Reaction to Fire Testing
There are a number of different standards for Reaction to Fire Testing, using numerous and completely different types of equipment. We are currently providing testing in the Steiner Tunnel apparatus to ASTM E84. We chose this test because we believe that it is the single test which can achieve the greatest acceptibility in the market. The Steiner Tunnel consists of a chamber approximately 60cm wide and deep, and 7.5m long. The sample to be tested, fabric, ceiling tile, electrical wire etc., is placed in the top of the tunnel face down. The tunnel is then sealed and a flame of Methane gas started at one end. An exhaust fan draws air past the flame and along the specimen above. The test consists of measuring the rate at which the flame spreads along the specimen, and the opacity of the smoke generated.
The Steiner Tunnel is located in its own air conditioned space in the Dubai lab where materials to be tested will also be conditioned in terms of moisture content. We expect to be providing this testing from October 2011 and to be accredited by Spring 2012. This facility is managed by Jean-Philippe Kayl.
