Test Details
Test Purpose
A stack of unfinished or finished articles as they appear in the manufacturing line is placed on a non-combustible surface (steel grate) above a lattice of dried wood soaked with diesel fuel or equivalent source. A wire basket or clamps may be used to hold the articles in place. Sufficient fuel is used to provide a 30-minute fire. The fire is ignited and the material is observed for: a) Evidence of detonation, deflagration or explosion of the total contents; b) Potentially hazardous fragmentation; and c) Thermal effects (i.e. size of the fireball, etc.). Outcome can determine the in-process hazard division 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 or 1.4.
Equivalence
Similar in test principle to UN Series 6 (c), with the exception that articles are tested without packaging, as they are or may be found in the process, including during process upset.
Key Parameters
| Key Parameter | Objective | Origin | Specs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration of articles | Simulate a specific in-process configuration (requiring administrative controls to maintain) or a worst-case configuration (confined, random orientation) | Articles placed in a worst-case configuration (e.g. side-by-side, end-to-end, and/or in a pile) | |
| Quantity of articles | Provide a sufficient quantity of product to enable characterization of any dangerous effect | ||
| Fuel type (wood, liquid, or gas), configuration, and quantity | Create a fire of sufficient intensity and duration that engulfs the product to enable characterization of any dangerous effects | ||
| Witness screen size, placement, and materials of construction | Evidence of fragment energy, and a standard reference point for judging distances | Three 2m x 2m x 2mm 1100-0 aluminum sheets (Brinell Hardness 23, tensile strength 90 MPa), or equivalent |
Indicators
| Indicators | Detection Method | Assessment* |
|---|---|---|
| Mass explosion | Observation of consumption rate, video camera evidence, and visual post test inspection. Optional use of blast gauges and high-speed video. | Comparing observations against the definition of a mass explosion hazard (substantial proportion of the whole [Subjective] explodes) [Mass/ high explosion hazard: IP Division 1.1] |
| Potentially hazardous projections | Damage to the witness screens; field sampling/ cataloging | Potentially hazardous projections [Fragmentation hazard: IP Division 1.2] |
| Fireball, jet of flame, or fiery projections | Observation of test; video camera evidence (reference marker: witness screens) | Mass fire hazard [Mass fire hazard: IP Division 1.3] |
| No mass reaction hazard | Observation of test; video camera evidence | [No mass reaction hazard: IP Division 1.4] |
| Reaction is non-propagating and less than 1.0 lbs Net Explosive Weight | Observation of test; video camera evidence | [No reaction propagation hazard: Qualified IP Division 1.4 or 1.4Q] |
*Assessments are taken together to determine the hazard division.