- Author
- National Bureau of Standards
- Title
- Fire Hazard of Nitrocellulose Motion Picture Film.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Journal
- Technical News Bulletin (National Bureau of Standards), Vol. 40, No. 1, 3-5, January 1956
- Keywords
- cellulose nitrate
- Abstract
- The Bureau's fire protection laboratories have completed an extensive study of growth of fires and means for their control in storage vaults for combustible nitrocellulose motion picture films. Test results indicate that through the proper use of sprinklers and film storage racks, it may be possible to limit film loss to the single roll where the fire starts. In this study, the amount of film stored, vent area of the storage vault, sprinkler systems, film cans, types of storage racks, and other variables were investigated for their effects on the amount of film destroyed by fire and on the gas pressure developed in the vault. Results show the relative effectiveness of various safety devices in minimizing fire loss and danger to surrounding property. The study was undertaken for the National Archives and for the Inter-Agency Advisory Committee for Nitrate Film Vault Tests, an organization made up of representatives from both Government and private industry.