“Relay-mode”promoting permeation of water-based fire extinguishing agent in granular materials porous media stacks

Water-based fire extinguishing agent is the main means to deal with smoldering fires.However,due to the hydrophobic properties of the particle surface,the porous medium channel provide resistance and slow down the extinguishing agent flow during the downward permeation process.To promote the liquid permeation process in such porous media,this work studied liquid imbibition process and analyzed the oscillating and attenuating process of liquid level in capillary channel by theoretical,experimental,and numerical methods.An empirical mathematical equation was proposed to describe the oscillating process,and the effects of the capillary diameter and contact angle parameters on the transportation process were analyzed.Based on this,the“relay-mode”was proposed to promote the liquid transportation forward.Finally,the transient simulation results of liquid permeation in coal stacks showed when the liquid flowed through the channel with changed diameter from large to small ones,the transportation distance was several times longer than that through the unidiameter ones.The trend of liquid“relay-mode”in capillaries can be used to promote the permeation in granular materials porous media stacks.The relevant results also provide new thoughts to develop the water-based fire extinguishing agents and then improve the firefighting efficiency of deep-seated fire in porous media stacks.

Introduction of firefighting methods in U.S. underground mines

Underground mine fire always exists since the mining activity was practiced.It poses a severe safety hazard to the mine workers and may also cause a tremendous economic loss to the mines.Methods for controlling and extinguishing fires in underground mine have long been studied and there have been significant improvements.In order to know clearly about the firefighting technology used,this paper summarizes most of the underground mine firefighting methods used in the United States the past 150 years.This paper describes not only the accepted firefighting theories,but also the technologies,both direct and indirect attacking,in accordance to regulations or codes,with special attention is given to the indirect attack method and its related technologies.Further research needed is also briefly discussed at the end of this paper.

Models for Predicting the Jet Trajectory and Intensity Drop Point of Fire Monitors

Two models are defined for predicting the trajectory of a foam jet originating from a fire monitor(hydrant)and the related intensity drop point.An experimental framework is also defined and used accordingly to compare real-time data with the predictions of such models.This mixed theoretical-experimental approach is proven to be effective for the determination of otherwise unknown coefficients which take into account several important factors such as the operation pressure,the elevation angle and the nozzle diameter.It is shown that the mean absolute error is smaller than 20%.