ASTM F2326-04(2015)

Standard Test Method for Collection and Analysis of Visible Emissions from Candles as They Burn

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The intent of this test method is to aid the candle manufacturer to optimize candle formulations in the reduction of visible smoke emissions.  
5.2 This test method is intended to provide candle manufacturers a standard procedure to use during development of candle designs and formulations to compare relative smoke/burn behavior. For the development of this method, a protocol was established for trimming the wick on specially prepared test candles to 6 to 7 mm (1/4 in.) prior to each burn cycle. It is recommended that the manufacturer determine a standardized protocol, that is, either not trimming the wick or trimming the wick to an appropriate length in order for direct comparison of results.  
5.3 A relative ranking of candle formulations can be established with the use of a histogram of the data and control charts.  
5.4 This test method is not intended to set forth pass/fail criteria for visible smoke emissions from candles, as such, this method sets no standard level for visible smoke emissions.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the collection and analysis of visible emissions from indoor use candles as they burn.  
1.2 The test is to be used to compare relative smoke/burn behavior during development of candle designs and formulations.  
1.3 This test method may not be suitable for multiple wick candles; tapers and candles intended to be burned while floating on water commonly known as “floaters.”  
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2014
• ICS: 13.040.40 - Stationary source emissions
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.45 - Candle Products

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F2326 − 04 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Collection and Analysis of Visible Emissions from Candles
as They Burn
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2326; 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
During the development of this test method with a specially manufactured “standardized” candle,
variability of candle burn behavior was observed that introduced a wide statistical variation in the
overall test results from a single design. Variability in testing different types of candle products would
introduceevengreatervariability,thatis,apillarcandlecomprisedof60°C(140°F)meltingpointwax
would not, and would not be expected to, show the same burn behavior as a jar candle comprised of
54.4°C (130°F) melting point wax. It is believed that a significant database of candle burn
performance, based on each type of candle and formulation format, would be required before one
could determine whether a statistical basis could be developed for pass/fail criteria for visible smoke
emissions from candles. This method is intended to provide candle manufacturers a standard
procedure to use during the development of candle designs and formulations to compare relative
smoking/burn behavior. This method neither implies nor sets a standard level for visible smoke
emissions for any candle type or formulation.
1. Scope F1972 Guide for Terminology Relating to Candles and
Associated Accessory Items
1.1 This test method covers the collection and analysis of
PS59 Provisional Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
visible emissions from indoor use candles as they burn.
1.2 The test is to be used to compare relative smoke/burn
3. Terminology
behavior during development of candle designs and formula-
3.1 SeeGuideF1972fordefinitionsoftermsnotspecifiedin
tions.
3.2.
1.3 This test method may not be suitable for multiple wick
3.2 Definitions:
candles; tapers and candles intended to be burned while
floating on water commonly known as “floaters.”
3.2.1 burn cycle—length of time the candle is burned during
one test day. For this test, a burn cycle is 4 h (see Provisional
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Specification PS59).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2 burn period—total time the candle is burned over the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
duration of the test. For this test, the burn period will be 16 h.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.3 fuel pool establishment period—time, 15 min or
2. Referenced Documents
longer, before each burn cycle that a candle must be burned to
establish a normal fuel pool and stable flame.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.4 molten fuel pool—portion of the wax or fuel pool of a
candle that is in the liquid form when the candle is burning.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.45 on
3.2.5 optical densitometer—instrument used for determin-
Candle Products.
ingtheopticaldensityinthetransmittanceorreflectancemode.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015. Published February 2015. Originally
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as F2326 – 04 (2009).
3.2.6 top of the candle—the upper most part of the candle or
DOI: 10.1520/F2326-04R15.
container.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3.2.7 visible emissions—emissions that can be seen once
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. collected on a substrate.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2326 − 04 (2015)
4. Summary of Test Method 7.12 Scissors, or other device suitable for trimming wicks
between burn cycles.
4.1 The visible emissions from a candle are collected on a
transparent media over the specified burn period. The emis-
8. Preparation of Apparatus
sions can then be assigned a relative value as a function of
opacity using a densitometer for a given testing sequence.
8.1 Prior to sampling, wipe microscope slides with a suit-
able lint free wipe to remove dust or fingerprints, or both.
5. Significance and Use
8.2 Attach the microscope slide in a flat horizontal position
5.1 The intent of this test method is to aid the candle
in a ring stand clamp. The microscope slide should be parallel
manufacturer to optimize candle formulations in the reduction
with the ground and as close to level as possible.
of visible smoke emissions.
8.3 Place the candle(s) to be tested in a chamber or room
5.2 This test method is intended to provide candle manu-
with minimal drafts on a level-burning surface. The tempera-
facturers a standard procedure to use during development of
ture of the room or chamber shall be maintained to 25 6 5°C
candle designs and formulations to compare relative smoke/
(77 6 9°F) throughout the test period.
burn behavior. For the development of this method, a protocol
was established for trimming the wick on specially prepared
8.4 Move the microscope slide with ring stand into position
test candles to 6 to 7 mm ( ⁄4 in.) prior to each burn cycle. It is
such that the center of the microscope slide is above the center
recommended that the manufacturer determine a standardized
of the wick in the candle.
protocol, that is, either not trimming the wick or trimming the
8.5 Position the microscope slide in the ring stand such that
wick to an appropriate length in order for direct comparison of
it is 102 66mm(4 6 0.25 in.) above the solid top surface of
results.
the candle wax pool. In the event the flame becomes recessed
5.3 A relative ranking of candle formulations can be estab-
inside the candle either due to a pillar candle maintaining the
lished with the use of a histogram of the data and control
side walls as it burns or a containerized candle consuming the
charts.
fuel as it burns, do not position the slide any closer than 51 6
5.4 This test method is not intended to set forth pass/fail
6mm(2 6 0.25 in.) from the top of the candle as defined in
criteria for visible smoke emissions from candles, as such, this
3.2.6. If the microscope slide is positioned any closer than 51
method sets no standard level for visible smoke emissions.
66mm(2 6 0.25 in.) to the top of the candle it may restrict
air flow into the candle and effect the performance or behavior
6. Interferences
of the flame during the test. Once the proper height adjustment
6.1 Thethicknessofthecollectionmaterial,thatis,theglass
has been made prior to the burn cycle, move the slide and
microscope slide, will create a positive interference and should
holder away from the candle until it is time to collect the
be corrected for in the set up of the densitometer prior to the
sample, that is, after the 15 min or longer required to develop
analysis of test samples.
a molten fuel pool and stable flame.
6.2 Any material that darkens the microscope slide other
9. Calibration and Standardization
than the visible emissions of a candle shall create a positive
interference.
9.1 Place a new, clean microscope slide with a cover slip
taped in place in the same manner as the test samples, on the
7. Apparatus and Materials
optical portion of the black and white densitometer and zero
7.1 Glass Microscope Slides, nominally 76 by 25 mm (3 by
the instrument. For transparent slides make sure that the
1 in.) with a writing surface for sample identification) to be
densitometer is in the transmittance mode and not the reflec-
placed above the candle to collect visible emissions.
tance mode.
7.2 Ring Stands and Clamps.
9.2 Place another new, clean slide with the cover slip taped
7.3 Black and White Optical Densitometer.
inplacesuchthatthecoverslipistapedonlyononeside.Place
the slide under the optical portion of the black and
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2326 − 04 (Reapproved 2009) F2326 − 04 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Test Method for
Collection and Analysis of Visible Emissions from Candles
as They Burn
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2326; 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
During the development of this test method with a specially manufactured “standardized” candle,
variability of candle burn behavior was observed that introduced a wide statistical variation in the
overall test results from a single design. Variability in testing different types of candle products would
introduce even greater variability, that is, a pillar candle comprised of 60°C (140°F) melting point wax
would not, and would not be expected to, show the same burn behavior as a jar candle comprised of
54.4°C (130°F) melting point wax. It is believed that a significant database of candle burn
performance, based on each type of candle and formulation format, would be required before one
could determine whether a statistical basis could be developed for pass/fail criteria for visible smoke
emissions from candles. This method is intended to provide candle manufacturers a standard
procedure to use during the development of candle designs and formulations to compare relative
smoking/burn behavior. This method neither implies nor sets a standard level for visible smoke
emissions for any candle type or formulation.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the collection and analysis of visible emissions from indoor use candles as they burn.
1.2 The test is to be used to compare relative smoke/burn behavior during development of candle designs and formulations.
1.3 This test method may not be suitable for multiple wick candles; tapers and candles intended to be burned while floating on
water commonly known as “floaters.”
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1972 Guide for Terminology Relating to Candles and Associated Accessory Items
PS59 Provisional Specification for Fire Safety for Candles
3. Terminology
3.1 See Guide F1972 for definitions of terms not specified in 3.2.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 burn cycle—length of time the candle is burned during one test day. For this test, a burn cycle is 4 h (see Provisional
Specification PS59).
3.2.2 burn period—total time the candle is burned over the duration of the test. For this test, the burn period will be 16 h.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.45 on Candle Products.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2009Jan. 1, 2015. Published September 2009February 2015. Originally approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 20042009
as F2326 – 04.F2326 – 04 (2009). DOI: 10.1520/F2326-04R09.10.1520/F2326-04R15.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2326 − 04 (2015)
3.2.3 fuel pool establishment period—time, 15 min or longer, before each burn cycle that a candle must be burned to establish
a normal fuel pool and stable flame.
3.2.4 molten fuel pool—portion of the wax or fuel pool of a candle that is in the liquid form when the candle is burning.
3.2.5 optical densitometer—instrument used for determining the optical density in the transmittance or reflectance mode.
3.2.6 top of the candle—the upper most part of the candle or container.
3.2.7 visible emissions—emissions that can be seen once collected on a substrate.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The visible emissions from a candle are collected on a transparent media over the specified burn period. The emissions can
then be assigned a relative value as a function of opacity using a densitometer for a given testing sequence.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The intent of this test method is to aid the candle manufacturer to optimize candle formulations in the reduction of visible
smoke emissions.
5.2 This test method is intended to provide candle manufacturers a standard procedure to use during development of candle
designs and formulations to compare relative smoke/burn behavior. For the development of this method, a protocol was established
for trimming the wick on specially prepared test candles to 6 to 7 mm ( ⁄4 in.) prior to each burn cycle. It is recommended that
the manufacturer determine a standardized protocol, that is, either not trimming the wick or trimming the wick to an appropriate
length in order for direct comparison of results.
5.3 A relative ranking of candle formulations can be established with the use of a histogram of the data and control charts.
5.4 This test method is not intended to set forth pass/fail criteria for visible smoke emissions from candles, as such, this method
sets no standard level for visible smoke emissions.
6. Interferences
6.1 The thickness of the collection material, that is, the glass microscope slide, will create a positive interference and should
be corrected for in the set up of the densitometer prior to the analysis of test samples.
6.2 Any material that darkens the microscope slide other than the visible emissions of a candle shall create a positive
interference.
7. Apparatus and Materials
7.1 Glass Microscope Slides, nominally 76 by 25 mm (3 by 1 in.) with a writing surface for sample identification) to be placed
above the candle to collect visible emissions.
7.2 Ring Stands and Clamps.
7.3 Black and White Optical Densitometer.
7.4 Transparent Step Gray Scales, for the verification of calibration of the densitometer.
7.5 Number 1.5 Cover Slips.
7.6 Transparent Single-sided Tape.
7.7 Lint Free Cloth, or wipe material.
7.8 Room or Area, with minimum drafts for burning candles.
7.9 Noncombustible Surface, on which to test candles.
7.10 Ruler, or similar measuring device capable of measuring to the nearest millimetre.
7.11 Thermometers or Temperature Monitoring Device, accurate to 61°C.
7.12 Scissors, or other device suitable for trimming wicks between burn cycles.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Prior to sampling, wipe microscope slides with a suitable lint free wipe to remove dust or fingerprints, or both.
8.2 Attach the microscope slide in a flat horizontal position in a ring stand clamp. The microscope slide should be parallel with
the ground and as close to level as possible.
8.3 Place the candle(s) to be tested in a chamber or room with minimal drafts on a level-burning surface. The temperature of
the room or chamber shall be maintained to 25 6 5°C (77 6 9°F) throughout the test period.
F2326 − 04 (2015)
8.4 Move the microscope slide with ring stand into position such that the center of the microscope slide is above the center of
the wick in the candle.
8.5 Position the microscope slide in the ring stand such that it is 102 6 6 mm (4 6 0.25 in.) above the solid top surface of the
candle wax pool. In the event the flame becomes recessed inside the candle either due to a pillar candle maintaining the side walls
as it burns or a containerized candle consuming the fuel as it burns, do not position the slide any closer than 51 6 6 mm (2 6
0.25 in.) from the top of the candle as defined in 3.2.6. If the microscope slide is positioned any closer than 51 6 6 mm (2 6 0.25
in.) to the top of the candle it may restrict air flow into the candle and effect the performance or behavior of the flame during the
test. Once the proper height adjustment has been made prior to the burn cycle, move the slide and holder away from the candle
until it
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