David Lynam
ABSTRACT: In 1997, a burn test was performed on a temporary retail fireworks stand stocked with 900 pounds (400 kg) of a range of consumer fireworks. A maximum interior temperature of 1,400 °C was recorded inside the test stand and flashover occurred within approximately one minute of involvement of the fireworks. Ignited fireworks were observed traveling more than 250 feet (75 m) beyond the stand’s partially open front side. The greatest heat flux [calculated to be 60 kW/m2 at a distance of 5 feet (1.5 m)] was also observed on the stand’s front side. It was concluded that a setback distance of 20 feet (6 m) was required on sides of the stand without openings, and that a setback distance of 40 feet (12 m) was required where there were large openings in the stand.
Keywords: fireworks stand, consumer fireworks, test burn, flashover, heat flux, setback distance
Ref: JPyro, Issue 16, 2002, pp13-26
(J16_13)
© Journal of Pyrotechnics and CarnDu Ltd
