Assessment of effectiveness of smoke suppressants—using a He–Ne laser in a flow system

Abstract

In the study of smoke suppressants the measurement of gross amount of smoke from a given sample is essential. However, smoke being a complex phenomenon, its measurement with optical methods presents practical problems. The paper describes a flow system for the measurement of smoke production. Effectiveness of smoke-suppressant formulations for poly(viny1 chloride) as assessed in a flow system is reported. Results of experiments conducted to probe and establish the capability of smoke measurement in a flow system using a helium-neon laser are discussed.