Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of a water film on the heat-resistant property associated with the insulation of a fireproof glass. The evaporative latent heat of water film could be used to protect the glass of the building from melting or breaking as a fire occurs. In the experiment, the glass panes were fire-tested up to 1000ºC by using a standard testing furnace for doors and windows. Results showed that the application of the water film on the glass pane could effectively resist the intensive heat from the burning in the test; and that the test period with permitted integrity and insulation could be extended from 6 minutes to 100 minutes. It was noted that the temperature of the glass surface could be kept under 90ºC for a 100-minute-test. The substitution of the fireproof glass with water film for the overhead door has been proven workable.