Heat Release Rate Tests of Plastic Trash Containers.
Heat Release Rate Tests of Plastic Trash Containers.
(1258 K)
Stroup, D. W.; Madrzykowski, D.
Report of Test FR 4018; FR 4018; 17 p. April 24, 2003.
Keywords:
fire data; fire models; fire tests; heat release rate;
heat flux; experiments; debris
Abstract:
Two experiments were conducted to characterize the
potential hazard from ignition of nominal 136 L (30 gal)
trash containers made from high density polyethylene
(HDPE) and loaded with cellulosic debris. Heat release
rate was measured as a function of time from ignition
using a furniturescale oxygen consumption calorimeter.
In addition, total heat flux was measured at a location
approximately 1 m from the trash container centerline.
The two trash containers were observed to burn in a
different manner due to the way the containers melted.
In the first test, the container opened up from the top
down and had a peak heat release rate of approximately
300 kW. In the second case, the trash container melted
and opened from the midpoint in the container down. This
resulted in a container that tended to close up instead
of open up and yielded a peak heat release rate of
approximately 150 kW. Heat release rate and heat flux
time histories and photographs are presented for both
experiments.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899