Smoke density test method

MSTM D2843, Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of Elastics., Vol. 8.02, ASTM, Philadelphia, Pa., 1993. 

TSR 15). The data (Tables IV-VI) suggest that this instrument provides a satisfactory method for measuring heat release, even in the horizontal mode. Furthermore, it can differentiate between those materials which are prone to release much heat rapidly and those which perform much better in terms of heat release. The reliability of smoke data is, in principle, lower than that of heat data. In order to establish some criteria, the Tables include SmkFct values at 5 min (in MW/m2), which will be compared with SmkFct and SmkPar values for the same materials tested in the Cone and with values of specific maximum smoke density measured in the NBS smoke chamber. 

ASTM E 662 Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials. ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA. 

Despite the understanding that smoke obscuration ought to be measured in a large scale, or by a method which can predict large-scale smoke release, the most common small-scale test method for measuring smoke from burning products is the traditional smoke chamber in the vertical mode (ASTM E 662)39 (Figure 21.14). The test results are expressed in terms of a quantity called specific optical density, which is defined in the test standard. This test has now been shown to have some serious deficiencies. The most important problem is misrepresentation of the smoke... 

EN 50268-1 Common Test Methods For Cables Under Fire Conditions—Measurement Of Smoke Density Of Cables Burning Under Defined Conditions, European Committee for Standandization, Brussels, Belgium, 2000. 

ASTM E 662 Test Method For Specific Optical Density Of Smoke Generated By Solid Materials, ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 2006. 

Flame retardance is another important property and is defined by different test methods. Some of the small-scale methods include horizontal flame spread (FMVSS 302, ASTM D-1692) vertical flammability (ASTM D-3014, so-called Butler Chimney Test), limiting oxygen index (ASTM D-2863), and smoke density (ASTM D-2840). 

ASTM D 2843-88 Standard Test Method for Density of Smoke from Ae Burning or Decomposition of Plastics, 8 pp (DOD Adopted) (FSC 9330) (MR) (Comm D-20)... 

This method is basically the NBS Smoke Density Chamber Test. It covers the determination of the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials and assemblies mounted in a vertical position in thickness up to 1 inch (2.54 cm). It measures attenuation of a light beam by smoke accumulating within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decomposition and flaming combustion. 

ASTM E662-13 (standard test method for specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials) and ISO 5659-2 2012 (plastics - smoke generation - part 2 determination of optical density by a single-chamber test) for smoke production. 

Besides the development of test methods, some relationships between the type of burning material and the smoke density have also been discovered. On this basis, a number of additives are marketed for the suppression of smoke formation from plastics. 

ANSI/ASTM E 84-79a - method of test for surface burning characteristics of building materials (Steiner tunnel). A 24-foot-long specimen is held horizontally as the roof of a 25-foot-long chamber. The ignition source is two gas burners, applied to the underside of one end. Flame spread is measured visually and instruments are used to determine fuel contribution and smoke density. The test is identical with UL 723 and ULC-S 102 1978, used in Canadian Building Regulations. 

---