DUAL CONE 2000

FTT directors Stephen Grayson and Stephen Upton have helped pioneer the development of calorimetry techniques, test standards and production of commercial instruments.

Since 1989 FTT have been the leading manufacturer of full scale calorimeters (e.g. furniture calorimeter and the ISO 9705 room calorimeters).

The introduction of the FTT cone calorimeter in 1993 offered a new generation commercial instrument to the market at approximately half the price of the then current commercial systems. FTT have subsequently supplied a major sector of this market.

In 1997 FTT launched the new Cone 2000 and the Dual cone 2000.

Advantages of the FTT Cone Calorimeter

1. Competitively prices achieved by simple, yet sophisticated, design utilising a 19" frame with 2 bays for controls (the Dual Cone has one bay in the frame and the other in the analysis rack). The fan blower, ducting and hood are positioned on top of the frame and are readily accessible and mounted on anti-vibration mountings. The test area is mounted on a support system utilising anti-vibration mountings for smooth results of weight measurement. All parts of the unit are readily accessible and not hidden by panels, doors, etc.

2. The platform which houses the cone assembly can be removed with the cone heater, and larger samples (e.g. vertical samples) can be burnt and the heat output measured. This means that calorimetry can be performed on vertical fabrics and cables, for example, by igniting them with burners, etc.

3. Sample weight measurement is by a strain gauge load cell with quick electronic tare facility. The weight of the sample holder is zeroed electronically by pressing one button. Other manufacturers use a mechanical load cell design, which is laboriously zeroed by physically turning a screw on the side of the load cell.

4. The FTT load cell is housed in an enclosed case to reduce the effect of temperature change. Pieces of molten specimen can sometimes fall onto the load cell which then needs cleaning. This is easily done in the FTT Cone in a few minutes because the assembly can be removed from the test area for cleaning.

5. The special FTT split shutter mechanism is designed to reduce the radiated heat from affecting the sample support system and more importantly allowing time after the sample is positioned on the load cell before the test is started. The shutter is permanently in place on the apparatus and is operated using a simple lever, which opens the shutter symmetrically from the centre.

6. The FTT spark assembly is manually inserted into position using a lever mechanism. This is used in conjunction with the shutter mechanism. The sequence of operation is such that the electrodes can be positioned above the sample with the shutter closed. At the start of a test the operator opens the shutter, with the lever, which, in turn, automatically starts the spark sequence. Micro-switches are fitted to the spark arm and the shutter mechanism for safe operation.

7. FTT uses a specially enhanced oxygen analyser. Enhancements include temperature control at 55°C and compensation for atmospheric pressure changes (either in software on in the analyser, depending on the model). These ensure that the analyser performs to give the accuracy required by all National and International Standards. Pressure output is displayed on the computer screen so that the operator can utilise this information in any corrections needed for operation of other analysers.

8. FTT offer the ability to share common analysers and components for instrumenting alternative/large scale heat release rigs. This is fully described in our Dual Cone Calorimeter option which explains that for very little extra cost, at a later date, the customer can use the equipment for a second Large Scale or Small Scale Calorimeter..

9. FTT have supplied Cone Calorimeters widely in Europe and the USA, and recent Far Eastern installations include Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand and Australia. FTT are skilled at servicing and supporting Cone Calorimeters worldwide. Our equipment is quickly installed and, in all cases, has been fully operational immediately our engineers have left a site. All installed units have remained fully operational..

10. FTT supply new Windows based software, which is fully year 2000 compliant. It includes extensive data analysis and graphical presentation facilities to include and exceed all requirements of ISO 5660 and ASTM Standards. The data can be viewed graphically or numerically during a test and can be analysed and complete reports generated as soon as the test is completed without stopping the Cone Calorimeter work.

11. The FTT Cone uses the latest Pentium computers and the computer is housed on a trolley separate from the main Cone housing. This enables the user to wheel the computer to a separate site (e.g. an office rather than a laboratory) to carry out any major data analysis. The computer can also be used for multi-tasking, i.e. as the operator's own personal computer or to collect data from other experiments.

12. The FTT Cone is very robust. It is designed for easy use, low running maintenance requirements and easy annual maintenance, e.g. FTT has eliminated the need to change the soot filter is the gas sampling line after every test. Filter changing introduces testing delays and the possibility of leaks when reassembled. The FTT filter can be used for a week (or about 50 tests) before it must be changed. All FTT Cone components are very easily accessible within a few minutes. The operator can easily replace many components. This means that component failure can usually be identified and replaced within one day even by the operator.

13. The FTT system uses a refrigeration unit for condensing water from the gas analysis lines. These have been shown to be highly efficient and we have never encountered problems or needed to replace these units and we know of approximately 100 units which have this system of water removal.

14. The FTT Cone mounts the laser smoke system on an optical bench which can be removed from the Cone as a single unit and aligned on the workbench. The whole optical bench is fitted onto the Cone housing rather than the duct, where thermal distortion and vibration might affect alignment.

15. FTT supply several options that enhance the use of the Cone Calorimeter to the user. These include Low Ambient Oxygen Attachment: available as an alternative or an addition to the standard fire model complete with gas mixing attachment for maintaining the reduced oxygen conditions.Cone Corrosimeter in accordance with ASTM Standards.FTIR system for combustion gas analysis. This is readily fitted to Cone or Large Scale Calorimeters. Gas sampling uses a dirty cell technique and the system is fully supported by the FTT Cone 2000 software packages.

16. FTT is committed to maintaining its equipment at the forefront of technology and in maintaining instrumentation within the requirements of developing National and International Standards. FTT director Stephen Grayson participates extensively in ISO TC92, ISO TC61, IEC TC89, IMO and in BS and ASTM Meetings as well as organising conferences and editing technical publications that are specially dedicated to fire science and especially calorimetry.