A model to predict carbon monoxide of woods under external heat flux - Part II: Validation and application

Abstract

A model to predict carbon monoxide (CO) of woods under external heat flux was developed. To improve the modeling accuracy, fire processes such as water evaporation, volume shrinkage, water and gas transport inside wood slab were considered. Three reactions such as water evaporation, oxidation reactions of virgin wood and char were included. Temperature and moisture dependent thermal properties were used for modeling input. In the second part of this study, this model was validated by experiments. Comparisons between modeling and experiments showed that mass loss rate and CO release rate can be well predicted for woods under different moisture contents and external heat flux. Volume shrinkage, transport processes of water and gas volatiles inside wood slab were also included. This paper serves as validation and application of a mathematical model in Part I: Theory of a model to predict CO of woods under external heat flux. This model intends to provide a practical tool to predict toxic gases of combustible materials under fire conditions. © 2013 International Association for Fire Safety Science.