Algorithm for Estimating Carbon Monoxide Formation in Enclosure Fires

Published

March 3, 1997

Author(s)

William M. Pitts

Abstract

This paper introduces an engineering approach for estimating the generation rate of carbon monoxide (CO) within a room containing a fire. Four CO formation mechanisms: 1) quenching of a turbulent fire plume upon entering a rich upper layer, 2) mixing of oxygen directly into a rich, high-temperature upper layer with subsequent reaction, 3) pyrolysis of wood in a high-temperature, vitiated environment, and 4) approach to full-equilibrium combustion product concentrations in a rich, high-temperature upper layer - identified in recent experimental and modeling investigtions are incorporated into a step-by-step algorithm. The understanding required to implement the algorithm in fire models is briefly discussed.

Proceedings Title

International Association for Fire Safety Science. Fire Safety Science. Proceedings of the Fifth (5th) International Symposium

Conference Dates

March 3-7, 1997

Conference Location

Melbourne,

Pub Type

Conferences

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Keywords

fire research, fire safety, fire science, carbon monoxide, enclosures, algorithms, compartment fires, fire models, global equivalence ratio, room fires

Citation

Pitts, W. (1997), Algorithm for Estimating Carbon Monoxide Formation in Enclosure Fires, International Association for Fire Safety Science. Fire Safety Science. Proceedings of the Fifth (5th) International Symposium, Melbourne, , [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=911619 (Accessed May 13, 2026)

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