Here you can see concrete examples of some of the various tests that DBI - Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology has performed:
Alternative insulating materials We have performed fire tests on 20 different insulating materials with a view to development of environmentally friendly materials. They were investigated for flammability, heat release and smoke development. From a reaction-to-fire point of view, it was concluded that mineral wool based products showed the best characteristics.
Marine and room extinguishing
In 1998, DBI participated in tests with the US Coast Guard in the United States in order to exchange knowledge and experience about the use of fire extinguishing systems in ships. We have performed tests on fire extinguishing systems in shipping spaces, as well as tests on large archives and computer rooms.
Concrete constructions
The fire resistance capabilities of concrete have been thoroughly tested by DBI. Today, calculation methods are widely used when determining the resistance of concrete to fire. However, tests have shown that theoretical calculations do not always correspond to reality. Concrete elements, which were supposed to withstand fire for 60 minutes, only showed resistance for 25 minutes. Other types of concrete elements only showed resistance for 40 minutes, as opposed to the calculated 60 minutes.
Fabrics, carpets etc.
Fire preventive and retardant features are not just about complying with specific legislation. Good results from fire tests give competitive advantages, which can be of great importance in sales negotiations. Every year, several manufacturers of clothing, furniture coverings, surface materials for walls and ceilings, carpets etc. have their new products tested by us.
Fire extinguishing test facility In 1998, the experimental labs of DBI were used for a series of tests involving different types of fire extinguishing systems. These included tests on water mist systems, as well as fire extinguishing systems using inert gasses.
The experimental facility now meets the international IMO requirements for testing extinguishing systems in ship's engine rooms. This is why it was possible in 1998 to carry out a considerable number of tests according to the IMO procedures.
Additionally, a series of tests have been performed with inert gas systems, in connection with extinguishing fire in different materials such as textiles, shoes, wood etc.
For IBM, DBI tested a water mist system for a computer room. For these particular tests, an experimental room simulating a computer room, with a raised floor, computers, printers, tape stations and other equipment, was erected. A long series of tests showed that the water mist system could indeed extinguish fires in computer rooms without damaging the electronics.
Lighted candles
Due to several complaints about very sooty candles, the Danish National Consumer Agency asked DBI to examine various different types of candles on the market. Costs of cleaning up rooms damaged by soot sometimes exceeded DKK 20,000. Our investigations showed that some lighted candles - especially square ones - have a tendency to soot. If combustion is not under ideal conditions, the risk of a sooty candle is present.
Different types of legislation, labelling and information campaigns have been discussed with the Consumer Agency.
