Flame propagation over liquid alcohols - Part I. Experimental results

The different spreading regimes above liquid fuels have been experimentally described for a wide range of initial surface temperatures. Five different spreading regimes are observed. The flame spreading driving parameter has been found. The critical transition temperatures between these regimes have been characterized; they present common characteristics for the four alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol) used in the experiments. A preheating zone ahead of the flame (produced by thermocapillarity) has been observed. The initial surface temperature of the liquid fuel results to be a control parameter of flame spreading; therefore, it can be applied to improve fire safety conditions in fuel containers.