Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

Tests were conducted with the objectives of observing and recording the characteristics of fire growth and extinction of RDF fire, and to establish a tentative basis for the development of safety and fire control requirements. An RDF sample used was a pellet type made from municipal solid waste. A pile of RDF pellets was ignited and burned for predetermined burn time. By applying water mist, flame over the pile was extinguished. When burn time was longer than 30 min, hot area remained on the surface after extinguishing flame. The hot area expanded with time. Smoke was emitted from the hot area. After the pile was cut open for inspection, hot area was found inside the pile. RDF pellets are aggregated by heating since shredded plastics contained in them melt and work as adhesive. By applying water, aggregated pellets are cooled to form a layer which prevents water from soaking inside. RDF pellets remain hot under the layer. If air is supplied to hot RDF pellets under the layer, oxidation continues and heat and smoke are emitted.