Estimation of the blocking time of evacuation routes based on the volume counting concentration of solid smoke particles produced by burning solid combustible materials in a room

Introduction. As a fire hazard in the scientific and regulatory literature, only one hazardous property of smoke is taken into account — reduced visibility. Therefore, estimating the blocking time of escape routes by the volumetric counting concentration of solid smoke particles is an urgent scientific task.

Aims and objectives. The aim of the work is experimental and theoretical estimation of the blocking time of evacuation routes during a fire in a room by the volume concentration of solid smoke particles. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to conduct an experimental study of the smoke-forming ability of combustible materials by the number of smoke particles and obtain a formula for calculating the time for blocking escape routes by the volumetric counting concentration of solid smoke particles.

Methods. An experimental method of measuring the amount, size and mass of suspended solids in a gaseous medium forming in a small-scale pilot plant during combustion of various substances and materials. Analytical method for calculation of evacuation route blocking time by fire hazards is used.

Results and discussion. Formula for calculation of evacuation route blocking time by volume concentration of solid smoke particles is proposed.
Experimental time dependences of the specific mass rate of gasification and specific smoke formation coefficients based on the volumetric count concentration of solid smoke particles with an equivalent diameter less than 2.5 μm were obtained during testing of specimens of wood, cable insulation, and microelectronic elements.
The results of numerical experiments on calculation of time of blocking evacuation routes due to loss of visibility in smoke and the volumetric count concentration of solid smoke particles are presented.
It was found that the volumetric concentration of smoke particles can be the first fire hazard blocking escape routes.

Conclusions. Solid smoke particles with an equivalent diameter less than 2.5 μm, which are the most dangerous to the human body during evacuation in case of fire, can be a fire hazard that first blocks the escape routes.

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