Modeling gas collection systems for corrosion testing

The fire community has become increasingly concerned by potential damage due to corrosion by combustion products from a fire. Since evidence of corrosion may be found days after the actual fire and in areas remotely connected to the fire scene, this type of damage has been described as ‘non-thermal fire damage’. A number of factors influencing corrosion have been identified. These include (i) concentration of corrosive gases; (ii) exposure time; and (iii) environmental conditions. There are a number of tests under development to determine the corrosive effect of combustion products on metals. These tests typically consist of combustion cell, an exposure chamber and corrosion monitoring targets.