Tekstilec (Sep 2018)
Comparison of thermal performance of firefighter protective clothing at different levels of radiant heat flux density
Abstract
The experimental work presented in this study is related to the investigation of thermal protective performance of firefighter clothing, which plays a pivotal role in the firefighters’ safety and performance. The firefighter clothing usually consists of three layers, i.e. an outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner. Four samples were used for the purpose of this study. The samples were characterized on Alambeta for the evaluation of thermal resistance and thermal conductivity, respectively. Afterwards, the samples were evaluated on a thermal manikin “Maria” at room temperature to measure the insulation values. Moreover, air permeability was evaluated by using an air permeability tester. The samples were then analysed for their thermal protective behaviour in line with a lightly modified ISO standard 12127, i.e. the samples were subjected toa150 °C heat plate at constant speed. In addition, transmitted heat flux density and percentage transmission factor of all samples were determined with the help of a radiant heat flux density machine at 10 kW/m2 and 20 kW/m2. It was concluded that sample 4 had higher thermal resistance and insulation values. The outer shell of sample 4 had lower air permeability values as compared to the outer shell of samples 1, 2 and 3. Similarly, the combination of the outer shell 4 and the thermal barrier 4 led to lower air permeability values as compared to the combination of the outer shell 1 and thermal barrier 1, outer shell 2 and thermal barrier 2, and outer shell 3 and thermal barrier 3. The rate of temperature rise in sample 4 occurred at a slower rate against the heated plate in comparison with samples 1, 2 and 3. Furthermore, sample 4 exhibited lower transmitted heat flux density and percentage transmission factor as compared to samples 1, 2 and 3.
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