Fire Dynamics Case Study

Introduction

Decomposition is a chemical reaction where a single compound produces two or more simple elements - the energy required in breaking down the bonds between the reactants. Thermal decomposition is a process which uses heat in breaking the bonds of reactants. Solids such as metals generally decompose simply in the presence of high temperatures since they are close to the bottommost of the reactivity series. This is due to the strong bonds that are formed between the atoms at the upper part of reactivity series which break less easily.

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Solid fuels entail several forms of solid matter that are burnt to release energy, providing light and heat through the combustion process. They can differentiate with gaseous and liquid fuels. Examples of the commonly used solid fuels include; charcoal, wood, coal, peat, hexane fuel tablets, corn, wood pellets, wheat, grains, and rye. Solid fuel is used mainly as solid propellants in rocketry. Solid fuels are known to be used in the entire human history to produce fire and are still widely used nowadays throughout the world. The following are the types of solid fuels;

Biomass-the term explains the natural plant materials that are burnt to produce fuel. Common examples include waste whatnot shells, straw, and other fibrous material.

Peat-it is a partially accumulated organic matter or decayed vegetation that can be burn after drying appropriately.

Coal-it is a burnable black sedimentary rock that typically originate in the rock strata in veins referred to as coal beds. It is purposely used as a source of energy. It is burned to produce heat and electricity and for industrial purposes like refining metals.

Coke-it is a fuel which comprises high percentage of carbon content and fewer impurities, mostly made from coal. It is a solid carbonaceous material acquired from the distillation of destructive low ash. Cokes made from coal are hard grey and porous. While natural processes form it, the used form is commonly human-made.

Municipal waste-commonly referred to as garbage or trash in the United States and rubbish in Britain. It is a kind of waste that comprises materials and items that are disposed of by the public. With the application of appropriate technology, the trash can be gasified and transformed into a possible source of fuel.

Rocket propellant-it comprises of solid oxidizer, for instance, ammonium nitrate that is bound with energy compounds of powders, stabilizers, binders, plasticizers, and other additives. The solid fuel is easier to handle than liquid propellant.

Variables Affecting Solid Combustion

Fuel-type of fuel determines how the fuel will easily change from solid or liquid that burns. Since solid themselves don't burn, the heat produced shifts the compounds into byproducts of carbon and burnable vapor.

Heat-location of fire indoors will burn faster and then spread outside. This is because the heat will be trapped and convert fuels into combustion state. Once the flame gets closer to the fuel, it is already heated, and thus, a little amount of energy is required for the flame to spread. The current humidity and ambient temperature will also affect this, as well.

Oxygen- access to free oxygen is also a significant factor. Oxidation is part of combustion, and that's the reason you don't necessarily require oxygen in the atmosphere for the fire to break but only an oxidizing agent.

Burning solid is expected to decompose abruptly, either exothermically or endothermically into fuel gases and sear at a particular pyrolysis temperature. A flame spread over solids in the process of pyrolysis, which is needed to complete the link between the gaseous flame and solid flame phase. Pyrolysis offers a description concerning the association between the burning rate of solid mass and the conditions that are required by the fuel that is heated. The heat produced shifts the compounds into byproducts of carbon and burnable vapor in solids, and this process is experienced as the flame continues to spread, and this can happen until the whole solid in burnt off.

A fire retardant is a material that is used and to stop or slow the spread of fire or minimize its intensity. Commonly used retardants include mixtures of hydromagnesite and huntite, aluminum hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide. When aluminum hydroxide is heated, it dehydrates forming aluminum oxide, and water vapor is released in the process. This reaction absorbs heat, thus cooling the substance. In addition, alumina residue forms a protective layer on the surface of the material. Some retardants are used to breakdown polymers; this makes them melt and flow towards the flame, thus protecting the flame from spreading.

Oxidizing materials are solids and liquids that release oxygen and oxidizing agents like chlorine, bromine of fluorine. They are also materials that chemically react to oxidize combustible materials. Ignitable liquids combine with oxygen and other materials chemically in a way that enhances the possibility of fire explosion. Ignitable liquids combine with oxygen and other oxidizing agents to form a compound which can easily undergo oxidation reaction.

Flammable liquids are the ones which can easily catch fire in normal conditions and with the minimal assistance of ignition source. Only a spark that is required for this material to catch fire. An example of a flammable element is propane. On the other hand, combustible liquids comprise any liquid that will burn. Propane can also fit in this group, but vigorous conditions are needed for a perfect combustible substance to burn. A small spark is not sufficient enough for these elements to burn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an organization can incorporate different strategies to reduce the incidences of fire. First, they can find fire hazards. These are the things that are required for a fire to occur. Position these substances in areas that are not prone to accidents, like close to the source of light. Organizations can also reduce fire hazards by providing more fire escapes, for easier evacuation in case of fire outbreak. Installing a fire warning and detection system around the financial institution and ensuring that the range covers everyone in the building.

References

Galwey, A. K., & Brown, M. E. (1999). Thermal decomposition of ionic solids: chemical properties and reactivities of ionic crystalline phases (Vol. 86). Elsevier.

Lemieux, P. M., Gullett, B. K., Lutes, C. C., Winterrowd, C. K., & Winters, D. L. (2003). Variables affecting emissions of PCDD/Fs from uncontrolled combustion of household waste in barrels. Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 53(5), 523-531.