Recent tests were conducted of a novel technology that can greatly accelerate the combustion of crude oil floating on water. The tests demonstrated its potential to become an effective tool for minimizing the environmental impact of future oil spills. Called the Flame Refluxer, the technology, developed by fire protection engineering researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) with funding from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), could make it possible to burn off spilled oil quickly while producing relatively low levels of air pollutants.

The tests of the Flame Refluxer were conducted last week by WPI and BSEE at the United States Coast Guard’s Joint Maritime Test Facility on Little Sand Island, located in Mobile Bay. WPI is the first university to work on research at the facility since it reopened in 2015. The tests involved controlled burns of oil in a specially designed test tank on the island.

“In-situ burning has been used with great success, and it is our goal to support research that makes a good method even better,” said Karen Stone, oil spill response engineer at BSEE. “This research, and the results of this week’s tests, are particularly exciting. We saw hotter fires increase the amount of oil that was consumed, what appears to be cleaner emissions, and a significant reduction in burn residue after the burn. Initially we were hopeful that the technology could capture any remaining residue after the burn, but the fires burned so efficiently there was very little to collect.”

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Workrite Uniform Company, a flame-resistant (FR) workwear manufacturer, is expanding its selection of Workrite FR Fire Service station wear. The company’s new Station No. 73 Collection will be on display and available to order for the first time at FDIC International 2017.

Named as a tribute to Workrite Uniform’s founding in 1973, the Station No. 73 Collection is designed to provide a modern look and comfortable fit, while expanding the Workrite FR Fire Service brand offerings to include a greater variety of choices, such as an untucked shirt, to meet the unique needs of individual fire departments. Like all Workrite FR Fire Service station wear, the collection is UL certified to NFPA 1975 and offers an improvement over cotton and polycotton uniforms in terms of both FR protection and durability.

“Thermal protective performance testing shows that the thermal energy experienced in reasonable maximum exposures, like flashover, can cause polycotton clothing worn under turnout gear to melt,” said Mark Saner, Workrite Uniform’s FR technical manager. “Flame-resistant station wear, which does not ignite and continue to burn when exposed to heat and flames, provides a valuable layer of added protection for firefighters.”

Made from Tecasafe Plus fabric with TenCate’s Coolderm Technology, the Station No. 73 Collection provides excellent moisture management and colorfastness. The Coolderm Technology also promotes evaporative cooling, which can help reduce the potential for heat stress.

In addition to the Station No. 73 Collection, the Workrite FR Fire Service brand also provides a variety of other FR station wear options. These offerings include the brand’s classic line of uniforms made using Nomex IIIA fabric, specialized construction techniques and Workrite Uniform’s proprietary PerfectPress process to provide easy care and a long-lasting crisp, professional appearance.

For more information about Workrite FR Fire Service station wear, visit www.workrite.com/fireservice.

EarthClean Corporation of St. Paul (MN) manufacturer of nontoxic and sustainable products designed for fire management applications, announced the expansion of its network to deliver its starch based TetraKO^® water enhancer technology through a potential strategic partnership and that TetraKO^® is now listed as an approved vendor by the Minnesota DNR.

The strategic partnership under discussion involves a joint marketing effort with a global leader in firefighting technology that is expected to be introduced at the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 27-29. James R. Grabek, EarthClean Corporation’s President said, “Our anticipated strategic partnership alongside this multi-national company has the potential to significantly increase our sales, marketing and distribution initiatives. We are very excited to showcase TetraKO^® water enhancer as a new type of fire management tool to help protect the environment.”

Additionally, the State of Minnesota DNR (following the US Forest Service Qualified Product List (QPL) approval for use on Federal lands) has added TetraKO^® water enhancer to its 2017 vendor list. EarthClean is working closely with state officials to meet their needs for the coming fire season.

TetraKO^® is a patented, biodegradable, cornstarch-based product designed to mix quickly with water and shear-thin when deployed. It delivers faster and more effective knockdown and suppression of Class-A fires compared to plain water and traditional foams, and eliminates exposure to chemicals found in long-term retardants and foams that can harm fish and wildlife, and damage sensitive watersheds. TetraKO^® reduces smoke and water damage, conserves water, and greatly reduces run-off.

More: www.earthclean.com