AS 1530.3 Building Materials Radiant Heat Flame Propagation Heat Release Test Apparatus

The AS 1530.3 Building Thermal Radiation Burning Test Chamber is a professional fire testing device primarily used to evaluate the fire behavior characteristics of building materials under radiant heat exposure, including ignition time, flame propagation speed, heat release rate, and smoke production. This equipment uses radiant heat panels to simulate actual fire scenarios. By vertically installing samples and applying controlled heat radiation and pilot fire sources, it simultaneously measures multiple indicators, helping manufacturers and regulatory agencies determine whether the fire resistance performance of materials complies with Australian and New Zealand building codes. This test chamber is widely used for testing building elements such as wall linings, flooring materials, and insulation products, ensuring building safety in fire and providing a scientific basis for product certification. It is characterized by precise operation and reliable data, making it an important tool in the field of building fire testing.

Standard

AS 1530.3

Methods for fire tests on building materials, components and structures - Part 3: Simultaneous determination of ignitability, flame propagation, heat release and smoke release”

Scope of Application:

The AS 1530.3 tester assesses the fire hazard characteristics of building materials, specifically including flammability, flame propagation, heat release, and smoke release. It is suitable for a wide range of building products exposed to radiant heat, including solid, coated, or layered materials, but not for materials that excessively melt or shrink away from a flame. The following is a scope of products, detailed down to individual items, based on common applications:

Wall and Ceiling Linings: Drywall, Drywall Panels, Fiber Cement Boards, Acoustic Panels, Decorative Wall Coverings, Vinyl Wall Coverings.

Flooring Materials: Carpet Tiles, Vinyl Floor Sheets, Laminate Flooring, Rubber Substrates, Wood Flooring, Cork Blocks.

Insulation Products: Fiberglass Insulation, Rock Wool Insulation Boards, Foam Insulation Boards (e.g., Polystyrene, Polyurethane), Reflective Foil Insulation.

Coatings and Finishes: Paints (Interior/Outterior), Varnishes, Fire-Retardant Coatings for Wood, Joint Sealants, Wallpaper Adhesives.

Textiles and Fabrics: Curtain Fabrics, Architectural Interior Upholstery Fabrics, Woven Wall Hangings, Carpet Substrates.

Composite materials: Sandwich panels (e.g., aluminum composite panels), laminated plywood, particleboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF).

Roofing and exterior products: Roofing membranes, coated metal roofing panels, bitumen-based roofing felt.

Other building components: Door finishes, window frame coatings, conduit insulation wrapping, electrical conduit coverings.

Testing requires 100mm x 150mm samples (typically 6 samples), mounted vertically, to classify materials according to indices (e.g., flammability 0-20, flame spread 0-10) to comply with building codes.

Parameter:

1. All structural components are made of stainless steel, offering an aesthetically pleasing appearance and corrosion resistance;

2. The inner lining material of the test flue is made of plate (calcium + silicate), 13±1mm thick, with a nominal density of 650kg/m³;

3. The test flue is placed 900mm above the center line of the radiation plate;

4. The radiant heat source is an inflatable plate, placed perpendicularly to the sample. The heat radiation plate generates a radiant energy flow, with heat ranging from 10.9 kW/m² to 1.1 kW/m², reaching up to 900℃. It should also include a safety shut-off function;

5. Imported calorimeter from the USA, range 20KW/㎡;

6. Ignition tube diameter 6mm, positioned 15mm in front of the sample, 50mm from the center line;

7. Maximum temperature of the radiant plate 900℃;

8. Sample rack frame composed of 100x50mm wooden strips;

9. Auxiliary ignition tube diameter 6mm, inner diameter 4mm, positioned 15mm in front of the sample;

10. Imported flow control valve, precisely controlling propane flow rate 0.026±0.002L/s;

11. Imported calorimeter from the USA, range 20KW/㎡;

12. Sample rack movement is gear-driven, robust and reliable, large handwheel for easy operation;

13. Imported flow control valve, precisely controlling propane flow rate 0.026±0.002L/s;

Exhaust System

1. An exhaust device with a speed of 2.5±0.2 m/s should be added to the exhaust pipe;

2. Exhaust capacity 85m³/min Thermal Radiation System:

1. Heat flux measurement range: 0~15kw/㎡; accuracy: ±2%;

2. Data collection and analysis software.

3. Flame length adjustment range of the ignition burner: 12±1mm;

4. Critical temperature of the rear panel can be adjusted to 900℃ according to the airflow conditions of the radiant heat sink;

5. Smoke density system;

Control System:

1. Standard control cabinet, computer + LabVIEW intelligent control system:

• Control parameter setting and display; test status and fault display and query.

• Data acquisition and storage; screen monitoring, real-time temperature curve; historical curve and data query;

• Data export via USB. Historical curve and data query and printing;

• Can independently operate the machine to complete the test.

2. Has audible alarm and alarm accident display functions.

3. The control box has a USB/RS232 serial port, which can be connected to a desktop/laptop for operation and control, and can freely print test reports. 4. • Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) Control System:

• Automatic ignition, with ignition failure detection and protection.

• Automatic control and display of propane gas flow.

• PLC + frequency converter for automatic control and display of exhaust gas flow.

Specifications

Power Supply Voltage: AC380V±10%, 50Hz; Maximum Power Consumption: 5KW;

Timing Accuracy: <1s/h;

Heat Flux Meter Measurement Range: (0-15)Kw/m2;

Heat Flux Meter Accuracy: ±0.2Kw/m2;

Heat Flux Meter Precision: <±2%;

Exhaust Velocity: (2.5±0.2)m/s;

Exhaust Capacity: (39-85)m3/min;