The ISO 15029-1 standard, “Oil and related products - Determination of the spray ignition properties of fire-resistant fluids - Part 1: Spray flame persistence - Hollow cone nozzle method,” published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), describes the hollow cone nozzle method for evaluating the persistence of a flame applied to various points during the pressurized spraying of a fire-resistant fluid. This standard is one of the two fundamental measures of fire resistance and may be included in regulations governing their use under the Luxembourg Report.
For the purposes of this standard, flame persistence refers to the maximum time, under specified conditions, between the removal of the ignition flame and the extinction of the spray at different locations along the length of a pressurized liquid spray (to the nearest 0,1 seconds).
In principle, a liquid sample is pressurized and heated to a specific pressure and temperature, then sprayed through a defined nozzle. The resulting spray is sequentially ignited at various points along the entire length of the spray pattern with an oxy-acetylene test flame of specific energy. After ignition, the test flame is removed, and the time it continues to burn is measured. The test result is the maximum unassisted burn time.
Unless otherwise specified, samples should be taken in accordance with the procedures specified in ISO 3170 or an equivalent standard. Laboratory samples should be examined for homogeneity and clarity before sample collection. Sediment or free water should be removed by filtration or decantation, and their presence should be noted in the test report. Samples should be stored at a temperature between 0 and 30 degrees before use.
If a different sample is being analyzed than the one previously tested using the spray device, the pressure vessel and various parts of the spray nozzle are rinsed several times with boiling water to which a suitable solvent or cleaner has been added. Any remaining solvent is removed. Then, the dry test device is carefully rinsed with the liquid being tested.
In the world of high-risk industrial operations where machinery operates under intense pressure and heat, the risk of fire is a constant threat. Hydraulic systems, in particular, rely on flame-resistant fluids not only for lubrication and power transmission but also to prevent catastrophic failures. Playing a crucial role in mitigating these risks, the ISO 15029-1 standard, an international standard, provides a test procedure to evaluate how well flame-resistant fluids perform when exposed to flames in spray form.
This standard enables industries such as mining, construction, and manufacturing to rely on safer and more predictable fluid behavior. It addresses a specific but vital aspect of fire safety: the persistence of flame when applied to a pressurized fluid spray. This is also a direct response to real-world needs for mining and other extraction industries.
Traditional petroleum-based hydraulic fluids are efficient, but they are highly flammable, especially when sprayed during leaks or explosions in high-pressure systems. A single ignition source, such as a spark from faulty equipment, can transform a fine mist into a fireball, leading to devastating accidents. Fire-resistant fluids, often water-based or synthetic, have been developed to counteract this, but their performance has required rigorous and comparable testing.
The ISO 15029-1 standard is emerging as one of two fundamental standards for measuring fire resistance (the method using the solid flow nozzle method is defined in the ISO 15029-1 standard). These tests simulate industrial scenarios where liquid sprays could ignite, helping manufacturers certify their products and regulators enforce safety standards. Focusing on spray flame persistence, the standard measures how long a flame lingers after contact with the spray and provides data on the liquid's ability to suppress or extinguish fire spread.
The scope of ISO 15029-1 is precise: it provides a laboratory method for evaluating the flammability properties of fire-resistant fluids under controlled conditions. This is not a comprehensive safety certification, but rather a targeted assessment of spray behavior applicable to fluids used in hydraulic or lubrication systems where fire hazards are high.
The ISO 15029-1 standard test method uses a hollow cone nozzle that creates a diffuse spray pattern mimicking real-world atomization. The basic steps of the procedure are as follows:
The test device incorporates safety features such as explosion shields and ventilation to manage potential sudden fires, highlighting the standard's commitment to operator safety.
This hollow cone approach differs from the solid flow method of the ISO 15029-1 standard, which tests denser jets. Together, they provide a comprehensive profile of a liquid's fire resistance properties, often referenced in product data sheets and conformity certificates.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "ISO 15029-1 Petroleum and related products - Determination of spray ignition properties of fire-resistant fluids - Part 1: Spray flame persistence - Hollow cone nozzle method" standard.
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