(47p) Advanced Fire Exposure Testing Methodology

There is a need to be able to obtain proper runaway data for reactions where fire exposure is a credible scenario.  There exists in the literature through the work of the Fire Exposure Committee within the Design Institute of Emergency Relief Systems (DIERS) organization detailed methodology for dealing with the scenario from both the desgin stand-point and the testing methodology required to get the data required for the design.  Where the engineering design has been refined throughout the years, the testing methdology has mainly remained the same.  There have been developed new techniques for measuring thermal runaway which can be applied directly to the fire exposure case resulting in much more accurate data and subsequently better ERS designs and other engineering controls.  In this paper we will describe how the typical adiabatic caloriometers, such as an ARC can be modified to provide much more credible data  then was available from previous methods.  In particular the implementation of this technique will be highlighted using a newly designed ARC system whose capabilities are well-suited for this type of measurement. This methodology can also be used to enhance reactive hazards screening as well.