Reason #347 to Be Skeptical of Ethanol
Katherine Mangu-Ward | March 3, 2008, 2:38pm
Ethanol is a close cousin to the grain alcohol that's used to fuel various flaming beverages (e.g. the Forest Fire: 4/5 shot Everclear plus 1/5 shot Tabasco sauce--light and shoot). Perhaps unsurprisingly, ethanol fires are tricky. Water won't put them out, and neither will the foam that most fire departments have used since the 1960s.
Many fire departments around the country do not have the [ethanol-specific] foam, do not have enough of it, or are not well trained in how to apply it, firefighting specialists say. It is also more expensive than conventional foam.
While firefighters will eventually adapt, there have already been a few incidents:
In the last three months of 2007, three major fires highlighted the danger. In western Pennsylvania, nine ethanol tanker cars derailed and triggered a blaze that tied up a busy rail line.
In Missouri, a tanker truck carrying several thousand gallons of ethanol and gasoline crashed near the state Capitol, killing the driver.
And in Ohio, a train heading through the northeastern part of the state to Buffalo derailed and burned, forcing more than 1,000 people from their homes.
Just one more point for the "con" column on ethanol. For tons more skepticism about the great alcoholic hope, read reason articles on ethanol here.
Via Jacob Grier
BakedPenguin | March 3, 2008, 3:31pm | #
From the
Methanol institute:
Methanol flames are almost invisible in daylight, producing no soot or smoke. ...Dry chemical powder, carbon dioxide (CO2) and alcohol-resistant foam extinguish methanol fires by oxygen deprivation. Water will remove heat and dilute the liquid methanol. Fog or fine sprays will absorb methanol vapours, quench heat and provide a curtain shield for upwind advancement to a fire source.
Small fires can be extinguished using powder, CO2, or foam in the early stages. Be aware that the methanol may re-ignite spontaneously, due to surrounding high temperatures that may exceed the auto ignition temperature.
In addition to its cooling effect, water can be effective by diluting methanol to the point where it is no longer flammable. The amount of water required will be three to four times the volume of methanol.
Ethanol, from the European Material Data Sheet of
THE ONLINE DISTILLERY NETWORK FOR DISTILLERIES & FUEL ETHANOL PLANTS WORLDWIDE
FIRE FIGHTING MEASURES
5.1 EXTINGUISHING MEDIA
Use extinguishing media appropriate for surrounding fire. Water, dry chemicals,
(BC or ABC powder), CO2, sand, dolomite, etc. Foam.
DO NOT extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped first.
5.2 SPECIAL FIRE FIGHTING PROCEDURES
Keep upwind. Shut down all possible sources of ignition.
Water may be ineffective but use to keep fire-exposed containers cool.
Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources. Dike for water control.
Avoid water in straight hose stream; will scatter and spread fire. Use spray or fog nozzles.
Cool containers exposed to flames with water from the side until well after the fire is out. ...
