I don't think potential viscosity of melted commodity is the metric for "stability". When a pile falls over, it exposes most or all of itself (both involved and uninvolved commodities) to operating sprinklers above which enhances control through direct application and pre-wetting. This is why stable piles are considered more challenging.
Fuels that burn and run, such as Group A Plastics, are classified as a higher hazard for that reason and the behavior of involved fuel is considered in the fire testing that begets the design criteria for different types of sprinklers that's found in 13. Steve L. Finishing first cup -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Matt Willis Sent: Monday, November 03, 2014 6:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Plastic classification I would have thought unstable due to "spillage of contents. The frames around the totes are not fully enclosing them. Therefore; the contents could flow freely once the plastic melts. I could be just reading it too deeply. First cup is underway... R/ Matt -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Larry Keeping Sent: Friday, October 31, 2014 8:46 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Plastic classification Regarding your original question though, I think you answered your own question. If the framework around the totes keep them from collapsing, the piles are stable. 3.9.2.4* Pile Stability, Stable Piles. Those arrays where collapse, spillage of content, or leaning of stacks across flue spaces is not likely to occur soon after initial fire development. 3.9.2.5* Pile Stability, Unstable Piles. Those arrays where collapse, spillage of contents, or leaning of stacks across flue spaces occurs soon after initial fire development. Larry Keeping, P.Eng. Professional Loss Control 3413 Wolfedale Road, Suite 6 Mississauga, Ontario L5C 1V8 Phone: 905-949-2755, ext. 204 Fax: 905-949-1752 E-mail: [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Scott A Futrell Sent: October-31-14 12:37 PM To: [email protected] Subject: RE: Plastic classification Jay, Totes that "...are being cleaned of any solution that may have been in them..." are considered FULL by definition in the International Fire Code (IFC). So, IF the IFC is enforceable your client may have a different problem on their hands that they are not aware of, and don't want to hear about. The first question needs to be, what was in the totes and then how should they be protected. IF it is non-toxic, non-hazardous, and not flammable or combustible liquids, then you are back to your original question. Good luck. Scott Futrell (763) 425-1001x12 Office (612) 759-5556 Cell -----Original Message----- From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jay Stough Sent: Friday, October 31, 2014 11:20 AM To: Sprinkler Forum Subject: Plastic classification I am looking at a warehouse that has 100 to 300 gallon plastic totes that are supported by a rack around each tote. This allows the totes to be stacked 3 high, for a height of approximately 16'. These totes are empty and in the process of being cleaned of any solution that may have been in them so they can be used by other customers. As I look in NFPA 13 (2007) at the definition of stable and unstable piles, it appears that these would be stable piles, requiring more water than unstable piles. If there is a fire in a lower tote, I am sure the fire might extend to a tote above, but due to the steel racks, they would not fall over. However, due to the openness of the racks, the water would be able to get to the bottom of the pile quickly, hence limiting it to the pile that is on fire. Would you classify these as stable piles? The difference is a .4/2500 for unstable versus .7/2500 for stable. -- *Jay Stough* NICET IV LAYOUT NICET III ITM _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
