FTIR gas analyzer

Highly controlled environments, such as ships, airplanes and power plants, call for precise measures to prevent toxic gases from threatening lives. UL uses a high-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analytical technique to measure gases released when specific materials combust. This specialized equipment identifies a wide range of gases from burning or thermally degrading materials. UL then performs computerized data searches against reference libraries to determine the specific gases present and their concentration. By capturing a fingerprint of all products of combustion, manufacturers can make responsible, accurate claims about safety under a variety of conditions.

Test Standards

UL tests to the current editions of the following Standards:

• SMP 800-C, Bombardier Inc. Transportation Equipment Group: Materials and Process Specification; Toxic Gas Generation
• ISO 5659-2, Plastics-Smoke Generation­-Part 2: Determination of Optical Density by a Single-Chamber Test
• NES 713, Determination of the Toxicity Index of the Products of Combustion from Small Specimens of Materials

High-sensitivity applications

With its high resolution (0.5 cm-1) and long path length (10 m), the portable FTIR gas analyzer provides accurate qualitative and quantitative information on fire gas effluents for a number of applications, including:

• Environmental pollution
• Testing to International Maritime Organization (IMO) toxicity requirements
• Materials used in airplanes
• Research and development

The UL advantage

More than a decade ago, UL developed the industry-specific tests that major manufacturers use to screen materials for toxic gases and began using a high-resolution FTIR gas analyzer to support both small- and large-scale fire tests. These tests can be flexibly adapted to different test fire methods, including real-time measurement of continuous gas flow and gas concentration in closed chambers. Toxic gas testing can also be combined with additional tests as part of UL's comprehensive Material Analysis Performance Testing Program (MAPP). Listed products appear in a UL product directory referenced by more than 2,500 authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) and code officials each year.