New fire test successfully passed

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of a series of full-scale 30MW fire tests. The 30MW protocol was designed to simulate a car fire within the tunnel.

Throughout the tests, the tunnel’s ventilation system ran continuously to create an air speed. In real world tunnel fires, ventilation is a double-edged sword. It is an essential tool for the control of smoke, to improve tenability and visibility within the tunnel, and to increase the window of opportunity for people to evacuate safely. On the other hand, ventilation provides the fire with a supply oxygen which can intensify the fire, and the flow of air can dilute the watermist reducing its effectiveness. Accordingly, it was necessary to test the Ultra Fog system in conjunction with the tunnel’s ventilation system.

Despite the ventilation, the Ultra Fog system excelled. Each of the 30MW fire tests followed the same ignition sequence. The main fuel load (having a heat release rate of 30MW) was ignited, and the fire was allowed to develop for several minutes before the Ultra Fog system was manually activated. During this time, the average temperature 5m downstream of the fire peaked in excess of 600°C [~1110°F]. Within 60 seconds of activation of the Ultra Fog system this reduced to 200°C [~390°F]. Within 3 minutes this had fallen to 100°C [~210°F], and within 6 minutes the temperature had returned to ambient ~20°C [~68°F].

In addition to the rapid cooling, the Ultra Fog system also prevented the spread of fire to a flammable target which was placed near the main fuel load. The purpose of the target was to simulate another vehicle parked adjacent to the burning vehicle. The fire tests demonstrated the Ultra Fog system’s ability to prevent the spread of fire from one vehicle to an adjacent vehicle.

Building upon the successful completion of the 30MW fire tests, Ultra Fog will perform many others  fire test in September and October 2020. The size and arrangement of the fuel loads during these tests will be representative of light and heavy goods vehicles.

These tests are all part of Ultra Fog’s ongoing commitment to invest in the research and development of robust fire suppression systems for the protection of lives and infrastructure, balancing the ever-growing need for efficiency and economy, without compromising performance.