Fire has been a major cause of loss of life, property, and societal structure through the ages as far as we know. Fire is a boon when it can be harnessed and controlled, a bane when it is unmanaged and underestimated through to disorderly conduct of the people in power.
Over the years humanity has developed various technologies and guidelines to tackle this potential danger in all areas of our lives. A Fire test is one of them.
Ballice Smart Devices Pvt. Ltd. is continuously bringing ingenious solutions to the industry through practical research, an understanding of the industrial landscape, and finding the need for the hour.
Ballice is a start-up incubated at I-Hub Divyasampark, IIT Roorkee under the supervision of Mr Manish Anand is the first company to take a project of this magnitude to the international level. Our rigorous innovation in the field of environmental chambers over the last 18 years has generated a great response from the field.
Our water dispensers and water coolers have also made a significant impact by providing hot or cold water to conquer each type of weather.
Our latest addition is an innovation in fire testing facilities as per standard (IS61730-2) that will help you manage the flammability of your equipment and products. Let us learn more about why this device is necessary for most industries in the commercial sphere.
Stable, Steady, Strict – Guidelines To Develop A Fire Test Apparatus
The development of this high-quality fire test apparatus was not only an ambition but it comes with a lot of responsibility towards society.
A fire testing apparatus should make sure to keep a certain standard, making sure to keep the following situations in mind –
- Does not perform as intended
- Uses inaccurate or outdated components
- Calibration problems
- Failure to provide accurate information
- Broken or Buggy interface
- High fire susceptibility
A failure to meet the following standards can not only lead to a false analysis of the fire susceptibility of a product but can have catastrophic consequences in the future. A fire created or spread due to the failure of a product to perform after passing a faulty fire test can be even more dire than a fire resulting from normal conditions. A false sense of safety for the people and personnel existing in an area makes reactionary fire safety procedures even more difficult.
Working as intended is a necessary condition.
Ballice Fire Testing Chamber – Body Structure & Dimensions
For the first time in India, Ballice has designed and developed a Fire Test Facility with complete in-house engineering using high-quality materials by international standards (IS/IEC 61730-2), making it a purely Made In India product.
The main purpose of the Fire Test is to check the resistance of PV Modules to various fire conditions such as burning and spread of flame with or without wind exposure. As we know PV modules are subjected to a lot of heat and duress under the sun and exposed to the environment.
The apparatus works as a system of a few major parts which have different functions. These have been explained in detail here.
Test Deck
The horizontal platform is placed in front of the main unit and is used to hold the object that is being tested for flammability. This platform can move with the use of 2 tires and a motor placed under the deck. There is also a motor attached to the lifting rod which can put the test deck at an angle to the flame. The analog angle indicator at the side tells the degrees moved by this mechanism.
There are securing mechanisms attached to the sides so that the test module is safely secured and does not move during the testing period. These mechanisms are to be used manually by the testing team.
The solid metal plate at the back makes sure that the backside is safe from the fire being spewed from the main unit.
Flame and air control control
This is the main unit of the Flammability test. When the fuel passes through the pipes and reaches the flame thrower, ignition happens. The burning flame is then subjected to wind. The fans installed inside the unit are started and throw wind at a speed determined by the user.
This wind passes through the air louvers before hitting the flame. The air louvers can be adjusted to concentrate the flame in the center or the sides.
Fueling system
A set of cylinders are connected with pipes to the flame thrower placed at the front of the Main Heating Unit. The user can elect the intensity of fueling consumption and flame intensity by controlling the amount of fuel injected. It is up to the user to use any cylinder at the determined value.
It is very easy to make customizations and repairs as all the components exist separately and are easily accessible. There are some sensors present for heat and air velocity so that you can be sure of the testing conditions.
The 2 Resistance Tests
Two sets of tests that can be conducted are mentioned below
Spread Flame Test
The fire is spread across the test deck panel at a certain heat and velocity continuously. The various sensors can help determine and make changes in real-time. Depending on the requirements of the testers these factors can be modified.
The solar energy module is subjected to the evenly spread fire on the test deck for testing.
Burning Brand Test
A piece of burning cardboard with a pre-determined size is placed on the solar PV module on the test deck. The test is used to check penetration testing and whether the burning cardboard will pass through the module.
An Innovation In Fire Testing That Benefits All Industries
Fire tests help a company to determine whether its product meets the standard set by the BIS for use in society or even standards set by the organization itself as part of an experiment.
These tests can be performed on products of a wide variety. These can range from items used in a housing society building to the equipment used in metal fabrication and manufacturing plants.
Active Fire Protection
The equipment that is actively used when an area of importance is subjected to a fire. This is more of a responsive method that requires investment from human parties. It involves the suppression of fire as well as quick detection.
These include – Sprinklers, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, blankets, etc
Passive Fire Protection
The equipment that is installed in a fire-prone area is a security measure that suppresses or slows down the spread of fire automatically. This is part of an assembly of fire prevention structures that are installed in the building as a means to control heat, fire, smoke, etc. This is a preventative measure.
These include – Fire walls, fire coatings, dampers, assemblies, etc.
Both types of equipment require proper flammability tests under the right conditions set by the testing team. Let us take a look at what Ballice Fire Testing Chamber is.
Complying With the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
The IS/IEC 61730-2 describes the requirements and how the testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules is to be conducted. The test is for those modules which have been constructed under the provided guidelines of IEC 67130-1. There are various tests included under these standards which involve general inspection, and stress induced by fire, electricity, mechanical factors, environmental factors, etc
Our apparatus works to check the fire hazard readiness of the modules.
Application Of Fire Test Apparatus In Different Industries
As a standard for testing the heat and fire resistance capabilities of the solar PV modules, a customized apparatus can also be built for various similar products that require these simulations. The roofing industry needs to make sure that the paneling done at the top is resistant to fire. The tile industry also needs to make sure that there is a certain level of heat resistance. The fire department has many products that require practical usage in extreme heat and fire. Products installed inside a house like doors and windows also need to undergo fire testing.
The possibilities and requirements for the test are endless as fire safety is a crucial topic in today’s industrial landscape. We strive to help you achieve your safety goals. Ballice Smart Devices will continue to work on providing the highest quality equipment for both personal and industrial usage. In case you want to learn more about our water coolers for all weathers visit our website – https://www.ballice.in/water-coolers/
We have developed several testing chambers including our Fire Test Apparatus which you can learn more about at – https://www.ballice.in/testing-chambers/ Our team is always available to address your questions at any time, making your decision easier is our responsibility. Be a part of the Ballice family today.