ISO/TR 14696:1999

TECHNICAL ISO/TR
REPORT 14696
First edition
1999-08-01
Reaction to fire tests — Determination of
fire parameters of materials, products and
assemblies using an intermediate-scale
heat release calorimeter (ICAL)
Essais de réaction au feu — Détermination, à l'aide de calorimètre à échelle
intermédiaire à dégagement de chaleur (ICAL), des paramètres relatifs au
feu des matériaux, produits et ouvrages
A
Reference number
ISO/TR 14696:1999(E)

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ISO/TR 14696:1999(E)
Contents
1 Scope .1
2 Normative references .1
3 Terms and definitions .1
4 Symbols and abbreviations .3
5 Principle.4
6 Apparatus .5
6.1 Radiant panels .5
6.2 Radiant panel constant irradiance controller .6
6.3 Specimen holder assembly components.6
6.4 Specimen shield.6
6.5 Wire igniters .6
6.6 Gas stream blocking plate .7
6.7 Heat flux meter.7
6.8 Heat flux calibration panel .7
6.9 Exhaust collection system.7
7 Minimum requirements for exhaust duct instrumentation.7
7.1 Flow.7
7.2 Combustion gas analysis .8
8 Significance and use .8
9 Test specimens.9
9.1 Size and preparation.9
9.2 Conditioning.9
10 Calibration of apparatus .9
©  ISO 1999
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic
or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Genève 20 • Switzerland
Internet iso@iso.ch
Printed in Switzerland
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© ISO
ISO/TR 14696:1999(E)
10.1 Heat flux/distance relationship. 9
10.2 Heat release. 9
10.3 Mass loss. 10
10.4 Smoke obscuration . 11
10.5 Gas analysis. 11
10.6 Heat flux meter. 11
11 Procedure . 11
11.1 Preparation. 11
11.2 Procedure . 11
12 Calculations . 12
13 Test report . 12
13.1 Descriptive information. 12
13.2 Test results (see also annex F). 13
13.3 Graphical results . 13
13.4 Descriptive results. 14
14 Test limitations . 14
15 Hazards. 14
16 Precision and bias . 14
Annex A (normative) Design of hood and exhaust duct. 27
Annex B (normative) Instrumentation in exhaust duct . 28
Annex C (normative) Considerations for heat release measurements. 31
Annex D (normative) Measurement equations. 35
Annex E (informative) Commentary . 38
Annex F (informative) Measurement and determination of other parameters and values needed in computer
fire models. 40
Bibliography. 43
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© ISO
ISO/TR 14696:1999(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies (ISO
member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been established has
the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in
liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards, but in exceptional circumstances a
technical committee may propose the publication of a Technical Report of one of the following types:
 type 1, when the required support cannot be obtained for the publication of an International Standard, despite
repeated efforts;
 type 2, when the subject is still under technical development or where for any other reason there is the future
but not immediate possibility of an agreement on an International Standard;
 type 3, when a technical committee has collected data of a different kind from that which is normally published
as an International Standard (“state of the art”, for example).
Technical Reports of types 1 and 2 are subject to review within three years of publication, to decide whether they
can be transformed into International Standards. Technical Reports of type 3 do not necessarily have to be
reviewed until the data they provide are considered to be no longer valid or useful.
ISO/TR 14696, which is a Technical Report of type 2, was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 92,
Fire
safety, Subcommittee SC 1, Reaction to fire.
This document is being issued in the Technical Report (type 2) series of publications (according to subclause
G.3.2.2 of part 1 of the ISO/IEC Directives, 1995) as a “prospective standard for provisional application” in the field
of fire safety because there is an urgent need for guidance on how standards in this field should be used to meet an
identified need.
This document is not to be regarded as an “International Standard”. It is proposed for provisional application so that
information and experience of its use in practice may be gathered. Comments on the content of this document
should be sent to the ISO Central Secretariat.
A review of this Technical Report (type 2) will be carried out not later than three years after its publication with the
options of: extension for another three years; conversion into an International Standard; or withdrawal.
Annexes A to D form a normative part of this Technical Report. Annexes E and F are for information only.
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TECHNICAL REPORT  © ISO ISO/TR 14696:1999(E)
Reaction to fire tests — Determination of fire parameters of
materials, products and assemblies using an intermediate-scale
heat release calorimeter (ICAL)
1 Scope
This Technical Report provides a method for measuring the response of materials, products and assemblies
exposed in vertical orientation to controlled levels of radiant heating with an external igniter.
This test method is used to determine the ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, and visible smoke
development of materials, products and assemblies under well ventilated conditions.
The heat release rate is determined by measurement of the oxygen consumption as determined by the oxygen
concentration and flow in the exhaust product stream as specified in 11.1. Smoke development is quantified by
measuring the obscuration of light by the combustion product stream.
2 2
Specimens are exposed to heating fluxes ranging from 0 kW/m to 50 kW/m . Hot wires are used as the ignition
source.
This test method has been developed for material, product or assembly evaluations, mathematical modelling and
design purposes. The specimen are tested in thicknesses and configurations representative of actual end product
or system uses.
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text, constitute provisions of
this Technical Report. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or revisions of, any of these publications
do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on this Technical Report are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions of the normative documents indicated below. For undated
references, the latest edition of the normative document referred to applies. Members of ISO and IEC maintain
registers of currently valid International Standards.
ISO 9705, Fire tests — Full scale room test for surface products.
ISO/IEC Guide 52:1990, Glossary of fire terms and definitions.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this Technical Report, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC Guide 52 and the following
apply.
3.1
assembly
fabrication of materials or composites, for example sandwich panels
NOTE This may include an air gap.
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3.2
composite
combination of materials which are generally recognized in building construction as discrete entities, for example
coated or laminated materials
3.4
flashing
existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for periods of less than 1 s
3.5
heating flux
incident flux imposed externally from the heater on the specimen at the initiation of the test
3.6
heat release rate
heat evolved from the specimen, per unit of time and area
3.7
ignition
onset of sustained flaming as defined in 3.15
3.8
irradiance (at a point of a surface)
quotient of the radiant flux incident on an infinitesimal element of surface containing the point, by the area of that
element
3.9
material
single substance or uniformly dispersed mixture, for example metal, stone, timber, concrete, mineral fibre, polymers
3.10
orientation
plane in which the exposed face of the specimen is located during testing, either vertical or horizontal facing up
3.11
oxygen consumption principle
proportional relationship between the mass of oxygen consumed during combustion and the heat released
3.12
product
material, composite or assembly about which information is required
3.13
specimen
representative piece of the product which is to be tested together with any substrate or treatment
3.14
smoke obscuration
reduction of light transmission by smoke, as measured by light attenuation
3.15
sustained flaming
existence of flame on or over most of the specimen surface for periods of over 10 s
3.16
transitory flaming
existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for periods of between 1 and 10 s
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4 Symbols and abbreviations
2
Cross sectional area of duct (m )
A
Net heat released for complete combustion of propane, per unit of oxygen consumed
E
(12,78 MJ/kg O )
2
E Net heat released for incomplete combustion, per unit of CO consumed
CO
E Net heat released for complete combustion of propane, per unit of oxygen consumed
propane
(12,73 MJ/kg of O )
2
E Net heat released for complete combustion of methane, per unit of oxygen consumed
methane
(12,51 MJ/kg of O )
2
f Yield of gas x (kg/kg)
x
f(Re) Reynolds number correction
I Transmitted beam intensity (cd)
I Beam intensity before attenuation (cd)
0
-1
k Smoke extinction coefficient (m )
k Velocity profile shape factor (non-dimensional)
c
L Light path length of beam through smoky environment (m)
p
M Molecular mass of incoming air (kg/kmol)
a
Molecular mass of carbon monoxide (kg/kmol)
M
CO
M Molecular mass of carbon dioxide (kg/kmol)
CO
2
M Molecular mass of dry air (29 kg/kmol)
dry
M Molecular mass of exhaust gases (kg/kmol)
e
M Molecular mass of water (kg/kmol)
H O
2
M Molecular mass of nitrogen (kg/kmol)
N
2
M Molecular mass of oxygen (32 kg/kmol)
O
2
m Specimen mass (kg)
•
m Mass flow in exhaust duct (kg/s)
e
OD Optical density (non-dimensional)
Dp Pressure drop across the orifice plate or bidirectional probe (Pa)
q Total heat released (MJ)
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•
q Heat release rate (kW)
2
RSR Rate of smoke release (m /s)
2
TSR Total smoke released (m )
T Combustion gas temperature at the photodetector (K)
e
T Duct temperature (near photodetector) (K)
s
t Time (s)
•
3
V Volumetric flow in exhaust duct (at measuring location of mass flow) (m /s)
e
•
V Volumetric flow at location of smoke meter (value adjusted for smoke measurement
s
3
calculations) (m /s)
Dt Sampling time interval (s)
X Measured mole fraction of CO in exhaust flow (non-dimensional)
CO,e
X Measured mole fraction of CO in incoming air (non-dimensional)
CO,i
X Measured mole fraction of CO in exhaust flow (non-dimensional)
CO ,e 2
2
X Measured mole fraction of CO in incoming air (non-dimensional)
CO ,i 2
2
X Measured mole fraction of O in exhaust flow (non-dimensional)
O ,e 2
2
X Measured mole fraction of O in incoming air (non-dimensional)
O ,i 2
2
[x] Concentration of gas x (kg/kg)
aCombustion expansion factor (non-dimensional; normally a value of 1,105)
3rDensity of air at the temperature in exhaust duct (kg/m )
3rDensity of air at 273,15 K: 1,293 (kg/m )
0
fOxygen depletion factor (non-dimensional)
5 Principle
2
5.1  This test method is designed to measure the heat release rate from a 1 m specimen in a vertical orientation.
2
The specimen is exposed to a uniform heat flux from a gas fired radiant panel up to 50 kW/m and uses electrically
heated wires for ignition. Heat release measured by this test method is based on the observation that, generally,
the net heat of combustion is directly related to the amount of oxygen required for combustion (see references
[2,3]). The primary measurements are oxygen concentrations and exhaust flow. Burning may be either with or
without ignition wires used at the top and bottom of the specimen.
5.2  Additional measurements include the mass loss rate of the specimen, the time to sustained flaming and the
light intensity of a light beam having traversed the smoky duct. The apparatus can be used to measure additional
properties discussed in informative Annex F.
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6 Apparatus
Where dimensions are stated in the following description, they shall be considered mandatory and shall be followed
within nominal tolerance of ± 5 mm on the radiant panel and specimen holder assemblies. An exception to this
tolerance is the placement of the screen in front of the ceramic burner and which shall be ± 0,5 mm. The tolerances
permitted in the exhaust system of ISO 9705 [9] are permissible.
The apparatus shall consist of the following components:
 a radiant panel assembly (Figure 1) located in the vertical orientation;
 a specimen holder (Figure 2);
 an exhaust collection system,
 weighing platform,
 gas laminar flow meter, and
 a data acquisition system.
A general layout of the whole test assembly is shown in Figure 3.
6.1 Radiant panels
The panel consists of a hollow 50 mm by 50 mm square steel tubing which supports 3 rows of adjustable, ceramic-
1)
faced, natural gas burners comprised of three burners per row (Figure 1). The tubing has typical residential water
hose connections provided at the bottom of the tubing to facilitate water cooling.
The left and right burners in each row are made up of four modules each and the centre burners are comprised of
one module. A module consists of 4 vertically stacked ceramic elements 12,7 mm deep by 95 mm high by 158 mm
wide. The centre burners consist of one module each. The modules are comprised of a plenum space in which the
natural gas is injected at a controlled rate by the burner's control system. Combustion air is aspirated into the
plenum space through the gas and air injection port.
The face of each burner is covered with stainless steel cloth type floating screen (mesh per linear 25,4 mm – 4 x 4,
wire diameter 1,19 mm, width opening 5,16 mm) for higher surface temperature and safety. The screens shall be
carefully installed to allow for elongation of screens and supporting rods. This will allow the distance between the
burners and screens to remain constant when heated. The optimum distance between the surface of the burners
and the outer surface of the screen is 20 mm. The rows of gas burners on the panel shall be separated by a
distance of 93 mm from each other and also attached to the support tubing at the locations indicated in Figure 1.
Natural gas of net heating value at least 49 MJ/kg shall be supplied to the unit through a control system provided
with a safety interlock. All gas pipe connections to the burners must be sealed with a gas pipe compound resistant
to liquified petroleum gases. A drip leg shall be installed in the gas supply line going to each heater to minimize the
possibility of any loose scale or dirt within the gas supply line from entering the burner's control system.
Ignition of the burners shall be accomplished by individual, automatic spark igniters and pilot flames. The spark
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.
An opening of at least 25 mm shall be provided at the vertical centreline between the rows of burners.

1)
A modified RAY-TEC burner unit, RT132, from Modine Manufacturing company, 1500 Dekoven Avenue, Racine, Wisconsin
53403, USA, has been found suitable for this application.
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6.2 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 natural gas to the burners (see annex E.2 for more information). 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.
6.3 Specimen holder assembly components
6.3.1 Specimen holder
The specimen holder assembly is shown in Figure 2 and is capable of holding a specimen up to 150 mm thick. (A
thicker specimen holder is necessary to accomodate specimens thicker than 150 mm.) The top portion of the
assembly is removable to facilitate specimen insertion. Prior to starting the test the specimen shall be protected
from the radiant panel heat flux exposure by the water cooled shield (6.4). A drip tray, 300 mm wide x 50 mm deep
x 914 mm long, shall be attached to the floor of the specimen holder directly below the specimen frame to contain
limited amounts of materials that melt and drip. Two wire igniters described in 6.5 are attached to the specimen
holder. A gas stream blocking plate (6.6) is mounted at the bottom of the specimen.
6.3.2 Weighing platform
The general arrangement of the specimen holder and the weighing platform is indicated in Figure 2. The weighing
2)
platform shall be capable of weighing the specimen to an accuracy of 1 g. The platform shall be protected from
the radiant panel assembly by an insulation board cover as shown in Figure 2.
6.3.3 Specimen holder trolley
A trolley, as shown in Figure 3, shall be provided to hold the specimen holder and weighing platform so that the
specimen can be moved to a predetermined location in front of the radiant panel at the beginning of a test. The
trolley shall be placed on tracks or guides to facilitate exact specimen placement with respect to the radiant panel.
The trolley tracks shall be located perpendicular to the plane of the radiant panel so that the specimen is moved
directly toward the radiant panel. The specimen is inserted in the holder when the trolley is at a sufficient distance
from the radiant panel. The trolley tracks shall be long enough to move the specimen holder to a distance of 6 m
from the radiant panel if necessary.
6.4 Specimen shield
A water cooled shield (Figure 4) shall be provided to absorb the thermal energy from the radiant panels prior to
testing. The shield is constructed so that a preset water flow will maintain a shield temperature on the unexposed
face below 100 °C. The shield shall be positioned directly in front of the radiant panel assembly at a distance of
150 mm. The mounting method used shall accommodate removing the shield in less than 2 s.
6.5 Wire igniters
Two 0,81 mm Chromel wires (from Type K thermocouple wires) are used as igniters. One wire is positioned
horizontally, spanning the full width of the specimen, 80 mm above the bottom exposed edge of the specimen and
15 mm from the specimen surface. The other wire is positioned horizontally, spanning the full width of the
specimen, 20 mm above the top exposed edge of the specimen and 15 mm from the specimen's vertical plane. A
spring, protected from the radiant heat, shall be attached to one end of the wires to compensate for the wire
expansion during the test. It shall remain under tension throughout the test so that the igniter wire remains in
position. When used, sufficient electrical power shall be applied to the wire that will produce an orange glow. Low
voltages, up to 30 V, shall be used for safety reasons. More information about the choice of the wire igniters is
given in annex E.3.

2)
A Sartorius Model F150S Electromagnetic Scale, has been found suitable for this application.
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6.6 Gas stream blocking plate
A thin steel plate which projects 10 cm out from the specimen surface shall be attached to the specimen holder
perpendicularly to the specimen surface along the lower exposed specimen edge. Information about the gas stream
interrupting projection plate is given in annex E.5.
6.7 Heat flux meter
2
The total heat flux meter shall be of the Schmidt-Boelter (thermopile) type, with a 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 ±3% and a repeatability of within ±0,5 %.
6.8 Heat flux calibration panel
A panel to establish the heat flux/distance relationship shall be constructed from nominal 12 mm to 13 mm thick
3 3
calcium silicate board of nominal density 600 kg/m to 850 kg/m . The panel shall be the same size as a specimen
(1000 x 1000 mm) and shall have holes with diameters to accomodate the heat flux meter (6.7). Five rows and
columns of holes (25 holes total) shall be drilled with their centres 224 mm apart and 52 mm from the edges on all
sides of the panel.
6.9 Exhaust collection system
Construct the exhaust collection system with the following minimal requirements: a blower, steel hood, duct,
bidirectional probe, thermocouple(s), oxygen measurement system, smoke obscuration measurement system
(white light lamp and photocell/detector or laser) and combustion gas sampling and analysis system. Construct the
exhaust collection system as shown in Figure 5 and as explained in annex A.1.
Ensure that the system for collecting the smoke (which includes gaseous combustion products) has sufficient
exhaust capacity and is designed in such a way that all of the combustion products leaving the burning specimen
are collected. Design the capacity of the evacuation system such that it will exhaust minimally all combustion gases
leaving the specimen (see annex A.1).
Place probes for sampling of combustion gas and for measurement of flow in accordance with clause 7.
Make all measurements of smoke obscuration, gas concentrations or flows at a position in the exhaust duct where
the exhaust is uniformly mixed so that there is a nearly uniform velocity across the duct section.
If the straight section before the measuring system is at least 8 times the inside diameter of the duct the exhaust is
considered to be uniformly mixed. If a measuring system is position
...