Overview
ISO 15029-2:2018 - "Petroleum and related products - Determination of spray ignition characteristics of fire‑resistant fluids - Part 2: Spray test - Stabilised flame heat release method" - specifies a laboratory test method to compare the fire hazards of pressurised sprays of fire‑resistant fluids. The method uses a controlled propane burner to produce a stabilised flame and exposes an air‑atomised fluid spray to that flame. Time‑averaged measurements of heat release rate, flame length and exhaust smoke density are used to derive quantitative indices that characterise spray flammability.
Keywords: ISO 15029-2:2018, fire‑resistant fluids, spray ignition characteristics, stabilised flame heat release method, flame length, heat release rate, smoke density.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Test principle: atomised fluid spray is ignited by a steady propane flame so that a stabilised spray flame forms and steady combustion properties can be measured.
- Measured parameters: rate of heat release, flame length, smoke opacity/density, and gas/air temperatures at defined points.
- Test conditions: two propane burner flow conditions are used (nominally 0.13 Nm3/h and 0.4 Nm3/h) to assess different ignition regimes.
- Apparatus essentials: twin‑fluid atomiser, propane burner, combustion chamber (example internal dimensions given in the standard), flue/exhaust ducting, jet pump to control air flow (approx. 1.4 m/s inlet velocity), thermocouples, opacimeter and flow/pressure control instrumentation.
- Calculations and indices: ignitability factor, flame length index, and smoke density are calculated and used in a ranking system to compare fluids.
- Quality and verification: normative annexes cover verification of propane pressure/flow, flame characteristics and calibration of test apparatus; informative annexes include classification scheme and example result pro‑formas.
- Safety note: the standard warns of hazardous materials and operations and requires appropriate health and safety precautions.
Applications and Users
- Fluid manufacturers and formulators (hydraulic fluids, fire‑resistant lubricants) use ISO 15029-2:2018 for product development and to compare spray flammability performance.
- Independent testing laboratories apply the method to produce reproducible test data for specifications and safety data sheets.
- Fire‑safety engineers and risk assessors rely on the indices produced to evaluate fire hazard in systems where pressurised sprays may occur (e.g., industrial hydraulics, aerospace, mining).
- Procurement specialists and regulators reference the standard when setting technical acceptance criteria for fire‑resistant petroleum products.
Related Standards
ISO 15029-2:2018 provides a repeatable, instrumented method to quantify and rank spray ignition behaviour-useful for product specification, safety assessment and regulatory compliance in industries handling fire‑resistant petroleum products.
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