ASTM F2700-08(2020)

Standard Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing with Continuous Heating

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is intended for the determination of the heat transfer performance value of a material, a combination of materials, or a comparison of different materials used in flame-resistant clothing for workers exposed to combined convective and radiant thermal hazards.  
5.2 This test method evaluates a material’s unsteady-state heat transfer properties when exposed to a continuous and constant heat source. Air movement at the face of the specimen and around the calorimeter can affect the measured heat transferred due to forced convective heat losses. Minimizing air movement around the specimen and test apparatus will aid in the repeatability of the results.  
5.3 This test method maintains the specimen in a static, horizontal position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.  
5.4 This test method specifies a standardized 84 ± 2 kW/m2 (2 ± 0.05 cal/cm2s) exposure condition. Different exposure conditions have the potential to produce different results. Use of other exposure conditions that are representative of the expected hazard are allowed but shall be reported with the results along with a determination of the exposure energy level stability.  
5.5 This test method does not predict skin burn injury from the heat exposure.
Note 4: See Appendix X4 for additional information regarding this test method and predicted skin burn injury.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method measures the non-steady state heat transfer through flame-resistant materials for clothing subjected to a continuous, combined convective and radiant heat exposure.  
1.1.1 This test method is not applicable to materials that are not flame resistant.
Note 1: The determination of a material’s flame resistance shall be made prior to testing and done according to the applicable performance or specification standard, or both, for the material’s end-use.  
1.1.2 This test method does not predict a material’s skin burn injury performance from the specified thermal energy exposure. It does not account for the thermal energy contained in the test specimen after the exposure has ceased.
Note 2: See Appendix X4 for additional information regarding this test method and predicted skin burn injury.  
1.2 This test method is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound or other units that are commonly used for thermal testing.  
1.4 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 appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2020
• ICS: 13.340.10 - Protective clothing
• Technical Committee: F23 - Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F23.80 - Flame and Thermal

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-20 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2019) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D3776/D3776M-09a(2017) - Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric
• Effective Date: 15-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-16 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1777-96(2015) - Standard Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1776/D1776M-15 - Standard Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM F1494-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3776/D3776M-09a(2013) - Standard Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13ae1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2013
• Refers: ASTM D123-13 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-May-2013

Overview

ASTM F2700-08(2020) is a standardized test method developed by ASTM International for determining the unsteady-state heat transfer properties of flame-resistant materials used in protective clothing. This method evaluates how these materials respond to a continuous, combined convective and radiant heat exposure, making it crucial for assessing protective garments intended for workers operating in environments with elevated thermal hazards.

By providing a controlled and repeatable approach to measure how heat is transferred through flame-resistant textiles, ASTM F2700 helps manufacturers, safety professionals, and regulatory bodies compare materials, assess new technologies, and select appropriate clothing systems for high-risk occupational settings. The results support better decision-making regarding worker protection against thermal stress due to radiant and convective heat sources.

Key Topics

• Heat Transfer Performance Value: Quantifies the time-dependent passage of thermal energy through flame-resistant materials under specified exposure conditions.
• Unsteady-State Exposure: Evaluates how materials perform during changing, non-equilibrium thermal events, rather than steady-state conditions.
• Combined Convective and Radiant Heat: Assesses material performance against dual-component heat sources, simulating realistic industrial hazards.
• Specimen Preparation and Conditioning: Involves specific guidelines for sample size, orientation, laundering, and conditioning to ensure consistent and reproducible results.
• Test Apparatus: Includes standardized equipment such as a copper slug calorimeter, heat source (Meker/Fisher burners and infrared lamps), and data acquisition systems for precise measurement.
• Calibration and Safety: Recommends calibration procedures, sensor maintenance, and emphasizes user safety and compliance with relevant regulations.

Applications

ASTM F2700 is highly valuable across the following practical applications:

• Protective Clothing Design and Evaluation: Used by safety gear manufacturers to evaluate and improve the thermal protective performance of garments, including coveralls, jackets, and ensemble systems for firefighters, utility workers, and industrial personnel.
• Comparative Material Analysis: Allows manufacturers and purchasers to compare the thermal performance of different flame-resistant fabrics or composite systems under rigorous and repeatable conditions.
• Quality Control and Certification: Essential for verifying product batches meet required specifications, supporting certification of protective clothing for workplace safety compliance.
• Research and Development: Facilitates innovation in fabric technology by providing a standardized framework for assessing new materials and designs before field introduction.
• Regulatory and Purchasing Decisions: Informs regulatory agencies, employers, and procurement teams in selecting garments that meet the necessary levels of thermal protection for specific workplace scenarios involving combined radiant and convective risks.

Related Standards

The ASTM F2700 standard is often used alongside other key ASTM standards and terminology documents for comprehensive protective clothing evaluation:

• ASTM D123 - Terminology Relating to Textiles
• ASTM D1776/D1776M - Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles
• ASTM D1777 - Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
• ASTM D3776/D3776M - Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric
• ASTM E457 - Test Method for Measuring Heat-Transfer Rate Using a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter
• ASTM F1494 - Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
• ASTM F2703 - Test Method for Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn Injury Prediction

This method aligns with international best practices and WTO guidelines for the development of safety standards, ensuring global applicability for the assessment of flame-resistant protective clothing.

Keywords: ASTM F2700, unsteady-state heat transfer, flame-resistant materials, protective clothing, convective and radiant heat, heat transfer performance, textile testing, safety standards, worker protection.

Standards Content (Sample)

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: F2700 − 08 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Unsteady-State Heat Transfer Evaluation of Flame-Resistant
Materials for Clothing with Continuous Heating
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2700; 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 mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method measures the non-steady state heat
transfer through flame-resistant materials for clothing sub-
2. Referenced Documents
jected to a continuous, combined convective and radiant heat
2.1 ASTM Standards:
exposure.
1.1.1 This test method is not applicable to materials that are D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1776/D1776MPractice for Conditioning and Testing Tex-
not flame resistant.
tiles
NOTE 1—The determination of a material’s flame resistance shall be
D1777Test Method for Thickness of Textile Materials
madepriortotestinganddoneaccordingtotheapplicableperformanceor
D3776/D3776MTest Methods for Mass Per Unit Area
specification standard, or both, for the material’s end-use.
(Weight) of Fabric
1.1.2 This test method does not predict a material’s skin
E457Test Method for Measuring Heat-Transfer Rate Using
burn injury performance from the specified thermal energy
a Thermal Capacitance (Slug) Calorimeter
exposure. It does not account for the thermal energy contained
F1494Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
in the test specimen after the exposure has ceased.
F2703TestMethodforUnsteady-StateHeatTransferEvalu-
NOTE 2—See Appendix X4 for additional information regarding this
ation of Flame Resistant Materials for Clothing with Burn
test method and predicted skin burn injury.
Injury Prediction
1.2 This test method is used to measure and describe the
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat under
3. Terminology
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all
3.1 Definitions:
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
3.1.1 breakopen, n—in testing thermal protective materials,
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
amaterialresponseevidencedbytheformationofaholeinthe
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
test specimen during the thermal exposure that may result in
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
the exposure energy in direct contact with the heat sensor.
conversions to inch-pound or other units that are commonly
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The specimen is considered to exhibit
used for thermal testing.
breakopen when a hole is produced as a result of the thermal
2 2
exposure that is at least 3.2 cm (0.5 in. ) in area or at least
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2.5cm (1.0 in.) in any dimension. Single threads across the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
opening or hole do not reduce the size of the hole for the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
purposes of this test method.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 3.1.2 charring, n—the formation of a carbonaceous residue
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
as the result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.3 dripping,n—amaterialresponseevidencedbyflowing
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
of the polymer.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.4 embrittlement, n—the formation of a brittle residue as
a result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF23onPersonal
ProtectiveClothingandEquipmentandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommittee
F23.80 on Flame and Thermal. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2008. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2700–08 (2013). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/F2700-08R20. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2700 − 08 (2020)
3.1.5 heat flux, n—the thermal intensity indicated by the materials, or a comparison of different materials used in
amountofenergytransmitteddividedbyareaandtime;kW/m flame-resistant clothing for workers exposed to combined
(cal/cm ·s). convective and radiant thermal hazards.
3.1.6 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
5.2 This test method evaluates a material’s unsteady-state
heat transfer properties when exposed to a continuous and
3.1.7 melting, n—a material response evidenced by soften-
constantheatsource.Airmovementatthefaceofthespecimen
ing of the polymer.
and around the calorimeter can affect the measured heat
3.1.8 unsteady state heat transfer value, n—in testing of
transferred due to forced convective heat losses. Minimizing
thermal protective materials, a quantity expressed as the
air movement around the specimen and test apparatus will aid
time-dependent difference between the incident and exiting
in the repeatability of the results.
thermal energy values normal to and across two defined
5.3 This test method maintains the specimen in a static,
parallel surfaces of an exposed thermal insulative material.
horizontalpositionanddoesnotinvolvemovementexceptthat
3.1.9 heat transfer performance value (HTP), n—in testing
resulting from the exposure.
of thermal protective materials, the cumulative amount of
energy identified by the intersection of the measured time- 5.4 Thistestmethodspecifiesastandardized84 62kW/m
dependent heat transfer response through the subject material (2 6 0.05 cal/cm s) exposure condition. Different exposure
to a time-dependent, empirical performance curve, expressed conditions have the potential to produce different results. Use
2 2
as a rating or value; J/cm (cal/cm ). of other exposure conditions that are representative of the
expected hazard are allowed but shall be reported with the
3.1.10 response to heat exposure, n—in testing the thermal
resultsalongwithadeterminationoftheexposureenergylevel
resistance of thermal protective materials, the observable
stability.
responseofthematerialtotheenergyexposureasindicatedby
breakopen, melting, dripping, charring, embrittlement,
5.5 This test method does not predict skin burn injury from
shrinkage, sticking, and ignition.
the heat exposure.
3.1.11 shrinkage, n—a decrease in one or more dimensions
NOTE 4—See Appendix X4 for additional information regarding this
of an object or material.
test method and predicted skin burn injury.
3.1.12 sticking, n—a material response evidenced by soft-
6. Apparatus and Materials
ening and adherence of the material to the surface of itself or
6.1 General Arrangement—The measurement apparatus
another material.
configuration consists of a combined convective and radiant
3.1.13 For the definitions of protective clothing terms used
energy heat source, a water-cooled shutter for exposure
in this method, refer to Terminology F1494, and for other
control, a specimen and sensor support structure, a specimen
textile terms used in this method, refer to Terminology D123.
holder assembly, a copper calorimeter sensor assembly, and a
data acquisition/analysis system. Automation of the apparatus
4. Summary of Test Method
for execution of the measurement procedure is allowed. The
4.1 Ahorizontally positioned test specimen is exposed to a
general arrangement of the test apparatus configuration is
combined convective and radiant heat source with an exposure
shown in Fig. 1.
2 2
heat flux of 84 62kW/m (2 6 0.05 cal/cm s).
6.2 Gas Supply—Propane (commercial grade or better) or
NOTE 3—Other exposure heat flux values are allowed, however,
methane (technical grade or better).
different exposure conditions have the potential to produce different
results. The test facility shall verify the stability of other exposure levels 6.3 Gas Flowmeter—Any gas flowmeter or rotometer with
over the material’s exposure time interval (used to determine the heat
rangetogiveaflowequivalentofatleast6L(0.21ft )/minair
transfer performance value) and include this in the test results report.
at standard conditions.
4.2 The unsteady-state transfer of heat through the test
6.4 Thermal Energy Sources:
specimen is measured using a copper slug calorimeter. The
6.4.1 Two each, Meker or Fisher burners jetted for the
change in temperature versus time is used, along with the
selected fuel gas (propane or methane) with a 38 mm (1.5 in.)
known thermophysical properties of copper, to determine the
diametertopandanorificesizeof1.2mm( ⁄64in.)arrangedso
respective thermal energy passed through the test specimen.
that the bodies (top section) do not obstruct the quartz lamps
4.3 Aheattransferperformancevalueofthetestspecimenis
and their flame profiles overlap. Dimension tolerances are
determined as the intersection of the time-dependent cumula-
65%.
tive heat response as measured by the calorimeter to a
6.4.2 Nine 500W T3 translucent quartz infrared lamps,
time-dependent, empirical performance curve identified in
connected to a variable electrical power controller, arranged as
10.9.
a linear array with 13 6 0.5 mm center-to-center spacing set
125 6 10 mm from the specimen surface.
4.4 Observations of the thermal response of the specimen
6.4.2.1 Use of a water-cooled housing for the quartz infra-
resulting from the exposure are optionally noted.
red lamp bank is recommended. This helps to avoid heating
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Thistestmethodisintendedforthedeterminationofthe
A 500-Watt T3 120VAC quartz infrared heat lamp, product number 21651-1
heattransferperformancevalueofamaterial,acombinationof from Philips Lighting Company has been used successfully in this application.
F2700 − 08 (2020)
NOTE 1—Note the exposure heat source incorporates two Meker burners and nine quartz infrared lamps.
FIG. 1 Apparatus Used to Measure Heat Transfer Performance of Textile Materials
TestingGroupReportonArcTestingAnalysisoftheF1959StandardTest
adjacent mechanical components and to shield the operator
Method—Phase 1.”
from the radiant energy.
6.5.2 The thermocouple wire bead is installed in the calo-
6.5 Thermal Sensor:
rimeter as shown in Fig. 2.
6.5.1 Thetransmittedheatsensorisa4 60.05cmdiameter
6.5.2.1 The thermocouple wire bead shall be bonded to the
circular copper slug calorimeter constructed from electrical
copperdiskeithermechanicallyorbyusinghighmeltingpoint
gradecopperwithamassof18 60.05g(priortodrilling)with
(HMP) solder.
a single ANSI type J (Fe / Cu-Ni) or ANSI type K (Ni-Cr /
(1)Amechanical bond shall be produced by mechanically
Ni-Al) thermocouple wire bead (0.254 mm wire diameter or
deforming the copper disk material (utilizing a copper filling
finer—equivalent to 30 AWG) installed as identified in 6.5.2
slug as shown in Fig. 2) around the thermocouple bead.
and shown in Fig. 2 (see Test Method E457 for information
(2)A solder bond shall be produced by using a suitable
regarding slug calorimeters). The sensor holder shall be con-
HMP solder with a melting temperature >280°C.
structed from nonconductive, heat-resistant material with a
NOTE 6—HMP solders consisting of 5%Sb-95%Pb (~307°C melting
thermal conductivity value of ≤0.15 W/m·K, high temperature
point) and 5%Sb-93.5%Pb-1.5%Ag (~300°C melting point) have been
stability, and resistance to thermal shock. The board shall be
found to be suitable. The 280 °C temperature minimum identified above
nominally 1.3 cm (0.5 in.) or greater in thickness. The sensor
corresponds to the point where melting of the solder bond would be
is held into the recess of the board using three straight pins,
experienced with an ~17 s exposure of an 84 kW/m heat flux to a
trimmed to a nominal length of 5 mm, by placing them
prepared copper calorimeter with a surface area of 12.57 cm and a mass
of 18.0 g.Acareful soldering technique is required to avoid “cold” solder
equidistant around the edge of the sensor so that the heads of
joints (where the solder has not formed a suitable bond of the thermo-
the pins hold the sensor flush to the surface.
couple to the copper disk).
6.5.1.1 Paint the exposed surface of the copper slug calo-
6.5.3 Weight the sensor board assembly so that the total
rimeter with a thin coating of a flat black, high-temperature
massis1.0 60.01kgandthedownwardforceexhibitedbythe
spray paint with an absorptivity of 0.9 or greater. The painted
copper slug sensor surface is uniform.
sensor must be dried and cured, according to the manufactur-
er’s instructions, before use and present a uniformly applied NOTE 7—Any system of weighting that provides a uniformly weighted
sensorisallowed.Anauxiliarystainlesssteelplateaffixedtoorindividual
coating (no visual thick spots or surface irregularities). In the
weightsplacedatthetopofthesensorassembly,orboth,havebeenfound
absenceofmanufacturer’sinstructions,anexternalheatsource,
to be effective.
forexample,anexternalheatlamp,shallbeusedtocompletely
6.6 Data Acquisition/Analysis System—A data acquisition/
drive off any remaining organic carriers in a freshly painted
analysis system is required that is capable of recording the
surface before use.
calorimeter temperature response, calculating the resulting
NOTE5—AbsorptivityofpaintedcalorimetersisdiscussedintheASTM
thermal energy, and determining the test endpoint by compar-
Research Report, “ASTM Research Program on ElectricArcTest Method
ing the time-dependent thermal energy transfer reading to an
Development to Evaluate Protective Clothing Fabric; ASTM F18.65.01
empirical performance curve.
Supporting data have been filed atASTM International Headquarters and may
Zynolyte #635 from Aervoe Industries has been found suitable. Zynolyte is a beobtainedbyrequestingResearchReportRR:F18-1001.ContactASTMCustomer
registered trademark of the Glidden Company. Service at [e-mail].
F2700 − 08 (2020)
NOTE 1—Secure sensor into supporting insulation board with three sewing pins cut to a nominal 5 mm. All dimensional tolerances are 61%.
FIG. 2 Copper Calorimeter Sensor Detail
6.6.1 Thedataacquisitioncomponentshallhaveaminimum 6.8 Paint, flat black, spray type with an absorptivity value
sampling rate of four samples per second for temperatures to >0.90.
250°C with a minimum resolution of 0.1°C and an accuracy
6.9 Specimen Holder Assembly—(See Fig. 3.) Three com-
of 60.75°C. It must be capable of making cold junction
plete assemblies are desirable for testing efficiency. Alteration
corrections and converting the millivolt signals from either the
is allowed to provide for mechanically restraining a specimen
typeJorKthermocoupletotemperature(seeNISTMonograph
in the holder (see 10.3.2.1).
175 orASTM MNL 12 Manual on the Use of Thermocouples
NOTE 8—The upper specimen mounting plate is designed so that the
in Temperature Measurement).
coppercalorimeterassemblyfitsintothecentercutout.Anoptionalspacer
6.7 Solvents, alcohol or petroleum solvent for cleaning the component is also designed to fit into the center cutout with the copper
calorimeter positioned on top of it. Tolerances for all dimensions are
copper slug calorimeter.
61% to accommodate these arrangement requirements.
6.10 Shutter—A manual or computer-controlled shutter is
Available from ASTM Headquarters. usedtoblocktheheatfluxfromtheburner(placedbetweenthe
F2700 − 08 (2020)
FIG. 3 Details of Specimen Holder Construction, Specimen Holder Parts
specimen holder and the burner). Water-cooling is recom- 8. Sampling and Specimen Preparation
mended to minimize radiant heat transfer to other equipment 2
8.1 Laboratory Sample—Select a minimum of a 1.0 m
componentsandtopreventthermaldamagetotheshutteritself.
sample size from the material to be tested. Individual test
specimens will be produced from this sample.
7. Hazards
8.2 Laundering of Laboratory Sample:
7.1 Perform the test in a hood to carry away combustion
8.2.1 Forspecimenssubmittedwithoutexplicittestlaunder-
products, smoke, and fumes. Shield the apparatus or turn off
ing specifications, launder the laboratory sample for one wash
the hood while running the test; turn the hood on to clear the
and dry cycle prior to conditioning. Use laundry conditions of
fumes. Maintain an adequate separation between the burner
AATCC Test Method 135 (1, V, A, i).
and combustible materials.
8.2.1.1 Stitching the edges of the laboratory sample is
7.2 The specimen holder and calorimeter assembly become
allowed to minimize unraveling of the sample material.
heated during testing. Use protective gloves when handling 8.2.1.2 Restoring test specimens to a flat condition by
these hot objects.
pressing is allowed.
8.2.1.3 If an alternative laundry procedure is employed,
7.3 Usecarewhenthespecimenignitesorreleasescombus-
report the procedure used.
tible gases.Allow the sample to burn out, or smother it with a
8.2.2 For those materials that require cleaning other than
flat plate if necessary.
laundering, follow the manufacturer’s recommended practice
7.4 Refer to manufacturer’s Material Safety Data Sheets
using one cleaning cycle followed by drying and note the
(MSDS) for information on handling, use, storage, and dis-
procedure used in the test report.
posal of materials used in this test method.
8.2.3 Record the procedure used in the test report for
7.5 Refer to local codes for compliance on the installation materials that are submitted with explicit laundering instruc-
and use of the selected fuel gas (propane or methane). tions.
F2700 − 08 (2020)
2 2
8.2.4 Materials designated by the manufacturer not to be obtain an 84 62kW/m (2.0 6 0.05 cal/cm s) value for
laundered or cleaned shall be tested as received. testing. Several calibration passes of both heat source compo-
nents are typically required to establish the standard value for
8.3 Test Specimens—Cut and identify eight test specimens
testing within the specifications described below.
from each swatch in the laboratory sample. Make each test
9.2.1 Set the output of the quartz infrared lamp assembly
specimen 150 by 150 65mm(6by6 6 ⁄8 in.) with:
afteraminimum15minwarm-upperiodto13 64kW/m (0.3
(a)Twoofthesidesofthespecimenparallelwiththewarp
6 0.1 cal/cm s), as measured by an independent NIST trace-
yarns in the woven material samples;
able Schmidt-Boelter or Gardon type radiant heat flux sensor,
(b)The wales in knit material samples; or
positioned in the same geometry as the copper calorimeter
(c)The length of the material in batts or nonwovens.
sensor in the apparatus, using the lamp’s variable power
Do not cut samples closer than 10% of the material width
control.
from the edge; arrange the specimens diagonally across the
sample swatch so as to obtain a representative sample of all NOTE 9—Fixing the NIST traceable Schmidt-Boelter or Gardon type
radiant heat flux sensor into an unused sensor supporting insulation board
yarns present.
(see Fig. 2) has proven effective in calibration. Also note that the use of
8.3.1 If the laboratory sample edges have been stitched to
two properly adjusted Meker or Fisher burners and a quartz lamp bank
reduce unraveling (see 8.2.1.1), test specimens shall be cut so 2
(heat flux output set to 13 kW/m ) establishes an approximately 50%
they do not incorporate the stitching material.
radiant, 50% convective heat flux at 84 kW/m for testing.
8.3.2 Three of the eight test specimens identified above are
9.2.2 Burner Gas Supply—Reduce the pressure on the gas
required for determining average thickness and surface density
supply to about 55 kPa (8 psig) for proper flame adjustment
(see 8.5 and 8.6).
and remove the Schmidt-Boelter or Gardon type radiant heat
8.4 Conditioning—Condition each test specimen for at least
flux sensor from the specimen holder (it is used only to
24hat21 62°C(70 65°F)and65 65%relativehumidity.
calibrate the quartz lamp assembly).
The specimens shall be tested within 30 min of removal from
9.2.3 With the quartz lamp bank on (heat flux output set to
the conditioning area. 13 64kW/m ), start the two burners at a low gas flow rate
8.4.1 If any specimens removed from conditioning cannot
setting on the gas flowmeter/rotometer. Adjust the burner
betestedwithin30min,returnthemtotheconditioningareaor needle valves so that the flames converge with each other just
seal them in polyethylene bags (or other material with low
below the center of the specimen holder (hottest portion of the
water vapor permeability) until immediately prior to testing. flames). The flame profile from each burner shall have clearly
8.4.2 Bagged specimens have a 4h storage limit and are
defined stable blue tips positioned on the burner grids with the
requiredtobetestedwithin20minafterremovalfromthebag. larger diffuse blue flames converging in the center.
8.4.3 Bagged specimens that exceed the 4h storage limit
9.2.4 Increasing or decreasing the heat flux is accomplished
shall be removed from their bag and reconditioned in accor- by changing the gas flow through the flowmeter/rotometer. Do
dance with 8.4 prior to testing.
notadjustthequartzlampassemblyonceithasbeencalibrated.
Minor burner needle valve adjustments are typically required
8.5 Determination of Test Specimens Average Thickness—
to maintain the converged flame profile.
Determine the three specimens’average thickness identified in
9.2.5 Verify that the copper calorimeter sensor is at room
8.3.2 following Test Method D1777. Save these specimens for
temperature. Ensure the sensor has a clean, black surface
determining average surface density.
without any accumulation of deposits. Otherwise, recondition
8.6 Determination of Test Specimens Average Surface
the sensor surface as described in 9.3.2. Calibration shall not
Density—Following the average thickness determination, use
proceed until the sensor temperature has stabilized (less than
the same three specimens to establish an average surface
1°C temperature change for a 1 min duration).
density (mass divided by surface area) followingTest Methods
9.2.6 With the heat source active, start the data acquisition
D3776/D3776M.
system then place the sensor onto the specimen holder.
9.2.7 Exposethecoppercalorimetertotheheatsourceforat
9. Preparation, Calibration, and Maintenance of
least 10 s.
Apparatus
9.2.8 Stop the data acquisition system and remove the
9.1 Remove the sensor assembly and any specimens from
sensor from the holder, placing it away from the apparatus
thespecimenholderandplacetheapparatusinitsmeasurement
where it is allowed to cool to room temperature.
position(sampleholderdirectlyovertheheatsource).Position
NOTE 10—Use protective gloves when handling the hot copper calo-
the two Meker or Fisher burners so that the center of each
rimeter sensor.
burner head surface is separated by 125 6 10 mm, located 65
NOTE11—Usingtheshuttertocontroltheheatfluxcalibrationexposure
6 10 mm beneath the specimen holder assembly opening, and
in 9.2.6 – 9.2.8 is allowed, but not required.
subtending an approximate 45° angle from the vertical so that
9.2.9 Calculatetheaverageexposureheatfluxvalueusinga
the resulting flames converge at a point immediately beneath
sampling interval that starts with the temperature measured at
the specimen.
time=0(datasampletakenjustasthesensorisplacedontothe
9.2 Heat Flux Calibration—Calibrating the dual burner/ sample holder) and ends with the temperature measured at
quartz lamp heat source heat flux value is an iterative process exposure time = 10 s using the computational method identi-
that begins with the quartz infrared lamp assembly. After the fied in 11.1 (sensor response). This value is the measured heat
lamp assembly heat flux is fixed, the burners are adjusted to flux.
F2700 − 08 (2020)
9.2.10 Iftheheatfluxvaluedeterminedin9.2.9iswithinthe 10.3.1 Optional Spacer—The optional 6.4 mm ( ⁄4 in.)
2 2
specifications of 84 6 2 kW/m (2.0 6 0.0
...