Combustibility study of resin for warm magnet coils used at CERN
(2023) VBRM05 20231Division of Fire Safety Engineering
- Abstract
- CERN is the world's largest particle physics laboratory, housing multiple accelerators that rely heavily on magnetic coils. These coils are integral to the generation of powerful magnetic fields essential for particle accelerator experiments, detectors, and other equipment. At CERN, a range of magnetic coils are utilized, many of which are custom-made and located in various research facilities both above and below ground. However, these magnetic coils include epoxy resins, making them susceptible to fire hazards. Given the unique nature of CERN, a thorough engineering approach is required for fire safety design. Therefore, understanding the flammability characteristics of the epoxy resin used in magnetic coils is therefore crucial for... (More)
- CERN is the world's largest particle physics laboratory, housing multiple accelerators that rely heavily on magnetic coils. These coils are integral to the generation of powerful magnetic fields essential for particle accelerator experiments, detectors, and other equipment. At CERN, a range of magnetic coils are utilized, many of which are custom-made and located in various research facilities both above and below ground. However, these magnetic coils include epoxy resins, making them susceptible to fire hazards. Given the unique nature of CERN, a thorough engineering approach is required for fire safety design. Therefore, understanding the flammability characteristics of the epoxy resin used in magnetic coils is therefore crucial for ensuring proper fire safety measures at CERN.
The focus of this thesis is to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of the fire risk and fire behaviour associated with the epoxy resins used in magnetic coils at CERN that operate at ambient temperatures. In the first part of the thesis, the key factors that impact the flammability of epoxy resins and composites have been identified and their effects are well understood. Literature shows that the mechanical properties of epoxy resins can degrade due to radiation and aging, which represents a potential ignition source.
The second section of the thesis involves conducting four standardized tests on three representative epoxy resins used at CERN. Two of the epoxy resins are from magnetic coils that have been exposed to radiation environments for a considerable amount of time. These tests include micro-combustion calorimetry, cone calorimetry, lateral ignition and flame spread testing, and thermogravimetric analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The tests evaluate the ignition behavior, fire spread behavior, and flammability properties of the epoxy resins. (Less) - Popular Abstract
- The European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), located in Switzerland, is the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Their main aim is to explore the fundamental composition of the particles that constitute our universe. To achieve this, they make subatomic particles collide at incredibly high speeds, almost at the speed of light. This collision process provides valuable clues about how these particles interact with each other, giving us insights into their inner workings and the structure of the universe. Given the uniqueness of CERN, their fire safety requirements are much higher than for any typical residential or factory building. It is required a comprehensive understanding of fire science and the flammability... (More)
- The European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN), located in Switzerland, is the largest particle physics laboratory in the world. Their main aim is to explore the fundamental composition of the particles that constitute our universe. To achieve this, they make subatomic particles collide at incredibly high speeds, almost at the speed of light. This collision process provides valuable clues about how these particles interact with each other, giving us insights into their inner workings and the structure of the universe. Given the uniqueness of CERN, their fire safety requirements are much higher than for any typical residential or factory building. It is required a comprehensive understanding of fire science and the flammability characteristics of all equipment to assess and mitigate the potential risks associated with fire incidents.
CERN utilizes specially designed particle accelerators as the primary instrument for their scientific research. These accelerators heavily rely on the use of magnetic coils, which play a crucial role in generating powerful magnetic fields to control and direct particle beams. Due to the complex nature and high electrical currents involved, the magnet coils necessitate reliable electrical insulation. Epoxy resins, a type of polymer, are commonly used for this purpose. However, it is important to note that epoxy resins pose a fire hazard, highlighting the need to understand their flammability characteristics.
To achieve the mentioned goal, samples extracted from two distinct magnet coils, which were dismantled from an accelerator, underwent testing four standardized test methods. Additionally, a sample that was recently manufactured and had not been exposed to the operational conditions of the magnet coils was also included in the testing process.
Due to the high cost and rarity of these magnet coils, the availability of samples was limited, necessitating careful planning of the experimental processes. The testing procedure comprised two micro-scale test methods and two bench-scale test methods. In the micro-scale tests, only the epoxy resin was examined as part of the sample. However, in the bench-scale test methods, the samples included not only the epoxy resin but also the complete cross-section of the magnetic coil. This approach aimed to evaluate how the presence of other components in the magnetic coil influenced the flammability of the epoxy resin.
The findings revealed that the three types of epoxy resins exhibited a higher heat release rate in comparison to other reference epoxy resins. However, due to the limited quantity of epoxy resins employed in each magnetic coil, the potential heat release in the event of a fire is not significant. Furthermore, these epoxy resins require a lower external heat flux to ignite compared to other materials. It was also proved that the other components that form the magnetic coil delay its ignition. Moreover, the results demonstrate that if the magnetic coils are exposed to an external fire, the flame propagation would occur at a considerably slower pace compared to materials like wood fibreboard or plywood.
In addition, magnet coils are typically utilized in radioactive environments and have an extended operational lifespan. The findings indicate that radiation exposure and aging contribute to the deterioration of the mechanical properties of epoxy resin, such as their stiffness. While no definitive conclusions have been drawn regarding the impact on their flammability resulting from these factors, it is important to note that potential mechanical failures could lead to short circuits or open cuts, which in turn could act as potential ignition sources. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9120242
- author
- Lopez Santiago, Juan Carlos LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- VBRM05 20231
- year
- 2023
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Epoxy resin, flammability, radiation, aging, cone calorimeter, micro combustion calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, lateral ignition and flame spread test, chemical composition of polymers, polymers, epoxy composite, polymer composite, failure of epoxy resins, magnetic coil
- report number
- 5696
- other publication id
- LUTVDG/TVBB—5696--SE
- language
- English
- id
- 9120242
- date added to LUP
- 2023-06-13 06:18:51
- date last changed
- 2023-06-13 06:18:51
@misc{9120242,
abstract = {{CERN is the world's largest particle physics laboratory, housing multiple accelerators that rely heavily on magnetic coils. These coils are integral to the generation of powerful magnetic fields essential for particle accelerator experiments, detectors, and other equipment. At CERN, a range of magnetic coils are utilized, many of which are custom-made and located in various research facilities both above and below ground. However, these magnetic coils include epoxy resins, making them susceptible to fire hazards. Given the unique nature of CERN, a thorough engineering approach is required for fire safety design. Therefore, understanding the flammability characteristics of the epoxy resin used in magnetic coils is therefore crucial for ensuring proper fire safety measures at CERN.
The focus of this thesis is to investigate and gain a deeper understanding of the fire risk and fire behaviour associated with the epoxy resins used in magnetic coils at CERN that operate at ambient temperatures. In the first part of the thesis, the key factors that impact the flammability of epoxy resins and composites have been identified and their effects are well understood. Literature shows that the mechanical properties of epoxy resins can degrade due to radiation and aging, which represents a potential ignition source.
The second section of the thesis involves conducting four standardized tests on three representative epoxy resins used at CERN. Two of the epoxy resins are from magnetic coils that have been exposed to radiation environments for a considerable amount of time. These tests include micro-combustion calorimetry, cone calorimetry, lateral ignition and flame spread testing, and thermogravimetric analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The tests evaluate the ignition behavior, fire spread behavior, and flammability properties of the epoxy resins.}},
author = {{Lopez Santiago, Juan Carlos}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Combustibility study of resin for warm magnet coils used at CERN}},
year = {{2023}},
}