SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

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	Cone calorimeter

Standardized and custom material flammability tests for industry and government clients are performed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). Typical activities include:

• Small-scale calorimetry

  • Bomb calorimetry

  • Cone calorimeter

• Intermediate-scale calorimetry

  • Room tests

  • Mattresses

  • Furniture

  • Single burning item (SBI)

• Industrial-scale calorimetry

  • Vehicles

  • Commodities

  • Pool fires

• Flame spread

  • Steiner tunnel

• Combustibility, smoke, and toxicity

Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry

Staff at SwRI has the expertise and facilities to perform oxygen consumption calorimetry in small-scale, intermediate-scale, and industrial-scale applications. Various small-scale flammability tests are performed on a regular basis.

Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is routinely used by SwRI staff to analyze effluents from fire tests and is the leading contract research and testing laboratory in the United States for fire smoke toxicity.

Other Standardized Testing Techniques

Our staff actively participates in ASTM and ISO committee meetings involving smoke toxicity to remain in the forefront of this field. We have access to other analytical techniques, such Gas Chromatography (GC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS).

Custom Fire Performance Evaluations

In addition to the standardized testing, our staff has the skills and capabilities to develop and perform custom fire performance evaluations based on the needs of our client. Currently our heat release rate facility has two 10 x 10 ft exhaust hoods capable of up to 3 MW fires, and one 20 x 20 ft exhaust hood capable of up to 10 MW fires.

For more information about fire technology services and material flammability capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please call (210) 522-2311 or e-mail fire-info@swri.org.

| Fire Technology Department | Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

May 07, 2009