iCone²⁺ Calorimeter
What It's For
The iCone²⁺ Calorimeter (ISO 5660; ASTM E1354) is the latest in the FTT Cone range and incorporates all of the best features of our range of cone calorimeters. It offers cutting-edge PCB-based technology, in a modular and robust build with remote communication, cone operation and diagnostic facilities that allow FTT the capability to efficiently respond, diagnose problems.
- Online support and remote diagnostics add control of instruments from FTT for quick and effortless support
- Design based on cutting edge surface mounted PCB technology
- PCB modular design facilitates improved serviceability and reliability
- Improved laser mounting system for easier setup and calibration as well as the elimination of thermal drift
- Robust engineering for an improved life expectancy of the instrument
- Latest generation gas analysers with PCB and touchscreen technology
- Remote cone heater assembly positioning control so that heater-specimen surface separation can be adjusted pre- and mid-test, to facilitate testing of intumescing or thermally distorting specimens
- Programmable heat flux exposure regimes. Up to 10 consecutive heat flux ramping or holding phases can be programmed
- Motorised heat shield to protect the specimen from heat exposure before the test
- 5.5″ colour touchscreen test control panel, adjacent to specimen, supplements principal computer control
- Automatic calibration by ConeCalc Software
- Furniture (ASTM E1474)
- Wall lining materials (ASTM E1740)
- Prison mattresses (ASTM F1550)
- Electric cables (ASTM D6113)
- Railway rolling-stock applications (EN 45545-2)
- Maritime applications (IMO)
iCone mini and iCone classic Calorimeter
What It's For
The iCone series is now completed by two semi-automatic models – the iCone mini which features a separate gas analysis rack and the iCone classic which has a fixed gas analysis console mounted on the instrument main frame. These have replaced the FTT Dual Cone and Standard Cone respectively.
- Remote cone assembly positioning control, so that heater specimen surface separation can be adjusted pre and mid test, to facilitate testing of intumescing or thermally distorting specimens
- Programmable heat flux exposure. Up to 10 consecutive heat flux ramping or holding can be programmed
- Motorised heat shield to protect specimen from heat exposure before test
- Motorised positioning and control of spark igniter to ignite the combustion gases from the specimen
- Automatic/semi-automatic/manual calibration by ConeCalc Software
Load cell resolution of 0.01g and load capacity up to 8.2kg (Sartorius cell)
Load cell mounted on an independent table to avoid any vibration from exhaust fan - Fire model protection alarm system
- Online support and remote control of instruments from FTT for internet connected system
- Optional larger Cone fire model for testing specimens with very low heat release rates. 150mm × 150mm specimens are exposed to uniform heat flux over entire surface
- Optional fully integrated FTIR gas analysis system supplied with heated sampling module, heated lines/probes and PLC controller
- ISO 5660
- ASTM E1354
- ASTM E1474
- ASTM E1740
- ASTM F1550
- ASTM D6113
- CAN ULC 135
- BS 476 Part 15
Single Burning Item (SBI)
What It's For
The Single Burning Item (SBI), is a method of test for determining the reaction to fire behaviour of building products (excluding floorings) when exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item (a sand-box burner supplied with propane). The specimen is mounted on a trolley that is positioned in a frame beneath an exhaust system. The reaction of the specimen to the burner is monitored instrumentally and visually. Heat and smoke release rates are measured instrumentally and physical characteristics are assessed by observation.
| A2 | FIGRA ≤ 120W/s; and LFS < edge of specimen; and THR600s ≤ 7.5MJ |
Smoke production Flaming droplets / particles |
EN ISO 1182 or EN ISO 1716 |
| B | FIGRA ≤ 120W/s; and LFS < edge of specimen; and THR600s ≤ 7.5MJ |
Smoke production Flaming droplets / particles |
EN ISO 11925-2 |
| C | FIGRA ≤ 120W/s; and LFS < edge of specimen; and THR600s ≤ 15MJ |
Smoke production Flaming droplets / particles |
EN ISO 11925-2 |
| D | FIGRA < 750W/s | EN ISO 11925-2 |
EN 13823
Room Corner Test
What It's For
In the latter cases FTT supply a Gas Analysis Instrumentation Console and a Duct Section. The console contains all the necessary instrumentation to measure heat release rates and other associated parameters. This includes an analyser developed specifically for FTT Calorimeters, incorporating an enhanced Servomex analyser featuring a high stability temperature controlled paramagnetic oxygen sensor (and optional CO2/CO) with flow control and by-pass for fast response. The specification of this instrumentation is the same for both large and small scale calorimeters and can therefore also be conveniently used with the FTT Dual Cone Calorimeter. When used with the Cone Calorimeter the console is elegantly located with the Cone Calorimeter unit.
- ISO 9705
- EN 14390
- ASTM D5424
- ASTM D5537
- ASTM E603
- ASTM E1537
- ASTM E1590
- ASTM E1822
- NFPA 265
- UL 1685
- NT FIRE 25
- NT FIRE 32
Burning Behaviour of Bunched Cables
EN 50399
The EN 50399 was based on IEC 60332-3 with the addition of heat release measurement and a modified air inlet system. This is accomplished by fitting a small instrumented section of ducting into the exhaust system of the rig and using this with associated FTT gas analysis instrumentation and software. The duct section houses all gas sampling probes, temperature and mass flow probes and has ports for the smoke measuring system.
IEC 60332-3
Conversion of the existing IEC 60332-3 apparatus to measure heat release is accomplished by fitting a small instrumented section of ducting into the exhaust system of the rig and using this with the associated FTT gas analysis instrumentation and software and a modified test protocol. The duct section houses all gas sampling probes, temperature and mass flow probes needed, and the smoke measuring system.
- Oxygen Analyser (paramagnetic) supplied with temperature and pressure compensation for primary heat release measurement
- Carbon Dioxide Analyser (infrared) for use in heat release measurement
- Dual-stage soot filter, refrigerant cold trap, drying column, pump and waste regulators for conditioning the sample gases prior to analysis
- Controls for the smoke measurement system (if purchased)
- Data logger (if purchased)
Fire Propagation Apparatus
What's For
FTT manufactures the FM Global Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA), a heat release calorimeter (commonly known as the Tewarson Apparatus) and have been working closely with FM Global to develop the apparatus. This is the instrument developed in the 1980s and now used extensively by FM Global for a variety of insurance industry norms including clean room and cable applications. The method has been standardised by ASTM as ASTM E2058 and ISO as ISO 12136.
- Infrared Heaters
- Mass Loss Measurement
- Air Distribution Chamber and Air Supply Pipes
- Ignition Pilot Tube
- Exhaust System
- Gas Sampling
- Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide Analysis
- Heat Flux Meter
- Instrument Frame
- FM 4910
- ASTM E2058
Non-Combustibility Apparatus
What's For
The FTT EN ISO 1182 (IMO FTPC Part 1, ASTM E2652) system has been designed with significant new features. Rather than the traditional variac control, where it is possible to supply too high a current to the heater element during the heating cycle, FTT has automated this process by using modern electronics. The benefits of this system over traditional variac systems, which considerably extend the life of the furnace, are:
- Soft start
- Ramp rate
- Power limit
- Over temperature device
A 19″ instrument case houses all the instrumentation. This unit features a temperature controller, an over-temperature alarm and a power controller, which controls the furnace temperature at 750°C, compensating for supply voltage fluctuations and displaying the power (Watts) being supplied to the furnace.
- EN ISO 1182
- IMO FTP Code Part 1
- ASTM E2652
Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter
What's For
The bomb calorimeter is the most common device for measuring the heat of combustion or calorific value of a material. With this apparatus a test specimen of specified mass is burned under standardised conditions. The heat of combustion determined under these conditions is calculated on the basis of the observed temperature rise while taking account of heat loss. The combustion process is initiated inside an atmosphere of oxygen in a constant volume container, the bomb, which is a vessel built to withstand high pressures. It is immersed in a stirred water bath, and the whole device is the calorimeter vessel. The calorimeter vessel is also immersed in an outer water bath. The water temperature in the calorimeter vessel and that of the outer bath are both monitored.
Dimensions: (L × W × H)
- Bomb Calorimeter: 400 × 400 × 400mm
The Oxygen Bomb Calorimeter can be used to measure the heat generated from several applications and has been designed to conform to current ASTM, ISO, EN, BS and DIN international standards. The calorific value of the following groups of materials can be measured
- Building materials (e.g. EN ISO 1716)
- Coal, coke (e.g. ASTM D5865)
- Fuel (gasoline, kerosene, fuel oil, Nos. 1-D and 2-D diesel fuel and Nos. 0-GT, 1-GT, and 2-GT gas turbines fuels), (e.g. ASTM D240-92)
- Hydrocarbon fuels (e.g. ASTM D4809-90)
- Food, supplements, crops
- Waste and refuse
- Combustible materials, etc.
Large Scale Mattress Fire Test
What's For
Recently the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and the Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that all residential mattresses to be sold in the US must meet a large scale heat release test based on the dual burner shown here. FTT can offer the complete instrumentation to clients wishing to upgrade existing fire test facilities or to build their own test apparatus. In the latter case FTT supplies a variety of modules, including a Gas Analysis Instrumentation Console, a duct section, a burner, a load cell and software/data acquisition.
- CA TB 603
- 16 CFR Part 1633
FAA Micro Calorimeter
What's For
The FAA FTT Micro Calorimeter uses the same oxygen consumption calorimetry technique used in FTT‘s bench and room scale calorimeters. The specimen is first heated at a constant rate of temperature rise (typically 1°C/s) in a pyrolyser and the degradation products are purged from the pyrolyser by an inert gas (nitrogen). The gas stream is mixed with oxygen and enters a combustor at 900°C where the decomposition of products are completely oxidised. Oxygen concentrations and flow rates of the combustion gases are used to determine the oxygen consumption involved in the combustion process and the heat release rates are determined from these measurements.
What's For
- Ability to generate quantitative results in minutes
- Automatic control of temperature and gas flow rates
- Small sample size (1-5mg)
- Over temperature protection of both furnaces
- Removable rear cover to access all serviceable parts such as the Fuel Cell for ease of maintenance
- Dual voltage 96-264VAC, 50-60Hz (No need to switch)
Accurate and cost effective micro calorimetry using a Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimeter (PCFC) ASTM D7309
OSU Rate of Heat Release Apparatus
What's For
The FAA FTT Micro Calorimeter uses the same oxygen consumption calorimetry technique used in FTT‘s bench and room scale calorimeters. The specimen is first heated at a constant rate of temperature rise (typically 1°C/s) in a pyrolyser and the degradation products are purged from the pyrolyser by an inert gas (nitrogen). The gas stream is mixed with oxygen and enters a combustor at 900°C where the decomposition of products are completely oxidised. Oxygen concentrations and flow rates of the combustion gases are used to determine the oxygen consumption involved in the combustion process and the heat release rates are determined from these measurements.
What's For
The Rate of Heat Release Apparatus is used to expose aircraft interior cabin materials to an incident radiant heat flux of 35 kW/m², to comply with FAR 25.853 [a-1] requirements.
FTT Rate of Heat Release Apparatus incorporates comprehensive safety features and is fully equipped to provide reliable test data for both FAA and ASTM tests
FAR 25.853 (a-1), FAA Fire Test Handbook – Chapter 5; ASTM E906 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products
Mass Loss Calorimeter
Designed to :
- Provide an inexpensive stand alone instrument that enables mass loss rates to be determined at any heat flux in the range of the cone calorimeter model of ISO 5660
- Provide a unit that can be added to commercial cone calorimeters so that they can be used in oxygen depleted low flow atmospheres
- Be readily fitted to existing or future build oxygen depletion systems
- Be readily converted to dynamic smoke, corrosion and toxicity tests
supplied with :
- Conical heater rated at 230V for heat flux up to 100kW/m²
- Load cell with sample capacity up to 500g
- Horizontal specimen mounting for samples up to 50mm thick
- Heater Shutter, to allow easy loading of samples or chamber equilibration if enclosure option is used
- Heat flux meter and housing to fix position of the meter accurately 25mm below base of cone
- Stainless steel construction to ensure good corrosion resistance
- EN ISO 13927
- ISO 17554
Furniture & Open Calorimeters
what's for
This an analyser developed specifically for FTT Calorimeters, incorporating an enhanced Servomex 4100 featuring a high stability temperature controlled paramagnetic oxygen sensor (and optional CO2) with flow control and by-pass for fast response. The specification of this instrumentation is the same for both large and small scale calorimeters and can therefore also be conveniently used with the FTT Dual Cone Calorimeter. When used with the Cone Calorimeter the console is elegantly located within the Cone Calorimeter unit.
- ISO 9705
- ASTM D5424
- ASTM D5537
- ASTM E603
- ASTM E1537
- ASTM E1590
- ASTM E1822
- NFPA 265
- UL 1685
- UL 9540a
- NT FIRE 25
- NT FIRE 32
- EN 16989
Evaluating Thermal Runway Fire Propagation
what's for
FTT supplies and installs the UL 9540A and trains clients in its use. FTT can also supply any specific components to clients wishing to part design and build their own equipment.
The UL 9540A standard has been developed to test battery energy storage systems in different scales :
• Cell level
• Module level
• Unit level
• Installation level
The UL 9540A standard has been developed to test battery energy storage systems in different scales :
• Cell level
• Module level
• Unit level
• Installation level
The Cell Level Test
The cell level test involves heating up a battery cell to initiate thermal runaway. Flexible film heaters are applied to the external of a battery and connected to a temperature controller. The instrumentation used in this test is also used in the three larger scales. In the cell test, only one heating circuit is required. In the three larger scales, multiple heating circuits may be required. The Cell Level Test primarily uses analytical chemistry apparatus and is not a reaction-to-fire test. Consequently, clients source this apparatus themselves so it is not offered by FTT.
The Module Level Test
The module level test involves heating up several cells in a battery module to initiate thermal runaway and collecting the gaseous products under a hood and exhaust system with an internal diameter of 400 mm. A sample of the exhaust gas is taken to measure the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and hydrogen as well as the composition of additional gases using FTIR. In addition the concentration of smoke in the exhaust is measured using a white light smoke measurement system. These measurements enable, among others, the heat release to be determined by the technique known as oxygen consumption calorimetry and smoke production rates to be determined by the FTT Calorimetry software (BatteryCalc).
The Unit Level Test
The testing principle from the module level test can be applied to the unit level test measuring
fires up to 10MW by increasing the hood size, exhaust diameter and exhaust flow rate, as
explained in ISO 24473, Open Calorimetry – Measurement of the rate of production of heat and
combustion products for fires up to 40MW.
The unit level test involves heating up several cells in a battery energy storage system (BESS) to initiate thermal runaway and collecting the gaseous products under a hood and exhaust system with an internal diameter of 1.524m (in order to measure heat release rates up to 10MW). A sample
of the gases in the exhaust are analysed for the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide, carbon
monoxide and hydrocarbons as well as the composition of additional gases using FTIR. In
addition the amount of smoke in the exhaust is measured using a white light smoke measurement
system. The environment around the BESS is instrumented in order to measure the temperature and heat flux at adjacent walls and secondary BESS systems.
The Installation Level Test
Installation level tests are only required for non-residential installations. The test configuration is similar to the Unit Level test, but does not measure the heat release and smoke production rates.
The installation level test involves heating up several cells in a battery energy storage system (BESS) to initiate thermal runaway in a room which contains a sprinkler system or other fire and explosion mitigation methods. A sample of the gases in the room is taken and analysed for the concentration of hydrocarbons and hydrogen as well as the composition of additional gases using FTIR. The environment around the BESS is instrumented in order to measure the temperature and heat flux at adjacent walls and secondary BESS systems.
