Fire Behavior of Materials

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OUR FIRELAB IN BASEL

In Switzerland TÜV SÜD Process Safety is accredited to perform numerous tests on fire behavior of materials:

• Determination of the fire index of building materials (combustibility and smoke formation) according the Swiss Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers
• Fire classification of construction products and building elements (EN 13501-1)
• Ignition of plastic (ASTM D 1929)
• Plastics - Determination of burning behaviour by oxygen index ( EN ISO 4589-2)
  
  

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  IGNITION PROPERTIES OF PLASTIC MATERIAL ACCORDING TO ASTM D 1929

  
  FLASH-IGNITION-TEMPERATURE
  
  The objective is to determine at which temperature plastic material (sheet or granules) releases flammable gases and vapors to the extent, mixed with air, an explosive mixture could be formed and ignited with a pilot flame.
  This "flash-point" for plastic is an important safety characteristic, which can be used to assess explosion and fire risk in plants where plastic material is processed, handled or stored.
  
  SELF-IGNITION TEMPERATURE
  
  The objective of this method is to determine the temperature at which gases and vapors released from plastic sheets or granules spontaneously catch on fire, i.e. without any contact with an external ignition source. The Self-Ignition  Temperature is relevant for the assessment of ignition risks due to hot surfaces in plant where plastic material is processed, e.g. in extruders.
  The tests are carried out by exposing the test item (sample) in an oven to a controlled stream of hot, fresh air. Ignition is detected by monitoring the temperature of the sample. For a flash ignition test, a pilot flame above the exhaust of the oven is used. For a self-ignition test, no external ignition source is applied. The tests are carried out in isothermal mode, i.e. at constant temperature. Several tests, using different temperatures and various air flow rates are necessary to find the lowest temperature at which ignition does occur.
  
  Our laboratory is accredited ISO 17025:2005. We are also a member of EGOLF and a certified laboratory according to EU Directive 89/106/EEC (Notify Body NB 2139).
  

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  If you have further questions or need more information, please contact our firelab here.