Spontaneous fires in insulation

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1991 · Plant/Operations Progress; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/prsb.720100108· OSTI ID:5349046

Britton, L G ^[1]

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1. Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Co. Inc., South Charleston, WV (USA)

Combustible liquids may self-heat in porous insulation yielding smoldering or flaming combustion. In Part 1 the problem is reviewed and practical measures discussed. Using two-inch cubes of insulation and a standardized procedure, Spontaneous Ignition Temperatures (SITs) ranging from 55-184C are reported for a series of combustible liquids. It was previously determined that ethylene oxide (EO) reacts in porous, refractory insulations forming low molecular weight polyethylene glycols. The formation rate depends on temperature and the type and condition (particularly water content) of the insulation. Unlike EO the glycols have low volatility and may accumulate over time to several times the mass of some insulations. Under certain conditions the glycols can ignite spontaneously. In Part 2 experiments carried out to examine this phenomenon are discussed. Where process temperatures are above the SIT (but below the Auto Ignition Temperature (AIT)), cellular glass insulation will minimize the risk of insulation fires. One disadvantage, especially for thermally unstable materials such as EO, is that cellular glass has poor fire endurance properties. The use of a realistic fire endurance test to specify insulation thickness and additional measures such as stainless steel jackets are described. Alternatives to the use of cellular glass are discussed. When selecting an insulation system, it should be determined whether an insulation fire might occur and the loss potential from such an event should be evaluated.

• OSTI ID: 5349046
• Journal Information: Plant/Operations Progress; (United States), Vol. 10:1, Issue 1; ISSN 0278-4513
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION
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FIRE HAZARDS
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320303* - Energy Conservation
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