A REVIEW OF FIRE HAZARDS TO MOTOR VEHICLES

This short article briefly reviews the fire hazards to motor vehicles. Normally aspirated engines fitted with in-line unsupported fuel filters fitted between fuel pumps and carburettors, and the cheaper smaller lightweight hatchback cars fitted with fuel injection systems are especially at risk. The latter especially can cause serious incidents as any fracture or leakage of fuel from a thermoplastic pipe during a damage incident can result in fuel under high pressure being sprayed as a combustible gas in the vicinity of hot exhaust pipes, creating an almost instantaneous fireball. The problem is limited by fitting kinetic valves to the front and rear of the motor car, which close on impact, cutting off the fuel supply. These are not always reliable however, due to the nature and direction of the impact. The use of thermoplastic pipes and fittings also causes problems, as these harden with age and therefore may not always provide a complete joint seal. Thermoplastic reservoirs within the engine melt during a fire, releasing their contents, some of which are inflammable, and some burning plastics not only fuel the fire themselves but generate phosgene gas.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03091430
• Corporate Authors:

  INSTITUTE OF AUTOMOTIVE ENGINEER ASSESSORS

  STOWE HOUSE, NETHERSTOWE
  LICHFIELD, STAFFORDSHIRE  United Kingdom  WS13 6TJ
• Authors:
  • Bambra, N
• Publication Date: 1989

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 23
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Inst of Automotive Eng Assessors
  • Volume: 24
  • Publisher: Jour of the Inst of Automotive Eng Assessors, Inc
  • ISSN: 0309-1430

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobiles; Design; Engines; Fires; Hazards; Pipe; Thermoplastic materials
• ITRD Terms: 1243: Car; 9011: Design (overall design); 1624: Fire; 1334: Motor; 3361: Pipe; 9150: Risk; 7434: Thermoplastic
• Subject Areas: Design; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00498491
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1990 12:00AM