Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics (LAT), University of Patras

TALOSⓇ ECUTHERM™ product development program includes fire testing of the insulation foam at the facilities of the Laboratory of Applied Thermodynamics (LAT) of the University of Patras.

Fire testing of construction materials has been an important part of building codes and the European Union has enforced unified fire testing standards. Technical insulation products, such as TALOSⓇ ECUTHERM™ pre-insulated copper tubes, have to comply with the European product norms following testing in accordance with the European fire classifications of EN 13501-1. The new fire classification system rates materials based on flammability, fire spread, as well as, smoke development and burning droplets. In particular, a low smoke density can be of vital importance to help prevent people to be trapped, and also allow the rescue services to have fast and safe access in an emergency.

Testing at the LAT is carried out with a Cone Calorimeter (CC).CC testing is the appropriate research methodology for developing products with enhanced fire resistance features, because it estimates with precision the characteristics of the material itself, regardless of the use and conditions of other types of standardized tests.

The cone calorimeter measures important parameters of the burning of materials under controlled and pre-set conditions such as:

  • Time to ignition.
  • Rate of heat release.
  • Combustion energy.
  • Smoke Production.
  • Rate of loss of mass.
  • Production of CO and CO2.

HALCOR’s investment in R&D ensures its products contribute in the objective of fire protection in buildings and thus protect lives and property.