Experimental Estimation of Heat Release Rate of Burning Luggage

This paper considers the fire risk associated with luggage in trains from an experimental point of view. After a review of existing data, it was decided to test medium isolated suitcases, large isolated suitcases, two medium and one large suitcases in a rack, and two medium and one large suitcases in a confined rack, representative of luggage stacked next to the entrance doors of coaches in high-speed trains. Heat release rates were estimated by three methods: mass loss measurement, dilution calorimetry and oxygen consumption calorimetry. Measured peak heat release rates are of order 250 kW for medium size suitcases and 400 kW for large suitcase. The sum of two medium and one large suitcase would therefore be in the order of 900 kW. However, rack tests with two medium and one large suitcase gave values in the order of 1300 kW for an open rack and 2100 kW for a confined rack. This shows a strong effect of rack geometry and confinement. The concentrations of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are also measured, as is the total amount of hydrogen cyanide released in each test. An empirical fire curve is proposed taking into account the effect of confinement.