Recipient Organization
ARCTOS RESEARCH
86 HIGH COUNTRY RD
PLAINS,MT 59859
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Solutions to help overcome the present limitations in conducting prescribed burning could help land managers in their efforts to accomplish needed fuels reduction in the forests. Opportunities exist for developing improvements in the methods and materials used in the ground-based ignition of prescribed fires. Improved ignition techniques could enable managers to conduct burns at times where weather, fuels and resource limitations would otherwise preclude burn activities, widening the presently limited window of opportunity for burning. It is the intent of the present research proposal to develop a Ground-Based, Line-Source Ignition System that provides an improved method for conducting prescribed burning. In particular, this project involves developing a Linear Incendiary Strand manufactured from pine resin. Use of this novel device will enhance burning opportunities by providing a means to generate high fire intensity through rapid burn strip ignition by ground
personnel. The proposed ignition system provides a method for using improved convection engineering techniques to reduce the negative impacts of smoke on the nation's air quality. In addition, the proposed device offers a substitute for presently used petroleum products, and will allow ground crews a higher degree of safety while igniting prescribed fires.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Goals / Objectives
The primary goal of this Phase II project is to develop a new method of prescribed fire ignition, and to perform research and development work needed for advancing the proposed incendiary device towards a stage of commercial viability. Research activities will be directed at successfully meeting the following measurable objectives: a) Determine final design specifications for the proposed linear incendiary tape and cord that meets all stated physical requirements and functional performance criteria. b) Produce a sufficient quantity of both forms of the strand to enable comprehensive field-testing and evaluation. c) Identify a reliable and cost-effective source of pine resin for use in the production of the incendiary products. d) Successfully plan and execute the ignition of prescribed burns in forest, shrub, and agricultural fuel types, using the proposed ignition system. e) Complete a design specification for a remote electronic initiating apparatus for the linear
incendiary material. f) Facilitate the successful ignition of one or more burn-out or backfire operations in support of fire suppression activities, if possible. g) Obtain independent laboratory certification of the incendiary strand's transportation classification as a Flammable Solid, and produce a Material Safety Data Sheet. h) Obtain approval for use of the incendiary system in prescribed burning activities by federal land management agencies. Publication of a Tech Tip on the ignition system by the USDA Missoula Technology and Development Center is desired. i) Produce safety guidelines, instructional materials, and ignition planning references for further evaluation efforts and operational uses. j) Provide detailed analysis of estimated production costs, projected demand/consumption, and a cost:benefit comparison with present methods of ignition.
Project Methods
Generally, the proposed ignition system provides an elongate, flexible, incendiary device for producing a nearly instantaneous source of flaming combustion along a linear pathway of indeterminate length. The subject incendiary device is provided in the form of a solid, continuous strand, such as, for example, a ribbon, tape, cord, filament, rope or tube. The device is comprised of means for rapid ignition along the longitudinal axis of the strand in co-linear arrangement with a solid or semi-solid combustible fuel composition. Upon ignition, the device produces flames from its exterior surface for duration of time suitable for igniting nearby combustible matter. The linear incendiary device is provided with means to cause the separation of the strand into individually burning fragments shortly after ignition. This feature is advantageous if the strand is draped over branches or other debris, and flame contact with surface fuels is desired to ensure a contiguous line of
fire. The proposed ignition system essentially provides a nearly instantaneous line of fire for igniting prescribed fires, controlled burns, and backfires. The ability to generate the flaming combustion necessary for igniting forest or agricultural fuels along a linear pathway, nearly instantaneously, is a distinguishing aspect from other prior art devices. Present devices for providing rapid linear ignition include linear ignition fuses, pyrotechnic quick match, and deflagration cord. These devices provide an intense, momentary flame rapidly along their lengths, and do not provide the sustained flame generation required for igniting nearby woody materials. A significant improvement of the proposed ignition system over previous methods of igniting controlled fires is the ability to deploy the means of ignition before actual burning operations commence, thereby reducing the number of personnel required during the burn. The linear incendiary strand may be deployed, or laid out, in
pre-determined patterns throughout the area to be burned in accordance with known practices to achieve desired fire behavior. When a Strip-Head firing pattern is desired, the incendiary strand will be placed along nearly parallel pathways across the area to be burned in such a manner as to provide a desired level of fire intensity and rate of spread. Alternatively, a circular ignition pattern may be selected for conducting a mass ignition of a large area, wherein the strand would be placed in concentric circles of incrementally increasing diameter. The distance between adjacent pathways, or strips, is determined in part by the amount and type of combustible materials, the slope of the area, and the favorable wind direction for the safe conduct of the burn.