NOTE The sizes given to the dimensions are for guidance only.
Figure 1 — Impact test apparatus
Drop test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 5.10.
Impact surface
The impact surface is a solid base with a reasonably smooth surface. An example of such a surface is as follows:
— steel plate, with a minimum thickness of 75 mm and Brinell hardness of not less than 200, solidly supported by a concrete foundation having a minimum thickness of 600 mm.
The length and width of the surface should be not less than one and a half times the dimension of the unit being tested.
Procedure
The test unit without packaging is dropped from a height of 2 m as measured from the lowest point of the test unit to the impact surface. A safe waiting period following impact prescribed by the test laboratory should be observed, even if no visible initiation or ignition occurs at impact.
Requirements
The sample shall be subjected to a function test in accordance with 7.16.
Casing and aerosol flow temperatures test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 5.11.
Casing temperature test
Casing temperature test is an integral part of the function test. See 7.16 for casing temperature test procedure.
Aerosol flow temperature test
Aerosol flow temperature test is an integral part of the function test. See 7.16 for aerosol flow temperatures test procedure.
Ignition performance test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 5.12.
The ignition of the generator shall be tested in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
samples of the complete ignition devices shall operate as intended.
The power output of the ignition device shall be not less than that specified by the manufacturer at minimum power output sufficient to ignite the maximum designed mass of the aerosol-forming compound at the most disadvantageous operating conditions.
Function test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 5.13.
1 Discharge time
Discharge time shall be measured by using one or more of the following techniques:
thermocouples recording temperature changes at the start and end of the discharge;
infrared video recording.
NOTE The reference points identified as the start and the end of the aerosol generator discharge should be the same as taken during performance testing and as defined by the manufacturer.
2 Aerosol flow temperatures
Aerosol flow temperatures shall be measured by thermocouples.
The following thermocouples arrangement shall be used for measuring temperatures at the specified minimum distances for 75 °С, 200 °С and 400 °С.
three cross-shaped poles are used as a support for the thermocouples and installed at the specified minimum clearances;
centre of each cross shall be in line with a centre of a condensed aerosol generator’s discharge outlet with the ends of the cross being within the cone-shaped discharge path;
crosses may be rotated against each other (i.e. X, Y, Z axis) to minimize the impact of the aerosol flow on the temperature readings;
five thermocouples may be used - one at the centre of the cross, and four at its ends;
three highest readings out of five shall be taken for recording.
Any other than above described suitable measuring technique acceptable to and approved by a Listing Authority may be used for measuring discharge time, temperatures and enclosure pressure.
3 Test procedure
Condition a fully assembled condensed generator for 16 h at ambient temperature of 21 °С.
Discharge the generator in a test enclosure.
4 Casing temperature test
The following thermocouples arrangement may be used for measuring temperature of the outer generator’s casing.
— Three thermocouples shall be attached to the outer casing of the aerosol generator in the locations with the highest expected temperature.
5 Discharged mass
The mass of aerosol generator shall be measured before and after the discharge. The difference of mass shall be recorded.
6 Explosive atmosphere actuation test
Any generator’s family shall be actuated inside an explosive atmosphere. The actuation of the generator shall not initiate any explosion.
7 Requirements
Full function requirements apply to the discharge of a condensed aerosol generator prior to conducting any of the performance testing and to the discharge of condensed aerosol generators in the function tests shown in Table 1.
The conditions are described in Table 3.
Table 3 — Test conditions for function test
|
Parameter |
Clause |
Requirement |
Tolerance |
|
Visual examination |
— |
During discharge: no flame coming out from discharge outlet |
— |
|
Discharge time |
7.16.1 |
As specified by manufacturer |
10% |
|
Temperatures at the specified minimum clearances for 75°C, 200°C and 400°C |
7.14.2 |
As specified by manufacturer |
10% |
|
Temperature of the outer casing |
7.14.1 |
— |
10% |
|
Mass of aerosol compound discharged |
7.16.5 |
— |
5% |
|
Explosive atmosphere actuation test |
7.16.6 |
|
0 |
Heat exposure test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 5.14.
Object of the test
The object of the fire exposure test is to demonstrate the safe operation of the condensed aerosol generator during and/or after its exposure to an external fire simulating a realistic accident.
Test procedure
Subject the sample to a temperature of (600 + 30) °С in a furnace for a period of 10 min. The temperature inside the oven shall be recorded from the initial temperature up to the end of the test.
Requirements
Should the condensed aerosol generator actuate during the test, it shall discharge as intended.
Should the condensed aerosol generator fail to actuate during 10 min from the starting time, it shall be remotely electrically activated and shall discharge as intended.
There shall be no rupturing to the generator casing during the discharge.
The discharge time shall be in accordance with the function requirements as specified in the Function test.
Explosive atmosphere test
NOTE This test relates to the requirements of 7.16.6.
Object of the test.
The object of the explosive atmosphere test is to demonstrate the safe operation of the condensed aerosol generator inside a potentially explosive atmosphere.
Test procedure
Subject the sample of any generator’s family to an actuation test inside a test volume (fitting the extinguishing factor of the specific generator) containing a proven explosive atmosphere i.e. propane or propane/butane (the explosive atmosphere shall be proven by testing it 3 times).
Requirements
Should the condensed aerosol generator actuate during the test, it shall discharge as intended.
There shall not be initiating any explosion.
The test shall be repeated 3 times.Annex A
(normative)
Extinguishing factor/coverage test procedure
A.1 General
The tests shall be carried out in accordance with Table A.1.
Table A.1 — Tests
|
Test objective |
Enclosure size |
Test fires |
Tests in accordance with |
|
Aerosol generator distribution verification Min. Height/max protected volume and distance Max. Height/max protected volume and distance |
To suit aerosol generator's unit size |
heptane test pans heptane test pans |
A.5.1 A.5.2 |
|
Extinguishing factor |
> 100 m3 no side less than 4 m, height: not less than 3,5 m |
(a) wood crib |
A.6.1 |
|
(b) n-heptane pan |
A.6.2 |
||
|
A.6.3 A.6.4 |
A.2 Principle
A.2.1 An engineered or pre-engineered extinguishing system unit shall mix and distribute its extinguishant and shall totally flood the enclosure when tested in accordance with this test method under the maximum design limitations and most severe installation instructions. (See also A.2.2)
A.2.2 When tested as described in A.5.1, A.5.2 and A.6.2 an extinguishing system unit shall extinguish all visible flaming within 30 s after the end of extinguishant discharge. When tested as described in A.6.1 an extinguishing system unit shall extinguish all visible flaming and prevent re-ignition of the fires after an 10 min soak period (also measured from the end of extinguishant discharge). When tested as described in A.6.3, and A.6.4 an extinguishing system unit shall extinguish all visible flaming within 60 s after the end of extinguishant discharge and also prevent re-ignition of the fires after an 10 min soak period (also measured from the end of extinguishant discharge).
A.2.3 The tests described herein consider the intended use and limitations of the extinguishing system unit, with specific reference to:
coverage for each aerosol generator unit size ;
maximum and minimum height of the protected enclosure for each aerosol generator units size;
location of aerosol generators in the protected area;
maximum pressure built up during discharge;
maximum discharge time;
extinguishing factor for specific fuels.
A.3 Extinguishing system
A.3.1 For the extinguishing tests described in A.6.1, A.6.2, A.6.3, and A.6.4, jet energy from the discharge outlets shall not influence the development of the fire. Therefore the discharge outlets shall be directed away from the fires.
A.3.2 Adequate pressure relief vents in forms of closeable flaps shall be provided during all tests. Calculations for the minimum vent area as well as location of the vents shall be in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.
A.4 Extinguishing factor
The extinguishing factor for each test is to be 76,9 % (see 5.2 of CEN/TR 15276-2:2009) of the intended end use design factor specified in the manufacturer's design and installation instructions at the ambient temperature of (20 ± 5) °С within the enclosure. In the tests described in A.5.1 and A.5.2, the same extinguishing factor shall be used as in the tests described in A.6.2.
A.5 Aerosol generator distribution verification tests
A.5.1 Minimum height/maximum coverage test
A.5.1.1 Test facility
A.5.1.1.1 Construction
The test enclosure shall meet the following requirements:
the area (a x b) and height (/-/) of the enclosure (see Figure A.1) shall correspond to the maximum area coverage and minimum height specified by the manufacturer for a specific aerosol generator unit size, but not less than 100 cubic meter;
test room volume shall be determined from the result of heptane fire test (see A.6.2):
M is the generator’s unit mass in grams,
c is the design factor, in grams per cubic metre;
area sides a and b shall be calculated to fulfil following requirements:
(A.2)
the distance c (see Figures A.1 and A.2) shall be equal to maximum coverage distance (Rmax) specified by manufacturer;
means of pressure relief shall be provided;
closeable openings shall be provided directly above the test pans to allow for venting prior to system actuation;
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 discharge outlet location and the walls of the enclosure (see Figure A.1 for centre
mounting generator and Figure A.2 for side mounting generator). The baffle is to be perpendicular to the direction between the discharge outlet location and walls of the enclosure (see Figures A.1 and A.2), and be 20 % of the length of the short wall of the enclosure.
1
Key
H minimum height and maximum height specified by manufacturer for the centre mounting generator a x b maximum generator area coverage for a single generator
c maximum generator coverage distance (Rmax)
Test pans 3 Baffle
Generator 4 Vents
Figure A.1 — Example configuration for Generator minimum height/ maximum coverage test for centre
mounting generator
1
a
Key
H minimum height and maximum height specified by manufacturer for the side mounting generator a x b maximum generator area coverage for a single generator
c maximum generator coverage distance (Rmax)
Test pans 3 Baffle
Generator 4 Vents
Figure A.2 — Example configuration for Generator minimum height/ maximum coverage test for side
mounting generator
A.5.1.1.2 Instrumentation
Sampling and storage of data from the sensors described below shall occur at a rate of at least 4 Hz.
A.5.1.1.3 Oxygen concentrations
The oxygen level (minimal oxygen level as per 5.1.3.2.) shall be measured by a calibrated oxygen analyser capable of measuring the percentage oxygen to within at least one decimal place (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 A.3 and A.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 x H, 0,5 x H and 0,9 x H (H = height of the enclosure) above the floor.
A.5.1.1.4 Discharge pressure
The pressure built up during system discharge shall be recorded by a pressure transducer at a distance not greater than 1 m from the generator.
A.5.1.1.5 Enclosure temperature
At least the temperature in a horizontal distance from the centre of the room of 850 mm to 1 250 mm and 0,5 x H (H = room height) above the floor shall be recorded (Figures A.3 and A.4).
NOTE It is recommended to use К type thermocouples (Ni-CrNi), diameter 1 mm.
A.5.1.1.6 Aerosol temperature and discharge times
A thermocouple shall be placed just outside the discharge outlet of the aerosol generator to record aerosol temperature at the outlet as well as commencement and end of the aerosol discharge. Additional thermocouples may be placed at the minimum thermal clearance from the discharge outlet as specified by the manufacturer for each unit size of the aerosol generators.
NOTE It is recommended to use К type thermocouples (Ni-CrNi), diameter 1 mm.
A.5.1.1.7 Flame out times
Cameras, e.g. infrared-cameras, or an alternative means of directly viewing the fire can be provided as an aid to determining flame out times.
A thermocouple can be located centrally 30 mm above each fire pot to provide additional information.
Dimensions in mm
О
1 250
850
0,5a
a * 4 000
Figure A.3 — Plan view of instrumentation placement for generator minimum height/maximum area
coverage and maximum height/maximum area coverage test
Dimensions in mm
Figure A.4 — Side view of instrumentation placement for generator minimum height/maximum area
coverage and maximum height/maximum area coverage test
A.5.1.2 Fuel specification
A.5.1.2.1 Test pans
The test pans shall be cylindrical (80 ± 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.
A.5.1.2.2 n-Heptane
The heptane shall be:
n-heptane; or
commercial grade having the following characteristics:
distillation
Initial boiling point: 90°C minimum
Dry point: 100°C maximum
density (at 15,6°C) (700 ± 50) kg/m3.
A.5.1.2.3 Fire configuration and placement
The test pans may contain either n-heptane or n-heptane and water. If they are to contain n-heptane and water, the n-heptane shall be at least 50 mm deep. The level of n-heptane in the pans shall be at least 50 mm below the top of the can.
The test pans are to be placed within 50 mm of the corners of the test enclosure and in addition directly behind the baffle (see Figures A.1 and A.2), and located vertically within 300 mm of the top or bottom of the enclosure, or both top and bottom if the enclosure permits such placement.
A.5.1.3 Test procedure
A.5.1.3.1 General
Prior to commencing tests, the composition of the extinguishing aerosol shall be analysed.
A.5.1.3.2 Operation
The heptane filled test pans are to be ignited and allowed to burn for 30 s with the closeable openings above in the open position.
After 30 s all openings are to be closed and the extinguishing system is to 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 vol% lower than the normal atmospheric oxygen concentration. During the test, the oxygen concentration shall not change more than 1,5 vol% 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).
A.5.1.3.3 Results recording
After the required pre-burn period, record the following data for each test:
the discharge time of extinguishant, in seconds;
the time required to achieve extinguishment, in seconds. This time shall be determined by visual observation, thermocouples readings or other suitable means.
A.5.1.4 Determination of distribution performance of the generator
Using the extinguishing factor for n-heptane, determined according to A.5.2, all test pans have to be extinguished within 30 s after the end of agent discharge.
A.5.2 Maximum height test
A.5.2.1 Test facility
A.5.2.1.1 Construction
The test enclosure shall meet the following requirements:
area (axb) and height (/-/) of the enclosure (see Figure A.1) shall correspond to the maximum area coverage and maximum height specified by the manufacturer for a specific aerosol generator's unit size;
test room volume shall be determined from the result of heptane pan test (see A.6.2) (see A.6.2):
V - rText
Q.169-C
(A3)
M is the generator’s unit mass in grams,
c is the design factor, in grams per cubic metre;
area sides a and b shall be calculated to fulfil following requirements:
the distance c (see Figures A.1 and A.2) shall be equal to maximum coverage distance (Rmax) specified by manufacturer and shall be the same specified for minimum height;
means of pressure relief shall be provided;
closeable openings shall be provided directly above the test pans to allow for venting prior to system actuation;
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 A.1 for centre mounting generator and Figure A.2 for side mounting generator). 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.
