SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1991
STP17762S

Endotracheal Tube Fires: A Flame Spread Phenomenon

Source

Three flame types can result when an ignition source is applied to a tube of a combustible material through which an oxidizer flows. If the oxygen concentration inside the tube is greater than the tube material's limiting oxygen index (LOI), an opposed flow flame can spread along the inner surface of the tube (primary intraluminal flame). This flame, which requires a forced flow, consumes the supplied oxygen (fully or in part) and produces combustible, toxic gases which emerge from the free end (and ignition hole where applicable). These gases can then react with the oxygen in the ambient environment and thereby support the second flame type (secondary jet diffusion flame). If the LOI is exceeded outside the tube, an extraluminal flame (the third flame type) can occur, and be supported by natural convection.

Author Information

Sidebotham, GW
State University of New York, Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY
Wolf, GL
State University of New York, Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY
Stern, J
State University of New York, Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY
Aftel, R
State University of New York, Health Sciences Center, Brooklyn, NY
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Details
Developed by Committee: G04
Pages: 168–178
DOI: 10.1520/STP17762S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5170-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1461-6