Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Emission Rates for Materials and Products Using the ASTM E906 Thermopile Method

EUROLAB, together with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of ASTM E906 testing. This standard provides the determination of release rates of heat and visible smoke from materials, products or assemblies when exposed to different levels of radiant heat.

Visible smoke is defined in terms of dimming of transmitted light caused by combustion products released during tests. This fire-test-response method evaluates heat release by thermopile, a thermal method that uses a radiant heat source consisting of an array of four electrical resistance elements.

This test method provides radiant thermal exposure of both a piloted and unpiloted sample. Pilot ignition results from either direct flame striking the sample (piloted, point ignition) or the use of the pilot to ignite the gases produced by the pyrolysis of the sample.

Heat and smoke release are measured from the moment the sample is injected into a controlled exposure chamber. Measurements are continued throughout the ignition period (and gradual flaming of the surface in the case of point ignition) and until the test is terminated.

This test method is primarily suitable for exposing planar materials, products, or assemblies to a constant, imposed external heat flux ranging from 0 to 80 kW/m2. This test method is intended for use in research and development and is for rating, regulatory or code purposes. not as a foundation.

The apparatus described in this test method was used in two configurations. Configuration A is used by the Federal Aviation Administration to evaluate materials for aircraft use at an external heat flux of 35 kW/m2 (DOT/FAA/AR-00/12) while configuration B is suitable in a variety of situations. incoming heat flows for research and development purposes.

Heat and smoke release rates depend on a number of factors, including the formation of surface char, the formation of a sticky ash, sample thickness and mounting method. Heat dissipation values ​​are a function of the specific sample size tested (area exposed). Results cannot be directly scaled to different exposed surface areas for some products. The test method is limited to specified sample sizes of materials, products or assemblies. If products are to be tested, the test sample should be representative of the product in actual use. The test is limited to the exposure of a surface; exposed surface options are vertical and horizontal.

At very high sample heat release rates, it is possible for flame to be observed on the stack, invalidating the test. A general relationship was not established between the heat release rate values ​​obtained from the horizontally and vertically oriented samples. Samples that melt and drip in the vertical direction will be tested horizontally.

This standard is used to measure and describe the reaction to heat and flame, or materials, products or assemblies under controlled conditions, but does not by itself cover all the factors necessary for a fire hazard or fire risk assessment of materials, products or assemblies.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with ASTM E906 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.