smolders

Smoldering refers to the process of combustion that occurs without a visible flame. It is a slow, low-temperature burning process where materials are chemically decomposed by heat, releasing smoke but no flame. This type of combustion typically requires a porous material that can trap heat and air, such as wood, peat, or charcoal.

The chemical reaction involved in smoldering is similar to that of flaming combustion, primarily an oxidation process. However, the absence of a flame indicates that the temperature of the burning material is below its ignition point for flaming. This means that the volatile gases released by the heat are not reaching a high enough temperature to ignite and sustain a flame. Instead, these gases are released as smoke, often containing a complex mixture of gases and particulate matter.

Smoldering fires can be difficult to detect and extinguish because they produce little heat and no visible flame. They can continue to burn for extended periods, potentially consuming large amounts of material and releasing toxic gases. Common examples of smoldering include the embers left after a campfire, a cigarette burning in an ashtray, or the slow burning of damp leaves. In industrial settings, smoldering can occur in stored materials like coal or hay. Controlling smoldering often involves depriving the material of oxygen or cooling it below its smoldering point.