Advantages and challenges with using hypoxic air venting as fire protection

Abstract

The use of hypoxic air venting system as fire protection is increasing and is sometimes used to replace traditional extinguishing systems. An oxygen level of 15% is generally used because a lower concentration could pose serious health risks. On the request of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, a literature review was conducted to determine advantages and challenges with the system and further research needs. The main advantages with a reduced oxygen environment are the reduced probability of ignition and lowered heat release rate. However, at 15% oxygen level, risk for fire still exists, and the system cannot be seen as an alternative to extinguishing systems. Reduced oxygen environment also results in higher production rates of soot and smoke, and there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of fuel configuration and fire behavior of products. In addition, a first evaluation of the test method specified in the hypoxic air venting standards was carried out through testing. The testing showed that the particleboard passed the test criteria at normal atmosphere even though it is commonly known that a particleboard burns in normal air. It is concluded that the test method has deficiencies, and there is clearly a need for development of the test method to guarantee safety levels.

Selection and evaluation of fire related scenarios in multifunctional buildings considering antagonistic attacks

“…These areas are very sensitive to fire damage, especially smoke and there is a need to investigate efficient protection options for these areas. This might include clean agent extinguishing systems (FM Global 2010), hypoxic air-venting systems (BSI 2011, VdS 2007, Nilsson and van Hees 2013 and the like.…”

“…Another example is that the systems are bypassed as a part of an antagonistic attack or a wall is damaged to a room protected with hypoxic-airventing as is suitable for some areas in multifunctional buildings, e.g. electrical rooms (Nilsson and van Hees 2013). Such considerations are all addressed in the second box in Figure 3.…”

Thermo-kinetic explosions: Safety first or safety last?

“…From [53]. [57]. And racing-car fuel tank or fuel cell technology involves filling the tank with an open-cell foam, again to reduce the explosion risk.…”

Improving the Performance of Gas Sensor Systems with Advanced Data Evaluation, Operation, and Calibration Methods

“…warehouses to prevent fire outbreaks [77] and requires oxygen sensors, often potentiometric or amperometric solid-state devices [78]. Death by carbon monoxide poisoning is, unfortunately, a regular occurrence [79], as carbon monoxide easily accumulates in toxic concentrations in enclosed spaces when open fire, like in chimneys or gas heaters, is combined with insufficient ventilation.…”