Smoke And Visibility Episodes

Aug. 30, 2023

116 - Fire Fundamentals pt. 4 - Natural and Powered Smoke Vents with Wojciech

It is time for some engineering fundamentals in the show. This time in the fire fundamentals series we delve into the details of natural and powered smoke ventilators - what they are, how they work, how they are tested and w…
Aug. 16, 2023

114 - Ventilation and fire flow paths with Craig Weinschenk

Most fire engineers would be aware of how openings like doors and windows, the stack effect, and even wind can significantly alter fire outcomes. But there is a considerable difference between knowing that it does, and knowi…
July 19, 2023

110 - NIST Fire Calorimetry Database with Matt Bundy

Ever wonder how scientists measure the intensity of a fire? Join us on this episode as we invite Dr. Matt Bundy from NIST. We discuss the intricacies of heat release rate, calorimetry, and how NIST is championing open data w…
June 28, 2023

107 - Visualization in fires with Matt Hoehler

If you ever wondered how to capture fires in photographs and videos so it is a real science, not just pretty pictures, this episode is for you. With dr Matt Hoehler we explore the world of visualization in fires - from just …
June 21, 2023

106 - Chemistry of smoke - Nitrogen, retardants and cancirogens with David Purser

And so we have reached the fourth and final episode featuring Professor David Purser, a leading expert in fire toxicity. In this episode, we explore the complexities of nitrogen in fires, the impact of fire retardants on fi…
June 14, 2023

105 - How much smoke is made in fires and how we measure that? with David Purser

In this show, we have already ventured into the fascinating world of toxicity in fires, and I have promised you more. So today, I fulfil my word and invite you to another conversation with renowned fire toxicity expert Profe…
May 31, 2023

103 - The Science and Art of Scale Modeling with James Quintiere

Ever wondered how scale modelling can provide invaluable insights into fire science? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Professor James Quintiere, as we delve into the fascinating world of scale modelling and its …
May 10, 2023

100 - Fire Fundamentals pt. 3 - Smoke plumes (and other flow phenomena) with Wojciech

This week we cover the fundamentals of smoke flow (proliferation!), entrainment and smoke plumes. All the basics that impact the spread of the smoke in our buildings. You will learn: the ideal gas assumption for a smoke mixt…
April 12, 2023

097 - Smoke toxicity (Part 2) Asphyxiants and irritants with David Purser

This episode is the 2nd part of interview with Professor David Purser, this year recipient of IAFSS'14 Emmons Plenary Lecture. If you have not seen it, I would highly encourage you to first listen to the Part 1 , which sets …
April 5, 2023

096 - Smoke toxicity (Part 1) Why fires used to be less toxic in 1950's? with David Purser

I have to start with a word of warning, I am extremally hyped about this and upcoming episodes. I think for the first time I have recorded a podcast episode with a ratio of my commentary to the guest 1:5. This is because whe…
Oct. 26, 2022

073 - Smoke control in shopping malls - uncommon aspects that make or break the system

Long before I started the podcast, my bread and butter was to find clever ways to remove smoke from shopping malls. Actually, I like to believe I was pretty good at the job, given the fact some of the biggest projects in Eas…
Sept. 14, 2022

067 - Next-gen smoke control experimental facility and a digital twin with Grzegorz Krajewski

We've felt a bit awkward about how FSE handles smoke control in corridors. If you look closely into common practices, they rarely do include impressive engineering - more often you see some 'tips and tricks' that make the CF…
April 20, 2022

047 - Effective pressurization of compartments with Grzegorz Sypek

Pressurization is a common strategy for protecting spaces against the infiltration of smoke. However, the solution has a kind-of bad press as "not-working" or "incapable to meet its design goals". We know, that the systems a…
Jan. 12, 2022

033 - Science, theatre or engineering? Polish take on hot smoke test with Piotr Smardz and Janusz Paliszek

Have you ever heard about the hot smoke testing approach? If you had, there is a great chance you have not heard anything positive about it... From our experience, this method is often downplayed as useless, unrealistic and …
Dec. 8, 2021

030 - Visibility Prediction Framework with Lukas Arnold

If you ever had anything to do with Fire Safety Engineering, you have most likely touched the visibility in smoke. What's an easier way to explain how bad the conditions are inside of a building than saying how much smoke wa…