Citation

Schartel B, Hull TR. Fire Mater. 2007; 31(5): 327-354.

Affiliation

Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, BAM, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, Germany; Fire Materials Laboratory, CMRI, University of Bolton, Deane Campus, Bolton BL3 5AB, U.K

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/fam.949

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

There is little consensus within the fire science community on interpretation of cone calorimeter data, but there is a significant need to screen new flammability modified materials using the cone calorimeter. This article is the result of several discussions aiming to provide guidance in the use and interpretation of cone calorimetry for those directly involved with such measurements. This guidance is essentially empirical, and is not intended to replace the comprehensive scientific studies that already exist. The guidance discusses the fire scenario with respect to applied heat flux, length scale, temperature, ventilation, anaerobic pyrolysis and set-up represented by the cone calorimeter. The fire properties measured in the cone calorimeter are discussed, including heat release rate and its peak, the mass loss and char yield, effective heat of combustion and combustion efficiency, time to ignition and CO and smoke production together with deduced quantities such as FIGRA and MARHE. Special comments are made on the use of the cone calorimeterrelating to sample thickness, textiles, foams and intumescent materials, and the distance of the cone heater from the sample surface. Finally, the relationship between cone calorimetry data and other tests is discussed.