Vertical Flame Propagation Apparatus
FAA Vertical Flame Propagation Apparatus – VFP
The Concept FAA Vertical Flame Propagation test method is intended to evaluate the flame-propagation potential of materials located in inaccessible areas of a passenger aircraft. These materials include non-metallic structure and skin, ducts, wire insulation, and other materials not included in the small parts definition of the FAA flammability regulations.
A 152mm x 305mm test sample is mounted vertically and opposite to an electric radiant heat furnace developing 1.8W/cm² of irradiance on the test coupon. A bespoke methane/air ribbon burner impinges a number of small intense flames on the lower portion of the test sample, initiating material combustion, while the sample is continuously exposed to the radiant heat flux from the furnace. The burner flame is withdrawn automatically from the test sample at a pre-determined time and the test is allowed to continue until all material combustion has ceased. The sample is removed from the test frame, and a post-test burn length measurement is made. The burn length is the only parameter used to determine passing or failing the requirements of the test procedure.
The electrical power is stabilised to the furnace and the methane and air flowrates are accurately controlled to the burner. These parameters, as well as furnace voltage, ambient temperature, burner application and afterflame time are all logged throughout the test. Synchronised video capture of the test is also available as an optional extra.
The new generation test method is part of the new FAA materials Fire test Handbook version 3 soon to be published.
UKCA and CE compliant
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Specification & Features
Vertical Flame Propagation Apparatus
- Vertical flame propagation apparatus according to the latest draft specification from the FAA dated August 2024
- Stainless-steel lined and insulated test chamber
- Insulated stainless-steel inner hinged door complete with sample tray fabrication, sample retaining frame and sample retainer assembly
- Stainless-steel chimney and internal roof panel
- Aluminium hexagonal honeycomb air inlet with stainless steel protection screen
- Safety glass windows in both sides and rear of chamber for observation of test
- Bespoke radiant furnace according to VFP specification
- Bespoke test burner according to latest VFP 2024 specification
- Double-acting pneumatic horizontal and rotational position of burner, complete with position sensors with adjustment
- Precise power control for easy furnace stabilisation
- Gas and Air mass flow controller for computer control and display of flow
- Gas safety solenoids for automated control of gas and air flow to burner
- Automatic test start on sensing inner door closure
- Integrated power transducer for electrical power supply to furnace
- Time to ignition event button to allow ignition time to be recorded on software
- USB data acquisition module and associated hardware for calibration and testing
- Software control of testing including auto start, computer controlled variable flame application time, automated burner withdrawal
- Raw test data in txt/csv format for report generation within a commercial spreadsheet programme(not included)
- Integrated Windows PC with 24” screen, wireless keyboard, mouse and USB connectivity
Options:
- 307420 Optional Video capture of test
- 307410 Optional Auto spark ignition of burner
- 405500 Optional Circulating Chiller Assembly
- P5035 Optional Anemometer for exhaust flow measurements
Technical Data & Requirements
Electrical Supply:
230V AC 50Hz / 110V AC 60Hz, 10 Amp
Gas Supply:
The preferred fuel gas used in the test is a mixture of air and methane.
- Methane: The flow needs to be capable of delivering 1 sl/min at a minimum pressure of 1 Bar
Air Supply:
Clean and Dry Compressed Air
- The flow needs to be capable of delivering 5sl/min at a nominal pressure of 1 Bar. This is required to obtain flame stability for testing
Water Supply:
Water supply with drain or re-circulation system to cool the heat flux meter (0.3-1 l/min regulated)
Extraction:
Suitable exhaust system, de-coupled from the exhaust chimney. A fan with a variable extraction rate up to 500 m3/h is suitable.