Research articles

as a fuelbreak: Litter combustibility of three tree species with five water content levels using a cone calorimeter

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  • 1.School of Environment Sciences, Zhejiang Forestry University, Lin’an 311300, China; 2.School of Forestry and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Forestry University, Lin’an 311300, China; 3.School of Engineering, Zhejiang Forestry University, Lin’an 311300, China;

Published date: 05 Jun 2009

Abstract

To determine the suitability of Schima superba Gardn. et Champ as a fuelbreak, we compared and analyzed the flammability characteristics of tree litter from three trees commonly grown in south China, i.e., Pinus massoniana Lamb., Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook., and S. superba, using a cone calorimeter at five different water content levels. Water content levels of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% for the litter were manually produced with a new technique of adding water to dry litter. The cone calorimeter utilized a radiant heat intensity for leaf litter of 20 kW/m2 (510°C) and for twig litter of 30 kW/m2 (608°C). Results show that fixing the water content level by adding water with a pipette was an acceptable technique. For S. superba, compared to P. massoniana and C. lanceolata, 1) the heat release rate (HRR) was slower and lower; 2) the total heat released (THR) from the material was lower and started later in the burning process; and 3) except for the 10% water content, pkHRR/TTI was less. These results show that overall, S. superba was the best of the three species to be used as a fuelbreak in south China.

Cite this article

Guomo ZHOU , Yufeng ZHOU , Shuquan YU , Shangbin BAI , Fengzhu LU , . as a fuelbreak: Litter combustibility of three tree species with five water content levels using a cone calorimeter[J]. Frontiers of Forestry in China, 2009 , 4(2) : 178 -184 . DOI: 10.1007/s11461-009-0022-6

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