Flame heights of an iso-propanol fuel soaked porous bed: experimental study and modelling

The height of a flame is a significant indicator of the hazard posed by the flame. Flame height directly relates to the flame heat transfer and the tendency of the flame to impact on surrounding objects. In this study flame tip flicker height, in diffusion conical shape, has been investigated using a coupled experimental and numerical approach. The flame height of iso-propanol over porous solid bed of sand particles, with base diameter of 175 mm, was determined by video cinematography and image processing technique. The experimental results showed that the relative maximum flame height for fully developed flame was obtained in a range of 300 to 330 mm. In addition, to predict the flame height a set of numerical equations and also FDS (Fire Dynamic Simulation) and SMV (Smoke View) programs were used. Results obtained from the numerical calculation and simulation indicates under stoichiometric condition the flame height for fully developed flame is approximately 300 mm. The temperature distribution profile was also measured and predicted experimentally and numerically.