Cone calorimeter

Cone calorimeter

The Cone Calorimeter meets all existing standards (including ISO 5660, ASTM E 1354, ASTM E 1474, ASTM E 1740, ASTM F 1550, ASTM D 6113, NFPA 264, CAN ULC 135, and BS 476 Part 15). It can also be purchased in component form, allowing laboratories requiring specific tests, such as heat release, mass loss, or smoke generation, to purchase the required components first and then gradually add other instruments to the same chamber to complete the instrument. This flexibility is one of the many advantages of the Cone Calorimeter.

Why is the Cone Calorimeter so important?

The Cone Calorimeter (Cone) is an experimental device used to study the thermal behavior and fire reaction characteristics of materials under fire conditions. By simulating the heat release, smoke generation, mass and energy loss characteristics of materials in a fire environment, it provides a scientific basis for fire safety assessments and research on material fire resistance.

The operating principle of the Cone Calorimeter is based on the thermal behavior and fire reaction characteristics of materials during a fire. Under fire conditions, materials are subjected to thermal radiation, convection, and heat conduction, resulting in heat release, smoke generation, mass and energy loss. The Cone Calorimeter simulates these phenomena to evaluate the performance of materials under fire conditions.

1. Heat Release Rate (HRR): The heat release rate is the amount of heat released by a material per unit time. The Cone Calorimeter measures the heat release rate of a material under fire conditions to assess its fire hazard.

2. Smoke Generation Rate (SPR): The smoke generation rate is the amount of smoke produced by a material per unit time. The Cone Calorimeter measures the smoke generation rate of a material under fire conditions to assess its fire hazard.

3. Mass Loss Rate (MLR): The mass loss rate is the amount of mass loss per unit time. A cone calorimeter measures the mass loss rate of a material under fire conditions to assess its fire hazard.

4. Energy Loss Rate (ELR): The energy loss rate is the amount of energy loss per unit time. A cone calorimeter measures the energy loss rate of a material under fire conditions to assess its fire hazard.

The complete system includes:

1. Conical Heater - Contains a truncated cone, 230V, 5000W, with a heat output of 100 kW/m².

2. Adapter for testing horizontal or vertical samples.

3. Three Type K thermocouples and a three-stage PID temperature controller for temperature control.

4. Open/Close Mechanism - Protects the sample area before testing, ensuring stable initial mass measurements and allowing the operator extra time to perform system checks before testing. For flammable samples, premature combustion is likely to occur without an open/close mechanism. This extra time is crucial for the operator.

5. Sample Holder - Samples up to 100mm x 100mm, up to 50mm thick, can be placed horizontally or vertically.

6. Load Cell - Mass measurement is performed using a strain gauge load cell with an accuracy of 0.01g. A fast-acting electronic weighing unit and a mechanical stop prevent damage from movement, providing stable results and ensuring long instrument life.

7. Spark Ignition - A 10kV spark igniter with a safety stop. The igniter is automatically positioned via a lever connected to the shutoff mechanism.

8. Exhaust System - Made of stainless steel for extended life. Includes a hood, gas sampling probe, exhaust fan (adjustable flow rate from 0 g/s to 50 g/s, with an accuracy of at least 0.1 g/s), and an orifice plate flow meter (thermocouple and differential pressure sensor). A typical test flow rate is 24 l/s.

9. Gas Sampling - Includes particulate filter, refrigerated cold trap, pump, drying cartridge, and flow controller.

10. Oxygen Analysis - Paramagnetic oxygen analyzer, 0-25% performance within standards.

11. Flue Gas Opacity - Measured using a laser system using a photodiode, a 0.5 mW helium-neon laser, and primary and backup photodetectors. A positioning bracket and 0.3 and 0.8 neutral density filters are also provided for calibration.

12. Heat Flow Meter - Used to set the radiation level on the sample surface.

13. Burner Calibration - Calibrates the heat release rate measured by the instrument using 99.5% pure methane.

14. Data Acquisition - Ansett Wheel data logger/converter with a 3-pin card slot and a 6.5-digit (22-bit) internal DMM, capable of making 120 single-ended or 48 dual-ended measurements. Scan rates reach 250 channels/second, with 115k baud RS232 and PCI GPIB interfaces. All readings are automatically time-stamped and stored in a stable 50,000-reading memory.

15. Cone Calorimeter Software - Available in English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. The user interface is Windows-based, with easy-to-use push-button operation, standard Windows data entry methods, drop-down menus, click-to-select, and switches. Capable of:

1) Displaying instrument status. 2) Calibrate the instrument and store the results.

3) Collect test data.

4) Calculate required parameters.

5) Display results as required by the standard.

6) Average multiple test values.

7) Import data into the Fire Data Management System (FDMS)—a format used by most European and US laboratories for sharing data from different calorimeters between labs.

8) Export files in CSV (comma-delimited value) format for quick conversion to a spreadsheet.

Maintenance Methods:

1. Cleaning and Maintenance
- Daily Cleaning: Use a needle to clean the flue gas collection ring outlet daily to keep it unobstructed. If conditions permit, use oil-free compressed air for better cleaning results.
- Filter Maintenance: Regularly inspect the air inlet and outlet of the first-stage filter and use a needle to remove soot scale. If the filter element of the second-stage filter changes color from white to dark, replace it promptly.
- Component Inspection
- Temperature Sensor and Thermostat: Before each use, check that the temperature sensor and thermostat are functioning properly to ensure accurate temperature control.
- Power Supply and Instruments: Regularly inspect the power cord and temperature controller to ensure good electrical connections and no signs of aging or damage.
- 3. Environmental Requirements
- Laboratory Environment: Ensure a stable laboratory environment to avoid strong electromagnetic interference that could affect instrument test results. Also, keep the laboratory dry, clean, and well-ventilated to prevent moisture and dust accumulation in the instrument. 4. Operating Standards
- Professional Training: Instrument operators must undergo professional training and receive guidance and supervision from relevant personnel. Untrained personnel are prohibited from operating the instrument without authorization.
- Safety Equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a hard hat, protective shoes, and gloves must be worn before operation to avoid personal injury.
- 5. Records and Labeling
- Maintaining Records: After completing maintenance on the Cone Calorimeter, relevant records and labels must be maintained. Records should include information such as the maintenance date, maintenance personnel, and maintenance details; labels should include the instrument model, specifications, and maintenance status. These records and labels will provide a basis for future maintenance and management.