Evaluation of solid fuels for the commercial cooking industry

Abstract

The National Fire Protection Association Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations, or NFPA 96, provides strict design criteria for commercial cooking equipment and exhaust hoods. Within NFPA 96, there are additional restrictions should a commercial kitchen utilize solid fuels within their cooking process including a separate exhaust hood for appliances using solid fuels as the primary heat source. NFPA 96 defines solid cooking fuel as "any solid, organic, consumable, fuel such as briquettes, mesquite, hardwood, or charcoal" (NFPA 2014). Solid fuels present an added hazard, specifically when the creosote that results from burning solid fuel mixes with grease-laden vapors from other cooking appliances. However, NFPA 96 provides an exception for gas-powered cooking appliances with a limited size tray for solid fuels solely intended for food flavoring. This equipment, if it meets the list of NFPA 96 restrictions, will not need a separate kitchen exhaust hood, but there is minimal information regarding this exception. Given the restrictions, a better understanding of the various solid fuels, from the manufacturing process to burning characteristics, is necessary to validate the separate kitchen exhaust hood requirement or provide insight as to the limitations of the NFPA 96 exception. There are few regulations for the manufacturing of solid fuels because solid fuel cooking, historically, has occurred outdoors. With the rising popularity of smoked barbeque menu items and restaurants, solid fuel cooking within indoor commercial kitchens is increasing. The requirement of a separate exhaust hood specifically for solid fuel cooking appliances is costly to owners. Additionally, there have been recent innovations within the commercial cooking industry, specifically related to utilizing different solid fuels, such as wood pellets, as a part of the cooking process. Investigating the primary fuel sources for solid fuel cooking, including wood pellets, will provide the necessary data to determine what additional testing or criteria commercial cooking appliances should undergo or potential changes or exceptions to NFPA 96 and the exhaust hood requirements for solid fuel cooking.