The Temperature-dependent Cone Calorimeter: An Approximate Alternative to Furnace Testing

This article discusses how a modified (variable heat flux) Cone Calorimeter can be used to approximately replicate heating regimes in standard furnace testing. The method is not exact as there are a number of physical differences between the two systems that are not accounted for, and the cone heater is unable to deliver sufficient heat flux to replicate aggressive furnace environments such as the hydrocarbon heating regime. Intumescent coatings testing is used (on an I-beam and a flat plate in the cone) to demonstrate the efficacy of the technique. The method as described relates to an internal furnace test (on an I-beam), but it is easily modifiable to other test scenarios such as a door test. Similarly, although the example discussed considers intumescent coatings testing, it is expected that a wide range of sample media could be tested in this way. That stated there are a range of limitations to this technique that need to be appreciated.