1.1 This fire-test-response test method provides a procedure for measuring the response of materials that emit low levels of heat release when exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating with or without an external igniter. 1.2 This test method is used to determine the ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion, and (optionally) visible smoke development of materials and products that generate low levels of heat release when exposed to high heat flux (that is, irradiance levels) typical of fully developed fires. It differs from Test Method E1354 in that it prescribes a different specific test specimen size, specimen holder, test specimen orientation, and volumetric flow rate for analyses via oxygen consumption calorimetry. It is intended for use on materials and products that contain only small amounts of combustible ingredients or components, for example, test specimens that yield a total heat release of 15 MJ/m2. 1.3 The rate of heat release is determined by measurement of the oxygen consumption as determined by the oxygen concentration and the flow rate in the exhaust product stream. The effective heat of combustion is determined from a concomitant measurement of test specimen mass loss rate in combination with the heat release rate. Smoke development (an optional measurement) is measured by obscuration of light by the combustion product stream. 1.4 Test specimens shall be exposed to initial test heat fluxes generated by a conical radiant heater. External ignition, when used, shall be by electric spark. The test specimen testing orientation is horizontal, independent of whether the end-use application involves a horizontal or a vertical orientation. 1.5 Ignitability is determined as a measurement of time from initial exposure to time of sustained flaming. 1.6 This test method has been developed for use for material and product evaluations, mathematical modeling, design purposes, or development and research. Examples of material test specimens include portions of an end-use product or the various components used in the end-use product. 1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.8 This test method is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. 1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be used in conducting these tests. 1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
There is a need for a test method to measure low levels of heat release in materials. Building codes and regulations in some countries now require materials to have low levels of heat release that cannot be reliably measured by the cone calorimeter as described in Test Method E1354. However, with some changes to the equipment and procedure, this is now possible.
Keywordscone calorimeter; heat; heat release rate; ignitability; mass; mass loss rate; oxygen consumption method; radiant ignition; smoke
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.Back to Top
Draft Under Development