What is PD ISO/TS 21397 about?
PD ISO/TS 21397 specifies a method for determining the kinetics and yields of gaseous emissions from a specimen exposed to radiant heat in a cone calorimeter. Gas yields are determined by exposing small representative specimens to an external heat flux with or without spark ignition. The concentrations of specific gases in the effluent (smoke) are measured. In combination with calculated masses of gases, their yields from the specimen mass, mass loss, or mass-loss rate can be determined.
PD ISO/TS 21397 uses Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as described in ISO 19702, with additional information on the test apparatus and gas analyser suitable for this specific application.
Who is PD ISO/TS 21397 for?
PD ISO/TS 21397 on FTIR analysis is relevant to:
- Laboratories
- Regulatory bodies
- Product design engineers
- Fire safety research and engineering departments
Why should you use PD ISO/TS 21397?
The composition of the effluent from an enclosure fire is determined by the combustible items in the enclosure, such as interior furnishings and wall linings, and the fire conditions within the enclosure. To represent any product involved in any fire scenario, the ideal fire test specimen is the complete item, and the ideal test is one conducted in an enclosure of appropriate size. Unfortunately, real-scale testing of commercial products is not generally economically feasible. PD ISO/TS 21397 describes an indicative approach for obtaining gas yields under specific fire conditions.
PD ISO/TS 21397 can be beneficial for fire testing engineers as it is used to determine several parameters for fire performance, such as flammability, smoke production, mass loss, and heat release rates. Data generated thus allows for a better understanding of gas emissions during cone calorimeter tests, can be useful for Fire Safety Engineering and for material development.
