing liquid fuel spray fires

Liquid fuel spray fires emit high radiation heat fluxes, posing great threat to humans. The study of suitable agents and techniques for extinguishing this particular type of fire is of great importance. In this study, degradable 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (BTP), a new clean fire extinguishing agent, was tested for its effectiveness in extinguishing three types of liquid fuel spray fires, namely diesel, gasoline, and ethanol. Bench-scale experiments were conducted in a 6×5×3m compartment with natural ventilation. The liquid fuels sprayed at varying pressures were ignited by a small open flame and then extinguished by a portable BTP extinguisher. Results showed that BTP of less than 60.0g could extinguish all liquid fuel spray fires of 0.20 to 1.0MPa in less than 2.0s. The results also showed that when compared with fire sparked by gasoline and diesel, it is significantly easier to put out ethanol spray fires because of its high flame temperature and low flame power. Based on well-established fire suppression theories and experimental results, the detailed mechanism of how BTP functions as an extinguishing agent in the suppression of liquid fuel spray fires will be discussed.Department of Building Services Engineerin