Thermo-Systems Inc.

The increased application of anemometer equipment in recent years has led to more reliable and versatile instrumentation. In particular both the constant temperature system and film type sensors have found wider markets and applications as the equipment has been improved and the varieties available increased.

The use of constant temperature systems and film type sensors has made routine measurements of mean velocity, mass temperature and turbulence levels very feasible. With linearization and temperature compensation the systems are very easy to use and very little calibration is required. Also the variety of equipment presently available permits one to choose a system as simple or as complex as required for the specific application. The extremely wide velocity range and the high frequency response with anemometer type equipment will no doubt lead to its continuing acceptance for measurements in more fields in both industry and universities.

Ralph J. Cato, George H. Martindill, & Joseph M. Kuchta

The effectiveness of Halons 1301 (CF3Br), 1202 (CF2Br2), and 1211 (CF2C1Br) as possible explosion suppressants for aircraft fuel tanks was investigated in ignitions with small charges of an IM-11 incendiary powder (Ba(NO3)2Mg-A1) and 30-caliber incendiary ammunition. Ignitions with the incendiary powder in a 74-gallon fuel tank indicated that over 8 volume percent Halon 1301 is required to completely quench flame propagations of near-stoichimetric n-pentane mixtures and limit the pressure rises to less than 5 psi; these high Halon concentrations were also required under gun firing conditions using the 30-caliber ammunition. The critical Halon requirements for quenching the incendiary ignitions of n-pentane-air mixtures did not differ greatly for the three Halons investigated in this work.

Other experiments were conducted in a 216 ft chamber to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity hazard of Halon 3800 (C3F8) in extinguishing Class A fires by the total flooding mode. This agent was less effective and produced a greater toxicity hazard than Halon 1301 (CF3Br) in extinguishing cotton sheeting or paper sheeting fires. Approximately 10 to 12 volume percent Halon 3800 was required for extinguishing cotton sheeting fires, although incandescent burning was possible after extinguishment in some cases. Product HF concentrations were as high as 2500 ppm, depending upon the extinguishing conditions. Some comparison data are also given from total flooding experiments with liquid nitrogen, which was much less effective than Halon 3800 in extinguishing cotton sheeting fires.

James Peterson

The paramount concern to an airplane manufacturer is the safety of his product.

C.M. Middlesworth

IN RECENT YEARS CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION HAS BEEN GIVEN .TO THE POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF PRESENTLY USED' CABIN INTERIOR .MA TERIALS TO THE AIRCRAFT FIRE HAZARD AND TO THE EFFECTS V/HICH COMBUSTION OF THESE MATERIALS MAY HA VE ON PASSENGER SURVIVAL SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAS BEEN :MADE BY GOVERN:MENT AGENCIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEST METHODS LEADING TO QUANTITATIVE CLASSIFICATION OF MATERIALS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR FLAMlv1ABILITY AND TI-IE MATERIALS INDUSTRY HAS PRODUCED NEW PRODUCTS WHOSE USE IN PASSENGER AIRCRAFT WILL RESULT IN APPRECIABLE IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE SAFETY. THESE MATERIALS ARE SAID TO HAVE INCREASED FLAME RETARDANCE.

Fenwal Incorp.

The Fenwal FIREPAC system includes one or more self-contained light weight rugged, portable fire protection units, each containing detection and Halon 1301 extinguishment.