Did you know that the cone calorimeter method enables the determination of relevant parameters of materials’ reaction-to-fire in a single test?

The cone calorimeter method is a reaction-to-fire test device used to analyse the emissions and the physical characteristics of materials combustion.

At INEGI's Smoke and Fire Laboratory, a test is carried out on this equipment, which enables the determination of relevant reaction-to-fire parameters, in a single test, using a small sample (100mm x 100mm).

The ISO (International Standard Organization) adopted this device to measure the rate of heat release from small representative specimens, burned in ambient air conditions, when exposed to predetermined heat flow.

The test on the cone calorimeter enables to obtain the following parameters: time to ignition; heat of combustion; total heat released; weight loss; heat release rate; and quantity and opacity of the smoke produced.

This test is used to assess the contribution that the product being tested can have on the rate of heat evolution and the amount and rate of smoke production, when involved in a well-ventilated fire.

The INEGI’s Smoke and Fire Laboratory is qualified to carry out a set of services, including reaction to fire tests, which enable the classification of materials used in civil construction, transport, and in the furniture and decoration sectors.


Reference:

ISO 5660-1 (2015). Reaction-to-fire tests - Heat release, smoke production and mass loss rate Part 1: Heat release rate (cone calorimeter method) and smoke production rate (dynamic measurement).