When E-III^® Fire Training Fluids (FTFs) are burned, they initially create a signature smoke that assists in fire detection and wind direction determination. Continued burning results in a cleaner smoke that rapidly dissipates, creating a training environment that is neighbor-friendly. The radiant heat of the fire exceeds 700 °F and, when aerated through nozzles and under pressure, E-III^® FTFs burn similarly to a ruptured fuel line.

Fire on the left: gasoline/diesel blend	Fire on the right: E-III® Industrial Grade FTF

The combustion products of E-III^® Fire FTFs were analyzed and compared to those generated by the combustion of a 60:40 diesel/gasoline blend. Both volatile organic carbon (VOC) and particulate matter (soot) were measured quantitatively. All testing was performed by Horizon Air Measurement Services, Inc., 996 Lawrence Drive, Suite 108, Newbury Park, CA 91320. Horizon has been certified by California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District for a variety of environmental testing methods.

Test Procedure

A two-fluid-ounce sample of the product under test is poured into the bottom of a flat pan and immediately ignited using a fireplace match. Data are gathered until the flame self-extinguishes and no significant volume of volatile organic carbon (VOC) is being emitted. For the products tested, this data collection time was approximately three minutes. Volatile organic carbon was measured with a Ratfisch RS55CA total hydrocarbon analyzer with a flame ionization detector. VOCs are reported as methane. Particulate matter was collected on glass fiber filters and the particulate mass was measured by weighing. Each product was evaluated in three replicate test runs and the results represent the average of those three runs.

Summary of Results

Conclusions

All three grades of E-III^® FTFs emit less particulate matter and fewer VOCs than does the 60:40 diesel/gasoline blend. The high burn temperature of E-III^® FTFs results in greater combustion to CO₂ and contributes to particulate matter that dissipates readily.

The composition of E-III^® FTFs makes them much less likely to contribute to specific environmental pollutants than fuels commonly used in live fire training. 

When compared to traditional fossil fuels, the use of E-III^® FTFs as training fuels can result in considerable cost savings because:

• Up to 30% less E-III^® FTF is required to produce an accurate fire simulation

• Unburned product remains stable and can easily be recovered and reused

• Fuel/water separators remain cleaner, resulting in reduced maintenance costs

• E-III^® FTF fires are controllable by water, reducing extinguisher chemical and foam requirements

• Protective clothing that has been pre-wetted will not absorb E-III^® FTF, reducing clothing cleaning costs