Taguchi method-based optimization of extinguishing parameters for minimizing the extinction time of gaseous fires

Abstract

In the present work, the extinguishing parameters influencing the dry chemical powder system performance were analyzed and optimized using Taguchi design for minimizing the extinction time of small-scale vertical and horizontal gaseous fires. The system-related parameters include the release pressure (0.2 MPa, 0.3 MPa, and 0.4 MPa), the suppression angle (horizontal, diagonal, and vertical), and the release distance (50 cm, 75 cm, and 100 cm). The extinguishing tests were carried out in a lab-scale local application system. In this study, the magnesium hydroxide powder (Mg(OH)2) was used as an extinguishing agent. The analysis of experimental results showed that the optimum extinguishing conditions for small vertical and horizontal fires were at the release pressure (0.4 MPa), the suppression angle (vertical), and the release distance (50 cm). The analysis of variance indicated that the percentage contribution of extinguishing parameters on vertical fire extinction time was in the following order: suppression angle (44.69%) > the release distance (39.04%) > the release pressure (2.63%). While the order in case of the horizontal fire was as follows: the release distance (66.00%) > the release pressure (17.65%) > suppression angle (12.34%). The confirmatory tests showed that the extinction time at optimal parameters was lower than that achieved in all other experimental tests.