Standard Test Method of Small-Scale Evaluation of Fire-Retardant Paints (2-Foot Tunnel Method)

Importancia y uso:

3.1 A number of laboratory procedures are used to evaluate the effectiveness of fire-retardant and fire-resistant treatments and coatings. In general, these methods measure the three stages of fire development: (1) ignition; (2) flame spread (rate of growth of the fire); and (3) conflagration extent. While all three are of extreme importance, flame spread has been recognized as the main factor associated with testing fire-retardant coatings.

3.2 Flame spread ratings based upon Test Method E84 have acquired common acceptance by regulatory agencies, but such large-scale tests are seldom practical during the development or modification of a fire-retardant coating.

3.3 This test method provides the relative flame spread of experimental coatings using small test specimens under the conditions established in the 2-foot tunnel. By experimentally calibrating the 2-foot tunnel with similar Test Method E84-rated fire-retardant paint, results obtained by this test method can be used to screen coatings for suitability for testing in the Test Method E84 tunnel.

3.3.1 This test method is intended as an experimental tool in evaluating experimental coatings for further development. No direct correlation of results from this test method and the Test Method E84 tunnel have been made or are implied.

3.3.2 The results obtained by this test method do not in themselves act as an accurate predictor of performance in Test Method E84 and shall not be used for the purpose of certification to any class of flame spread performance.

Subcomité:

D01.21

Volúmen:

06.01

Número ICS:

13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products), 87.040 (Paints and varnishes)

Palabras clave:

fire-retardant; flame spread; paints; tunnel method ;