I need help in my homework concerning Fire Science Engineering. Acetone is released into the diked area surrounding its storage tank. The dike measures 40 feet long by 30 feet wide. What heat is the Heat Release Rate should it catch on fire? This help will be appreciated. Thanks.
To calculate the heat release rate for a fire involving acetone in the diked area surrounding its storage tank, you need to know the heat release density of acetone. The heat release density is typically measured in megajoules per square meter (MJ/m^2).
Unfortunately, specific heat release rates for different flammable substances can only be determined through laboratory testing. However, we can make an estimation based on the heat release rate of a similar substance.
For hydrocarbon-based liquid fuels, such as gasoline, the typical heat release rate is approximately 45 MJ/m^2. Since acetone is a flammable liquid with similar properties, we can use this value as a reasonable approximation.
To calculate the total heat release rate in your scenario, follow these steps:
1. Determine the area of the diked area surrounding the storage tank. In this case, the area is equal to the length multiplied by the width: Area = 40 feet × 30 feet = 1200 square feet.
2. Convert the area from square feet to square meters. Since 1 square meter is equal to 10.764 square feet, divide the area by 10.764: Area in square meters = 1200 square feet / 10.764 = 111.48 square meters.
3. Multiply the area by the heat release density. Using our estimated value for acetone, multiply 111.48 square meters by 45 MJ/m^2: Heat Release Rate = 111.48 square meters × 45 MJ/m^2 = 5011.6 MJ.
Therefore, the estimated heat release rate for a fire involving acetone in the given diked area is approximately 5011.6 megajoules. It's important to note that this value is only an estimation, and the actual heat release rate can vary depending on several factors, including ventilation, container size, and environmental conditions.