ASTM E1321-97a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Material Ignition and Flame Spread Properties
Standard Test Method for Determining Material Ignition and Flame Spread Properties
SCOPE
1.1 This fire test response standard determines material properties related to piloted ignition of a vertically oriented sample under a constant and uniform heat flux and to lateral flame spread on a vertical surface due to an externally applied radiant-heat flux.
1.2 The results of this test method provide a minimum surface flux and temperature necessary for ignition ( "o,ig, ig) and for lateral spread ( "o,s, s,min), an effective material thermal inertia value ( [rho] ), and a flame-heating parameter ([phi]) pertinent to lateral flame spread.
1.3 The results of this test method can be used to predict the time to ignition, ig, and the velocity, , of lateral flame spread on a vertical surface under a specified external flux without forced lateral airflow. This can be done using the equations in Appendix X1 that govern the ignition and flame-spread processes and which have been used to correlate the data.
1.4 This test method can be used to obtain results of ignition and flame spread for materials. Data are reported in units for convenient use in current fire growth models.
1.5 SI units are used throughout the standard.
1.6 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
1.7 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.
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Standards Content (Sample)
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An American National Standard
Designation: E 1321 – 97a
Standard Test Method for
Determining Material Ignition and Flame Spread Properties
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1321; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E 84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials
1.1 This fire test response standard determines material
E 162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials
properties related to piloted ignition of a vertically oriented
Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
sample under a constant and uniform heat flux and to lateral
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
flame spread on a vertical surface due to an externally applied
E 286 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Building
radiant-heat flux.
Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace
1.2 The results of this test method provide a minimum
E 648 Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-
surface flux and temperature necessary for ignition ( q˙9 , T )
o,ig ig
Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
and for lateral spread ( q˙9 , T ), an effective material
o,s s,min
E 970 Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed
thermal inertia value (krc), and a flame-heating parameter (F)
Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy
pertinent to lateral flame spread.
Source
1.3 The results of this test method can be used to predict the
E 1317 Test Method for Flammability of Marine Surface
time to ignition, t , and the velocity, V, of lateral flame spread
ig
Finishes
on a vertical surface under a specified external flux without
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:ASTM
forced lateral airflow. This can be done using the equations in
Detailed drawings (19), construction information, and parts
Appendix X1 that govern the ignition and flame-spread pro-
list (Adjunct to E 1317)
cesses and which have been used to correlate the data.
1.4 This test method can be used to obtain results of ignition
3. Terminology
and flame spread for materials. Data are reported in units for
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
convenient use in current fire growth models.
method, refer to Terminology E 176.
1.5 SI units are used throughout the standard.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.6 This standard should be used to measure and describe
3.2.1 backing board, n—a noncombustible insulating board,
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
mounted behind the specimen during actual testing to satisfy
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
the theoretical analysis assumption of no heat loss through the
describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials,
specimen. It shall be roughly 25 6 5 mm thick with a density
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
no greater than 200 6 50 kg/m .
results of this test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard
3.2.2 dummy specimen, n—a noncombustible insulating
assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account
board used for stabilizing the operating condition of the
all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the
equipment, mounted in the apparatus in the position of the
fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
specimen and removed only when a test specimen is to be
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
inserted. It shall be roughly 20 6 5 mm in thickness with a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
density of 750 6 100 kg/m .
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2.1 Discussion—For the ignition tests, the dummy
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
specimen board shall have a hole at the 50-mm position for
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
mounting the fluxmeter.
statements, see Section 7.
3.2.3 effective thermal property, n—thermal properties de-
2. Referenced Documents rived from heat-conduction theory applied to ignition/ flame-
spread data treating the material as homogenous in structure.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.4 mirror assembly, n—a mirror, marked and aligned
with the viewing rakes, used as an aid for quickly identifying
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Current edition approved June 10, 1997. Published August 1997. Originally Discontinued; see 1992 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
published as E 1321 – 90. Last previous edition E 1321 – 97. Available from ASTM Headquarters. Order ADJE1317.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E 1321 – 97a
and tracking the flame-front progress.
3.2.5 special calibration board, n—a specially assembled
noncombustible insulating board used for standardizing the
operating condition of the equipment which is used only to
measure the flux distribution at specified intervals along the
specimen surface. It shall be roughly 206 5 mm in thickness
with a density of 750 6 100 kg/m .
3.2.6 thermally thick, n—the thickness of a medium that is
large enough to have the predominate thermal (temperature)
effects experienced within that distance, that is, negligible heat
is lost from its unexposed side.
3.2.7 thermal operating level, n—the operating condition at
which the radiance of the heat source produces a specified
constant heat flux to some specified position at the specimen
FIG. 1 Schematic of Apparatus With Ignition Specimen
surface.
3.2.8 viewing rakes, n—a set of bars with wires spaced at
50-mm intervals for the purpose of increasing the precision of
timing flame-front progress along the specimen.
3.3 Symbols:Symbols:
−1/2
b = ignition correlation parameter, s .
s/2 1/2
C = flame heat transfer factor, m /kW·s .
CF = ratio of radiation pyrometer signal to flux inci-
dent on dummy specimen as measured during
calibration; a linear correlation is assumed, mV/
(kW/m ).
F(t) = specimen thermal response function.
F(x) = surface flux configuration invariant, (kW/m )/
mV.
h = heat loss coefficient, kW/m ·K.
FIG. 2 Normalized Flux Over Specimen
q˙9 = measured incident flux, kW/m .
e
q˙9o,ig = critical flux for ignition, kW/m .
q˙9o,s = critical flux for spread, kW/m .
t = time, s.
t* = characteristic equilibrium time, s.
t = time at sample insertion, s.
t = time at ignition, s.
t = ignition time under incident flux, s.
ig
T = ignition temperature, °C.
ig
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.
T = minimum temperature for spread, °C.
s, min
FIG. 3 Pilot Configuration for Ignition Test
T = ambient and initial temperature, °C.
‘
V = flame (pyrolysis front) velocity, m/s.
800, + 0, − 5 mm specimen (see Fig. 1) is exposed to a
x = longitudinal position along centerline of speci-
graduated heat flux (see Fig. 2) that is approximately 5 kW/m
men, m.
2 3 higher at the hot end than the minimum heat flux necessary for
F = flame heating parameter, (kW) /m .
2 2
ignition; this flux being determined from the ignition test (see
krc = thermal heating property, (kW/m ·K) s.
11.2). The specimen is preheated to thermal equilibrium; the
e = surface emissivity.
2 4
preheat time being derived from the ignition test (see 12.1).
s = Stefan-Boltzmann constant, kW/m ·K .
After using piloted ignition, the pyrolyzing flame-front pro-
4. Summary of Test Method
gression along the horizontal length of the specimen as a
4.1 This test method consists of two procedures; one to
function of time is tracked. The data are correlated with a
measure ignition and one to measure lateral-flame spread.
theory of ignition and flame spread for the deviation of material
Vertically mounted specimens are exposed to the heat from a
flammability properties.
vertical air-gas fueled radiant-heat energy source inclined at
5. Significance and Use
15° to the specimen (see Fig. 1).
4.1.1 For the ignition test, a series of 155, + 0, − 5 mm by 5.1 This test method addresses the fundamental aspects of
155, + 0, − 5 mm specimens (see Fig. 1) are exposed to a piloted ignition and flame spread. The procedure is suitable for
nearly uniform heat flux (see Fig. 2) and the time to flame the derivation of relevant material flammability parameters that
attachment, using piloted ignition (see Fig. 3), is determined. include minimum exposure levels for ignition, thermal-inertia
4.1.2 For the flame spread test, a 155, + 0, − 5 mm by values, and flame-spread properties.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E 1321 – 97a
5.2 This test method is used to measure some material-
flammability properties that are scientifically constant and
compatible and to derive specific properties that allow the
prediction and explanation of the flame-spread characteristics
of materials. They are considered effective properties that are
dependent on the correlations used and when combined with
theory can be used over a wide range of fire conditions for
predicting material ignition and flame-spread behavior.
5.3 This test method may not be applicable to products that
do not have planar, or nearly planar, external surfaces and those
products and assemblies in which physical performance such
as joint separation and fastening methods can significantly
influence flame propagation in actual fire conditions.
NOTE 1—In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one or
more specific sets of laboratory fire test exposure conditions. If different
test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are
FIG. 5 Test Apparatus Main Frame, Front View
changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to predict
changes in the performance characteristics measured. Therefore, the
the equipment. Some commercially available units have added
results are strictly valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described
safety features that are not described in the drawings.
in this test method.
If the test results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the
NOTE 2—The specimen fume stack available in some commercial
total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent established criteria for
models is not required for this test procedure.
fire-risk assessment developed by Committee E-5 must be included in the
6.2 A brief parts list for the test-equipment assembly in-
consideration.
cludes:
6. Apparatus
6.2.1 Main Frame (see Fig. 5), consisting of two separate
6.1 Test-Equipment Fabrication—Fig. 4 shows a photo- sections, the radiant-panel support frame and the specimen
graph of the equipment as assembled ready for test. Figs. 5 and support frame. The two frame sections shall be joined in a
6 show schematics of the apparatus. These provide engineer- manner that allows adjustments in the relative position of the
ing information necessary for the fabrication of the main radiant panel to the specimen to be made easily.
frame, specimen holders, stack, and other necessary parts of 6.2.2 Specimen Holders, to provide for support of the
FIG. 4 General View of Apparatus
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
E 1321 – 97a
the specimen support frame. The arrangement of parts on this
frame is shown in Figs. 4-6.
6.2.6 Dummy Specimen, of noncombustible insulating board
of the thickness and density specified in the test procedure,
shall be mounted on the apparatus in the position of the
specimen except during actual testing or calibration.
6.3 Instrumentation:
6.3.1 Total Radiation Pyrometer, compensated for its tem-
perature variation and having a nominal sensitivity between the
thermal wavelengths of 1 and 9 μm that shall view a centrally
located area on the radiant panel of about 150 by 300 mm. The
instrument shall be securely mounted on the specimen support
frame in such a manner that it can view the radiant panel
surface oriented for specimens in the vertical position.
6.3.2 Heat Fluxmeters—Have available at least three
fluxmeters for this test method. One of these shall be retained
FIG. 6 Test Apparatus, Side View
as a laboratory reference standard. The fluxmeters shall be of
5 2
the thermopile type with a nominal range of 0 to 50 kW/m
and have a sensitivity of approximately 10 mV at 50 kW/m .
specimen during test; at least two of these are required, and
They shall have been calibrated to an accuracy of 5 % over this
three prevent delays resulting from required cooling of holders
range. The time constant of these instruments shall not be more
prior to mounting specimens.
than 290 ms (corresponding to a time to reach 95 % of final
6.2.3 Radiant Panel, consisting of a radiation surface of
output of not more than 1 s). The target sensing the applied flux
porous refractory tiles mounted at the front of a stainless steel
shall occupy an area not more than 4 by 4 mm and be located
plenum chamber to provide a flat radiating surface of approxi-
flush with and at the center of the water-cooled 25-mm circular
mately 280 by 483 mm. The plenum chamber shall include
exposed metallic end of the fluxmeter. If fluxmeters of smaller
baffle plates and diffusers to distribute the gas/air mixture
diameters are to be used, these shall be inserted into a copper
evenly over the radiation surface. The gas/air mixture enters
sleeve of 25-mm outside diameter in such a way that good
the plenum chamber at one of the short sides to facilitate easy
thermal contact is maintained between the sleeve and water-
connection when the panel is mounted from the frame. A
cooled fluxmeter body. The end of the sleeve and exposed
reverberatory screen (see Fig. 6) is provided immediately in
surface of the fluxmeter shall lie in the same plane. Radiation
front of the radiating surface to enhance the combustion
shall not pass through any window before reaching the target.
efficiency and increase the radiant output.
6.3.3 Timing Devices, such as a chronograph, a digital
6.2.4 Air and Fuel Supply, to support combustion of the
clock, a stopwatch, a tape recorder, a data acquisitio
...
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