Fire gas analysis

What is fire gas? 

Fire gas, or combustion gas, is a mixture of combustible and toxic gases produced during the combustion of materials and products. These gases can contain several toxic species, such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

What can exposure to fire gas mean?

Exposure to particles and toxic substances from fire gas can lead to severe toxic effects. Different substances are affected in various ways. The effect can be direct, e.g., suffocating, or cumulative. Fire gas can also make evacuation more difficult.

How is fire gas produced?

Fire gas is formed when different materials and products burn. During combustion, various chemical reactions take place. The type of reactions and the substances formed depend on various factors, such as the type of material, oxygen availability, and combustion temperature.

Why do we need to analyse fire gas?

In a fire gas analysis, toxic components are identified, and a risk assessment is made. The analysis is essential to determining the gas species content and potential risks of the fire gas and its impact on health and the environment. This is relevant for product development and certification in the transport sector, which has specific fire toxicity requirements. 

Standards for fire gas analysis 

There are several standards for the analysis of fire gas. Adherence to these standards ensures consistent and reliable results. For example, standard EN 45545-2 (regulation for trains) and the IMO FTP Code (regulation for marine applications) specify testing according to EN ISO 5659-2 with FTIR analysis. The requirements in these cases apply to both smoke density and the toxic content of the smoke. FTIR analysis based on the standard ISO/TS 21397 can quantify smoke gas content. We also perform testing under a reduced oxygen atmosphere according to ISO/TS 5660-5.

How is fire gas analysed?

Analysing fire gas toxicity requires advanced FTIR equipment. Gas is sampled from the fire source and analysed qualitatively (to determine which substances the gas consists of) and quantitatively (where the amount of each substance is measured). It is possible to analyse fire gases in all kinds of fire scenarios as long as it is possible to collect flue gas. 

What equipment is used for the analysis of fire gas?

The smoke box* (EN ISO 5659-2, smoke density) and the cone calorimeter* (ISO 5660-1, ignition characteristics and fire effect) are commonly used for analysing fire gases. The steady-state tube furnace* (ISO/TS 19700) is also used for evaluating fire gas toxicity. The method can achieve stable and known fire conditions and enables analysis and quantification of the fire gas content. 

RISE helps you analyse fire gas toxicity

Do you need help analysing fire gas toxicity? With our extensive expertise in fire gas analysis, dedicated laboratory methods, and equipment, we have everything you need. Our expertise includes FTIR analysis, heat development analysis, and content analysis and quantification. We also have extensive experience in research and supporting companies with product development and certification processes.

Want to know more about RISE activities within fire and fire safety?

RISE is a research institute and innovation partner that contributes to fire safety through research, testing, and certification. You are welcome to contact us for more information on how we can help you with your needs in fire gas analysis and fire gas safety.

You will find contact information below.

*These three test methods have been evaluated for testing insulation materials. You can find the RISE report here.