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FIRE SERVICE AND GENERAL FIRE SAFETY TOPICS => General Interest => Topic started by: Guest on February 13, 2004, 11:54:40 AM

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: Guest on February 13, 2004, 11:54:40 AM

:?  Hi all, I am conducting research on short term health implications from open-pit burning and oil drum incineration of clinical waste in the field, and was wondering if I could be pointed in the right direction as to 'What temperatures might be expected :?: ' Any assistance would be appreciated  :)

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: wee brian on February 13, 2004, 02:25:27 PM

You need to be careful here. As a simple rule of thumb flames are about 600c and temperatures in enclosed rooms can get up to around 1000c.

But if you are trying to kill off the nasty bugs by burning waste you need to be sure that the temperature is consistent and that there arenet any cool bits that can pass the bugs into the smoke plume.

The answer is a carefully designed fire (a furnace I suppose - but I guess you don't have one or you wouldnt need to ask).

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: Guest on February 13, 2004, 04:20:52 PM

Flame temperature can be calulated from the chemicals/compounds being burnt. Also technical data can be found for materials. You will also have to consider the ventilation. But if it's just general ideas, Wee Brians rules of thumb sound reasonable, but it still depends highly on what the materials are I would suggest.

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: AnthonyB on February 13, 2004, 06:45:00 PM

I assume this is for a non UK based usage of the technique as if you are burning clinical waste in that manner in the UK you are in for big trouble as there are a host of regulations relating to the disposal of clinical waste.

How do you intend to achieve the required coinstant high temperatures by this method- if you have some revolutionary ideas it may of benefit to countries lacking high temperature incineration plants

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: Guest on February 16, 2004, 09:45:34 AM

Thanks for the guidance.
For the info of those concerned, the research is being conducted to ascertain any short term health implications during Ops abroad where limited support and facilities are available.

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: wee brian on February 16, 2004, 01:08:41 PM

When we were burning cows a sheep in great quantities a little while ago the Men from the Ministry employed some scientists to measure the temperatures in various parts of the fire (and parts of the cows).

I think the only way to do this properly is to set up you burner and do some tests.

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: Guest on February 19, 2004, 08:23:09 AM

:? I've been looking at the infrared thermometers on the market that meet the spec for my research, unfortunately the time frame to aquire one and asking prices are quiet steep :!:  Does anyone know of Departments or consultants that hire out this sort of equipment :?:

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: Guest on February 23, 2004, 04:13:31 PM

Environmental Health Officers carry one with them as a matter of course - Call a council department of health and ask if they hire them out or are bought. You may find they may lend you one????

Title: Burning Temperatures
Post by: wee brian on February 23, 2004, 09:31:00 PM

You can try talking to the Fire Research Station - www.bre.co.uk/frs