FIRE MODELING

Using Software to Develop a Risk-Based Approach

Scientists and engineers are now able to evaluate how various tactical approaches are likely to affect a fire's growth and development stages under varying ventilation conditions and computer models can now be used to develop a safer risk-based approach.   Now, firefighters are able to evaluate their actions in relation to tactical venting actions. 

Evaluation of Fires by Modeling

Most models contain relationships that were developed from empirical data from fire tests.   These models have been proven to be reasonably accurate in predicting certain fire behavior.   A number of types of computer fire models are also available to the scientist or engineer.    Characteristics that are routinely computed include:

• gas and surface temperatures
• flow rates of gas through openings
• heat fluxes impinging on surfaces
• smoke obscuration
• production of certain toxic gas species
• strength reduction and structural failure of building elements
• activation times for sprinklers and detectors

Fire Modeling Software

Geologic Resources is a reseller of Breeze air dispersion, hazardous gas dispersion, explosion, and fire modeling software.   We also list links to a number of sources of geologic, scientific, and environmental software on our internet software links page.   Some Breeze software that can assist with compliance, fire prevention, fire suppression, and evaluation are listed below:

• BREEZE Fire/Explosion models are ideal for real-world applications, such as control-room siting at a natural gas refinery, or meeting governmental regulations, such as the US EPA's Risk Management Plan (RMP) ruling.
• BREEZE LFG Fire/Risk:  The potential risks associated with liquefied fuel gas (LFG), and particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG) can be analyzed with the new, integrated BREEZE LFG Fire/Risk. LFG Fire/Risk allows the user to predict the vaporization rate and downwind vapor concentrations for explosions hazards and thermal radiation from resulting fires.
• BREEZE DEGADIS software is ideal for determining toxic endpoint distances and distances to lower flammability limits (LFLs) for certain toxic and flammable chemicals in accordance with EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.
• BREEZE SLAB softare is ideal for determining toxic endpoint distances and distances to lower flammability limits (LFLs) for certain toxic and flammable chemicals in accordance with EPA’s Risk Management Program (RMP) requirements.
• BREEZE HAZ EXPERT:  The algorithms contained in HAZ EXPERT are based primarily on EPA’s document, “Guidance on the Application of Refined Dispersion Models to Hazardous/Toxic Air Pollutant Releases.