Request for Quote.pdf

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AQM PROC PROPERTY

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09/04/2020 1700 MT

08/25/2020

MATTHEW COX

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INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12318720Q0387

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SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 411011828OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

MISSOULA MT 59808

5785 HIGHWAY 10 WEST

MISSOULA TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT C

USDA FOREST SERVICE

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SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

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ITEM NO.

MASS LOSS CALORIMETER - MT

Delivery: 90 Days After Receipt Of Order

Purchase Order Type: Firm Fixed Price

Mass Loss Calorimeter (Brand Name or Equal in all aspects to Fire Testing Technologies Mass Loss Calorimeter and F.O.B Destination Shipping.

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COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICITATION

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

US Forest Service, National Technology & Development Center, Missoula, MT

DESCRIPTION:

The US Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program (NTDP), wildland fire chemical program has as a need to procure a Mass Loss Calorimeter (MLC). This instrument is necessary for developmental testing of an alternative burn test procedure. The instrument can analyze and recording results of mass loss, temperature, heat release rate, and can accommodate other adaptations for thermocouples to record additional variables for evaluation and method development. This testing would be developed in accordance with ASTM E2102.

All questions regarding this RFP must be in writing and may be sent by e‐mail to matthew.cox2@usda.gov.

Questions must be received no later than 8/28/2020 at 12:00PM Mountain Time (MT). No further questions will be accepted after that date and time unless deemed in the best interest of the Government by the Contracting Officer.

You are reminded that representatives from your company SHALL NOT contact any US Forest Service employees to discuss this RFQ during this procurement phase. All questions and concerns regarding this RFQ shall be directed to the above contracting officials.

NOTE 1 - The quoter must quote on all line items. Only quotes to the nearest cent will be accepted.

QUOTE SUBMISSION: All quotes shall be submitted by email to Matthew Cox at matthew.cox2@usda.gov no later than 5:00PM PT, September 4, 2020.

*See Schedule of Items for Quote submission.

To be considered for award your quote must include the following:

1. Quote submitted on the Schedule of Items found within this solicitation; and

2. All vendors must be registered and complete all entries in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be considered for award. Potential vendors may register at the following web site:

https://www.sam.gov/portal/public/SAM

3. All Quote submissions must list your DUNS number, CAGE code, and Federal TIN with Company name, POC, and phone number. If you need to obtain or renew a DUNS number or CAGE code, please visit www.sam.gov . Lack of registration in the SAM database will make an offeror ineligible for award.

4. The government intends to award a firm fixed-price purchase order as a result of this RFQ that will include the terms and conditions set forth herein.

mailto:matthew.cox2@usda.gov mailto:matthew.cox2@usda.gov http://www.sam.gov/

EVALUATION OF QUOTES:

Award shall be made to the vendor whose quotation offers the best value to the Government that meets the terms and conditions herein, in accordance with FAR 13.106-1(a)(2).

Section A – Schedule of Items

Schedule of Items Mass Loss Calorimeter Instrument

A. INTRODUCTION: The US Forest Service, National Technology and Development Program (NTDP), wildland fire chemical program has as a need to procure a Mass Loss Calorimeter (MLC). This instrument is necessary for developmental testing of an alternative burn test procedure. The instrument can analyze and recording results of mass loss, temperature, heat release rate, and can accommodate other adaptations for thermocouples to record additional variables for evaluation and method development. This testing would be developed in accordance with ASTM E2102.

B. SCOPE: The scope of this contract is to procure all necessary equipment and materials to install the MLC in our current fume hood (measuring 60 inches tall, 50 inches wide, and 20 inches deep). The contractor shall provide all equipment and materials to have an operational MLC which includes the following:

1. A Mass Loss Calorimeter software and hardware package configured with a minimum capability of measuring Peak Heat Release Rate (HRR), Time to Ignition (TTI), Total Heat Release (THR) and Effective Heat of Combustion (EHC) in accordance with ASTM E2102.

2. MLC shall include extended chimney with thermopile, calibration burner and flowmeter.

3. All software and hardware should be compatible with performing testing to ASTM E2102.

4. The apparatus shall be “Brand or Equal” in all aspects to the Fire Testing Technologies Mass Loss Calorimeter (see attached brochure), consisting of (See attached brochure):

• Conical Radiant Heater – 5kW, able to achieve heat flux of 75-100kW/m2

• Thermocouples

• Water Cooling Collar

• Heater Shutter Assembly

• Spark Igniter – 10kV

• Specimen Holder (100mm x 100mm)

• Load Cell with total capacity of 5.0 kg, specimen capacity of 500g, and resolution of 0.1g.

• Cold Plate

• Control Unit

• Flux Meter

• MLCCalc Software

• Methane Calibration Burner

• Chimney with Thermopile

Apparatus must be able to fit in a standard fume hood with proper 220-240VAC electrical and water access (35psi supply). Apparatus must be able to conduct testing to the international standards ISO 13927 and ISO 17554. Instrument shall be able to measure Heat Release Rate (HRR), Peak Heat Release Rate, Mass Loss rate, Heat Flux.

C. NOTES: ASTM E2102 has been provided as an attachment to the procurement paperwork email.

D. Schedule of Items:

Pay Item

Description Unit Qty Cost

1 MASS LOSS CALORIMETER and associated equipment per section B - Brand Name or Equal in all aspects to Fire Testing Technologies Mass Loss Calorimeter (see attached brochure).

EA 1 $

2 F.O.B. Destination Shipping to:

NTDP Missoula Campus 5785 Hwy 10W.

Missoula, MT 59808

JB 1 $

Total Cost (Pay Item 1 & 2): $

(End Schedule of Items) firetesting technology

Fire T w R E s s Wes ex RH19 2H

Mass Loss Calorimeter

(EN ISO 13927; EN ISO 17554)

Mass Loss Calorimeter_digital 15/07/2020 14:14 Page 1

FIRE TESTING TECHNOLOGY

• Control Unit

• Flux Meter

• MLCCalc Software

• Methane Calibration Burner

(optional)

• Chimney with Thermopile

(optional)

Use of this instrument under a suitable hood enables the user to carry out thermal exposure studies, under the same precise exposure conditions as those used in the Cone Calorimeter, whilst visibly observing the specimen reaction and measuring the mass change.

A flue containing a thermopile can also be added to the unit. Once calibrated using a methane burner the thermopile output can be used to quantify heat release.

Features and Benefits

• Fire Model meets the specification of the ISO 5660 Cone Calorimeter.

Mass Loss Calorimeter – Simple Heat Release Test Using a Conical Radiant Heater The test method is used to assess the mass loss rate of a product under test conditions. The International Standards ISO 13927 and ISO 17554 specify this method for assessing the mass loss rate of essentially flat specimens exposed in the horizontal orientation to controlled levels of radiant heating with an external igniter under well ventilated conditions.

The mass loss rate is determined by measurement of the specimen mass and is derived numerically.

The time to ignition (sustained flaming) is also measured in this test. Mass loss rate can be used as an indirect measure of heat release rate for many products. However, some products, e.g. those with high water content, will have mass loss rates that are not so closely linked to heat release rates.

Such products need to be tested in accordance with ISO 56601 for correct assessment of heat release.

FTT Mass Loss Calorimeter The FTT Mass Loss Calorimeter consists of a complete fire model from the Cone Calorimeter. It is an economical solution for those working to a limited budget and with a major interest in ignitability and mass loss work.

The apparatus consists of:

• Conical Radiant Heater

• Thermocouples

• Water Cooling Collar

• Heater Shutter Assembly

• Spark Igniter

• Specimen Holder

• Load Cell

• Cold Plate (optional)

1. Conical Radiant Heater with Thermocouples

2. Heat Shutter and Spark Igniter

3. Specimen Holder

4. Load Cell and Base Plate

5. Control Unit

Mass Loss Calorimeter_digital 15/07/2020 14:14 Page 2

MASS LOSS CALORIMETER

• Fire Model manufactured from stainless steel for long life.

• 3 Control Thermocouples for the cone heater to maintain accurate heat flux.

• The special FTT split shutter mechanism is designed to reduce the radiated heat from affecting the sample support system and more importantly allowing time after the sample is positioned on the load cell before the test is started. The shutter is permanently in place on the apparatus and is operated using a simple lever which opens the shutter symmetrically from the centre.

• The FTT spark assembly is manually inserted into position using a lever mechanism. This is used in conjunction with the shutter mechanism. The sequence of operation is such that the electrodes can be positioned above the sample with the shutter closed. At the start of a test the operator opens the shutter lever which, in turn, automatically starts the spark sequence. Microswitches are fitted to the spark arm and the shutter mechanism for safe operation.

• Sample weight measurement is by a strain gauge load cell with quick electronic tare facility. The weight of the sample holder is zeroed electronically on touching a button.

• The load cell is housed in an enclosed case to reduce the effect of temperature change.

• Control unit is supplied in its own case with switches for power, ignition, load cell and cone heater.

Main Panel of MLCCalc

Test Run Panel of MLCCalc

• Eurotherm temperature controller for ramp and control of cone heater.

• Load Cell controller with weight ranging facility to improve performance to suit weight of sample (0500 g).

• Fire Model and Controller designed to be assembled in the FTT Cone frame for upgrading to a full Cone Calorimeter at a later stage if required.

MLCCalc Software The FTT Mass Loss Calorimeter is a sophisticated instrument and in order to make the calibration and use of the instrument extremely easy, the MLCCalc software package is specially designed to complement the instrument.

MLCCalc is a powerful, yet easy to use, Microsoft Windows based application which allows the user to perform most operations required on the apparatus with the aid of a computer. It assists with calibration routines, acquires test data and produces test reports.

The Main panel is used to access all the functions available in MLCCalc software:

• Start Test

• Status

• Load Cell Calibration

• Heat Flux

• HRR Calibration

• HRR Check

• Print Report

• Configure

• About

• Exit

The Test Run panel shows the readings from the transducers in real time, the heat release rate and peak heat release rate (if thermopile fitted). If the specific equipment is fitted then graphs of mass, heat release rate and thermopile output are displayed. It also shows the total test time (including the baseline time), the test time (the time that the specimen has been exposed to the heat from the cone heater) and the recorded times to ignition and flameout.

When the test is finished comments about the test and the observations for any events marked during the test can be entered. Also the ignition and flameout times can be edited if required.

The results from a test or heat release rate calibration can be viewed and reports printed by simply pressing the Print Report button.

Mass Loss Calorimeter_digital 15/07/2020 14:14 Page 3

FIRE TESTING TECHNOLOGY

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Truncated Conical Heater and Spark Igniter

Element 5kW electrical heating element

Heat flux Up to 75100kW/m2 Heat shield Placed between the cone heater and specimen

Spark igniter 10kV spark generator with 3.0mm spark gap located 13mm above the centre of the specimen

Specimen Holder and Weighing Device

Specimen Holder A square pan 106mm × 106mm at the top, and a height of 25mm, constructed from stainless steel

Retainer edge frame A stainless steel frame with inside dimension 111mm x 111mm, and opening of 94mm × 94mm

Sample size 100mm × 100mm

Sample thickness Up to 50mm

Load cell Total capacity up to 5.0kg Specimen capiticy up to 500g Resolution 0.1g

Due to the continuous development policy of FTT technical changes could be made without prior notice.

SERVICES

Electric 220240VAC/1ph/50Hz for control unit 220240VAC/1ph/50Hz/32A for cone heater

Water Low pressure water 250kPa (35psi) supply

Mass Loss Calorimeter_digital 15/07/2020 14:14 Page 4

MASS LOSS CALORIMETER

Unrivalled Experience in Design and Manufacturing FTT’s site in East Grinstead, is home to the largest group of fire scientists and instrumentation design engineers working on fire testing instrumentation, and is at the heart of our design and manufacturing. For more than 30 years FTT has provided the highest quality instruments and service for fire testing and research professionals worldwide, directly and through its extensive global sales and support network.

Quality

• Worldclass manufacturing in accordance with multiple international and national standards, including: EN, ISO &

ASTM

• ISO 9001, ISO 14001

certified

Integrity

• A dedicated team passionate about fire testing instrumentation and continuous product improvement

• Delivering reliable, robust and easytouse instruments for the past 30 years

Excellence

• A worldclass team made up of qualified fire scientists, mechanical, electrical and electronic fire instrument design engineers and production, installation and maintenance engineers

Global

• Worldwide distribution network for global sales, installations, training, maintenance and technical support

• Leading global supplier of the Cone Calorimeter, Large Scale Calorimeter, NBS Smoke Chamber and Oxygen Index

Mass Loss Calorimeter_digital 15/07/2020 14:14 Page 5

Designation: E2102 − 17 An American National Standard

Standard Test Method for Measurement of Mass Loss and Ignitability for Screening Purposes Using a Conical Radiant Heater1

This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2102; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

INTRODUCTION

The screening fire-test-response method described in this standard uses a radiant energy source similar to that used in the cone calorimeter, Test Method E1354. However, the test method apparatus is much simpler, because it excludes measurements of oxygen consumption or of smoke obscuration, which are incorporated into the cone calorimeter to measure heat and smoke release. A fire-test-response standard describes a test method from which one or more fire-test-response characteristics can be measured, as a result of exposure to a prescribed source of heat or flame, under controlled conditions. There are many occasions, typically for initial research and development, when there is a need for screening samples of materials, products, or assemblies, using a simple test. This allows the user to verify whether certain fire-test-response characteristics of the sample fall within the expected margins. Screening tests, as related to fire, are described in fire terminology as fire-response tests performed to determine whether a material, product, or assembly (a) exhibits any unusual fire-related characteristics, (b) has certain expected fire-related characteristics, or (c) is capable of being preliminarily categorized according to the fire characteristic in question. Screening tests addressing fire properties should be chosen so that the energy input (as heat or flame) is representative of that in the fire test method for which screening is desired.

1. Scope*

1.1 This fire-test-response standard provides a means of

measuring mass loss and ignitability, for screening purposes, from essentially planar materials, products, or assemblies (including surface finishes), exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating, with or without an external ignitor. This test method is intended for screening purposes only.

1.2 The principal fire-test-response characteristics obtained from this test method are those associated with mass loss from the specimens tested, as a function of time. Time to sustained flaming is also determined. Heat release is, optionally, deter-mined using thermopile measurements detailed in Annex A2.

1.2.1 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained from

this test are best used for comparisons between materials with some similarities in composition or structure.

1.3 The relationship between mass loss and heat release

depends on the material, product, or assembly tested, and no universal formula exists for calculation of heat release using mass loss measurements (see also additional limitations in 5.7).

1.4 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained from this test method are also obtainable with the apparatus used in Test Method E1354 (the cone calorimeter) or in an applications standards of that equipment (see also 5.4). The referenced test methods permit measurements of added fire-test-response char-acteristics.

1.5 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained by this

test method are specific to the specimen tested, in the form and thickness tested, and are not an inherent property of the material, product, or assembly.

1.6 This fire-test-response method does not provide infor-

mation on the fire performance of the test specimens under fire conditions other than those conditions specified in this test method. For additional limitations of this test method, see 5.7.

1.7 Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see

IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 This standard 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

1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and Combustion Products.

Current edition approved July 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E2102 - 15. DOI:

10.1520/E2102-17.

*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

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.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Jun 24 10:32:14 EDT 2019 Downloaded/printed by Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/COMMITTEE/E05.htm http://www.astm.org/COMMIT/SUBCOMMIT/E0521.htm 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 safe-

guards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. See also Section 7.

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 appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-

dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:2

D5537 Test Method for Heat Release, Flame Spread, Smoke Obscuration, and Mass Loss Testing of Insulating Mate-rials Contained in Electrical or Optical Fiber Cables When Burning in a Vertical Cable Tray Configuration

D6113 Test Method for Using a Cone Calorimeter to Deter-mine Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of Insulating Ma-terials Contained in Electrical or Optical Fiber Cables

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards E535 Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Stan-dards E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments E638 Test Method for Calibration of Heat Transfer Rate

Calorimeters Using a Narrow-Angle Blackbody Radiation Facility (Withdrawn 2001)3

E906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method

E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-sumption Calorimeter

E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furni-ture

E1590 Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses E1623 Test Method for Determination of Fire and Thermal

Parameters of Materials, Products, and Systems Using an Intermediate Scale Calorimeter (ICAL)

E1740 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate and Other Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of Wall

Covering or Ceiling Covering Composites Using a Cone Calorimeter

E1822 Test Method for Fire Testing of Stacked Chairs IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI) The

Modernized Metric System

2.2 ISO Standards:4

ISO 3261 Fire Tests–Vocabulary ISO 5657 Fire Tests–Reaction to Fire–Ignitability of Build-ing Products ISO 5660-1 Fire Tests–Reaction to Fire–Rate of Heat Re-lease from Building Products (Cone calorimeter method) ISO 9705 Fire Tests–Full Scale Room Test for Surface

Products ISO 13943 Fire Safety Vocabulary

2.3 British Standards:5

BS 476, Part 15, Fire Tests– Reaction to Fire–Rate of Heat Release from Building Products (Cone calorimeter method)

BS 6809 Method of Calibration of Radiometers for Use in Fire Testing

3. Terminology

3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this test

method refer to the terminology contained in Terminology E176, ISO 3261 and ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail.

3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.2.1 assembly, n—a unit or structure composed of a com-bination of materials or products, or both.

3.2.2 continuous (as related to data acquisition), adj— conducted at data collection intervals of 5 s or less.

3.2.3 critical heat flux for ignition, n—the midpoint within the range of heat fluxes between the maximum (highest) heat flux that produces no ignition and the minimum (lowest) heat flux that produces ignition, for a specified exposure time.

3.2.4 essentially flat surface, n—surface where the irregu-larity from a plane does not exceed 61 mm.

3.2.5 exposed surface, n—that surface of the specimen subjected to the incident heat.

3.2.6 flashing, n—existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for periods of less than 1 s.

3.2.7 irradiance (at a point of a surface), n—ratio of the radiant flux incident on a small but measurable element of surface containing the point, by the area of that element.

3.2.7.1 Discussion—Convective heating is negligible in the

horizontal specimen orientation. In the vertical orientation, it is small, but not negligible. Despite this contribution from convective heating, the term “irradiance” is used instead of “heat flux” throughout this test method as it best indicates the essentially radiative mode of heat transfer.

2 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.

3 The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.

4 Available from International Standardization Organization, P.O. Box 56, CH-1211; Geneva 20, Switzerland or American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

5 Available from British Standards Institution, PO Box 4033, Linford Wood, Milton Keynes, MK 14 6LE, United Kingdom

E2102 − 17

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

https://doi.org/10.1520/D5537 https://doi.org/10.1520/D5537 https://doi.org/10.1520/D5537 https://doi.org/10.1520/D5537 https://doi.org/10.1520/D6113 https://doi.org/10.1520/D6113 https://doi.org/10.1520/D6113 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0176 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0535 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0535 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0603 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0638 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0638 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0638 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0906 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0906 https://doi.org/10.1520/E0906 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1354 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1354 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1354 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1474 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1474 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1474 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1474 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1537 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1537 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1590 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1623 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1623 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1623 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1740 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1740 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1740 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1740 https://doi.org/10.1520/E1822 https://doi.org/10.1520/ https://doi.org/10.1520/

3.2.8 material, n—single substance, or uniformly dispersed mixture, for example metal, stone, timber, concrete, mineral fiber, or polymer.

3.2.9 orientation, n—the plane in which the exposed face of the specimen is located during testing.

3.2.9.1 Discussion—For this standard, the specimen orien-

tation may only be either vertical or horizontal.

3.2.10 sample, n—an amount of the material, product, or assembly, to be tested, which is representative of the item as a whole.

3.2.11 specimen, n—representative piece of the product which is to be tested together with any substrate or treatment.

3.2.11.1 Discussion—This may include an air gap.

3.2.12 sustained flaming, n—the existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for a period of 4 s or more.

3.2.13 time to ignition, n—time between the start of the test and the presence of a flame on or over most of the specimen surface for a period of at least 4 s.

3.2.14 time to sustained flaming, n—time to ignition.

3.2.15 transitory flaming, n—the existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for periods of between 1 and 4 s.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 This test method employs a conically-shaped

electrically-heated radiant-energy source, positioned so as to produce an irradiance level of up to 100 kW/m2, averaged over the center of the exposed surface of an essentially planar specimen. An external spark ignitor is available, if required.

This test method is used to determine continuously the mass lost during the combustion process, using a load cell, for screening purposes. Ignitability is also assessed by the test method.

4.1.1 Optionally, the test method is capable of obtaining an

estimate of the heat released by the specimen during the burning process, using a thermopile housed above the burning specimen (See Annex A2). Determinations of heat release using a similar radiant-energy source and oxygen consumption calorimetry, are made with the cone calorimeter, Test Method E1354.

4.2 The specimen is essentially planar, 100 mm by 100 mm

(3.9 by 3.9 in.) in size, at a thickness not exceeding 25 mm (1 in.) and is mounted within a holder.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 This test method provides a means for screening

materials, products, or assemblies, for the mass loss, and ignitability they exhibit under specified heat flux exposure conditions. As an option, the test method is also suitable for screening for the heat released, by using a thermopile method (See Annex A2).

5.1.1 Terminology E176, on fire standards, states that fire-

test-response characteristics include ease of ignition and mass loss (both measured in this test method), as well as flame spread, smoke generation, fire endurance, and toxic potency of smoke.

5.1.2 The mass loss rate of a material, product, or assembly

is a fire-test-response characteristic that gives an indication of its burning rate. Thus, a lower mass loss rate is often associated with slower burning. Note, however, that mass loss is not always a result of combustion, and that this method does not assess release of smoke or combustion products.

5.1.3 The time to ignition of a material, product, or assem-

bly is a fire-test-response characteristic that gives an indication of its propensity to ignite at the applied heat flux level and subsequently to release heat and spread flame over its surface.

Thus, a longer time to ignition is an indication of a lower propensity for the material, product, or assembly to become involved and contribute to fire spread or growth; however this method does not assess the smoke or combustion products released.

5.1.4 The apparatus used for this test method is suitable to

assess the critical heat flux for ignition of the materials, products, or assemblies tested, by assessing ignitability at various heat fluxes (see Appendix X3 for guidance).

5.2 Values determined by this test are specific to the

specimen in the form and thickness tested and are not inherent fundamental properties of the material, product, or assembly tested. Thus, closely repeatable or reproducible experimental results are not to be expected from this test method when tests are conducted for a given material, product, or assembly, while introducing variations in properties such as specimen thickness or density.

5.3 No incident irradiance is specified in this test method.

The instrument is capable of generating irradiances ranging up to 100 kW/m2. The choice of irradiance is a function of the application of the material, product, or assembly to be tested, and of the fire scenario the user is investigating. However, the method is not suitable for incident irradiances below 10 kW/m3 (see 5.7.3).

5.4 The method used for optionally measuring heat release, a thermopile, is not as accurate as the conventional oxygen consumption calorimetry method, used in the cone calorimeter, Test Method E1354, in its applications standards, such as Test Method E1474 and E1740, or in intermediate scale or a large scale calorimetry test methods, such as Test Methods E1623, E1537, E1590 or D5537 (see also Annex A2). On the other hand the thermopile method of assessing heat release has been used extensively because of its simplicity, including Test Method E906, and other applications discussed in Guide E603.6

5.5 Testing of composites and dimensionally unstable ma-

terials requires special procedures (see 8.4 and 8.5).

5.6 Testing in the vertical orientation is feasible with the test method, but not recommended, as it has been shown to have the potential to lead to serious measurement errors on time to ignition.

5.7 Limitations

6 Note that this section refers to accuracy of measurement, and not to precision.

The precision of this test method has not yet been determined.

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

5.7.1 No universal formula exists for calculation of heat

release as a function of mass loss. If heat release data are desired, calibration curves must be developed by the user, and they are specific to the material, product, or assembly tested.

5.7.2 If during the test of one or more of the three replicate test specimens, any of the following unusual behavior occurs:

(1) molten material overflows the specimen holder trough, (2) one or more portions of a test specimen is forcefully displaced from the zone of controlled irradiance (explosive spalling); or

(3) the test specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug or swells up to the plane of the heater base during combustion; the test is invalid. Then test an additional specimen of the identical preconditioned test specimens in the test mode in which the unusual behavior occurred. Do not incorporate data obtained from the tests noted above, yielding inadequate results, in the averaged data but report the occur-rence. The test method is not suitable if more than three out of six test specimens tested show any of the above characteristics.

5.7.3 The applicability of this test method to smoldering

ignition has not been demonstrated. This test method is not suitable for incident irradiances below 10 kW/m2.

5.7.4 The validity of the results of this test method for a

particular scenario depends on the conditions under which the tests are conducted. In particular, it has been established that the use of a different irradiance will change relative results

5.7.5 The thermopile readings, if used, are likely not to be

reflective of the heat output of the burning specimen if the flames extend to the thermopile.

5.8 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, it is not always possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.

NOTE 1—This statement is required for all fire-test-response standards by Practice E535.

6. Apparatus and Ancillary Equipment

6.1 General—The apparatus shall consist essentially of the

following components: a conically-shaped radiant heater, a load cell, a specimen holder and an exhaust system. A schematic representation of the apparatus is given in Fig. 1.

The individual components are described in sections 6.2 – 6.11.

Unless otherwise stated, dimensions specified as critical shall have a tolerance of 61 mm (0.04 in.). All other dimensions are only recommended values.

6.2 Conically-Shaped Radiant Electrical Heater—The ac-

tive element of the heater shall consist of an electrical heater rod, capable of delivering 5000 W at the operating voltage, tightly wound into the shape of a truncated cone (see Fig. 2).

The heater shall be encased on the outside with a double-wall stainless steel7 cone, filled with a refractory blanket of nominal thickness 13 mm (0.5 in.) and nominal density 100 kg/m3 (6 lb/ft3). The irradiance from the heater shall be maintained at a preset level by controlling the average temperature of three type K, stainless steel sheathed thermocouples, symmetrically disposed and in contact with, but not welded to, the heater element (see Fig. 2). The thermocouples to be used shall be either 3 mm (0.12 in.) outside diameter sheathed thermo-couples with exposed hot junction or 1.0 to 1.6 mm (0.04 to

0.06 in.) outside diameter sheathed thermocouples with unex-posed hot junction. The heater shall be capable of producing irradiances on the surface of the specimen of up to 100 kW/m2.

The irradiance shall be uniform within the central 50 by 50 mm (2 by 2 in.) area of the exposed specimen surface, to within 6

2 %.

6.2.1 The cone heater shall be provided with a removable

radiation shield to protect the specimen from irradiance imme-diately prior to the start of the test. The shield shall protect the specimen so that the irradiance to the specimen in its presence

7 Stainless steel can be replaced by a different alloy that offers at least the same protection to hot and corrosive environments.

FIG. 1 Schematic of Apparatus

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

is decreased by 90% within 10 s and that the irradiance after shield withdrawal does not differ by more than 1 kW/m2 from the value calibrated. The radiation shield shall be made of non-combustible material, with a total thickness not to exceed 12 mm. The radiation shield shall comply with either 6.2.1.1 or

6.2.1.2 and shall be kept in place for a maximum period of 10 s.8

6.2.1.1 A water-cooled radiation shield coated with a du-

rable matte black finish of surface emissivity e = 0.95 6 0.05 (Type I Shield); or

6.2.1.2 A radiation shield with a reflective top surface in

order to minimize radiation transfer, but not water-cooled (Type II Shield).

6.2.1.3 The radiation shield shall be equipped with a handle

or other suitable means for quick insertion and removal. The cone heater base plate shall be equipped with the means for holding the radiation shield in position and allowing its easy and quick removal.9

6.3 Irradiance Controller—The irradiance control system

shall maintain the average temperature of the heater thermo-couples during calibration at the preset level to within 62°C.

6.3.1 An acceptable system is a “3-term” controller

(proportional, integral, and derivative) and a thyristor unit capable of switching currents up to 25 A at 250 V.

6.3.2 The controller shall have a temperature input range of

0°C to 1000°C (32°F to 1832°F), a set scale capable of being read to 2°C (5°F) or better, and automatic cold junction compensation. The controller shall be equipped with a safety feature so that, in the event of an open circuit in the thermo-couple line, it causes the temperature to fall to near the bottom of its range.

6.3.3 The thyristor unit shall be of the “zero crossing” type and not of the “phase angle” type.

6.3.4 The heater temperature shall be monitored by a meter

capable of being read to 6 2°C (5°F) or better.

6.4 Weighing Device, for measuring mass loss. The device

shall have an accuracy of 0.1 g, and a 90% response time of less than 3 s, as determined in accordance with the calibrations described in 10.2. It should preferably have a specimen measuring range of at least 500 g and a mechanical tare adjustment range of 3.5 kg (7.7 lb).

6.5 Specimen Holder:

6.5.1 The specimen holder is shown in Fig. 3. It shall have

the shape of a square pan with an opening of outside dimen-sions of 106 by 106 mm (4.2 by 4.2 in.) at the top, and a depth of 25 mm (1 in.). The holder shall be constructed from stainless steel with a thickness of 2.4 6 0.1 mm (0.094 6 0.004 in.). It shall include a handle to facilitate insertion and removal, and a mechanism to ensure central location of the specimen under the heater and proper alignment with the weighing device. The bottom shall be lined with a layer of a low density (nominal density 65 kg/m3 (4 lb/ft3)) refractory fiber blanket with thickness of at least 13 mm (0.5 in.). The distance between the bottom surface of the cone heater and the top of the specimen shall be adjusted to be 25 mm (1 in.).

6.5.1.1 An open stainless steel square, 59 mm in inside

dimensions, shall be spot welded to the underside of the horizontal specimen holder, to facilitate the centering of the specimen under the cone heater. The leading edge of the open square underneath the specimen holder, which is the one opposite the handle, is optional. The open square on the bottom of the specimen holder shall be designed to seat with the sample mount assembly located at the top of the load cell ensuring that the specimen holder is centered with respect to the cone heater.

6.5.2 An optional retainer frame and grid is useful for

testing some samples, and is shown in Fig. 4. The grid is constructed from 1 mm nominal stainless steel and has dimensions of 109 by 109 mm (62 mm). The grid has 1 mm ribs and the openings in the center are 19 by 19 mm (61 mm).

The edge frame is constructed from 2 mm nominal stainless steel with outside dimensions of 116 by 116 by 56 mm height (62 mm). The frame has an 8 mm lip on the top to provide an opening of 100 by 100 mm on the top. There are two 3 mm (60.5 mm) diameter by 130 mm (63 mm) long retaining pins to lock the test specimen in the edge frame.

8 It is possible that the use of a radiation shield for periods longer than 10 s will affect radiator heat control and, consequently, the heat flux level applied to the specimen.

9 This device is necessary in order to enable repeat tests to be carried out without switching off the radiator cone.

FIG. 2 Cross-Section View Through the Heater

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.5.3 Details on specimen preparation are given in 9.3.

6.6 Exhaust Gas System. Use the instrument under a hood

with adequate ventilation to safely remove all combustion products from the laboratory.

6.7 Ignition Circuit—External ignition is accomplished by a

spark plug powered from a 10-kV transformer or a 10-kV spark generator. The spark plug shall have a gap of 3 mm (0.12 in.).

If used the transformer shall be of a type specifically designed for spark ignition use. The transformer shall have an isolated (unearthed) secondary to minimize interference with the data transmission lines. The electrode length and location of the spark plug shall be such that the spark gap is located 13 mm (0.5 in.) above the center of the specimen, in the horizontal orientation.

6.8 Ignition Timer— It shall be capable of recording elapsed

time to the nearest 1 s, and shall be accurate to within 1 s in 1 h.

6.9 Heat Flux Meter:

6.9.1 The heat flux meter shall be of the Schmidt-Boelter

(thermopile) type, with a design range of about 100 kW/m2.

The sensing surface of the heat flux meter shall be fiat, circular, of approximately 12.5 mm (0.5 in.) in diameter and coated with a durable matt black finish.10 The target shall be water-cooled, to the temperature at which it was calibrated, at least at room temperature in the laboratory.11 Radiation shall not pass through any window before reaching the sensing surface. The instrument shall have an accuracy of within 63%.

6.9.2 The calibration of the heat flux meter shall be checked, whenever a recalibration of the apparatus is carried out, by comparison with two instruments of the same type as the working heat flux meter, and of similar range, held as reference standards and not used for any other purpose (see Annex A1).

One of the reference standards shall be fully calibrated at a standardizing laboratory, at yearly intervals. This meter shall be used to calibrate the heater. It shall be positioned at a location equivalent to the center of the specimen face, in either orientation, during this calibration.

6.10 Calibration Burner—A calibration burner shall be used

to calibrate the rate of heat release apparatus (see Fig. 5). The burner shall be constructed from a square-section metallic tube, with a square orifice covered with wire gauze through which methane gas diffuses. The tube shall be packed with ceramic fiber to improve uniformity of flow. The calibration burner shall be connected to a metered supply of methane, with a purity of at least 99.5 percent.

10 The target also receives, to a small extent, some convected heat.

11 If the cooling temperature is lower than the temperature at which the gage is calibrated, condensation on the sensor is possible and would lead to serious measurement errors.

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.

NOTE 2—* Indicates a critical dimension.

FIG. 3 Horizontal Specimen Holder

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

6.11 Data Acquisition System—The data acquisition system

shall have facilities to record the output from the load cell and from the thermopile (if used). The data acquisition system shall have an accuracy of 0.01% of full-scale load cell output. The system shall be capable of recording data at least every 5 s for a minimum of 1 h. A chart recorder is an acceptable system, if it meets the accuracy required and the minimum chart speed used is no less than 10 mm/min (0.4 in./min).12

7. Operator Safety

7.1 The test procedure involves high temperatures, and

combustion processes. Therefore, it is possible for eye injuries, burns, ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and inhalation of smoke or combustion products to occur, unless proper precautions are taken. To avoid accidental leakage of toxic combustion products into the surrounding atmosphere, it is advisable to fully evacuate the smoke, at the end of a test, into an exhaust system with adequate capacity. The operator must use heavy gloves, safety tongs or other suitable protection for removal of the specimen holder. The venting must be checked periodically for proper operation. Care shall be taken not to touch the spark igniter, which carries a substantial potential (10 kV), during operation. The exhaust system of the apparatus shall be checked for proper operation before testing and shall discharge into a building exhaust system with adequate capac-ity. The possibility of the violent ejection of molten hot material or sharp fragments from some kinds of specimens when irradiated must be taken into account.

8. Suitability of a Sample for Testing

8.1 Surface Characteristics—A product having one of the

properties described in 8.1.1 or 8.1.2 is suitable for testing.

8.1.1 An essentially flat exposed surface (see 3.2.4).

12 If a chart recorder which only displays a millivolt output is used, the millivolt value shall be converted to heat flux, in kW/m2, using the calibration factor (or equation, if appropriate) specific to the heat flux meter.

FIG. 4 Optional Wire Grid (For Horizontal or Vertical Orientation)

Laura Hasburgh (USDA Forest Service) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.

8.1.2 A surface irregularity which is evenly distributed over the exposed surface provided that it complies with either

8.1.2.1 or 8.1.2.2.

8.1.2.1 At least 50 % of the surface of a representative

square area of 100 mm (4 in.) per side lies within a depth of 10 mm (0.4 in.) from a plane taken across the highest points on the exposed surface.

8.1.2.2 The total area of any cracks, fissures or holes does

not exceed 30 % of a representative square area 100 mm (4 in.)

per side of the exposed surface, and none of the cracks, fissures or holes exceeds 8 mm (0.3 in.) in width nor 10 mm (0.4 in.)

in depth.

8.1.2.3 When an exposed surface does not meet the require-

men…