A test apparatus and a method for assessing fire performances of product specimen

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and a method for assessing fire performances of product specimen. It is an object of the present invention to provide a test apparatus, wherein manufacturers easily can assess one or more fire performances of product specimens to increase the likelihood of positive SBI test result, and thereby reducing the development- and / or the accredited tests costs. The present invention addresses this by providing a test apparatus comprising a testing chamber wherein a burner unit is arranged. The burner unit comprises metal housing having an upper plate configured to provide a heat source, wherein the burner unit is in fluid communication with an external gas supply. An exhaust tube and measuring device arranged along the exhaust tube. The exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the testing chamber's volume, such that an exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber through the exhaust tube. The measuring device or devices are arranged relative to or in said exhaust tube, wherein said measuring device is configured to measure at least one parameter related to the fire performance of a product specimen, when during test use the burner unit heats and / or burns the product specimen and the exhaust gas is flowing through said exhaust tube.

Description

[0001] A test apparatus and a method for assessing fire performances of product specimen

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and a method for assessing fire performances of product specimen.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] The knowledge of the fire behaviour and fire performances of products has been increasing in importance. The performance of a test method related to fire behaviour and fire performances of products may be performed according to Single Burning Item, SBI EN 13823, which has gained confidence both in test institutes and in industry. Before entering the market with construction products and / or building elements, excluding floorings, for example ranging from class A2-sl, dO to D-s3, d2 and in special cases also class Al, the products have to be assessed according to the Single Burning Item, SBI EN 13823 test method. The SBI is a test method for determining the reaction to fire behaviour of a product when exposed to a certain thermal attack for classification purposes according to for example the applicable European standards. The SBI test method correlates to the fire behaviour and fire performances test scenario of ISO 9705, later also to EN 14390, the European pendant to ISO 9705, which was used to establish the European fire classification system. The single burning item is a sand-box burner supplied with propane as a heat and ignition source. The SBI test method is one method out four needed for classifying construction products and building elements. A SBI test result can in conjunction with test results from European test standards EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716 classify Al products with facings, in conjunction with EN ISO 1716 test results of classified products, and finally, in conjunction with EN ISO 11925-2 test results of products in classified ranges. Compared to the other three fire test methods, the SBI test method gives a far broader range of different test parameter results that enables a better understanding of a product’s reaction to fire performance. Due to that and maybe because it is a solely European fire test standard, the SBI method is considered to be the flagship of the European fire classification system.

[0006] The dimension of the housing frame of the SBI test equipment, comprising a test chamber, with dimensions 300 cm x 300 cm x 240 cm, and a trolley in which the product is installed. The product specimen may be provided of two parts, height 1.5 m, width 0.5 and 1,0 m, forming a right-angled corner, and the product specimen and the sand-box burner are mounted on a rig forming an enclosure emulating the room comer fire test scenario. The total exposed specimen surface area may for example 1.5 m x 1.5 m. The product specimen is exposed to flames with a heat release of 30 kW for a period of 20 minutes. Heat and smoke production is measured within the ducting for the exhaust hood, wherein the flame spread is observed during the test. An exhaust hood collects the combustion gases, which are transported through an exhaust tube, wherein the measured parameter or parameters related to the exhaust gases are used for calculating a plurality of information related to the fire performances of the product specimen, such as the heat and smoke production.

[0007] The full-scali SBI test equipment uses a calibrating sand box burner to calibrate the main sand box. The problem is that the main sand box burner and the calibrating sand box burner is not completely identical. Therefore, the calibration of the full-scali SBI test equipment cannot be accurate, which is a problem.

[0008] The manufacturers must each time turn to an accredited laboratory for providing a SBI test of the product or products. Such test procedure performed in an accredited laboratory is very extensive and time consuming. The test is very complex to perform and requires a huge amount of knowledge related to fire behaviour and fire performances of products. First the manufacturer must apply for an available timeslot wherein the product can be tested. The manufacturer must wait according to a waiting list, which sometimes may be a long waiting period before getting access to the testing facilities. Every single product type must be tested accordingly. If the product fails to meet the criteria for a particular classification, the manufacturer must go back to the drawing board and develop a new and / or improved product. The manufacturer must again wait for a time slot for testing the new version of the product. Every test performed is very expensive for the manufacturer.

[0009] The SBI test equipment is expensive and space consuming. Many manufacturers do not have the space and finances to require such an equipment, and therefore do not have the means to increase the likelihood of a positive SBI test result that can lead to the manufacturer’s desired classification. Also, the manufactures may not have the necessary knowledge related to fire behaviour and fire performances of products and therefore is not capable of performing a reliable test of the products before requiring a SBI test.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] It is an object of the present invention to overcome these problems, and to provide a test apparatus, wherein manufacturers easily can assess one or more fire performances of product specimens to increase the likelihood of positive SBI test result, and thereby reducing the development- and / or the accredited tests costs. Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide an agile method for calibrating a test apparatus to ensure a more accurate test result.

[0012] The present invention addresses this by providing a test apparatus for assessing at least one fire performance of a product specimen, wherein the test apparatus comprises:

[0013] - a testing chamber having a volume, wherein the testing chamber comprises a closable opening, such that said product specimen is capable of being arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume, between a bottom part and a top part of the testing chamber, wherein a burner unit configured to provide a heat source, wherein the burner unit is in communication with an external power supply, wherein said burner unit is arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume relative to the testing chamber’s bottom part or top part, wherein a first exhaust hood is arranged on or relative to the testing chamber’s top part,

[0014] - an exhaust tube having a first tube section and a second tube section, wherein said first tube section is connected to the first exhaust hood, wherein said exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the testing chamber’s volume, such that an exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber through the first tube section and a second tube section of the exhaust tube, wherein the test apparatus comprises one or both:

[0015] - at least one measuring device arranged relative to or in said exhaust tube, wherein said measuring device is configured to measure at least one parameter related to the fire performance of a product specimen, when during test use the burner unit heats and / or bums the product specimen, and wherein the exhaust gas is flowing through said exhaust tube - at least one measuring device arranged inside the testing chamber, wherein said measuring device is configured to measure at least one parameter related to the fire performance of a product specimen, when during test use the burner unit heats and / or burns the product specimen, and wherein the exhaust gas is flowing through said exhaust tube.

[0016] The test apparatus may generally be a small-scale test apparatus. The test apparatus may be configured to perform a test procedure which is substantially similar to an EN ISO standard SBI test method. The result may be comparable to a full- scale test according to the SBI standard. The small-scale test apparatus may be limited in size compared to the dimension of the housing frame of a test apparatus related to the test performance according to the SBI related standard. The small-scale test apparatus is configured to assess fire performances of a product specimen. The test apparatus is configured to assess fire performances of a product specimen in a substantially controlled environment. Under present day practice, a small-scale test may not replace the full-scale test according to the SBI standard, because the full-scale test is still necessary to perform to obtain a classification of products. The small-scale test may be a substantially reduced full-scale test. But the present test apparatus may aid manufacturers to incorporate and optimize fire-technical performances in a product’s development early in the development process to ensure a positive full-scale SBI test.

[0017] The test apparatus comprises a testing chamber having a volume. The testing chamber comprises a closable opening, such that the product specimen is capable of being arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume. During testing, the product specimen is arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume between a bottom part and a top part of the testing chamber. The product specimen may comprise two parts having two sides forming a right-angled corner of 90°. The test specimen exposed area measurements may for example be: widthl :200mm x width2: 200mm x height: 600mm. The product specimen may be arranged on a rig or a plate or similar, forming a wall corner.

[0018] The burner unit may comprise a metal housing having a metal upper plate. The burner unit may be a metal box burner. The metal may be steel or similar material capable of being used in applications exposing the burner unit for high temperatures. Other types of burner units may be chosen depending on the testing chamber’ s purpose. The burner unit comprises an ignition source. The burner unit may be configured to be in communication with an external power supply. The power supply may be configured to provide electrical power or gas power. The burner unit may for example be configured to be in fluid communication with an external gas supply. The ignition source may be configured to ignite the gas flowing through the burner unit and thereby provide a heat source. The ignition source may be activated manually or automatically. The heat and / or ignition source is configured to be in fluid communication with an external gas supply. The burner unit may be arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume relative to the testing chamber’s bottom part, e.g., beside the product specimen. The burner unit may also be arranged relative to or in the product specimen right-angled corner on a rig or a plate or similar, such that the burner unit may be arranged adjacent to both of the product specimen' two parts. The burner unit may have a plan upper surface from where the heat emits, such that the burner unit may emit heat along the product specimen.

[0019] Alternatively, the burner unit comprises heating member configured to provide a heat source, wherein the burner unit may be in electrical communication with an external power supply. The burner unit may be arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume relative to the testing chamber’s the top part. The burner unit may be arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume relative to the testing chamber’s top part, e.g., between the product specimen and the first exhaust hood. The heating member may comprise at least one thread for heat transfer. The heating member may be a cone heating device comprising a cone heating unit, the cone heating unit may be an electrical heating unit. A first exhaust hood is arranged on or relative to the testing chamber’s top part. The first exhaust hood collects the exhaust gases. One end of the exhaust tube is attached to the first exhaust hood top opening, such that an exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber through the first exhaust hood top opening and through the exhaust tube. The exhaust tube may be provided with a first tube section and a second tube section. The exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber, through the first exhaust hood top opening, through the first tube section and the second tube section of the exhaust tube. To provide an increasingly reliable measurement and assessment of the fire performances of a product specimen, the testing chamber’s sides may be substantially airtight. The testing chamber allows an air flow through aperture or apertures, which may be arranged at the bottom of the testing chamber. The connection between the testing chamber’s top part and first exhaust hood may be substantially airtight, such that substantially all of the exhaust gas, e.g. smoke particles, related to the product specimen enters the first exhaust hood.

[0020] At least one measuring device is arranged relative to or in the exhaust tube. The measuring device or devices are configured to measure information related to the fire performance of a product specimen when the burner unit heats and / or burns the product specimen and the exhaust gas is flowing through the exhaust tube. The measured parameter or parameters related to the exhaust gases are used for calculating a plurality of information related to the fire performances of the product specimen, such as the heat and smoke production.

[0021] The test apparatus may assess at least one fire performance of a product specimen and / or test criteria related to the test procedure according to the SBI related standard. For example one or more of following: Total Heat Release, THR, which is the total heat released in a predetermined test period, Total Smoke Production, TSP, which is the total smoke produced during the predetermined test period, Smoke Growth Rate, SMOGRA, which is the rate at which smoke production increases during the predetermined test period, Lateral Flame Spread, LFS, which is a simple measure of whether flames spread to the edge of the specimen, Burning Time / Speed, Fire Growth Rate Index, FIGRA, which is the speed at which heat release increases throughout the full test duration, flaming droplets / particles, which relates to any droplets / particles which continue to flame for longer than predetermined minutes, when the droplets / particles reach the ground are recorded during the first predetermined minutes of the test.

[0022] By reducing the dimension of the test apparatus compared to the test apparatus referred to in the SBI related standard, the manufacturer will be provided with a solution, which is reduced in size and, potentially, the acquisition price is reduced as well. The manufacturer is therefore capable of assessing one or more fire performances of a product specimen, before applying for SBI classification test at an accredited la- boratory. The manufacturer is now able to test all new and / or improved products substantially accurately, such that the rate of failure, and thereby the costs can be reduced significantly. The development of a product will be more agile, and time to market will be reduced.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a lower surface of the burner unit is facing the bottom part of the testing chamber, such that the burner unit is capable of burning through an upper surface through a plurality of aperture arranged in the upper plate.

[0024] When reducing the dimension of the test apparatus compared to the test apparatus referred to in the SBI related standard, wherein a sand box burner is defined in the standard, another solution may be been provided. The test apparatus comprises a burner unit instead of a modified sand box burner, which is easy and cheaper to produce compared to sizing down a sand box burner. The burning process may easily be controlled as well, when using a burner unit. The lower surface of the burner unit may be arranged in the test apparatus, such that the lower surface of the burner unit may face the bottom part of the testing chamber. The burner unit may have a quadrilateral shaped upper surface, which may be capable of being arranged relative to or in the product specimen right-angled corner, such that the burner unit may be arranged adjacent to both of the product specimen’s two parts. The burner unit may be capable of burning above an upper surface, such that the fire towards product specimen can be controlled substantially accurately. The product specimen may be exposed to flames with a predefined heat release for a predefined period, such that heat and / or smoke production, and other fire performance can be measured.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one measuring device is a smoke measuring device arranged relative to and / or in the first tube section, wherein said smoke measuring device is configured to measure at least one smoke density performance related to the exhaust gas inside said first tube section.

[0026] The test apparatus may assess at least one fire performance of a product specimen and / or test criteria related to the test procedure, which is related to the EN13823; SBI standard. Smoke production from the product specimen is one of the fire performances which may be an advantage to measure in the test apparatus. The test apparatus comprises at least one measuring device, which may be a smoke measuring device. The smoke measuring device may be arranged relative to and / or in the first tube section. The smoke measuring device may be configured to measure the smoke density related to the exhaust gas inside the first tube section.

[0027] The first tube section may have a predetermined length. The smoke measuring device may comprise a photoelectric sensor. The smoke measuring device may measure the light transparency to provide a smoke density measuring result for the determination of smoke generated by solid materials. The smoke measuring device may perform the measurement in the predetermined length of the first tube section. Other type of smoke measuring device may be used as an alternative to a photoelectric smoke sensor. The photoelectric detection principle may be a cost-effective solution, compared to other types of smoke measuring devices. To measure and calculate smoke performance of a product specimen, the test system may require a plurality of measurements and calculations over a predetermined time to provide a result of fire performances related to the product specimen. To measure a flow of smoke over time, a flow velocity through the exhaust tube is an important factor. The smoke measuring device provides a substantially accurate measurement result.

[0028] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one measuring device is a flow measuring device, which is arranged relative to or in the second tube section, wherein the flow measuring device is configured to measure at least one gas flow parameter related to the exhaust gas inside the exhaust tube, wherein said second tube section comprises a venturi tube, such that said flow measuring device is capable of measuring a venturi effect.

[0029] The flow measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section. The flow measuring device may be configured to measure gas flow parameters related to the exhaust gas inside the exhaust tube second tube section. The second tube section may comprise a venturi tube, such that the flow measuring device may be capable of measuring the venturi effect, which relates to the measurement of the flow rate through a tube. Alternatively or additionally, the first tube section may comprise a venturi tube. A venturi works by measuring the difference in pressure at two different locations along the second tube section or first tube section. Flow rate and flow velocity may be related, such that a gas flow velocity may easily be determined and can be controlled.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one measuring device is a temperature measuring device, wherein said temperature measuring device is arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the temperature measuring device is capable of measuring at least one temperature parameter.

[0031] The temperature measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the temperature measuring device may be capable of measuring temperature parameters related to the exhaust gas in or at the second tube section. To provide a more accurate temperature parameter result, two or more temperature measuring devices may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section. Preferably three temperature measuring devices may be arranged relative to each other, to or in the second tube section. The temperature parameters measured by the temperature measuring devices may be correlated to provide a more accurate temperature parameter during the fire performances test of the product specimen.

[0032] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said at least one measuring device is a gas measuring device, wherein said gas measuring device is arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the gas measuring device is capable of measuring at least one gas level parameter related to the exhaust gas.

[0033] The gas measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section. The gas measuring device may be capable of at least one gas level parameter related to the exhaust gas. The levels of O2, CO and / or CO2 may be measured. A gas measuring device comprising oxygen measuring device. The oxygen measuring device may be an analyser. The oxygen measuring device may be suitable for measurements of ppm to % levels of oxygen in a gas or mixture of gases. The gas measuring device is not limited to an oxygen measuring device being an analyser., but merely mentioned as an option.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said first tube section of said exhaust tube is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction, and / or said second tube section of said exhaust tube is arranged in a substantially vertical direction.

[0035] The first tube section of the exhaust tube may be arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. The smoke measuring device may be arranged, such that the smoke measuring device may be capable of providing a measurement related to the smoke density in the predetermined length of the exhaust tube or part of the predetermined length of the exhaust tube.

[0036] The second tube section of the exhaust tube may be arranged in a substantially vertical direction. The second tube section of the exhaust tube may be arranged such that the second tube section extends in a direction different from the first tube section. Alternatively, the second tube section of the exhaust tube may be arranged such that the second tube section extends downwards from the first tube section. The second tube section of the exhaust tube may be arranged such that the second tube section extends downwards along a back side of the testing chamber. The second tube section comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the second tube section may be in contact with the first tube section. The second end of the second tube section may enter the test apparatus below the bottom part of the testing chamber. The second end of the second tube section may be in contact with a further exhaust tube system.

[0037] When providing a horizontal first tube section and a vertical second tube section the dimension of the test apparatus may be reduced compared to the test apparatus referred to in the SBI related standard. The test apparatus may comprise moveable means, such that the test apparatus can be moved easily. The test apparatus is agile and can easily be moved from a first location to a second location. The second end of the second tube section may easily be connected to and disconnected from a further exhaust tube system.

[0038] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said test apparatus further comprises a cooling chamber arranged adjacent to the testing chamber, wherein the cooling chamber has a top part and a bottom part, wherein the cooling chamber comprises a second exhaust hood arranged on or relative to the cooling chamber’s top part.

[0039] The test apparatus further comprises a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber may be arranged adjacent to the testing chamber. The cooling chamber may be provided with a top part and a bottom part. The cooling chamber may comprise a closable opening, such that the product specimen may be capable of being arranged inside or removed from the cooling chamber’s volume. The cooling chamber may comprise a second exhaust hood arranged on or relative to the cooling chamber’s top part. A further exhaust tube may be arranged in fluid communication with the second exhaust hood, such that the exhaust tube releases the exhaust away from test apparatus.

[0040] Alternative the test apparatus may comprise a cooling chamber arranged adjacent to a testing chamber, wherein the testing chamber the burner unit may be arranged. The burner unit may alternatively comprise a sand burner member, a metal burner member and / or an electrical heating member configured to provide a heat source for exposing the product specimen to a certain thermal attack. The burner unit may be in electrical communication with an external power supply, or the burner unit may in gas communication with an external gas supply. After the thermal attack on the product specimen, the product specimen may be transported from the testing chamber to the cooling chamber.

[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one moveable chamber side is configured to provide an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber, wherein at least one transporting means is arranged relative to said testing chamber’s bottom part, and to said cooling chamber’s bottom part, such that a bottom plate is capable of being moved from said testing chamber to said cooling chamber through the opening between the chambers along the transporting means.

[0042] The cooling chamber may be arranged adjacent parallel to the testing chamber. At least one moveable chamber side may be configured to provide an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber. The chamber side may be arranged on a moveable bottom plate. The bottom plate may carry a product specimen, during a test procedure and after a test procedure. When testing the product specimen, the moveable side may be arranged in a position relative to the testing chamber, such that the testing chamber may be substantially fluid-tight during the test procedure, such that preferably all the exhaust gas enters the exhaust tube. Still ambient air or similar may be allowed to enter the chamber preferably below the bottom plate. For example, to ensure the properties for allowing a burning unit to provide heating using a flame.

[0043] Transporting means may be arranged relative to the testing chamber’s bot- tom part and to the cooling chamber’s bottom part. The transporting means may comprise at least one first and second transporting means, which are arranged relative to each other, such that the bottom plate may be capable of being moved from the testing chamber to the cooling chamber through the opening between the chambers along the transporting means. The transporting means may be rails, rollers, or other means for transporting the bottom plate.

[0044] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the second exhaust hood, such that the gas flow is capable of flowing through the first exhaust hood into the exhaust tube and further into the second exhaust hood.

[0045] The exhaust tube may be in fluid communication with the second exhaust hood. The first tube section comprises a first end and a second end, and the second tube section comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the first tube section may be in contact with the first exhaust hood. The second end of the first tube section may be in contact with the first end of the second tube section. The second end of the second tube section may be in contact with the second exhaust hood. The second end of the second tube section may enter the test apparatus below the bottom part of the testing chamber. The second end of the second tube section may be in fluid communication with a further exhaust tube, which extends from below the bottom part of the cooling chamber to the second exhaust hood on top of the cooling chamber. The gas is capable of flowing through the first exhaust hood into the exhaust tube and further into the second exhaust hood. The second exhaust hood may easily be connected to and disconnected from a further exhaust tube system.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the testing chamber is elongated, wherein a width is equal to or less than 1 m, and / or a depth is equal to or less than Im, and / or a height is equal to or less than 1.5 m.

[0047] The dimension of the housing frame the SBI related standard comprise a chamber, which may be as large as 245 cm x 148 cm x 148 cm, and the product specimen size is 1.5 m x 0.5 m. The down scaled test apparatus may be capable of providing reliable tests of the product specimens, which is smaller than 20 x 60 cm. The test of the product specimens reduces costs and is less time consuming than the full scale SBI test according to the SBI related standard. The test of the down sized product specimens will clearly indicate whether or not one or more fire performances of the product specimen are capable of passing a SBI test in an accredited laboratory. The manufacturer is capable of making a quick test and based on the test the manufacturer is capable of evaluating, ranking, and altering the product according to the test result. The testing chamber may be moveable. The testing chamber may have a size that easily fits in a smaller room, and due to the size of the testing chamber it may be easy to move within a short period of time to an alternative location, which is far more complicated with a full size SBI testing chamber. The testing chamber may rest on one or more of following: feet, legs, rollers, or wheels etc.

[0048] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a control device is configured to be in data communication with said at least one measuring device, wherein the control device comprising processing means, such that the control device is capable of determining at least one fire performance related to a product specimen based on one or more measured parameters.

[0049] A control device may be configured to be in data communication with the at least one measuring device related to the test apparatus. The control device comprises processing means, such that the control device may be capable of determining the calorific parameter and / or other fire related performances of a product specimen based on one or more measured parameters.

[0050] A comparison between the small-scale test result and the full-scale test result is not necessarily completely valid. The control device’s processing means may be configured to provide statistics and data modelling to illuminate a relationship between the small-scale test and the full-scale tests. Based on the statistics and data modelling related to the result of a small-scale test, this may clearly indicate a predicted outcome of the full-scale test related to the product when estimating a full-scale test result based on the small-scale test. If the test and / or the estimated test results deliver a poor small- scale test of the product fire performances, the manufacturer can easily change the design or material selection and test again until the product performs as desired.

[0051] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said test apparatus comprises a mass loss cone chamber provided with at least one measuring device for measuring mass loss of a product specimen, wherein said measuring device is arranged inside or relative to the mass loss cone chamber. The mass loss cone chamber may be configured to monitor a comprehensive set of fire properties in a well-defined and controlled fire scenario. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a cone heating device arranged inside the volume of the mass loss chamber. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise at least one measuring device, wherein at least one of the measuring devices may be configured to measure weight of a product specimen arranged inside the mass loss cone chamber. The measuring device may be a weight measuring device. The weight measuring device may be a scale. The measurement device may comprise a holder for a product specimen. The cone heating device may be arranged above the holder. The measuring device may track the weight of the product specimen, while heating the product specimen over time. The mass loss of the product specimen may be measured when heat is provided. The test apparatus may comprise a measuring device for measuring temperature inside the mass loss cone chamber. The test apparatus may comprise a measuring device for measuring energy consumption related to heat exposure during the test. The test apparatus may provide data information related to a mass loss cone test.

[0052] A mass loss cone test may be performed inside the mass loss cone chamber. The mass loss cone test may be used to assess the mass loss rate of a product under controlled levels of radiant heating under ventilated conditions. The results of the mass loss test may be used to evaluate material specific properties of a product specimen.

[0053] The mass loss cone chamber may be arranged adjacent to the testing chamber or the cooling chamber. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a bottom part and a top part. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a volume. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a closable opening, such that the product specimen can be arranged inside the mass loss cone chamber's volume between a bottom part and a top part. The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a cone heater unit. The cone heater unit may provide a consistent heat flux to the product specimen. The cone heater unit may be activated manually or automatically. The cone heater unit may be controlled during the mass loss test procedure, such that a continually heat flux may be provided.

[0054] The mass loss cone chamber may comprise a third exhaust hood. The third exhaust hood, which may be arranged adjacent to the top part. A third exhaust hood is arranged on or beside the mass loss cone chamber’s top part, such that the smoke from the chamber may be led directly into the third exhaust hood. The third exhaust tube may be attached to an exhaust opening arranged in third exhaust hood. The cone chamber exhaust tube may be in fluid communication with the mass loss cone chamber’s volume, such that the exhaust gas is capable of flowing directly from the mass loss cone chamber through the third exhaust hood and into the cone chamber exhaust tube. The cone chamber exhaust tube may be connected to the one or more of the respective exhaust tubes, which may be attached to the testing chamber or the cooling chamber.

[0055] At least one measuring device may be arranged relative to or inside the mass loss cone chamber. The measuring device may be configured to measure at least one parameter related to the mass loss of the product specimen during heating.

[0056] At least one of the measuring devices may be a weight measuring device. The weight measuring device may be measuring the weight of the product specimen and the heat exposure during the mass loss cone test. The weight measuring device may be arranged inside or relative to the volume of the mass loss cone chamber. The weight measuring device may be configured to carry the product specimen during the mass lost test procedure. A product specimen holder may be arranged relative to the weight measuring device, such that the product specimen may be arranged in a predetermined position during the mass loss test procedure.

[0057] At least one of the measuring devices may be a temperature measuring device. The temperature measuring device may be measuring the product specimen during the mass loss test procedure, to ensure a constant heat irradiation of the product specimen. The temperature measuring device may be arranged inside or relative to the volume of the mass loss cone chamber. The temperature measuring device may be arranged in on or at the cone heating device. The temperature measuring device may be arranged inside the cone heater unit or outside the cone heater unit inside the mass loss cone chamber. The cone heater unit may be controlled based on the testing result retrieved from the temperature measuring device. At least one of the measuring devices may be configured to measure oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, smoke density, methane, heat flux etc.

[0058] The testing chamber may be used as a mass loss cone chamber. The mass loss cone chamber may be elongated. The mass loss cone chamber may have a width equal to or less than 1 m, and / or a depth equal to or less than Im, and / or a height equal to or less than 1.5 m. The testing chamber may in this case comprise a cone heater unit as a burning unit. The cone heater device may be used as an alternative to the burning unit.

[0059] The test apparatus for assessing at least one fire performance of a product specimen, may comprise a testing chamber, an exhaust tube and at least one measuring device, the testing chamber may be a mass loss cone chamber. The testing chamber has a volume. The testing chamber comprises a closable or partially closeable opening configured to receive a product specimen inside the testing chamber’s volume, between a bottom part and a top part of the testing chamber. A cone heating device is configured to be a heat source. The cone heating device comprise a cone heating unit which may be in electrical communication with an external power supply. The cone heating device may be arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume relative to the testing chamber’s top part. The first exhaust hood is arranged on or relative to the testing chamber’s top part.

[0060] The exhaust tube may have a first tube section and if preferred a second tube section. The first tube section is connected to the first exhaust hood. The exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the testing chamber’s volume, such that an exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber through the first tube section and if preferred a second tube section of the exhaust tube.

[0061] The at least one measuring device may be arranged relative to, on or in said cone heating device and / or if preferred in said exhaust tube. The measuring device is configured to measure at least one parameter related to the fire performance of a product specimen, when during test use the cone heating device heats the product specimen.

[0062] The mass loss cone chamber may comprise one or more of following:

[0063] - at least one measuring device may be a smoke measuring device. The smoke measuring device may be arranged relative to and / or in the first tube section. The smoke measuring device may be configured to measure at least one smoke density related to the exhaust gas inside said first tube section.

[0064] - at least one measuring device may be a flow measuring device. The flow measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section. The flow measuring device may be configured to measure at least one gas flow parameter related to the exhaust gas inside the exhaust tube. The second tube section comprises a venturi tube, such that the flow measuring device may be capable of measuring a venturi effect.

[0065] - at least one measuring device may be a temperature measuring device. The temperature measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the temperature measuring device may be capable of measure at least one temperature parameter.

[0066] - at least one measuring device may be a gas measuring device. The gas measuring device may be arranged relative arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the gas measuring device is capable of measure at least one gas level parameter related to the exhaust gas.

[0067] - at least one control device, which may be configured to be in data communication with one or more of the at least one measuring device. The control device comprises processing means, such that the control device may be capable of determining, calculating, or processing at least one fire performance related to a product specimen based on one or more measured parameters.

[0068] The mass loss cone chamber may further comprise a cooling chamber arranged adjacent to the mass loss cone chamber. The cooling chamber may be provided with a top part and a bottom part. The cooling chamber may comprise a second exhaust hood arranged on or relative to the cooling chamber’s top part. The exhaust tube may be in gas communication with the second exhaust hood, such that the gas flow is capable of flowing through the first exhaust hood into the exhaust tube and further into the second exhaust hood.

[0069] At least one moveable chamber side may be configured to provide an opening between the mass loss cone chamber and the cooling chamber. At least one transporting means may be arranged relative to the mass loss cone chamber’s bottom part, and to the cooling chamber’s bottom part, such that a bottom plate may be capable of being moved from the mass loss cone chamber to the cooling chamber through the opening between the chambers along the transporting means.

[0070] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for assessing at least one fire performance of a product specimen using a test apparatus, wherein the method comprises following steps:

[0071] - arranging said product specimen to be tested inside said testing chamber relative to the burner unit or the cone heating device,

[0072] - initiate a predetermined burning sequence using the burner unit or the cone heating device, and an ignition, - measuring at least one parameter related to the fire performance of said product specimen in the exhaust gas,

[0073] - determine the fire performance of said product specimen based said measured parameter.

[0074] The measured parameter or parameters may be related to parameters retrieved from the measuring device or devices provided, such that the fire performances of the product specimen can be determined.

[0075] When assessing the fire performance or fire performances of a product specimen the test apparatus tests the product specimen according to a predetermined test method. The method may comprise a plurality of steps to ensure a reliable result related to the fire performances of the product specimen. The product specimen may be arranged in a predetermined position to be tested inside the volume of the testing chamber. The product specimen may be arranged on a moveable bottom plate. The burner unit and the product specimen may be arranged relative to each other in a predetermined position. A predetermined burning sequence may be initiated using the burner unit or the cone heating device, which may comprise a heat and / or ignition source.

[0076] One or more measuring devices may be arranged relative to or in the exhaust tube, configured to measure at least one parameter retrieved using a measuring device or devices, wherein the parameter or parameters are related to the fire performance of the product specimen in the exhaust gas. Based on the measured parameter or parameters the fire performance of the product specimen can be determined based on e.g., statistics and / or data modelling.

[0077] In an advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further steps of calibrating the test apparatus before placing said product specimen to be tested inside the testing chamber, the method comprising following steps:

[0078] - arranging a reference specimen inside said testing chamber relative to said burner unit or said cone heating device,

[0079] - initiating a predetermined calibration sequence using said burner unit or said cone heating device,

[0080] - measuring at least one parameter related to the fire performance of said reference specimen in the exhaust gas,

[0081] - determine at least one calibration parameter or parameters. The test apparatus may be calibrated before and / or after a test procedure is performed. Alternatively, the test apparatus may be calibrated periodically. The method for calibrating the test apparatus may comprise a plurality of steps to ensure a reliable test performing. The calibration may be performed before placing a specimen to be tested inside the testing chamber. A predetermined reference specimen may be provided for this purpose. The reference specimen may be arranged inside the testing chamber relative to the burner unit or the cone heating device. In the following the burner unit may as well be a cone heating device comprising a cone heating unit. The control device initiating a predetermined calibration sequence and ignite the burner unit. While the burner unit bums the reference specimen, the measuring device or measuring devices measure at least one parameter related to the fire performance of the reference specimen in the exhaust gas. Based on the measured parameter or parameters the calibration parameter or parameters can be determined based on calibration calculations.

[0082] The calibration method is much more simples and accurate than the calibration method used in a full-scali SBI test equipment because the calibration may be performed using the same burner unit in a test of product specimen as when using the reference specimen. This provides more accurate test results.

[0083] In a further advantageous method of the invention the method comprises a further step, wherein moving the product specimen or the reference specimen from the testing chamber to a cooling chamber, wherein the product specimen or the reference specimen are placed on a movable bottom plate, moving the bottom plate carrying the product specimen or the reference specimen from said testing chamber to said cooling chamber through an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber along a transporting means.

[0084] The product specimen or the reference specimen may be moved from the testing chamber to the cooling chamber. The product specimen or the reference specimen may be placed on a moveable bottom plate. A chamber side may be attached to the bottom plate, such that when moving the bottom plate, the chamber side moves relative to the bottom plate. The method comprises a step of moving the bottom plate carrying the product specimen or the reference specimen from the testing chamber to the cooling chamber through an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber using transporting means.

[0085] Developing products may be expensive and time-consuming. By developing prototypes and perform various small-scale tests, the product development process is cheaper, faster, and less risky than developing a product and risk that the product does not pass the full-scale SBI test. This way the product development process becomes faster and cheaper when choosing the development of a fire optimised product based on tested materials from the start. The small-scale testing improves the ability of manufacturers to achieve SBI-certification in a more efficient way than before. The manufacturers thereby reduce time-to-market and the costs doing so.

[0086] The test apparatus may be a laboratory equipment size. The test apparatus may be moveable. The test apparatus may have a size that easily fits in a smaller room. Due to the total dimension of the test apparatus, the test apparatus may be easy to move location within a short period of time from one location to an alternative location. This is far more complicated with a full size SBI test apparatus. The test apparatus may rest on one or more of following: feet, legs, rollers, or wheels etc.

[0087] This invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments and methods, which have only been discussed to illustrate the many varying possibilities achievable with the test apparatus and the method for assessing fire performances of product specimen according to the present invention.

[0088] Brief description of the drawings

[0089] The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to:

[0090] Fig. 1 : Showing a first embodiment of a test apparatus from a front view.

[0091] Fig. 2: Showing a first embodiment of a test apparatus from a back view.

[0092] Fig. 3a,b,c: Showing a testing chamber comprising a burner unit.

[0093] Fig. 4: Showing a first embodiment of a test apparatus from a back view.

[0094] Fig. 5: Showing a fluid control in the exhaust tubes.

[0095] Fig. 6: Showing method steps in a test procedure.

[0096] Fig. 7: Showing method steps in a calibration procedure.

[0097] Fig. 8: Showing a second embodiment of a test apparatus comprising a mass loss cone chamber. In the explanations of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection which each single figure / embodiment.

[0098] Detailed description

[0099] Embodiments of the invention are explained in the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its scope to the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0100] Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a test apparatus 1 from a front view. The test apparatus 1 is assessing fire performance of a specimen 10. A specimen 10 relates to both a product specimen and a calibration specimen in the following detailed description of the invention. The calibration specimen is substantially similar in size to a predetermined product specimen. The test apparatus in this embodiment is arranged in a test apparatus cabinet 16, wherein the test apparatus 1 comprises a testing chamber 2 for testing the specimen 10 and a cooling chamber 3 for cooling the specimen

[0101] 10 after the test procedure. The test procedure may be a calibration procedure.

[0102] Each of the testing chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3 has a respective volume. The testing chamber has a closable opening 13, such as a door. The cooling chamber has closable openings 14, such as doors as illustrated in fig. 1. A first exhaust hood 4 is arranged on or relative to the testing chamber’s 2 top part. The cooling chamber 3 is arranged adjacent to the testing chamber 2. The cooling chamber has a top part and a bottom part. The cooling chamber comprises a second exhaust hood 5 arranged on top of the cooling chamber’s top part.

[0103] A product specimen 10 is placed inside the testing chamber’s 2 volume, between a bottom part and a top part. A burner unit 11 is arranged inside the testing chamber’s volume on a bottom plate 12 relative to the testing chamber’s 2 bottom part. A burner unit 11 is arranged relative to the product specimen 10. The burner unit

[0104] 11 may be in contact with the product specimen 10. The burner unit 11 is in fluid communication with an external gas supply, which is not showed in fig. 1. Drawers 15 are arranged below the bottom parts of the testing chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3. The drawers 15 are used for collecting fire waste.

[0105] The exhaust tube has a first tube section 6 and a second tube section 7. The first tube section 6 is in a first end connected to the first exhaust hood’ s 4 exhaust outlet. The exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the testing chamber’s 2 volume, such that the exhaust gas during test is capable of flowing from the testing chamber 2 through the first tube section 6 and a second tube section 7 of the exhaust tube. Away from the testing chamber 2. Measuring devices are arranged relative to or in the exhaust tube’s first and second sections 6,7. The measuring devices are configured to measuring parameters related to the fire performance of the product specimen 10 during the test procedure. During use the burner unit 11 ignites the product specimen and the exhaust gas is flowing through first exhaust hood 4 and through the exhaust tube.

[0106] At least one of the measuring devices is a smoke measuring device 8. The smoke measuring device 8 is arranged relative to and in the first tube section 6. The smoke measuring device 8 provides a measurement related to at least one smoke density parameter related to the exhaust gas which flows through the first tube section 6 during use. The first tube section of the exhaust tube is arranged in a substantially horizontal direction. The smoke measuring device 8 is a photoelectric sensor, such as a laser sensor.

[0107] The testing chamber 2 is elongated, wherein a width is equal to or less than 1 m, and / or a depth is equal to or less than Im, and / or a height is equal to or less than 1.5 m. The testing chamber 2 is equally elongated, wherein a width is equal to or less than 1 m, and / or a depth is equal to or less than Im, and / or a height is equal to or less than 1.5 m.

[0108] A control device 17 is in data communication with the measuring device 8. The control device comprises processing means, such that the control device 17 is capable of determine at least one fire performance related to a product specimen 10 based on one or more measured parameter which is used for assessing at least one fire performance of a product or a reference specimen.

[0109] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a test apparatus 1 from a back view. In this embodiment the exhaust tube has a first tube section 6 and a second tube section 7. The first tube section 6 is in a first end connected to the first exhaust hood’ s 4 exhaust outlet and in a second end different to the first end connected to a first end of the second tube section 7. The second tube section 7 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction along the back side of the test chamber 2. The second tube section 7 is in fluid communication with the first tube section 6. The second end of the second tube section 7 enters the test apparatus cabinet 16 below the bottom part of the testing chamber 7. The second end of the second tube section 7 is in fluid communication with a further exhaust tube 22. The further exhaust tube 22 is arranged substantially parallel to the second tube section 7. The further exhaust tube 22 is arranged in a substantially vertical direction along the back side of the cooling chamber 3. The further exhaust tube 22 is in connected to the second exhaust hood’s 5 exhaust outlet 9. The connection between the second tube section 7 and the further exhaust tube 22 is not visible in fig. 2 but is explained in fig. 5. The second end of the second tube section 7 may easily be connected to and disconnected from a further exhaust tube 22.

[0110] The second tube section 7 comprises a venturi tube 18, such that the flow measuring device 19 is capable of measuring a venturi effect relative to the venturi tube 18. The flow measuring device 19 is arranged relative to or in the second tube section 7 in two different locations alone the venturi tube 18. The flow measuring device 19 measures at least one gas flow parameter related to the exhaust gas inside the exhaust tube. The gas flow is measured in real time during a test and / or calibration procedure. The gas flow can be controlled in real time during a test procedure. The smoke density parameter in the exhaust gas is measured in real time during a test and / or calibration procedure. The control device 17 calculates the smoke density relative to the gas flow in real time, such that the control device 17 can determined at least one fire performance of the product specimen 10.

[0111] Three temperature measuring devices 20 are arranged relative to or in the second tube section 7 in predetermined positions, such that the temperature measuring devices 20 are measuring at least one temperature parameter in three different locations relative to or in the second tube section 7. The measured temperature may be a temperature related to the temperature of the exhaust gas, which flows in the second tube section 7. The control device 17 may calculate a correlated temperature parameter based on the three measurements. The correlated temperature is measured in real time during a test and / or calibration procedure. The control device 17 calculates the correlated temperature relative to the smoke density and / or gas flow in real time, such that the control device 17 can determined at least one fire performance of the product specimen 10.

[0112] The gas measuring device 21 is an oxygen measuring device, which is arranged relative to or in the second tube section 7. The gas measuring device 21 is capable of measuring at least one gas level parameter in the exhaust gas. The levels of O2, CO and / or CO2 can be measured in real time during a test and / or calibration procedure. The control device 17 calculates the oxygen level relative to the exhaust gas, such that the control device 17 can determined at least one fire performance of the product specimen 10. The control device 17 may also calculate the oxygen level relative to the temperature and / or the smoke density and / or gas flow in real time, such that the control device 17 can determined at least one fire performance of the product specimen 10.

[0113] Fig. 3a,b,c shows a testing chamber 2 comprising a burner unit 11. A burner unit 11 comprises a heat and / or ignition source, which can be controlled by the computer device 17. The heat and / or ignition source is in fluid communication with an external gas supply 23 during a test and / or calibration procedure. The predefined heat release from the burner unit 11 may for example be approximately 7.5 kW. The predefined heat release from the burner unit 11 may be higher or lower than approximately 7.5 kW depending on the application. The heat release parameter is controlled by the controlling device.

[0114] In fig. 3a shows a burner unit 11 inside a testing chamber 2. The burner unit 11 is arranged inside the testing chamber’s 2 volume relative to the testing chamber’s bottom part 12. The burner unit 11 is arranged relative to the product or the calibration specimen 10 right-angled corner. The burner unit 11 is arranged adjacent to both specimen’s 10 two inner surfaces. A lower surface of the burner unit is facing the bottom plate 12 of the testing chamber 2, such that the burner unit is capable of burning through an upper surface of an upper plate 25.

[0115] In fig. 3b shows an embodiment of a burner unit 11. The burner unit may have a quadrilateral shaped upper plate 25 proving an upper surface. The quadrilateral shaped burner unit is easily arranged relative to or in specimen’ s 10 right-angled corner. The burner unit 11 is capable of burning through substantially perforate upper plate 25, such that the fire towards product specimen can be controlled according to a controlled burning sequence. The specimen 10 may be exposed to flames with a predefined heat release for a predefined period, such that heat and smoke production and / or other fire performance can be measured.

[0116] In fig. 3c shows an embodiment of a burner unit 11 in an exploded view. The quadrilateral shaped lower plate 28 of the burner unit 11 may face the bottom plate 12 of the testing chamber 2. A quadrilateral shaped perforate intermediated plate 27 is kept in a predefine distance from the lower plate 28, such that an oxygen flow is provided. The quadrilateral shaped perforate intermediated plate 27 is furthermore kept in a predefine distance to the upper plate’s 25 top frame 26. The intermediated plate 27 is kept in a predefine distance from the lower plate 28 using spacer 27 and attachment means 30.

[0117] Fig. 4 shows the first embodiment of a test apparatus 1 from a back view. The further exhaust tube 22 is in gas communication with the second exhaust hood, such that the gas flow flows through the first exhaust hood 4 into the first tube section 6 and through the second tube section 7, wherein oxygen level, temperature, flow and / or smoke density of the exhaust gas are measured using the measurement devices 8, 19, 20, 21. Then the gas flow flows through the further exhaust tube 22 and into the second exhaust hood 5. If the specimen 10 is arranged inside the cooling chamber 3, for example after a test procedure, the exhaust gas flows directly into the second exhaust hood 5 and out the exhaust outlet.

[0118] The moveable chamber side 24 provides an opening between the testing chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3. Transporting means 31 is arranged relative to the testing chamber’s 2 bottom part and to the cooling chamber’s 3 bottom part, such that a bottom plate is capable of being moved from the testing chamber 2 to the cooling chamber 3 through the opening between the chambers along transporting means 31.

[0119] The bottom plate carries a specimen 10 when being moved by the transporting means 31. The moveable side 24 may be arranged in a position relative to the bottom plate. The moveable side 24 may be fastened to the bottom plate, such that when the bottom plate is being transported by the transporting means 31, the moveable side 24 follows. The testing chamber is substantially fluid-tight during the test and / or calibration procedure, such that ambient air is still allowed to enter the chamber, and preferably all the exhaust gas enters the exhaust tube.

[0120] Fig. 5 shows a connection between the bottom part of the second exhaust tube section 7 and the further exhaust tube 22. The exhaust system comprises a first and second tube section and a further exhaust tube, and a first and section exhaust hoods, and an exhaust outlet from the second exhaust hood. A powered ventilation device 32 controls the exhaust flow in the exhaust tube system. The powered ventilation device 32 can be controlled by the control device.

[0121] Fig. 6 shows method steps in a test procedure:

[0122] 6a: The specimen 10, which is a product specimen to be tested, is arranged inside the testing chamber relative to the burner unit 12.

[0123] 6b: The control device 17 initiates a predetermined burning sequence using the burner unit 12.

[0124] 6c: The control device 1 measures at least one fire performance parameter in or relative to the exhaust gas, wherein the at least one fire performance is related to a product specimen 10. The fire performance parameter may comprise smoke density, temperature, oxygen level and gas flow.

[0125] 6d: The control device 17 determines the at least one fire performance of product specimen 10 based the measured parameter or parameters. If a calibration is performed before and / or after testing the product specimen 10, the calibration result is taken into consideration when assessing the test result.

[0126] The method may comprise a further step, wherein moving the product specimen from the testing chamber to a cooling chamber 2, wherein the product specimen is placed on a movable bottom plate. The bottom plate carries the product specimen from the testing chamber 2 to the cooling chamber 3 through a moveable opening between the testing chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3 along transporting means, as explained in fig. 4.

[0127] Fig. 7 shows method steps in a calibration procedure.

[0128] 7a: The specimen 10, which is a calibration specimen to be tested, is arranged inside the testing chamber relative to the burner unit 12.

[0129] 7b: The control device 17 initiates a predetermined calibration sequence using the burner unit 12.

[0130] 7c: The control device 1 measures at least one fire performance parameter in or relative to the exhaust gas, wherein the at least one fire performance is related to a product specimen 10. The fire performance parameter may comprise temperature, oxygen level and gas flow.

[0131] 7d: The control device 17 determines at least one calibration parameter or parameters.

[0132] The method may comprise a further step, wherein moving the calibration specimen from the testing chamber to a cooling chamber 2, wherein the calibration specimen is placed on a movable bottom plate. The bottom plate carries the calibration specimen from the testing chamber 2 to the cooling chamber 3 through a moveable opening between the testing chamber 2 and the cooling chamber 3 along transporting means, as explained in fig. 4.

[0133] Fig. 8: Showing a second embodiment of a test apparatus comprising a mass loss cone chamber. The mass loss cone chamber 40 may comprise a bottom part 42 and a top part 43. The mass loss cone chamber 40 may have a volume 41. The mass loss cone chamber 40 comprises a closable opening 46, such that a product specimen is capable of being arranged inside the volume 41 of the mass loss cone chamber 40. The mass loss cone chamber 40 comprise a bottom part and a top part. A third exhaust hood 44 is arranged on or relative to mass loss cone chamber’s 40 top part. A third exhaust tube, not showed in fig. 8, may be attached to an exhaust opening 45 on top of the third exhaust hood 44. The cone chamber exhaust tube may be in fluid communication with the mass loss cone chamber’s 40 volume 41, such that the exhaust gas is capable of flowing directly from the mass loss cone chamber’s 40 through the third exhaust hood 44 and into the cone chamber exhaust tube. The cone chamber exhaust tube may be connected to the one or more of the other exhaust tubes in the test apparatus, which may be attached to the testing chamber 2 or the cooling chamber 3.

[0134] At least one measuring device may be arranged relative to or in the mass loss cone chamber 40. The measuring device may be configured to measure at least one parameter related to the mass loss of the product specimen during the mass loss test procedure. The weight measuring device 48 may be measuring the product specimen during the mass loss test procedure. The weight measuring device 48 may be arranged inside the volume of the mass loss cone chamber 41. The weight measuring device 48 may be configured to carry the product specimen during the mass lost test procedure.

[0135] A product specimen holder 47 may be attached to the weight measuring device 48 on top of the weight measuring device 48, such that the product specimen may be arranged in a predetermined position during the mass loss test procedure. After the product spec- imen 10 may be arranged in the predetermined position on the product specimen holder

[0136] 47, the mass loss test procedure may be started.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A test apparatus for assessing at least one fire performance of a product specimen, wherein the test apparatus (1) comprises:- a testing chamber (2) having a volume, wherein the testing chamber (2) comprises a closable opening, such that said product specimen (10) is capable of being arranged inside the testing chamber’s (2) volume, between a bottom part and a top part of the testing chamber (2), wherein a burner unit (11) comprises metal housing having an upper plate configured to provide a heat source, wherein the burner unit is in fluid communication with an external gas supply, wherein said burner unit (11) is arranged inside the testing chamber’s (2) volume relative to the testing chamber’s bottom part, wherein a first exhaust hood (4) is arranged on or relative to the testing chamber’s (2) top part,- an exhaust tube having a first tube section (6) and a second tube section (7), wherein said first tube section (6) is connected to the first exhaust hood (4), wherein said exhaust tube is in fluid communication with the testing chamber’s (2) volume, such that an exhaust gas is capable of flowing from the testing chamber (2) through the first tube section (6) and a second tube section (7) of the exhaust tube,- at least one measuring device (8,18,19,21) arranged relative to or in said exhaust tube, wherein said measuring device is configured to measuring at least one parameter related to the fire performance of a product specimen (10), when during use the burner unit (11) heats and / or burns product specimen (10) and the exhaust gas is flowing through said exhaust tube.

2. Test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a lower surface of the burner unit is facing the bottom part of the testing chamber, such that the burner unit is capable of burning through an upper surface through a plurality of aperture arranged in the upper plate.

3. Test apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one measuring device is a smoke measuring device arranged relative to and / or in the first tube section, wherein said smoke measuring device is configured to measure at least onesmoke density related to the exhaust gas inside said first tube section.

4. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring device is a flow measuring device arranged relative to or in the second tube section, wherein the flow measuring device is configured to measure at least one gas flow parameter related to the exhaust gas inside the exhaust tube, wherein said second tube section comprises a venturi tube, such that said flow measuring device is capable of measuring a venturi effect.

5. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring device is a temperature measuring device, wherein said temperature measuring device is arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the temperature measuring device is capable of measure at least one temperature parameter.

6. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one measuring device is an gas measuring device, wherein said gas measuring device is arranged relative arranged relative to or in the second tube section, such that the gas measuring device is capable of measure at least one gas level parameter related to the exhaust gas, such as an oxygen analyser.

7. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said test apparatus further comprises a cooling chamber arranged adjacent to the testing chamber, wherein the cooling chamber has a top part and a bottom part, wherein the cooling chamber comprises a second exhaust hood arranged on or relative to the cooling chamber’s top part.

8. Test apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one moveable chamber side is configured to provide an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber, wherein at least one transporting means is arranged relative to said testing chamber’s bottom part, and to said cooling chamber’s bottom part, such that a bottom plate is capable of being moved from said testing chamber to said cooling chamberthrough the opening between the chambers along the transporting means.

9. Test apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the exhaust tube is in gas communication with the second exhaust hood, such that the gas flow is capable of flowing through the first exhaust hood into the exhaust tube and further into the second exhaust hood.

10. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the testing chamber is elongated, wherein a width is equal to or less than 1 m, and / or a depth is equal to or less than Im, and / or a height is equal to or less than 1.5 m.

11. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a control device is configured to be in data communication with said at least one measuring device, wherein the control device comprising processing means, such that the control device is capable of determining at least one fire performance related to a product specimen based on one or more measured parameters.

12. Test apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said test apparatus comprises a mass loss cone chamber provided with at least one measuring device for measuring mass loss of a product specimen, wherein said measuring device is arranged inside or relative to the mass loss cone chamber.

13. Method for assessing at least one fire performance of a product specimen using a test apparatus according to claim 1-12, wherein the method comprises following steps:- arranging said product specimen to be tested inside said testing chamber relative to the burner unit,- initiate a predetermined burning sequence using the burner unit,- measuring at least one parameter related to the at least one fire performance of said product specimen in the exhaust gas,- determine the at least one fire performance of said product specimen based said measured parameter or parameters.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises further step of calibrating the test apparatus before placing said product specimen to be tested inside the testing chamber, the step of calibrating the test apparatus comprising- arranging a reference specimen inside said testing chamber relative to said burner unit,- initiating a predetermined calibration sequence using said burner unit,- measuring at least one parameter related to the fire performance of said specimen in the exhaust gas,- determine at least one calibration parameter or parameters.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the method comprises a further step, wherein moving the product specimen or the reference specimen from the testing chamber to a cooling chamber, wherein the product specimen or the calibration specimen are placed on a movable bottom plate, moving the bottom plate carrying the product specimen or the reference specimen from said testing chamber to said cooling chamber through an opening between the testing chamber and the cooling chamber along a transporting means.

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