Effects of External Heat Flux and Exhaust Flow Rate on CO and Soot Yields of Acrylic in a Cone Calorimeter

Abstract

The effects of changes in irradiance level (external heat flux), exhaust flow rate, and hood height on CO and soot yield were examined using a cone calorimeter. Black acrylic, having similar constituents as polymethyl methacrylate, was used as a combustible, and external heat fluxes ranging from 15 to 65 kW/m2 were considered. Both auto and spark ignitions were applied as ignition methods. The difference in auto and spark ignition methods had no effect on CO and soot yields, or on the mass loss rate (MLR), heat release rate (HRR), and effective heat of combustion (EHC), which are global parameters of fire. As the external heat flux increased, the mean MLR and HRR linearly increased while the EHC remained constant. When the external heat flux increased, the mean mass flow rates of CO and CO2 had a directly proportional relationship with the mean MLR. Consequently, CO and CO2 yields remained constant regardless of the external heat flux. In contrast, the mean mass flow rate and mean MLR of soot were linearly proportional as opposed to directly proportional, and the soot yield thus increased linearly with external heat flux. Variations in the exhaust flow rate and hood height, which can alter the velocity and temperature fields in post-flame and plume regions, had almost no impact on CO and soot yields, as well as on MLR and HRR. The results of this study are expected to provide improved insight into conventional approaches on the recognition of CO and soot yields as unique properties of each combustible.