The beginning of 2023 was a very busy period for The Baltic Fire Laboratory team. The laboratory successfully conducted a series of fire tests with a water-based suppression system for single, double (passenger area) & compartment (sleeping area) cars in accordance with the Italian standard UNI11565:2021 standard for trains passing through tunnels.
The fire tests were witnessed by a third-party witness body, the water-based suppression system showed great potential and will now be fitted into rolling stock vehicles around the world.
In addition to the fire suppression system tests, the laboratory performs free burn fire tests in the presence of third-party witness body and the customer without the suppression system activated to collect all data for the future development of the UNI11565:2021 and EN45545 norm series and use of such data in fire modelling techniques for rolling stock vehicles.
"With data from such tests, the laboratory will be able to support the rail industry with the results of tests with and without the water-based suppression system for passenger areas", says Bogdan Raciega, engineering team leader at BFL.
The laboratory was responsible for the construction of two real-scale single and double deck cars with a length of 12 metres plus the compartment area in real dimensions in accordance with UNI11565:2021.
All materials used for the fire test were delivered in accordance with the standards and certificates of rolling stock UNI11565:2021 and EN45545 norm series.
The suppression system tested in the laboratory (high-pressure water mist) based on information from the customer is one of the first to successfully pass the double wagen and compartment fire scenarios that challenge fire testing.
The following parameters were measured continuously using ISO17025-accredited equipment during the fire test:
- Ceiling temperature [°C]
- O2 concentration [%]
- CO2 concentration [vol.]
- CO concentration [ppm]
- HCN concentration [mg/m3]
- Visibility (using a laser)
All fire tests were carried out in a laboratory hall (25 x 25 x 15 metres) with a minor impact in an environment where the wet scrubber system guarantees the purification of all smoke generated during fire tests, which was an additional added value for the client.
For their customers the laboratory provides a third-party witness’s body with all required personal protective equipment, including full face masks and, on request, specialized breathing apparatus.
All tests are recorded using a remote laboratory witness system (six cameras), including one 4K moving camera with remote control by the third-party witness’s body, additionally two thermal cameras, portable FLIR K65 and fixed are available.
For more information get in touch with The Baltic Fire Laboratory!
To watch the test video please click HERE!