Experimental study of sodium pool fire aerosol behaviour comparison with calculation code

Experiments performed in a 4,4 m3 vessel on the physical behaviour of sodium pool fires are presented. The aim of the experiments is to determine the emission law of the aerosols (source term), as well as the physical behaviour of the aerosols. Experimental results are compared with AEROSOL A2 code calculation. The combustion pan of 0,125 m2 in area, can be covered with a steel lid to insulate the sodium from the ambiant air, thus, experiments with a predetermined time can be performed. Experimental results deal essentially with: pressure of the vessel, gas temperature behaviour, aerosol concentration and particle size, sedimentation rate, wall deposition and amount of sodium release. The aerosols release rate is not constant during the fire. (orig.)