Intermediate-scale calorimeter

The Intermediate-Scale Calorimeter (ICAL), described in ASTM E 1623, is essentially a scaled-up version of the Cone Calorimeter. The apparatus consists of a vertical gas-fired radiant panel with a height of approximately 1.33m and width of approximately 1.54m. The standard test specimen measures lxlm, and is positioned parallel to the radiant panel. The heat flux to the specimen is preset in the range of 10-60kW/m2 by adjusting the distance to the panel. The products of pyrolysis from the specimen are ignited with hot wires located near the top and bottom of the specimen. The specimen is placed on a load cell to measure mass loss during testing. Panel and specimen are positioned beneath the ISO 9705 hood and exhaust duct. 

ASTM E 1623 Test Method for Determination of Fire and Thermal Parameters of Materials, Products, and Systems Using an Intermediate Scale Calorimeter (ICAL). ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. 

The Intermediate-Scale Calorimeter (ICAL). One of the limitations of the Cone Calorimeter is that only relatively small samples can be evaluated. As a... 

The Intermediate-Scale Calorimeter (ICAL). One of the limitations of the Cone Calorimeter is that only relatively small samples can be evaluated. As a result, products that have joints or layered materials with a thickness exceeding 50 mm can generally not be tested in the Cone Calorimeter in a representative manner. For those types of products or assemblies, a larger calorimeter is required. Such an intermediate scale calorimeter forms the subject of ASTM standard E1623, Standard Test Method for Determination of Fire and Thermal Parameters of Materials, Products, and Systems Using an Intermediate Scale Calorimeter (ICAL). 

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