EN 1602 Thermal Insulation Products for Building Applications - Determination of Apparent Density

The European standard "EN 1602 Thermal insulation products for building applications - Determination of apparent density" defines the equipment and procedures for determining the apparent overall density and apparent core density under reference conditions. This standard is valid for full-size thermal insulation products and test specimens. This standard can also be applied to individual layers of multilayer products.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:

• Apparent overall density refers to the mass per unit volume of a product, including all surface coatings formed during production, but excluding any coatings or plating.
• Apparent core density refers to the mass per unit volume of a product's core after all surface coatings and any coatings or coatings formed during manufacturing have been removed.

In principle, density is determined as the ratio of the mass of the test sample to its volume.

These tests use a balance capable of determining the mass of a test sample with an accuracy of 0,5 percent and equipment for determining linear dimensions.

Test specimens shall be full-size products or parts thereof or test specimens used for other tests. The shape of the test specimens shall be such that their volume can be easily calculated. When determining the apparent overall density using test specimens cut from a product in which surface crusts have formed during manufacture, the ratio of the surface crust area to total volume shall be the same for the test specimen as for the product.

The size of a test specimen should preferably be as large as possible and proportionate to the available apparatus and the shape of the original product. The size of test specimens may also be specified in other test methods.

For full-size products, the number of test samples shall be as specified in the relevant product standard. If test samples from other tests are used, the number shall be as specified in the test method. If the number is not specified, at least five test samples shall be used. In the absence of a product standard or other technical specification, the number of test samples may be freely agreed upon between the parties.

Test samples should be cut by methods that do not alter the original structure of the product. The location from which the test samples are taken should be such that the resulting density is representative of the density of the product.

To determine the apparent overall density, all coatings must be removed from the product. To determine the apparent core density, all surface shells and all coatings formed during production must be removed from the product. When it is not possible to remove coatings without affecting the apparent density of the product, the mass of the coatings must be deducted by calculation. Where necessary, specific preparation methods are given in the relevant product standard.

The samples shall be conditioned at 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent relative humidity until constant mass is reached. The conditioning period and the required accuracy of constant mass measurements shall be given in the relevant product standard. If it can be shown that temperature and humidity have a negligible effect on the determination of density, conditioning may be carried out at 23 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees.

The conditioning period can be shortened by pre-drying the sample in a ventilated oven at a prescribed temperature. Appropriate procedures can be given in the relevant product standard.

The tests shall be conducted at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and a relative humidity of 50 percent plus/minus 5 percent. If it can be shown that temperature and humidity have a negligible effect on the determination of density, the test may be conducted at a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "EN 1602 Thermal insulation products for building applications - Determination of apparent density" standard are also provided to businesses.