Reliability study of fire suppression using dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one in small-sized confined space: From a temperature and gaseous products viewpoint

Despite the vast progress in fire-extinguishing agents and technology, the early-stage fire suppression in small-sized confined space (SCS) remains a challenge. This study introduces the reliability of SCS flame inhibition using dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one(C6F12O) through a self-assessment experimental platform to investigate the effectiveness, thermal effects, and toxic characteristics of gaseous products of C6F12O in extinguishing SCS fires. The results show that the fire extinguishing and cooling effects of C6F12O, as well as the smoke toxicity of its products, can be influenced by the agent dosage, SCS fire source setup, and spatial structure. The fire extinguishing and cooling effects of C6F12O are superior to those of H2O, and these effects can be enhanced with the increase in flow rates that are applied. However, after the extinguishing of the fire, a large quantity of toxic and irritating gaseous products will be produced, and such a risk can be reduced with excessive application of C6F12O. For SCSs with a simple structure (unobstructed condition), fires breaking out in their middle sections will pose a greater fire thermal hazard, and gas products after the application of C6F12O for fire extinguishing will present greater smoke toxicity. The thermal hazards of fires in the middle sections of SCSs can be significantly reduced with the addition of obstruction conditions inside the SCSs. However, there is an insignificant effect on the smoke toxicity of products after the extinguishing of fire. These research conclusions offer a breakthrough in the development of new fire-extinguishing materials(devices) primarily based on C6F12O for active prevention and control of initial SCS fires.