ASTM E1623-22a

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1623 − 22a An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fire and Thermal Parameters of Materials,
Products, and Systems Using an Intermediate Scale
Calorimeter (ICAL)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1623; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* quantified by measuring the obscuration of light by the
combustion product stream (exhaust duct).
1.1 This fire-test-response standard assesses the response of
materials, products, and assemblies to controlled levels of
1.6 Specimens are exposed to a constant heat flux in the
radiant heat exposure with or without an external ignitor.
range of 0 to 50 kW/m in a vertical orientation. Hot wires are
usedtoignitethecombustiblevaporsfromthespecimenduring
1.2 The fire-test-response characteristics determined by this
the ignition and heat release tests. The assessment of the
test method include the ignitability, heat release rates, mass
parametersassociatedwithflamespreadrequirestheuseofline
loss rates, visible smoke development, and gas release of
burners instead of hot wire ignitors.
materials, products, and assemblies under well ventilated
1.6.1 Heat release measurements at low heat flux levels (<
conditions.
10 kW/m ) require special considerations as described in
1.3 This test method is also suitable for determining many
Section A1.1.6.
of the parameters or values needed as input for computer fire
models. Examples of these values include effective heat of
1.7 This test method has been developed for evaluations,
combustion, surface temperature, ignition temperature, and design, or research and development of materials, products, or
emissivity.
assemblies,formathematicalfiremodeling,orforresearchand
development. The specimen shall be tested in thicknesses and
1.4 Thistestmethodisalsointendedtoprovideinformation
configurations representative of actual end product or system
about other fire parameters such as thermal conductivity,
uses.
specific heat, radiative and convective heat transfer
coefficients, flame radiation factor, air entrainment rates, flame
1.8 Limitations of the test method are listed in Section 5.5.
temperatures, minimum surface temperatures for upward and
1.9 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
downward flame spread, heat of gasification, nondimensional
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
heat of gasification (1) and the Φ flame spread parameter (see
standard.
Test Method E1321). While some studies have indicated that
this test method is suitable for determining these fire
1.10 This standard is used to measure and describe the
parameters, insufficient testing and research have been done to
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
justify inclusion of the corresponding testing and calculating
under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate
procedures.
allfactorsrequiredforfirehazardorfireriskassessmentofthe
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.5 The heat release rate is determined by the principle of
oxygen consumption calorimetry, via measurement of the
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
oxygen consumption as determined by the oxygen concentra-
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
tionandflowrateintheexhaustproductstream(exhaustduct).
conducting these tests. Specific information about hazards is
The procedure is specified in 11.1. Smoke development is
given in Section 7.
1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Combustion Products.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as E1623-22. DOI:
1.13 This international standard was developed in accor-
10.1520/E1623-22A.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to the list of references at the
end of this standard. ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1623 − 22a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- specified fire test conditions are provided by the specifications
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical of the fire test standard that cites effective heat of combustion
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. as a quantity to be measured. For certain fire test conditions,
involvingveryhighheatandhighoxygenconcentrationsunder
2. Referenced Documents
high pressure, the effective heat of combustion will approxi-
mate the gross heat of combustion. More often, the fire test
2.1 ASTM Standards:
conditions will represent or approximate certain real fire
D5865Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and
exposureconditions,andtheeffectiveheatofcombustionisthe
Coke
appropriate measure. Typical units are kJ/g or MJ/kg.
E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials
3.1.3 heat flux, n—heat transfer to a surface per unit area,
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
per unit time (see also initial test heat flux).
E603Guide for Room Fire Experiments
3.1.3.1 Discussion— The heat flux from an energy source,
E662Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke
such as a radiant heater, can be measured at the initiation of a
Generated by Solid Materials
test (such as Test Method E1354, or Test Method E906) and
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
thenreportedastheinitialtestheatflux,withtheunderstanding
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
that the burning of the test specimen can generate additional
E800GuideforMeasurementofGasesPresentorGenerated
heat flux to the specimen surface. The heat flux can also be
During Fires
measured at any time during a fire test, for example as
E906Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
described in Guide E603, on any surface, and with measure-
Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile
ment devices responding to radiative and convective fluxes.
Method
2 2 2
Typical units are kW/m , W/cm , BTU/(s ft ).
E1321Test Method for Determining Material Ignition and
Flame Spread Properties 3.1.4 ignitability, n—the propensity for ignition, as mea-
sured by the time to sustained flaming, in seconds, at a
E1354Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con- specified heat flux.
sumption Calorimeter
3.1.5 initial test heat flux, n—the heat flux set on the test
2.2 ASTM Proposal:
apparatus at the initiation of the test (see also heat flux).
P147Proposed Method for Room Fire Tests of Wall and
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The initial test heat flux is the heat flux
Ceiling Materials and Assemblies
value commonly used when describing or setting test condi-
2.3 ISO Standards:
tions.
ISO 5657-1986(E) Fire Tests—Reaction to Fire—
3.1.6 oxygen consumption principle, n—the expression of
Ignitability of Building Materials
the relationship between the mass of oxygen consumed during
ISO 5660-1Fire Tests—Reaction to Fire—Rate of Heat
combustion and the heat released.
Release from Building Products
ISO 5725Precision of Test Methods—Determination of 3.1.7 orientation, n—theplaneinwhichtheexposedfaceof
the specimen is located during testing.
Repeatability and Reproducibility for a Standard Test
Method by Inter-Laboratory Tests
3.1.8 smoke obscuration, n—reduction of light transmission
ISO 9705Full Scale Room Test for Surface Products
by smoke, as measured by light attenuation.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3. Terminology
3.2.1 emissivity, n—the ratio of the power per unit area
3.1 Definitions:
radiated from a material’s surface to that radiated from a black
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
body at the same temperature.
to Terminology E176.
3.1.2 effective heat of combustion, n—the amount of heat 3.2.2 heat release rate, n—the heat evolved from the
generated per unit mass lost by a material, product, or specimen, per unit of time and area.
assembly, when exposed to specific fire test conditions. (see
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Heat release is measured in this test
gross heat of combustion).
method both as a quantity per unit time and as a quantity per
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The effective heat of combustion de-
unit time and unit area.
pends on the test method and is determined by dividing the
3.2.3 net heat of combustion, n—the oxygen bomb (seeTest
measured heat release by the mass loss during a specified
MethodD5865)valuefortheheatofcombustion,correctedfor
periodoftimeunderthespecifiedtestconditions.Typically,the
gaseous state of product water.
3.2.4 sustained flaming, n—existence of flame on or over
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
most of the specimen surface for periods of at least 5 s.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.2.4.1 Discussion—Flaming of less than 5 s duration is
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. identified as flashing or transitory flaming.
Discontinued; see 1983 Annual Book of ASTM Standards , Vol 04.07.
3.2.5 time to sustained flaming on the exposed side, n—time
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. to ignition, in s.
E1623 − 22a
3.2.6 time to sustained flaming on the unexposed side, followed within nominal tolerance of 65 mm on the radiant
n—test duration, in s. panel and specimen holder assemblies. An exception to this
tolerance is the placement of the screen in front of the ceramic
4. Summary of Test Method
burner that shall be 60.5 mm. The tolerances permitted in the
4.1 This is a test method designed to measure the heat
exhaust system (see Proposal P147) for the proposed room fire
releaseratefromaspecimen1m inaverticalorientation.The
test method or the ISO 9705 standard are permissible.
specimen is exposed to a uniform heat flux from a gas fired
6.1.2 The orientation shall be vertical.
radiant panel up to 50 kW/m and ignited instantly. Heat
6.1.3 The apparatus shall consist of the following compo-
release measured by this test method is based on the observa-
nents: a radiant panel assembly (see Fig. 1) capable of vertical
tion that, generally, the net heat of combustion is directly
orientation only; a specimen holder (see Fig. 2), an infrared
relatedtotheamountofoxygenrequiredforcombustion (2, 3).
pyrometer (optional), an exhaust collection system, weighing
The primary measurements of oxygen concentrations and
platform, gas meter, and a data acquisition system. A general
exhaust flow are made as specified by Huggett (3). Tests are
layout of the whole test assembly is shown in Fig. 3.
conducted with or without piloted ignition. Piloted ignition
6.2 Radiant Panels:
resultsfromapplyingwireignitersatthetopandbottomofthe
6.2.1 The panel consists of a hollow 50mm by 50 mm
test specimen.
square steel tubing (see Fig. 1) that supports three rows of
4.2 Additional measurements include the mass-loss rate of
adjustable, ceramic-faced, natural gas burners comprised of
the specimen, surface temperature, the time to sustained three burners per row. The tubing has typical residential water
flaming and the specimen’s interior temperatures.
hose connections provided at the bottom of the tubing to
facilitate water cooling.
4.3 Theapparatusissuitabletodevelopdataassociatedwith
6.2.2 The left and right burners in each row are made up of
the parameters discussed in 1.4.
fourmoduleseachandthecenterburnersarecomprisedofone
5. Significance and Use
module. A module consists of four vertically stacked ceramic
elements 12.7 mm deep by 95 mm high by 158 mm wide. The
5.1 This test method is used primarily to determine the heat
center burners consist of one module each. The modules are
release rate of materials, products, and assemblies. Other
comprised of a plenum space in which the natural gas is
parametersaretheeffectiveheatofcombustion,masslossrate,
injected at a controlled rate by the burner’s control system.
the time to ignition, smoke and gas production, emissivity, and
Combustion air is aspirated into the plenum space through the
surface temperature. Examples of test specimens are assem-
gas and air injection port.
blies of materials or products that are tested in their end-use
thickness. Therefore, the test method is suitable for assessing
the heat release rate of a wall assembly.
A modified RAY-TEC burner unit, RT132, has been found suitable for this
application. The sole source of supply known to the committee at this time is Sun
5.2 Representative joints and other characteristics of an
Technology Corp., 14329 23 Mile Road, Shelby TWP., MI 48315. If you are aware
assembly shall be included in a specimen when these details
of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
are part of normal design.
Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
5.3 This test method is applicable to end-use products not
havinganideallyplanarexternalsurface.Theheatfluxshallbe
adjusted to be that which is desired at the average distance of
the surface from the radiant panel.
5.4 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or
more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test
conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
changed,itisnotalwayspossiblebyorfromthistesttopredict
changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured.
Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure
conditions described in this procedure.
5.5 Test Limitations:
5.5.1 The test results have limited validity if: (a) the
specimen melts sufficiently to overflow the drip tray, or (b)
explosive spalling occurs.
5.5.2 Exercise caution in interpreting results of specimens
that sag, deform, or delaminate during a test. Report observa-
tions of such behavior.
6. Apparatus
6.1 General:
6.1.1 Where dimensions are stated in the following
description, they shall be considered mandatory and shall be FIG. 1 Radiant Panel Assembly
E1623 − 22a
FIG. 2 Sample Holder
igniters are used to ignite the pilot flames which in turn are
used to ignite the burners after pilot flame temperature sensors
have reached a required value. The pilot remains on until the
burners are extinguished.
6.2.6 An opening of at least 25 mm shall be provided at the
vertical centerline between the rows of burners.
6.2.7 Radiant Panel Constant Irradiance Controller—The
irradiance from the radiant panel assembly shall be capable of
being held at a preset level by means of regulating the flow of
naturalgastotheburners(seeX1.2formoreinformation).The
flow of the gas is regulated using an automatic flow controller,
motorized valve, and a thermocouple located on the surface of
a ceramic burner. The irradiance is directly proportional to the
temperature on the surface of the ceramic burners. Gas flow
shall be continuously measured to calculate the heat released
from the radiant panel assembly. This value is needed in
computations of the heat release rate from the specimen.
FIG. 3 Intermediate Scale Calorimeter
6.3 Specimen Holder Assembly Components:
6.3.1 Specimen Holder—The specimen holder assembly is
6.2.3 The face of each burner is covered with stainless 330
showninFig.2andiscapableofholdingaspecimenupto152
floating screen for higher surface temperature and safety. The
mm thick. (A thicker specimen holder is necessary to accom-
screens shall be carefully installed to allow for elongation of
modate specimens thicker than 152 mm.) The top portion of
screens and supporting rods. This will allow the distance
the assembly is removable to facilitate specimen insertion.
between the burners and screens to remain constant when
Prior to starting the test the specimen shall be protected from
heated. The optimum distance between the surface of the
the radiant panel heat flux exposure by the water cooled shield
burners and the outer surface of the screen was found to be 20
(see 6.4.1). A drip tray, 300 mm wide by 50 mm deep by 914
mm.Therowsofgasburnersonthepanelshallbeseparatedby
mm long, shall be attached to the floor of the specimen holder
a distance of 112 mm from each other and shall be attached to
directly below the specimen frame to contain limited amounts
the support tubing at the locations indicated in Fig. 1.
of materials that melt and drip. Two wire igniters described in
6.2.4 Natural gas of net heating value at least 790 kJ/mol
6.4.3 are attached to the specimen holder.
shall be supplied to the unit through a control system provided
6.3.2 Weighing Platform—The general arrangement of the
withassafetyinterlock.Allgaspipeconnectionstotheburners
specimen holder and the weighing platform is indicated inFig.
must be sealed with a gas pipe compound resistant to liquified
2. The weighing platform shall be capable of weighing the
petroleum gases.Adrip leg shall be installed in the gas supply
specimen to an accuracy of one gram. The platform shall be
line going to each heater to minimize the possibility of any
protected from the radiant panel assembly by an insulation
loose scale or dirt within the gas supply line from entering the
board cover as shown in Fig. 2.
burner’s control system.
6.2.5 Ignition of the burners shall be accomplished by
A Sartorius Model F150S Electromagnetic Scale, has been found suitable for
individual,automaticsparkignitersandpilotflames.Thespark this application.
E1623 − 22a
6.3.3 Specimen Holder Trolly—Atrolly, as shown in Fig. 3, 6.4.2 Infrared Pyrometer—Apyrometer isusedtoviewthe
shall be provided to hold the specimen holder and weighing specimen surface through the 25 mm gap between the radiant
platform to permit movement of the specimen to a predeter- panels. The pyrometer is positioned 0.3 m to 0.5 m behind the
mined location in front of the radiant panel at the beginning of radiant panel assembly at a height equal to the geometrical
a test. The trolly shall be placed on rails or guides to facilitate center of the specimen. The measurement technique including
exact specimen placement with respect to the radiant panel. specimen emissivity adjustments is detailed in (4).
The trolly tracks shall be located perpendicular to the plane of 6.4.3 Wire Igniters—Two 0.81 mm Chromel wires (from
theradiantpanelsothatthespecimenismoveddirectlytoward Type K thermocouple wires) are used as igniters. One wire is
the radiant panel. The trolly tracks shall be long enough to positioned horizontally, spanning the full width of the
movethespecimenholdertoadistanceof6mfromtheradiant specimen, 80 mm above the bottom exposed edge of the
panel. This distance makes mounting the specimen easier and specimen and 15 mm from the specimen surface. The other
allowstestingofparametersotherthanheatreleaseatverylow wire is positioned horizontally, spanning the full width of the
heat fluxes. Heat flux values of 25 and 50 kW/m are achieved specimen, 20 mm above the top exposed edge of the specimen
at distances less than 1 m. and 15 mm from the specimen’s vertical plane. A spring,
protected from the radiant heat, shall be attached to one end of
6.4 Other Major Components:
the wires to compensate for the wire expansion during the test.
6.4.1 Specimen Shield—A water cooled shield (see Fig. 4)
It shall remain under tension throughout the test so that the
shallbeprovidedtoabsorbthethermalenergyfromtheradiant
igniter wire remains in position. When used, sufficient power
panelspriortotesting.Theshieldisconstructedsothatapreset
shall be applied to the wire that will produce an orange glow.
waterflowwillmaintainashieldtemperatureontheunexposed
Low voltages, up to 30 V, shall be used for safety reasons.
face below 100°C. The shield shall be positioned directly in
Moreinformationaboutthechoiceofthewireignitersisgiven
front of the radiant panel assembly at a distance of 150 mm.
in X1.3.
The mounting method used shall accommodate removing the
6.4.4 Heat Flux Meter—Thetotalheatfluxmetershallbeof
shield in less than 2 s.
theGardon (foil)orSchmidt-Boelter(thermopile)type,witha
design range of about 50 kW/m . The target receiving
radiation, and possibly to a small extent convection, shall be
flat, circular, approximately 12.5 mm in diameter, and coated
with a durable matt-black finish. The target shall be water
cooled. Radiation shall not pass through any window before
reaching the target. The instrument shall be robust, simple to
set up and use, and stable in calibration. The instrument shall
have an accuracy of within 63% and a repeatability of within
0.5%.
6.4.5 Heat Flux Calibration Panel—Apaneltoestablishthe
heat flux/distance relationship shall be constructed from nomi-
nal 12.7 mm thick calcium silicate board of nominal density
740 kg/m . The panel shall be the same size as a specimen
(1000mmby1000mm)andshallhaveholeswithdiametersto
accommodate the heat flux meter from 6.4.4. Five rows and
columns of holes shall be drilled 224 mm apart and 51 mm
from the edges on all sides of the panel.
Asuitableopticalinfraredpyrometerhasatemperaturerangeof0-1000°Cand
a wavelength band of 8-12 m. The emissivity measuring range of the pyrometer
shall be adjustable. The pyrometer shall have the through-the-lens sighting with a
narrow field of view. The maximum target area diameter shall not be more than 30
mm at a range of measuring distances between 500 mm and 2000 mm. The
pyrometer shall have an analog output.
AMedthermModelR-8015-C-15-072hasbeenfoundsuitableforthispurpose.
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is
Medtherm Corp., Huntsville, AL. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
provide this information toASTM International Headquarters.Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,
FIG. 4 Radiation Shield which you may attend.
E1623 − 22a
6.4.6 Digital Data Collection—The data collection system column and carbon dioxide removal columns (if used), flow
shall be equal to or better than that required in Proposal P147. controller and oxygen analyzer (see Fig. 6 and Annex A2 for
Readings shall be made at intervals not exceeding 2 s. further details). Alternative designs of the sampling line must
6.4.7 Exhaust Collection System: give equivalent results. The gas train shall also include
6.4.7.1 Construct the exhaust collection system with the appropriate spanning and zeroing facilities.
following minimal requirements: a blower, steel hood, duct, 6.4.9.2 OxygenMeasurement—Measuretheoxygenconcen-
bidirectional probe, thermocouple(s), oxygen measurement trationwithanaccuracyofatleast 60.04%offullscaleinthe
system, smoke obscuration measurement system (white light outputrangeof0to25vol%oxygen,or 60.01vol%oxygen,
photocell lamp/detector or laser) and combustion gas sampling in order to have adequate measurements of heat release rate.
andanalysissystem.Constructtheexhaustcollectionsystemas Take the combustion gas sample from the end of the sampling
shown in Fig. 5 and as explained in Annex A1. line. Calculate the time delay, including the time constant of
6.4.7.2 Ensure that the system for collecting the smoke the instrument; it is a function of the exhaust duct flow. This
(which includes gaseous combustion products) has sufficient time delay shall not exceed 60 s. (See Annex A6 for further
exhaust capacity and is designed in such a way that all of the details.)
combustion products leaving the burning specimen are col- 6.4.9.3 Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
lected. Design the capacity of the evacuation system such that Measurement—Measure the combustion gas species with an
it will exhaust minimally all combustion gases leaving the instrument having an accuracy of at least 60.1 vol % for the
specimen (see A1.1.4). carbon dioxide and 60.02 vol % for carbon monoxide. A
6.4.7.3 Placeprobesforsamplingofcombustiongasandfor suitable output range is 0 to 1 vol % for carbon monoxide and
measurement of flow in accordance with 6.4.8. 0 to 6 vol % for carbon dioxide. Take the combustion gas
6.4.7.4 Make all measurements of smoke obscuration, gas sample from the end of the sampling line. Calculate the time
concentrations or flows at a position in the exhaust duct where delay, including the time constant of the instrument; it is a
theexhaustisuniformlymixedsothatthereisanearlyuniform function of the exhaust duct flow. It shall be a maximum of 60
velocity across the duct section. s. (See Annex A6 for further details.)
6.4.7.5 Ifthestraightsectionbeforethemeasuringsystemis 6.4.10 Smoke Obscuration Measurement:
at least eight times the inside diameter of the duct the exhaust 6.4.10.1 Install an optical system for measurement of light
is likely to be uniformly mixed. If a measuring system is obscuration across the centerline of the exhaust duct. Deter-
positioned at a distance of less than eight diameters, demon- mine the optical density of the smoke by measuring the light
strate the achievement of equivalent results. transmitted with a photometer system consisting of a white
6.4.8 Instrumentation in Exhaust Duct—The following light source and a photocell/detector or a laser system for
specifications are minimum requirements for exhaust duct measurement of light obscuration across the centerline of the
instrumentation.Additional information is found in AnnexA2. exhaust duct.
6.4.8.1 Flow—Measure the flow in the exhaust duct by 6.4.10.2 Onephotometersystemfoundsuitableconsistsofa
means of a bidirectional probe, or an equivalent measuring lamp, lenses, an aperture, and a photocell. See Fig. 7 and
system, with an accuracy of at least 66% (see Annex A2 for AnnexA2 for further details. Construct the system so that soot
further details). The response time to a stepwise change of the deposits on the optics during a test do not reduce the light
ductflowshallnotexceed5s,toreach90%ofthefinalvalue. transmission by more than 5%.
6.4.9 Combustion Gas Analysis: 6.4.10.3 Alternatively, instrumentation constructed using a
6.4.9.1 SamplingLine—Constructthesamplinglinetubesof 0.5 to 2.0 mW helium-neon laser, instead of a white light
a material not influencing the concentration of the combustion system is also acceptable. See Fig. 8 and A2.4 for further
gas species to be analyzed. The following sequence of the gas details. It has been shown that white light and laser systems
train has been shown to be acceptable: sampling probe, soot will give similar results (5, 6).
filter, cold trap, gas path pump, vent valve, plastic drying 6.4.11 Thermocouples:
FIG. 5 Collection Hood and Exhaust System
E1623 − 22a
FIG. 6 Schematic of Gas Sampling Train
moving the specimen trolley toward or away from the radiant
panels. The construction of a viewing wall with windows is
recommended for laboratories with small spaces where the
operator and viewers cannot move far enough away from the
area of the radiant panel.
7.2 The water cooled shield placed in front of the radiant
panel assembly dramatically lowers the heating of the labora-
tory space. Additionally, it lowers the potential for harm to
operators working in the area.
8. Test Specimens
FIG. 7 White Light Optical System
8.1 Size and Preparation:
8.1.1 Test specimen’s dimensions shall be 1000mm by
1000 mm and up to 152 mm in thickness . They shall be
6.4.11.1 All thermocouples shall be 0.127 mm (0.005 in. or
representative of the construction of the end-use product. Test
5 mils) Type K, Chromel-Alumel.
materials and assemblies of normal thickness, 152 mm or less,
6.4.11.2 The interior thermocouples shall be inserted in
using their full thickness.
holes that have been predrilled from the unexposed face of the
8.1.2 If a product is designed to normally have joints in a
sample toward the face to the desired depth. These thermo-
field application, then that specimen shall incorporate the joint
couples shall be sheathed with ceramic insulation. The two
detail. Center the joint in the specimen’s vertical or horizontal
wires leading up to the junctions of surface thermocouples
centerlineasappropriate.Alsotestthespecimenwithoutajoint
shall be bared for a distance of at least 50 mm on both sides of
detail if the design does not include a joint.
the junction. Each lead shall be pulled tight so that the bead is
8.1.3 Cover the edges of the specimen with 12 mm ceramic
contacting the surface and stapled at a point on each wire 25
wool blanket to eliminate the gap between the holder and the
mm away from the junction. The bead shall be pushed by
specimen.
thumb with moderate force into the surface if it will penetrate.
8.2 Conditioning—Condition specimens to moisture equi-
7. Hazards
librium (constant weight) at an ambient temperature of 23°C
7.1 The test procedures involve high temperatures and
6 3°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5%. Constant weight
combustion processes.Therefore the potential exists for burns,
is achieved when two weighings differ by no more than 0.2%
ignitionofextraneousobjectsorclothing,andforinhalationof
in 24 h.
combustion products. The operator shall use protective gloves
and clothes while removing the specimen shield and while
9. Calibration
9.1 Calibrateallinstrumentscarefullywithstandardsources
afterinitialinstallation.Amongtheinstrumentstobecalibrated
0.4 mm ( ⁄64 in.) bore diameter insulators. The sole source of supply of the
apparatus known to the committee at this time is Omega Engineering, One Omega
Drive, Stamford, CT. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this
information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
1 11
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which If specimens of thickness greater than 152 mm are to be tested, a specimen
you may attend. holder shall be constructed to accommodate the desired specimen thickness.
E1623 − 22a
FIG. 8 Smoke Obscuration Measuring System
are load cells or weighing platforms, smoke meters, flow or (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow gauge)
velocity transducers, infrared pyrometer and gas analyzers. and a temperature of 20 °C 6 5 °C.
9.3.2 Asuitablecalibrationburnerisasanddiffusionburner
9.2 Heat Flux/Distance Relationship:
with a 0.3 m by 0.3 m top surface and a 0.15 m depth.
9.2.1 Ignite the radiant panel and allow it to come to
Construct such a gas burner with a 25 mm thick plenum.
equilibrium as indicated by its constant heat release rate.
Alternatively, use a minimum 100 mm layer of Ottawa sand to
9.2.2 Generate a curve of average heat flux measurements
provide the horizontal surface through which the gas is
over the specimen surface versus specimen distance from the
supplied.ThistypeofburnerisshowninFig.9.Thegassupply
radiant panels. Place the calibration panel in the same position
to the burner shall be technical grade propane or methane. Do
as a specimen and insert the flux meter from the unexposed
face through the holes. The target face of the flux meter shall
extend 15 mm toward the radiant panel from the exposed
surfaceofthecalibrationpaneltominimizetheconvectiveheat
transfer contribution. After the calibration panel has come to
equilibrium, make the flux measurements with the target face
of the flux meter at the following distance away from the
radiantpanel:300,400,600,800,1000,and2000mm.Iflower
heat fluxes than the one corresponding toa2m distance are
used, continue calibrating until past the needed distance.
9.2.3 No individual heat flux measurement shall deviate
from the average at each of the distances by more than 66%.
The average heat flux measurements in the bottom row of the
calibration panel shall not deviate from that in any of the heat
flux values used by more than 65%.
9.2.4 Use the curve generated in 9.2.2 to determine the
distancefromtheradiantpanelforadesiredheatfluxexposure.
9.2.5 Perform calibration every three months or more fre-
quently if any significant changes to equipment are made or if
calibration is suspect.
9.3 Heat Release:
9.3.1 Perform the calibration of the heat release instrumen-
tation in the exhaust duct by burning propane or methane gas
and comparing the heat release rates calculated from the
metered gas input, and those calculated from the measured
oxygen consumption. The value of net heat of combustion for
methane is 50.0 MJ/kg and that for propane is 46.5 MJ/kg.
Position the calibration burner in the same location where the
specimen is to be placed during a 35 kW/m exposure test.
Measure the gas flow at a pressure of 101 kPa 6 5 kPa FIG. 9 Sand Burner
E1623 − 22a
notpremixthegasfortheburnerflamewithair.Metertheflow (100% transmission) needs to be verified each day, prior to
of gas and keep it constant throughout the calibration test. testing. Investigate any excessive departure from the zero line
at the end of a test, and correct it.
9.3.3 Another suitable calibration burner is a pipe, with an
inner diameter of 100 mm 6 1.5 mm, supplied with gas from
9.6 Gas Analysis—Calibrate gas analyzers daily, prior to
beneath (see ISO 9705). Do not premix the gas for the burner
testing (see Guide E800 for further guidance).
flame with air.
9.7 Heat Flux Meter—Check the calibration of the heat flux
9.3.4 Obtain a minimum of two calibration points. Obtain a
meter whenever a recalibration of the apparatus is carried out
lower heat release rate value of 100 kW and a higher heat
by comparison with an instrument (of the same type as the
release rate of 300 kW, from the gas burner alone. Take
working heat flux meter and of similar range) held as a
measurements at least once every 6 seconds and start 1 minute
reference standard and not used for any other purpose. Fully
prior to ignition of the burner. Determine the average heat
calibratethereferencestandardatastandardizinglaboratoryat
release rate over a period of at least one minute by (a) the
yearly intervals.
oxygen consumption method and (b) calculating the heat
release rate from the gas mass flow and the net heat of
10. Procedure
combustion. A correct factor of heat released per oxygen
10.1 Preparation:
consumed for the calibration gas (E = 12.78 MJ/kg O2,
propane
10.1.1 Open the water valve to the steel tubing that support
E =12.51 MJ/kg O2) must be used in the oxygen
methane
theradiantpanelandadjustthewaterflowsufficientlyhighthat
consumption method. The difference between the two values
water exiting the frame will not exceed 100 °C in temperature.
shallnotexceed5%.Thiscomparisonshallbemadeonlyafter
10.1.2 Position the specimen holder assembly remote to the
steady state conditions have been reached.
desired test location.
9.3.5 Take measurements at least once every 6 s and start 1
10.1.3 Place the water cooled shield in front of the radiant
min prior to ignition of the burner. Determine the average heat
panel assembly and adjust the water flow sufficiently high that
release rate over a period of at least 1 min by the oxygen
water exiting the shield will not exceed 100 °C in temperature.
consumption method and calculating the heat release rate from
10.1.4 Establish a duct air flow previously determined to
the gas mass flow and the net heat of combustion. The
correspond to oxygen concentration between 20.2 and 20.4 %
difference between the two values shall not exceed 5%. Make
with the radiant panel in operation only.
this comparison only after steady state conditions have been
reached.
NOTE 1—Such a duct flow will be close to 1.6 m /s, but that is not
necessarily the case.
9.3.6 Perform calibration every three months or more fre-
quently if any significant changes to equipment are made or if
10.1.5 Turn on the flow of gas to each of the radiant panels
calibration is suspect.
and ignite them.
9.3.7 When calibrating a new system, or when modifica-
10.1.6 Allow the burners to operate for 30 min prior to
tions are introduced, check the response time of the measuring
testing.
system by the following test sequence:
10.1.7 Adjust, if necessary, the water flows and the duct
flow to the required values.
Time, min Burner Output, kW
0to5 0
10.1.8 Turn on all sampling and recording devices and
5to10 40
calibrate the analyzers.
10 to 15 160
10.1.9 Insert the specimen into the specimen holder. Place
15 to 20 0
the specimen in the specimen holder by removing the top
The response of the system to a stepwise change of the heat
specimen holder cap section, inserting the specimen and
output from the burner shall be a maximum of 12 s to 90% of
replacing the top cap.
final value.
10.1.10 Switch on the wire igniters.
9.3.8 Perform the calibration in 9.3.7 at a duct air flow of 2
3 10.1.11 If heat flow through the specimen is to be
m /s.
monitored, attach the thermocouples as described in 6.4.2 and
9.3.9 The change in measured heat release rate, comparing
6.4.3.
timeaveragevaluesover1min,shallnotbemorethan10%of
10.2 Procedure:
the actual heat output from the burner.
10.2.1 Move the specimen trolly to the location where the
9.4 Mass Loss—If required by the type of scale used,
desired heat flux exposure to the surface of the specimen has
perform the calibration by loading the weighing platform with
been calibrated in accordance with 9.2.2 through 9.2.4.
known masses corresponding to the measuring range of
10.2.2 Obtain sufficient data, at least 30 s, to ensure the
interest,toensurethattherequirementsofaccuracyin6.3.2are
signal from the weighing platform settles down to equilibrium
fulfilled. Carry out this calibration daily, prior to testing.
and an adequate baseline has been reached.
9.5 SmokeObscuration—Calibratethesmokemeterinitially 10.2.3 Remove the water cooled specimen shield in not
to read correctly for two neutral density filters of significantly more than 2 s and start the timer marking the beginning of the
different values, and also at 100% transmission. The use of test.
neutral density filters at 0.5 and 1.0 values of optical density 10.2.4 Record the times when flashing or transitory flaming
hasbeenshowntobesatisfactoryforthiscalibration.Oncethis occur.Whensustainedflamingoccurs,recordthetimeandturn
calibration is set, only the zero value of extinction coefficient off the igniters. If the flame extinguishes after turning off the
E1623 − 22a
igniters, turn on the igniters again within 5 seconds and do not 12. Report
turn the igniters off until the entire test is completed. Report
12.1 Report the following information:
these events in the test report.
12.2 Descriptive Information:
10.2.5 If the duct flow is not sufficient to collect all the fire
12.2.1 Name and address of the testing laboratory,
gases, then increase the duct flow to a sufficient value.
12.2.2 Specimen identification code or number,
10.2.6 Record all important events during the test like
12.2.3 Date and identification number of the report,
cracking, melting, collapse of all or part of the specimen,
12.2.4 Name and address of the test sponsor,
deformations, and intumescing.
10.2.7 Collect data until 2 min after sustained flaming 12.2.5 Nameofproductmanufacturerorsupplier,ifknown,
occurs on the unexposed side of the specimen or a predeter- 12.2.6 Composition or generic identification,
mined time period.
12.2.7 Density, or mass per unit surface area, total mass,
10.2.8 Withdraw the specimen trolley and insert the speci-
thicknessofthemaincomponentsinthespecimen,thicknessof
men radiation shield.
the specimen, moisture content of hygroscopic materials and
10.2.9 Unless otherwise specified in the material or perfor-
mass of combustible portion of specimen, if known,
mance standard, make three determinations and report as
12.2.8 Description of the specimen, if different from the
specified in Section 12.
product,
12.2.9 Details of specimen preparation by the testing
11. Calculation
laboratory,
11.1 The specimen heat release rate is calculated by sub- 12.2.10 Details of special mounting methods used,
tracting the radiant panel assembly heat release rate (which is 12.2.11 Initial test heat flux and exhaust system flow,
the theoretical baseline) from the total heat release rate. The
12.2.12 Number of replicates tested under the same condi-
radiant panel heat release rate contribution measured as the tions.(Thisshallbeaminimumofthreeexceptforexploratory
product of the gas flow rate and the net heat of combustion of
testing),
the gas (see 9.3.1), shall be multiplied by a factor, to take into
12.2.13 Conditioning of the specimens,
accountthecorrectratioofheatreleasedperoxygenconsumed
12.2.14 Date of test, and
for natural gas (1.047) or propane (1.025). The testing labora-
12.2.15 Test number and any special remarks.
toryshallchooseoneoftheequationsinA4.1tocalculateheat
12.3 Test Results: (See Also Appendix):
release rate, based on the gas analyzers installed. Report the
12.3.1 Table of numerical results containing:
equations used for heat release rate calculations, and state
12.3.1.1 Time to sustained flaming(s) on the exposed and
whether carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide measure-
unexposed sides (s),
ments were used for this. Considerations for heat release rate
12.3.1.2 Peak heat release rate (in kW and kW/m ), and the
measurements are presented in Annex A3. Calculate the heat
time at which it occurred (s),
releasedata,usingtheequationspresentedinA4.1andA4.2.
12.3.1.3 Average heat release rate values for the first 60,
11.2 Calculate mass loss rate and effective heat of combus-
180,300safterignition,orforotherappropriateperiods(kW),
tion using the procedures in Annex A5.
12.3.1.4 Total heat released (in MJ and MJ/m ),
11.3 Calculate smoke release data using the equations in
12.3.1.5 Peak rate of smoke release (m /s), and the time at
A4.3.
which it occurred,
12.3.1.6 Average rate of smoke release values for the first
11.4 Calculate gas yield data using the equations in A4.4.
60, 180, 300 s after ignition, or for other appropriate periods
11.5 Calculate the specimen carbon monoxide and carbon
(m /s),
dioxide concentrations by subtracting the radiant panel contri-
12.3.1.7 Total smoke released (m ),
butions (baseline data) from the total values.
12.3.1.8 Total mass loss (kg),
11.6 The normal exposed surface area of the specimen is
12.3.1.9 Total percentage of mass loss (%),
0.84 m . Determine the exposed surface area for the apparatus
12.3.1.10 Average effective heat of combustion for the
inwhichthetestsareconducted,andusethatvaluetocalculate
entire test (MJ/kg),
parameters per unit surface area. Report the exposed surface
12.3.1.11 Peak yield of carbon monoxide (kg of CO/kg of
area.
fuel),
11.7 When parameters are to be reported per unit surface
12.3.1.12 Equation used to calculate rate of heat release,
area, the absolute values determined shall be divided by the
12.3.1.13 Peak optical density of smoke (optional),
exposedsurfaceareaoftheapparatusbeforereporting.Usethe
12.3.1.14 Total percentage of combustible mass loss (%)
correct exposed surface area to calculate parameters per unit
(optional),
surface area.
12.3.1.15 Average yield of carbon monoxide (kg CO/kg
fuel) (optional),
12.3.1.16 Average yield of carbon dioxide (kg CO /kg fuel)
The correction factors are based on the ratio between the rate of heat released
(optional),
per unit oxygen consumed for most fuels (which is E = 13.1 MJ/kg) and those for
12.3.1.17 Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide yield ratio (kg
natural gas (which is E = 12.51 MJ/kg) and for propane (which is E =
methane propane
12.78 MJ/kg). of CO/kg of CO ) (optional),
...