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Figure C.1 —Example configuration for nozzle minimum height/maximum area coverage test
for 360° nozzles

Key

1. test cans 3 baffle

2. nozzle 4 vents

a x ь = maximum nozzle area coverage for a single nozzle

Figure C.2 —Example configuration for nozzle minimum height/maximum area coverage test
for 180° nozzles

C.5.1.1.2 Instrumentation

C.5.1.1.2.1 Recording of data

Sampling and storage of data from the sensors described below shall occur at a rate of at least 10 Hz.

C.5.1.1.2.2 Oxygen concentrations

The oxygen concentration shall be measured using a calibrated oxygen analyser having an accuracy not less than 0,1 %. The sensing equipment shall be capable of continuously monitoring and recording the oxygen level inside the enclosure throughout the duration of the test. The accuracy of the measuring devices shall not be influenced by any of the fire products.

At least three sensors shall be located within the enclosure (see Figures C.3 and C.4). The three sensors shall be located in a horizontal distance from the centre of the room 850 mm to 1 250 mm and in the following heights: 0,1 H, 0,5 Hand 0,9 H (// - height of the enclosure) above the floor.

The location of the sensors in a test room with room height less than 0,6 m can be placed in three perpendicular axes.

C.5.1.1.2.3 Nozzle pressure

The nozzle pressure during system discharge shall be recorded by a pressure transducer in the pipe work at a distance not greater than 1 m from the nozzle.

C.5.1.1.2.4 Enclosure temperature

The temperature in the enclosure shall be measured and recorded. The location of the measurement shall be at one-half the room height and at a horizontal position of 850 mm to 1 250 mm from the centre of the floor. See Figures C.3 and C.4.

C.5.1.1.2.5 Nozzle temperature

For liquefied extinguishants, the temperature of the liquid jet just outside the nozzle shall be recorded.

A thermocouple can be located centrally 30 mm above each fire test can as additional information.

C.5.1.2 Fuel specification

C.5.1.2.1 Test cans

The test cans are to be cylindrical 80 mm + 5 mm in diameter and at least 100 mm high, made of mild or stainless steel with a thickness of 5 mm to 6 mm.

C.5.1.2.2 Heptane specification

The heptane used shall have the following characteristics:

1. distillation:

1. initial boiling point: 90 °С minimum;

2. dry point: 100 °С maximum;

density (at 15,6 °С): 700 ± 50 kg/m³.Dimensions in millimetres

1250

850

0,5a

I NOTE Room height H < 0,6 m, measuring points (M1 to М3) in two or three axes.

Figure C.3 — Plan view instrumentation placement for nozzle minimum height/maximum area
coverage test

C.5.1.2.3 Fuel-test can configuration

The test cans may contain either heptane or heptane on water. If they are to contain heptane and water, the heptane is to be at least 50 mm deep. The level of heptane in the cans shall be at least 50 mm below the top of the can.

C.5.1.2.4 Test can placement

A test can shall be placed in each corner of the enclosure within 50 mm of the corners of the enclosure wall. In addition, one of two test cans, depending on enclosure height, is to be placed directly behind the baffle (see Figures C.1 and C.2). Test cans are to be positioned within 300 mm of the top or bottom of the enclosure, or both top and bottom if the enclosure permits such placement.

C.5.1.3 Test procedure

C.5.1.3.1 Agent certification

The composition of the extinguishing agent used shall be verified by certificate of conformance or by test.

Dimensions in millimetres

A-A

NOTE Room height H < 0,6 m, measuring points (M1 to М3) in two or three axes.

Figure C.4 — Side view instrumentation placement for nozzle minimum height/maximum area
coverage test

C.5.1.3.2 Operation

The heptane-filled test cans shall be ignited and allowed to burn for 30 s with the closable openings above in the open position.

After 30 s all openings shall be closed and the extinguishing system shall be manually actuated. At the time of actuation of the system, the amount of oxygen within the enclosure shall not be more than 0,5 % (volume fraction) lower than the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. During the test, the oxygen concentration shall not change more than 1,5 % (volume fraction) due to fire products. This change shall be determined by comparing the oxygen concentration measured in the cold discharge test with the measured oxygen concentration in this test (averaged over the three sensors).

NOTE End of discharge is the point when discharge has effectively ceased. For superpressurized liquefied extinguishants it is the instant when the discharge is predominantly gaseous. For non-superpressurized liquefied extinguishants and non-liquefied extinguishants where a cut-off mechanism is used to stop discharge, it is the instant when the pressure at the nozzle reduces to zero.

C.5.1.4 Recording of results

After the required pre-burn period, record the following data for each test:

1. the effective discharge time, i.e. for liquefied extinguishants the time of the pre-liquid gas phase plus the time of the two phase flow; for non-liquefied extinguishants the time from opening the container valve(s) to cutting off the discharge. The discharge time for liquefied extinguishants has to be determined by nozzle pressure, nozzle temperature or combination of both;

2. the time required to achieve extinguishment, in seconds. This time shall be determined by visual observation or other suitable means;

3. the total mass of extinguishant discharged into the test enclosure.

C.5.1.5 Determination of distribution performance of the nozzle

All test cans have to be extinguished within 30 s after the end of agent discharge.

As an alternate to the use of the heptane steel cans, the concentration of the extinguishing agent (or for non­liquefied gases: the oxygen concentration) can be measured at the locations specified for the steel test cans. The concentration shall be measured at each location and shall be at least the extinguishing concentration, to be reached 30 s after end of discharge time at latest.

C.5.2 Nozzles maximum height test

C.5.2.1 Test facility

C.5.2.1.1 Construction

The test enclosure shall meet the following requirements:

1. the test enclosure shall have a minimum volume of 100 m³. The floor dimensions shall be at least 4 m wide by 4 m long. The test enclosure is to have the maximum ceiling height as specified in the manufacturer's installation instructions;

2. a means of pressure relief shall be provided;

3. closable openings shall be provided directly above the test cans to allow for venting prior to system actuation;

4. one baffle is to be installed between the floor and ceiling with the height of the room. It is to be installed halfway between the nozzle location and the walls of the enclosure (see Figure C.1 for 360° nozzle and Figure C.2 for 180° nozzle). The baffle is to be perpendicular to the direction of nozzle discharge, and be 20 % of the length of the short wall of the enclosure.

C.5.2.1.2 Instrumentation

Instrumentation of the enclosure is as described in C.5.1.1.2.

C.5.2.2 Fuel specification

Test fire can construction, configuration, placement and fuel specifications shall be as given in C.5.1.2.

C.5.2.3 Test procedure

C.5.2.3.1 Agent certification

The composition of the extinguishing agent used shall be verified by certificate of conformance or by test.

C.5.2.3.2 Operation

The heptane is to be ignited and allowed to burn for 30 s with the closable openings above in the open position.

After 30 s all openings shall be closed and the extinguishing system shall be manually actuated. At the time of actuation of the system, the amount of oxygen within the enclosure shall not be more than 0,5 % (volume fraction) lower than the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. During the test, the oxygen concentration shall not change more than 1,5 % (volume fraction) due to fire products. This change shall be determined by comparing the oxygen concentration measured in the cold discharge test with the oxygen concentration measured in this fire test (averaged values).

C.5.2.3.3 Recording of results

Results are to be recorded as specified in C.5.1.4.

C.5.2.4 Determination of distribution performance of the nozzle

Using the extinguishing concentration for heptane, determined in accordance with C.6.2, all test cans have to be extinguished within 30 s after the end of agent discharge.

As an alternate to the use of the heptane steel cans, the concentration of the extinguishing agent (or for non­liquefied gases: the oxygen concentration) can be measured at the locations specified for the steel test cans. The concentration shall be measured at each location and shall be at least the extinguishing concentration, to be reached 30 s after the end of discharge time at latest.

C.6 Extinguishing concentration tests

C.6.1 Wood crib test

C.6.1.1 Test facility

C.6.1.1.1 Construction

The test enclosure shall meet the following requirements:

1. the test enclosure shall have a minimum volume of 100 m³. The height shall be at least 3,5 m. The floor dimensions shall be at least 4 m wide by 4 m long;

2. a means of pressure relief shall be provided;

3. the temperature in the test enclosure shall be 20 °С ± 5 °С at the beginning of each test and there shall be enough time between tests so that the enclosure can adapt to this temperature.

C.6.1.1.2 Instrumentation

Sampling and storage of data from the sensors described below shall occur at a rate of at least 10 Hz.

C.6.1.1.3 Oxygen concentrations

The oxygen concentration shall be measured by a calibrated oxygen analyser having an accuracy not less than 0,1 %. The sensing equipment shall be capable of continuously monitoring and recording the oxygen level inside the enclosure throughout the duration of the test. The accuracy of the measuring devices shall not be influenced by any of the fire products.

At least three sensors shall be located within the enclosure (Figures C.5 and C.6). One sensor shall be located at the equivalent height of the top of the test object from the floor, 0,6 m to 1 m away from the test object. The other two sensors shall be located at 0,1 H and 0,9//, with H = height of the enclosure (Figures C.5 and C.6).

C.6.1.1.4 Nozzle pressure

The nozzle pressure during system discharge shall be recorded by a pressure transducer in the pipe work at a distance not greater than 1 m from the nozzle.

C.6.1.1.5 Enclosure temperature

Temperature sensors shall be located centred 100 mm above the test object and 0,9 H, and a third sensor at the equivalent height of the top of the test object from the floor, horizontally 0,6 m to 1 m away from the test object (Figures C.5 and C.6).

C.6.1.1.6 Nozzle temperature

For liquefied extinguishants, the temperature of the liquid jet just outside the nozzle shall be recorded.

Dimensions in millimetres

Key

1 measuring point 2 test object

Figure C.5 — Plan view of instrumentation placement for the extinguishing concentration tes

t

Dimensions in millimetres

1 test object M1 to M5 measuring points

Figure C.6 — Side view of instrumentation placement for the extinguishing concentration test

C.6.1.2 Fuel specification

C.6.1.2.1 Crib igniter fuel

Ignition of the crib is achieved by burning 1,5 I of heptane (specified in C.5.1.2.2) on a 12,5 I layer of water in a square steel pan 0,25 m² in area, 100 mm in height and with a wall thickness of 6 mm (see Figure C.7).

C.6.1.2.2 Fire configuration and placement

The wood crib is to consist of four layers of six, approximately 40 mm x 40 mm by 450 mm ± 50 mm long, kiln spruce or fir lumber having a moisture content between 9 % and 13 %. Place the alternate layers of wood members at right angles to one another. Evenly space the individual wood members in each layer forming a square determined by the specified length of the wood members. Staple or nail together the wood members forming the outside edges of the crib.

The crib shall be preburned on a stand supporting the crib. The distance from the bottom of the crib to the top of the pan holding the igniter fuel (specified in C.6.1.2.1) shall be 300 mm. The bottom of the crib shall be 600 mm above the floor.

Figure C.7 — Pan geometry for wood crib and heptane pan fire test

C.6.1.3 Test procedure

C.6.1.3.1 Pretesting

Prior to commencing tests, the composition of the extinguishing gas shall be analysed. Record the weight and the moisture of the crib prior to the test.

C.6.1.3.2 Operation

Centre the crib with the bottom of the crib approximately 300 mm above the top of the pan on a test stand constructed so as to allow for the bottom of the crib to be exposed to the atmosphere. The pre-burning shall not be influenced by weather conditions such as rain, wind, sun, etc. The maximum wind speed in the proximity of the fire shall be 3 m/s. If necessary, adequate means for protection against wind, etc. may be used. Record the weather conditions including location of pre-burn, air temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

Ignite the heptane and allow the crib to burn freely. The crib shall be allowed to burn freely for a total pre-burn time of 6 min ⁺¹° s.

At the time of actuation of the system, the amount of oxygen within the enclosure at the level of the crib shall not be more than 0,5 % (volume fraction) lower than the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. During the test, the oxygen concentration shall not change more than 1,5 % (volume fraction) due to fire products. This change shall be determined by comparing the oxygen concentration measured in the cold discharge test with the oxygen concentration measured in this fire test (averaged values). If the start oxygen concentration in the fire tests and the cold discharge test are different, this has to be taken into account while comparing the oxygen concentrations.

From the end of system discharge, the enclosure is to remain sealed for a total of 10 min. After the soak period, remove the crib from the enclosure and observe to determine that sufficient fuel remains to sustain combustion and for signs of re-ignition. The following shall be recorded:

1. presence and location of burning embers;

2. whether or not the glowing embers or crib re-ignite;

3. weight of the crib after the test.

If necessary, amend the extinguishant concentration and repeat the experimental programme until three successive, successful extinguishments are achieved.

C.6.1.3.3 Results recording

After the required pre-burn period, record the following data for each test:

1. the effective discharge time, i.e. for liquefied extinguishants the time of the pre-liquid gas phase plus the time of the two phase flow; for non-liquefied extinguishants the time from opening the container valve(s) to cutting off the discharge. The discharge time for liquefied extinguishants has to be determined by nozzle pressure, nozzle temperature or combination of both;

2. the time required to achieve extinguishment, in seconds. This time shall be determined by visual observation or other suitable means;

3. the total mass of extinguishant discharged into the test enclosure;

4. the soaking time (time from the end of system discharge until the opening of the test enclosure);

5. the temperature profile of the wood crib.

NOTE End of discharge is the point when discharge has effectively ceased. For superpressurized liquefied extinguishants it is the instant when the discharge is predominantly gaseous. For non-superpressurized liquefied extinguishants and non-liquefied extinguishants where a cut-off mechanism is used to stop discharge, it is the instant when the pressure at the nozzle reduces to zero.

C.6.1.4 Determination of design extinguishant concentration

The laboratory extinguishant concentration is that concentration which achieves satisfactory extinguishment of the fire over three successive tests (no re-ignition or existence of burning embers after 10 min after end of discharge). Alternatively, three successful, non-successive tests may be used providing the highest concentration is taken (i.e. the test with the greatest mass of agent discharged and the longest discharge time). The design concentration is the laboratory concentration multiplied by an appropriate 'safety factor’.

C.6.2 Heptane pan test

C.6.2.1 Test facility

C.6.2.1.1 Construction

Construction of the enclosure is as described in C.6.1.1.1.

C.6.2.1.2 Instrumentation

Instrumentation of the enclosure is as described in C.6.1.1.2 to C.6.1.1.6.

C.6.2.2 Fuel specification

C.6.2.2.1 Heptane

The heptane is as specified in C 5.1.2.2.

C.6.2.2.2 Fire configuration and placement

The fire shall be in a square steel pan of 0,25 m², 100 mm high with a wall thickness of 6 mm as specified in C.6.1.2.1. The test pan is to contain 12,5 I of heptane. The resulting heptane surface is then 50 mm below the top of the pan.

The steel pan shall be located in the centre of the test enclosure with the bottom 600 mm above the floor of the test enclosure.

C.6.2.3 Test procedure

C.6.2.3.1 Pretesting

Prior to commencing tests, the composition of the extinguishing gas shall be determined by analysis.

C.6.2.3.2 Operation

The heptane shall be ignited and allowed to burn for 30 s.

After 30 s all openings shall be closed and the extinguishing system shall be manually actuated. At the time of actuation of the system, the amount of oxygen within the enclosure shall not be more than 0,5 % (volume fraction) lower than the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. During the test, the oxygen concentration shall not change more than 1,5 % (volume fraction) due to fire products. This change shall be determined by comparing the oxygen concentration measured in the cold discharge test with the oxygen concentration measured in this fire test (averaged values).

If necessary, amend the extinguishant concentration and repeat the experimental programme until three successive, successful extinguishments are achieved.

C.6.2.3.3 Agent certification

The composition of the extinguishing agent shall be verified by a certificate of conformance or by test.

C.6.2.3.4 Recording of results

Results are to be recorded as specified in C.6.1.3.3 with the exception of e).

C.6.2.4 Determination of design extinguishant concentration

The laboratory extinguishant concentration is that concentration which achieves satisfactory extinguishment of the fire over three successive tests (no flaming 30 s after the end of extinguishant discharge). Alternatively, three successful, non-successive tests may be used providing the highest concentration is taken (that is, the test with the greatest mass of agent discharged and the longest discharge time). The design concentration is the laboratory concentration multiplied by an appropriate 'safety factor¹.

C.6.3 Polymeric sheet fire test

C.6.3.1 Test facility

C.6.3.1.1 Construction

Construction of the enclosure is as described in C.5.1.1.1.

C.6.3.1.2 Instrumentation

Instrumentation of the enclosure is as described in C.5.1.1.2 to C.6.1.1.6.

C.6.3.2 Fuel specification

C.6.3.2.1 Igniter fuel

The ignition source is a heptane pan (constructed of 2 mm thick mild or stainless steel), internal dimensions of 51 mm x 112 mm and 21 mm deep, and centred 12 mm below the bottom of the plastic sheets (see Figure C.8). The 51 mm side of the pan is oriented parallel to the sheets of polymeric fuel. The pan is filled with 6 ml of commercial grade heptane (specified in C.5.1.2.2) on a water base of 40 ml.

C.6.3.2.2 Polymeric fuel

Tests are to be conducted with three plastic fuels:

• polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA);

• polypropylene (PP);

• acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymer (ABS).

Plastic properties are given in Table C.2.

Table C.2 — Plastic properties