Our Solutions: Testing
Our UK laboratory generates thermal screening and reaction calorimetry test data for your hazardous materials or reactions. The Accelerating Rate Calorimeter (ARC) is used to assess the time, temperature and pressure data of a material as it undergoes a physicochemical change under near adiabatic conditions.
Data from the ARC allows for an accurate prediction of thermal and pressure events in the processing, storage, and shipping of potentially hazardous chemicals.
Sigma-HSE is your single solution provider for a full range of thermal screening and calorimetry testing.
Our dedicated team of experts are committed to helping you identify and understand potential reactive chemical hazards in your processes.
ASTM E 1981-98
The Accelerating Rate Calorimetry test is conducted to assess the time, temperature and pressure data of a material as it undergoes a physicochemical change under near adiabatic conditions.
A 3-5 g sample is placed in a closed low heat-capacity vessel and positioned within the calorimeter. The design of the system to be adiabatic allows for highly accurate exothermic decomposition onsets to be determined with confidence. The system is typically operated in a Heat-Wait-Search mode, which increases the system temperature in steps of typically 5-10 °C, with a temperature range of up to 450 °C to be tested.
At each temperature step the system will dwell at the temperature, and monitor the sample for any temperature increases with a sensitivity of down to 0.02 °C/min. As soon as the sample is detected to be increasing in temperature, then the furnace will match the temperature of the sample, mimicking the scenario of zero heat loss to the environment. Exotherms will be tracked in this way until the decomposition is exhausted, or the maximum safety temperature is reached.
Time, temperature, and pressure range data are recorded continuously through the test, and this data can then be used to plot rates of changes in pressure and temperature. This data can also be used to calculate a time-to-maximum rate, obtain kinetic parameters, and calculate an adiabatic temperature rise/heat of reaction and SADT values.
Operation and analysis of the ARC with carefully designed testing packages will help to provide highly accurate decomposition onsets, power, TMR and other data, so that your material can be processed, transported and stored correctly and safely.
The ARC can also be used to investigate and determine the effects of catalysts, inhibitors, initiators, reactive atmospheres and materials of construction in desired chemical reactions.
Receive quick and accurate ARC testing data in just a few simple steps
Get in touch with one of our experts so we can learn more about your specific process, unit operations and testing requirements. We'll then generate and send you a customised quote.
Prepare your samples including Material Safety Data Sheets where applicable, and ship them to our UK laboratory.
Once we've received your samples, we'll begin testing, measuring and analysing. We'll then create and send you a custom in-depth report detailing the potentially hazardous properties of your materials.
If you need support after receiving your report, our after-project support team will be on hand to assist you with any questions you may have about your materials. We can also aid you in your understanding of what hazard prevention measures will be most suitable for your processes.
We also undertake the following thermal screening and calorimetry tests to simulate full scale process, and process upset conditions.
Please contact us if you have any bespoke chemical reaction hazard or thermal screening testing requirments
Getting your hazardous materials tested is an important step to prevent fires, explosions and other process-related hazards. Get in touch to learn more about how we can assist you in keeping your process plant and unit operations safe from the risks of thermal runaway.
Sigma-HSE is a globally recognised process safety company that provides a range of testing, consulting and training solutions.
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