Numerical Investigation of Calcium-Based Agent Implementation for Sustainable Fire Suppression

Abstract

Traditional fire extinguishing methods are highly detrimental to human health and the environment. The calcium-based admixtures are a promising alternative and are highly efficient and sustainable. The research herein presents the fire-extinguishing performance of calcium-based powders in terms of performance, impact on the environment, and cost compared to conventional fire-extinguishing methods. CFD simulations involving a benchmark using propane fires utilized calcium powder in particle weight (25g, 50g, and 75g) using nitrogen as a carrier gas at different fuel velocities (0.05 m/s, 0.1 m/s, and 0.15 m/s). The research establishes that particle weight has a significant impact on improving suppression efficiency, reducing combustion time by as much as 40% and reducing CO₂ output by about 30%. The best setup involving the largest weight had the fire being suppressed in a time of about 12 seconds, compared to 20 seconds under at least favorable conditions. The research establishes efficacy and potential for use as environmentally friendly fire-extinguishing products for calcium-based admixtures and creates opportunities for alternative fire-extinguishing systems in resource-limited conditions.