What apparatus is used for a flame test?

The Surface Flame Spread Test Apparatus is a high-precision instrument designed for evaluating the lateral flame propagation of materials. It is primarily used in compliance with BS 6853 series railway fire safety standards and BS 476-7 for building materials. This apparatus enables you to determine flame spread ratings based on flame extension length and propagation speed. With an advanced water-cooled sample holder, calibrated radiation panel, and digital flux sensors, you can perform controlled laboratory tests on wall, ceiling, and surface materials to ensure compliance with international fire safety regulations.

Application

The Surface Flame Spread Test Apparatus is suitable for a wide range of applications:

Building Materials Testing: Evaluate flame spread on wall and ceiling surfaces according to BS 476-7.

Railway Vehicle Materials: Conduct fire resistance and smoke toxicity evaluations in accordance with BS 6853.

Interior Materials: Assess flame spread for plastics, composites, and surface coatings using ISO 5658-1/2 and ASTM E162 standards.

Laboratory Research: Determine critical heat flux, lateral flame extension, and flame propagation characteristics under controlled conditions.

Recommended test products include wall panels, ceiling boards, interior panels, decorative laminates, plastics, and other surface materials used in public or transport environments.

Standards

The apparatus supports compliance with the following international standards:

GB/T 8624‑2012 – Classification of combustion performance of building materials

GB/T 27904‑2011 – Flame spread performance test methods for interior decoration materials

GB/T 2406.2‑2009 – Plastics burning performance test, vertical burning method

GB/T 2408‑2008 – Plastics burning performance test, horizontal burning method

ISO 5658‑1 – Fire spread index of building materials, small flame spread test, Part 1

ISO 5658‑2 – Fire spread index of building materials, small flame spread test, Part 2

ISO 5660‑2 – Heat release rate, smoke production, and mass loss, Part 2: Flame spread test method

ISO 5660‑4 – Heat release rate, smoke production, and mass loss, Part 4: Automotive interior materials

ASTM E162 – Surface flammability characteristics of materials (Flame Spread Index, FSI)

ASTM E648 – Assessment of carpet material flame spread

UL 94 – Plastic material flammability testing (Vertical and Horizontal Burning)

BS 476‑6:1989 + A1:2009 – Fire tests on building materials, Part 6: Small flame spread test

BS 6853:1999 – Railway vehicle material flame spread, smoke density, and toxicity evaluation

Parameters

Features

Large Radiation Panel: 850 × 850 mm with reinforced structural support.

Vertical Sample Holder: Includes standard scale markings to measure flame spread distance and critical heat flux.

Water-Cooled System: Prevents sample holder damage during long-duration high-temperature testing.

Small Flame Ignition: Uses electric spark ignition for consistent flame application.

Automatic Safety Cut-Off: High-temperature sensors shut off gas supply if the radiation panel extinguishes.

Calibrated Heat Flux Sensors: Traceable to NIST for accurate radiation flux measurement.

Digital Control Box: Allows adjustment of gas and air flow with digital display of radiation flux.

PLC & HMI Integration: Displays all test parameters for real-time monitoring and control.

Accessories

Water-cooled sample holder

Calibrated porous panel

Heat flux sensors

Electric spark ignition system

PLC & HMI control system

Gas and air flow regulation valves

Safety interlock devices

Test Procedures

Ensure a minimum of 5 meters of clear space around the installation area.

Connect the apparatus to 220V, 50Hz, 10A power supply.

Supply industrial propane and compressed air to the system.

Mount the test sample vertically on the water-cooled holder.

Adjust the radiation panel and calibrate heat flux sensors.

Ignite the sample using the small flame ignition system.

Monitor flame spread distance and propagation speed using the scale markings and digital sensors.

Record data for critical heat flux and flame spread classification.

After testing, shut off gas and air supply and allow the apparatus to cool before sample removal.

Maintenance Information

Regularly inspect and clean the radiation panel and water-cooled holder.

Check gas and air supply lines for leaks before each test.

Calibrate heat flux sensors periodically to maintain traceability.

Inspect electrical connections and PLC/HMI for operational stability.

Replace worn or damaged safety interlocks immediately.

The function of the surface flame spread test apparatus

The Surface Flame Spread Test Apparatus is primarily used to evaluate the characteristics and rate of lateral flame propagation across the surface of materials when exposed to a radiant heat source. This equipment plays a crucial role in fire safety classification for building materials, railway applications, marine vessels, and electrical insulating materials. Its main functions include:

Determining Flame Spread Rate: By using a controlled radiant heat source and an ignition flame, the apparatus measures the distance and speed of flame propagation across the material surface within a specified period, helping to assess the material's tendency to promote fire growth.

Calculating Critical Radiant Heat Flux: It measures the level of radiant heat at which flame spread ceases, enabling the evaluation of a material's self-extinguishing capability or combustion limit under different heat flux conditions.

Fire Classification of Building Materials: The apparatus is used to classify the fire performance of exposed materials such as wall panels, ceilings, and decorative boards. For example, according to the BS 476-7 standard, materials can be classified from Class 1 to Class 4. determining whether they meet fire safety requirements.

Supporting Material Development and Regulatory Compliance: It assists manufacturers in selecting and optimizing flame-retardant formulations, ensuring that products comply with mandatory fire resistance standards for transportation applications (such as ships and railway vehicles) and building regulations.

Conclusion

The Surface Flame Spread Test Apparatus is a specialized fire testing instrument designed to evaluate the flame spread behavior of materials exposed to radiant heat and ignition sources. It accurately measures flame propagation characteristics, determines critical radiant heat flux, and supports fire performance classification in accordance with standards such as BS 476-7. Widely used in the construction, railway, marine, and electrical industries, the apparatus helps manufacturers optimize flame-retardant materials and ensure compliance with stringent fire safety regulations.