Analysis of the Maximum Heat Release Rate in Accordance with the Test Method of the Flame Retardant Performance for Pipe Insulation

Abstract

In this study, the heat release rate of pipe insulation is analyzed by considering the installation status in accordance with the standards ISO 20632 and NFPA 274. The flame retardation rate was evaluated for six types of test samples: polyethylene foam covered with beaten silver (PE(S)), PE foam tapped (PE(N)), elastomeric closed cell thermal insulation (rubber), Japanese PE foam (PE(J)), Japanese polyurethane foam (PU(J)), and Japanese styro form (ST(J)) by EN 13501-1 and fire growth curve. The results show that PU(J), PE(J), and PE(N) were Class E and ultra-fast, NFPA 274 test standards for Class D and Fast, and PE(S) by ISO 20632 were Class C and Slow, and Rubber and ST(J) were Classes and Low. However, the changes in the time-averaged maximum heat release rate for each test standard (ISO 20632 and NFPA 274) to evaluate the flame retardation rate differed among identical materials. This means that the fundamental study is necessary to analyze the more accurate reasons.