NBSIR 79-1930

INTERLABORATORY EVALUATION OF THE

CYCLONE SETTLED DENSITY TEST FOR

CELLULOSIC LOOSE FILL INSULATION

MATIONAL BXmEAT)

OF 8TAKDARD3

UBRABT

NOV 2 41980

no-i Cl,-:. - 'Re-f

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J. Randall Lawson

Center for Fire Research

National Engineering Laboratory

National Bureau of Standards

U.S. Department of Commerce

Washington, D.C. 20234

December 1979

Final Report

Prepared for: Consumer Product Safety Commission

Textile and Mechanical Engineering Group

Bethesda, Maryland 20202

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Luther H. Hodges, Jr., Under Secretary

Jordan J. Baruch, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technoiogy

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler, Director
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

j LIST OF FIGURES iv

j LIST OF TABLES iv

Abstract 1

1. INTRODUCTION 1

2. TEST METHOD 2 2.1 Apparatus 2

j 2.2 Specimen Conditioning 3

! 2.3 Test Procedure 3

3. PARTICIPANTS 3

4. LABORATORY SURVEY 4

5. T4ATERIALS AND SAMPLE PREPARATION 4

I 6. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN 5

I 7. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5

I 8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 6

9 . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 7

I 10. REFERENCES 7

i

! APPENDIX A A-1

iii
LIST OF FIGURES

Page

Figure 1. Insulation blowing apparatus 8

Figure 2. Cyclone receiver 9

LIST OF TABLES

Page

Table 1. Settled density apparatus characteristics 10

Table 2. Settled density test results 11

Table 3. Settled density test cell averages ordered from lowest

to highest density (kg/m^) 12

Table 4. Average blown density compared with average settled density . . 12

Table 5. Settled density test cell standard deviations ordered

from lowest to highest density (kg/m^) ... 13

Table 6. Precision estimates for the cyclone settled density test ... 13

XV
INTERLABORATORY EVALUATION OF THE CYCLONE SETTLED

DENSITY TEST FOR CELLULOSIC LOOSE FILL INSULATION

J. Randall Lawson

Abstract

The cyclone settled density test for cellulosic

loose fill insulation was evaluated in an interlaboratory

test program. Seven laboratories tested seven cellulosic

loose fill insulations manufactured for the home insulation

market. The participating laboratories were surveyed to

evaluate the test apparatus and test methodology used at

each location. It was concluded that none of the apparatus

used in the program completely met the prescribed dimensional requirements for the test. However, statistical

analysis of the test results showed that the repeatability

coefficient of variation ranged from 2.3 to 3.7 percent

with a median of 2.9 percent, and the reproducibility

coefficient of variation ranged from 4.4 to 9.9 percent

with a median of 8.4 percent. The median difference in

density for the materials was 28 percent when blown

density was compared to settled density. This study

indicated that there is reasonable assurance that test

results on the same material obtained at one laboratory

can be reproduced in one of the other laboratories.

Key words: Cellulosic thermal insulation; cyclone

settled density test; precision estimates.

1. INTRODUCTION

On March 8, 1979, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) published

in the Federal Register a proposed safety standard for cellulosic loose fill

insulation [1]^. This standard proposed a smoldering combustion test and a test for corrosiveness. In order to conduct these tests, the settled density

for each cellulosic insulation must be determined. It was reported by Gross [2]

and others that the smoldering tendency of cellulosic insulation materials was

Numbers in brackets refer to the literature references listed at the end of

this report.

1
sensitive to changes in density, and the resulting test procedures were

designed to evaluate the materials at a settled density. Therefore, a test

for determining settled density was also included in the standard. The procedure followed in this study was based on the March 8 proposed standard and

had not been thoroughly researched to define effects of variables in the procedure or equipment. Subsequently, changes were made in the final published

version of the standard [3]. See the revised test procedure in appendix A.

The objective of this project was to determine precision estimates for

2 3 repeatability and reproducibility for the cyclone settled density test.

2 . TEST METHOD

2 . 1 Apparatus

The primary apparatus for the cyclone settled density test consists of

a 30.5 cm (12 in) diameter cyclone funnel that tapers to 11.4 cm (4-1/2 in) at

the bottom. The total height of the cyclone assembly is 43.5 cm (17-1/8 in)

(see figures 1 and 2) . The cyclone is attached to the top of a fill chamber

45.7 cm (18 in) high by 38.1 cm (15 in) wide by 38.1 cm (15 in) deep. The

fill chamber has a rigid, removable, transparent window on its front side.

This window is used by the operator for placing the specimen container into

the fill chamber, viewing the filling process, and removing the specimen

container after it is filled.

An open top glass straight-sided specimen collection container of

approximately 15 cm (5.9 in) diameter with a total volume of 3.5 to 5.0 liters

(210 to 310 cu in) is placed in the fill chamber directly below the cyclone

spout. Two blowers with connecting hose are attached to the fill chamber.

One blower delivers insulation to the cyclone, and the other is used to

remove excess insulation and maintain a relatively even pressure in the fill

chamber. The speed of each blower is controlled by a variable transformer at

a no load voltage of 40 volts.

A sieve shaker that is capable of shaking 4.5 kg (10 lbs) of weight with

vertical motion of 0.5 g root mean square (RMS) acceleration at an approximate

2 Repeatability precision - repeatability or within-laboratory precision is

defined in terms of the variability between test results obtained in the

same laboratory on the same material [4].

3 Reproducibility precision - reproducibility or between-laboratory precision

is defined in terms of the variability between test results obtained in

different laboratories on the same material [4]

.

2
frequency of 9 Hertz (Hz) and a displacement of approximately 1.2 cm (15/32 in)

is used to shake the insulation after it has been blown.

2.2 Specimen Conditioning

Test specimens are conditioned to equilibrium at 21 + 5°C (70 + 9°F)

and 50 + 5% relative humidity. A net weight change of less than 1 percent

of the specimen in two consecutive weighings with two hours between each

weighing constitutes the attainment of equilibrium tl,4].

2.3 Test Procedure

After a specimen has been conditioned, it is ready to be tested. An

empty insulation specimen container is weighed and placed in the fill chamber,

centered under the cyclone spout. The blowers are started, and when they

reach steady operating conditions, insulation is picked up by the supply

hose and delivered to the fill chamber. The operator observes the filling

of the specimen container and shuts the blowers off when the container is

full. The container is removed from the fill chamber and the excess material

extending above the container top is gently skimmed off. The filled container

is weighed, covered, and placed in the shaker. The specimen and container

are shaken for 5 minutes + 15 seconds. The specimen container is removed from

the shaker, uncovered, and a flat-rigid disc weighing 75+ 5g (2.7+0.18 oz)

which fits loosely inside the specimen container is placed on top of the specimen. The distance from the bottom of the specimen container to the bottom edge

of the disc is measured. This measurement when combined with the inside area

of the container provides a measure of the settled volume. The settled density

is determined by dividing the specimen weight by the measured settled volume.

The settled density of a material is considered the average of four settled

density tests.

3. PARTICIPANTS

Seven laboratories, listed below, participated in this inter laboratory

test program. Three of the laboratories were associated with cellulosic

insulation manufacturers. Three laboratories were government laboratories

and one was a commercial testing laboratory. Prior experience with the test

procedure in the laboratories ranged from one to four months.

ft

.

3
Certified Testing Laboratories, Inc.

Dalton, Georgia

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Engineering Laboratory

Bethesda, Maryland

Diversified Insulation Inc.

Hamel, Minnesota

Energy Guard Manufacturing Company

Erie, Michigan

General Services Administration

Research and Development FREL

Washington, D.C.

Lane Instrument Company

El Cajon, California

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Union Carbide Corporation, Nuclear Division

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

4 . LABORATORY SURVEY

A survey was conducted to evaluate the test apparatus and test methodology

followed at each of the participating laboratories. This was done to identify

differences in equipment and procedures that could cause test result variations.

The laboratory survey data are shown in table 1. As indicated by the asterisks,

no laboratory totally met the standard requirements. Dimensional variations

from the standard were apparent for the inside diameter of the specimen container, the size of the fill chamber, the connecting hose lengths, the shaker

displacement, and the cyclone construction. Other variations from the standard

included a plastic specimen container, flared sides on a specimen container,

excessive disc weight, and high conditioning relative humidity.

5. MATERIALS AND SAMPLE PREPARATION

Seven cellulosic loose fill insulation materials were obtained from

seven different manufacturers. All of the products were manufactured for use

as home insulation. The main component for five of the products was ground

waste paper. The main components for the remaining products were cotton and

ground wood, respectively.

Laboratory samples for each product were prepared by blending two bags | of insulation that were taken consecutively from the manufacturer's production |

line. This was accomplished by placing the insulation from two bags in a It pile. The pile was then raked, repiled, quartered, repiled and then raked 1
again. Each sample lot was blended four times using the above procedure.

After a lot was blended, a 2 . 3 kg (5.0 lb) sample was taken and placed in a plastic bag for each laboratory. The bags were sealed and tagged with a code

letter. Samples grouped for each laboratory were then boxed and shipped.

6. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The cellulosic loose fill insulation materials were shipped to each

participating laboratory. A letter was also sent to each participant providing

detailed instructions concerning the requirements of the interlaboratory test

program. A copy of the test procedure as published in the March 8, 1979

Federal Register was enclosed with the letter.

The instructions requested that the samples be conditioned and tested in

accordance with the test procedure as presented in the proposed CPSC standard.

One modification was made to the test procedure. It was found that different

laboratories were using specimen collection containers that varied in volume

and height. This resulted in variations in the distance between the cyclone

outlet and the top of the specimen container. In order to standardize this

distance, it was requested that each laboratory position their collection

container to provide a 50 to 56 mm (2.0 to 2.3 in) distance between the cyclone

outlet and the top of the container. It was also requested that the testing

be completed and the data sent to NBS by May 11, 1979.

7. TEST RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Each laboratory conducted the cyclone settled density test on seven

different cellulosic loose fill insulation materials. Four replicate tests

were run on each sample as specified by the proposed standard.

The statistical methods used in the analysis of the test results are

found in the "Tentative Recommended Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory

Test Program to Determine the Precision of Test Methods" which was prepared

by ASTM Committee E 11 [4]A summary of the procedure is presented in

reference [5]

Table 2 shows a tabulation of the settled density test results as received

from each laboratory. The test results are given in SI (International System

of Units) as well as English units. As shown by the asterisks in data cell

3P, the insulation clogged the blower causing stoppages. As a result of this

report, the data contained within that cell were not used in the analysis.

Also, laboratory number three reported that it was unable to maintain the

5
specified relative humidity when conditioning the test specimens. All of

their test specimens were conditioned at 60 percent relative humidity.

Table 3 presents the settled density cell averages ordered from the

lowest to the highest density, and column averages are located at the bottom

of the table. The average settled density for these materials ranged from

33.4 to 62.2 kg/m^ (2.08 to 3.88 Ib/ft^). On the average, the results

reported by laboratory number two were somewhat lower than the results

reported by the other laboratories.

A comparison of blown density versus settled density is shown in table 4.

The differences in density for the seven materials ranged from 21 to 46 percent with a median of 28 percent which represents a significant increase. It

should be noted that the objectives of this study did not include correlating

the results of this settled density test procedure with actual settled

densities that may be found in the field.

Table 5 exhibits data cell standard deviations and the pooled standard

deviation for each material. The pooled standard deviation is also shown in

table 6 as the repeatability standard deviation. Table 6 presents precision

estimates for repeatability and reproducibility. As shown, the repeatability

coefficient of variation for the test ranged from 2.3 to 3.7 with a median

of 2.9 percent. The reproducibility coefficient of variation ranged from

4.4 to 9.9 with a median of 8.4 percent. The results indicate relatively

good repeatability and reproducibility. Even with the variations in the

test apparatus and test procedure as noted in section 4, it is apparent that

the test method provides relatively good assurance that test results on the

same material obtained at one laboratory can be reasonably reproduced in one

of the other laboratories.

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

Seven laboratories participated in an inter laboratory test program

designed to determine the repeatability and reproducibility of the proposed

CPSC cyclone settled density test for cellulosic loose fill insulation. The

test procedure was published in the March 8, 1979 Federal Register. Seven

cellulosic insulation materials produced for the home insulation market were

tested.

A laboratory survey was conducted to evaluate the test apparatus and

methodology used by each participating laboratory. A number of deviations

in the test apparatus and use of the test procedure were noted.

6
Statistical analysis of the data received from the laboratories showed

a median difference of 28 percent between blown density and settled density.

The repeatability coefficient of variation ranged from 2.3 to 3.7 percent

with a median of 2.9 percent, and the reproducibility coefficient of variation

ranged from 4.4 to 9.9 percent with a median of 8.4 percent. These results

indicate that there is a reasonable assurance that test results on the same

material obtained at one laboratory can be reproduced in one of the other

laboratories

.

9 . ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Appreciation is extended to the laboratories that conducted the testing

without compensation, and to the insulation manufacturers that provided the

materials. Mr. Bernard Schwartz of the Consumer Product Safety Commission

and the field offices assisted in obtaining materials. Statistical consultation was provided by Mrs. Mary G. Natrella, Statistical Engineering Division,

National Bureau of Standards. Mr. Sanford Davis, Furnishings Flammability

Research, National Bureau of Standards, provided assistance throughout the

project. Messrs. Tom Prather and Dennis Sullivan of the National Bureau of

Standards carried out initial specimen preparation.

10. REFERENCES

[1] Interim Safety Standard for Cellulose Insulation, Consumer Product

Safety Commission, Federal Register, Vol. 44, No. 47, March 8, 1979.

[2] Gross, Daniel, A preliminary study of the fire safety of thermal

insulation for use in attics or enclosed spaces in residential housing,

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 78-1497 (July 1978).

[3] Interim Safety Standard for Cellulose Insulation, Consumer Product

Safety Commission, Federal Register, Vol. 44, No. 131, July 6, 1979.

[4] Tentative Recommended Practice for Conducting an Inter laboratory Test

Program to Determine the Precision of Test Methods, ASTM Committee E 11,

American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, Pa. (1979).

[5] Lawson, J. Randall, Inter laboratory evaluation of the attic floor

radiant panel test and smoldering combustion test for cellulose thermal

insulation, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), NBSIR 79-1588 (February 1979).

7

12” Dia. COVER

w/4” Dia. HOLE

Figure 2. Cyclone receiver

9
Table 1. Settled density af^aratus characteristics LABORATORY

Characteristics Standard 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Speciiien Container Material glass glass glass glass glass plastic* glass glass

Sides

Straight/Flared straight F* S S S S S S

Inside Dia. (in) 5.9 6.2* 5.5* 'v-O.l* 5.5* 5.98 5.7* 5.6*

Height (in) variable 10 11-3/4 V8-1/2 12 9.2 11-7/8 12

Volume (liters) 3.5 to 5 4 4.1 4 4.9 4.2 5.0 4.9

Disc Dia. (in) variable 6 5-1/2 5-3/4 5-3/8 5.96 5-1/2 5-1/2

Disc wei^t (g) 75+5 81.1* 75.0 76.1 75.3 75.2 75 75.0

Fill Chamber

Construction N/A wood wood wood wood wood wood wood

Height (in) 18 22-1/4* 24* 16-3/8* 18-1/4* 18 16-1/4* 17*

Width (in) 15 14-1/4* 14-1/2* 14-1/4* 15 15 13-1/2* 13*

Depth (in) 15 14* 14-1/2* 14-1/4* 15 15 14-1/2* 12*

Hose Dia. (in) 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

Supply hose length (in) 108+2 113* 117* 120* 100* 109 111* 107

Cyclone hose

length (in) 72+2 62* 74-1/2* 72 74 81* 68* 73

Exit hose

length (in) 36+2 106* 36 72* 36 114.5* 38 36

Blower Operating Volts

Supply 40 115 * 40 MO 40 40 40 40

Overflow 40 115 * 40 MO 40 40 40 40

Operating Anps

Suj^>ly 12 9* — 5* — 12 7.5* 11*

Overflow 12 11* — 5* — 12 7.5* 11*

Conditioning

Tenperature °F 69+9 75 73 — 70 70 70 70

Relative Humidity 50+5% 50% 50% 60%* 50% 50-52% 50% 50%

ShaJter Type N/A RX-24 RX-24 RX-24 RX-24 RX-24 RX-24 RX-24

Slra}cer Displacement (in) 15/32 15/32 15/32 14/32* 14/32* 15/32 15/32 15/32

Cyclone dimensions

Top diameter (in) 12 12 12 12 12.4* 12 11.8* 12.3*

Vent stack dia. O.D. (in) 4 3-7/8 I.D. 3-7/8 I.D. 3-7/8 I.D. 4 O.D. 3-7/8 I.D. 3-7/8 I.D. 3-7/8 I.D.

Total Vent stack

length (in) 8 12* 8 8 8 — 8 8

Spout dia. OD (in) 4-1/2 4-9/32 I.D. 4-3/8 I.D. 4-3/8 I.D. 4-1/2 O.D. 4-5/16 I.D. 4-3/8 I.D. 4-5/8 I.D.

Spout length (in) 3 3 3 ^3-1/4* 3 2-1/2* 2-7/8* 2-3/4*

Total Cyclone

hei^t (in) 17-1/8 17-1/4* 17* 17-1/4* 17-1/8 19-1/4* 18-7/8* 16-3/4*

Distance specimen container top to

cyclone spout (in) N/A 2 2 2-3/4 2 2-11/25 2 2

Asterisks identify conditions or apparatus diinensions that do not meet standard requirements as given in the March 8, 1979, proposed standard.
Table

2.

Settled

density

test

results

1

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11

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Operated

with

stoppages,

t

Material

O

was

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and

P

was

ground

wood.
Table 3

.

Settled density test cell averages ordered

from lowest to highest density (kg/m^)

Laboratory O t

1 35.60

2 30.10

3 31.60

4 30.10

5 35.42

6 35.38

7 35.38

Column Avg. 33.37

Material

p t N K

43.62 50.50 56.10

39.50 42.40 45.65

* 56.28 50.00

42.28 45.78 47.20

40.25 46.23 50.78

48.08 53.22 55.55

39.80 48.35 53.88

42.25 48.97 51.31

L Q M

56.10 56.90 66.10

45.15 53.85 59.15

52.38 57.60 67.45

49.25 53.82 60.00

61.30 54.92 51.35

52.45 59.20 64.70

52.32 55.65 66.70

52.71 55.99 62.21

* Sample clogged blower causing stoppages. Data not used in analysis.

''' Material 0 was cotton and P was ground wood.

Table 4. Average blown density compared with average settled density

Material

Average Blown

Density

(kg/m^) *

Average Settled

Density

(kg/m^) * PercentDifference

0 24.08 33.00 27

P t 22.85 41.98 46

N 33.46 48.71 31

K 39.90 50.51 21

L 38.71 52.14 26

Q 40.42 55.84 28

M 38.56 61.56 37

* Average values shown for O, N, K, L, Q and M were calculated using data

submitted from laboratories 2 through 7. ** The percent difference was based on settled density.

t Average values for P were calculated using data submitted by laboratories

2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , and 7

.

NOTE: Material 0 was cotton and P was ground paper.

12
Table 5. Settled density test cell standard deviations

ordered from lowest to highest density (kg/m^)

Material

Laboratory 0 t P t N K L Q M

1 1.53 2.06 2.07 1.85 1.31 2.07 1.53

2 0.35 1.16 1.18 1.10 0.44 0.68 0.58

3 0.91 * 0.52 1.37 1.44 1.73 2.29

4 1.01 1.41 1.25 0.91 0.76 1.08 1.29

5 1.11 1.05 0.51 0.98 0.12 0.71 0.50

6 1.20 2.47 1.02 2.54 2.24 2.75 2.66

7 0.39 0.54 1.20 0.81 0.67 1.38 0.14

Pooled

Standard

Deviation 1.01 1.58 1.21 1.48 1.20 1.64 1.56

* Sample clogged blower causing stoppages. Data not used in calculating pooled

standard deviations.

t Material 0 was cotton and P was ground wood.

Table 6. Precision estimates for the cyclone settled density test

Material

Overall

Average

kq/rvr

Repeatability

Standard

Deviation

kg/m^

Repeatability

Coefficient

of Variation

%

Reproducibility

Standard

Deviation

kg/m^

Reproducibility

Coefficient

of Variation

%

0 t 33.37 1.01 3.03 2.78 8.33

P t 42.25 1.58 3.74 3.54 8.39

N 48.97 1.21 2.47 4.86 9.92

K 51.31 1.48 2.88 4.25 8.28

L 52.71 1.20 2.28 5.18 9.83

Q 55.99 1.64 2.93 2.46 4.40

M 62.21 1.56 2.51 5.95 9.56

t Material 0 was cotton and P was ground wood.

13
1I
Appendix A. Revised settled density test procedure

July 6 , 1979 Federal Register

S 1209.4 Test procedures for determining

settled density. The settled density of lose Bll insulation must be determined before

the corrosiveness test (1209.5) and the smoldering combustion test (1209.7) can be performed. This section describes the procedure for determining the settled density of loose fill insulation.

(a) Apparatus and materials:

(1) An insulation specimen container with a flat bottom and an inside diameter of 15.0±1 cm, straight sides [without a flared lip or spout, (Apparatus #1)]. The height of the beaker shall be such that the distance between the bottom of the cyclone and

the top edge of the beaker is 8.5 cm±1.0

cm. (3.39 in±.39 in).

(2) A flat-rigid disc with a total weight

of 75±5 g (2.65±0.18 oz) and of a

suitable diameter to fit loosely into the specimen container. Weight may be added to the center of the disc to bring

the total weight to the required 75±5 g (Apparatus #2).

(3) A balance of 2 kg (4.4 lbs) capacity

accurate at least to 0.2 g (0.007 oz) (Apparatus #3).

(4) Blower apparatus, two units (supply and Overflow) meeting the following specifications: (The

Commission staff has found that a Breuer Electric Manufacturing Co., Model 98805 blower is suitable for this purpose, although other blowers may be

suitable.) (Apparatus #4).

(i) Each blower apparatus shall be

capable of blowing an average of 272.2 kg (600 lbs.) of insulation per hour.

(ii) Each blower apparatus shall have

a nominal air flow of 2.1 cm*/min. (75

ft’/min.)

(iii) Each blower apparatus shall have

a nominal motor speed of 16,450 revolutions per minute at 115 VAC.

(5) A shaker unit capable of shaking

4.5 kg (10 lb) of weight with a vertical motion of 0.5 g Root Mean Square (RMS)

acceleration at an approximate

frequency of 9 Hertz (Hz) and

displacement of approximately 1.17 cm

(‘% 2 ± V32 in.) ±.08 cm peak to peak.

(The Commission staff has found that a

Tyler Industries, Portable Sieve Shaker Model Rx-24 is suitable for this purpose, although other shakers may be suitable.) (Apparatus #5).

(6) Fill chamber with inside dimensions of 45.7 cm (18 in) high X 38.1 cm (15 in) wide X 38.1 cm (15 in) deep, with covered openings that will allow a radiant panel tray to be slid through the chamber, (see Figure 1 for details) (Apparatus #6).

(7) A cyclone receiver (see Figure 2 for complete details). (Apparatus #7).

(8) Vanous lengths of nominally 2- inch diameter hose (see Figure 1 for

details), as follows:

(i) A supply source hose, 274.3 ±5.1 cm

(9 ft±2 in) (Apparatus #8(i)).

(ii) A cyclone receiver hose, 182.9±5.1 cm (6 ft±2 in) (Apparatus #8(ii)).

(iii) A fill chamber exit hose, 91,.4±5.1 cm (3 ft±2 in) (Apparatus #8(iii)).

(iv) An overflow exhaust hose, length as needed (Apparatus #8(iv)).

(9) Blower Control(s) capable of operating the two blowers at 40 volts RMS. As an example, a variac for each

of the two blowers with sufficient rating

to operate at 40 volts and 12 amperes RMS would be acceptable (Apparatus

#9).

(10) An insulation holding container to hold a sufficient quantity of insulation to

fill the specimen container fourtimes.

(11) A garden rake, 50.8 cm (20 in) wide (Apparatus #11).

(12) A shovel (Apparatus #12).

(b) Conditioning: Specimens shall be

conditioned to equilibrium at 21 ±5° C

(69.8±9° F) and 50±5 % relative humidity. A less than 1% change in net weight of the specimen in two

consecutive weighings with two hours between each weighing constitutes equilibrium.

(c) Test specimen preparation:

(1) Insulotion intended for pneumatic

applications. If the insulation is intended for pneumatic applications, the

test specimens shall be prepared in the following manner:

(1) If ambient laboratory conditions

are different from the conditioning

requirements specified in (b) above,

begin testing the specimen for settled density within 10 minutes after it has been removed from the conditioned

area.

(ii) Pour the conditioned insulation

into the holding box (Apparatus #10) in

sufficient quantity to fill the specimen

container (Apparatus #1 shown in Figure 1) four times. Manually break up

any large clumps of material that miglrt cause feeding problems.

(2) Insulation intendedfor pouring

applications: If the insulation is • intended for pouring applications, the

test specimens shall be prepared in the following manner:

(i) If ambient laboratory conditions

are different fi-om the conditioning

requirements specified in (b) above,

begin testing 10 minutes afier it has been

removed from the conditioned area.

as published in the

(ii) Pour loose fill insulation into a simulated attic space until full. The attic space shall be formed by two nominal 2 x 6 (243 cm) (8 ft) long joists placed 40.6 cm (16 in) on center with 1.27 cm (V2 in) plywood nailed to the ends and bottom.

Fluff the material with a garden rake (Apparatus #11), applyilng a series of small amplitude strokes while moving

the rake slowly along the joist. Repeat

the fluffing process six times.

(d) Procedures:

(1) Procedures for insulation intended

for pneumatic applications. If the

insulation is intended for pneumatic

applications, conduct the following

procedures:

(1) The test shall be conducted in an

area conditioned to the requirements of

§ 1209.4(b).

(ii) The apparatus shall be set up as shown in Figure 1. (Apparatus #9 and

#10 are not shown in Figure 1, but are described at § 1209.4(a)). Connect one end of the supply source hose

(Apparatus #8.i) to the intake of the supply blower (Apparatus #4). The

other end will be used to pick up

insulation from the holding container (Apparatus #10). Connect one end of the cyclone receiver hose (Apparatus #8.ii) to the outlet of the supply blower and

the other end to the cyclone receiver (Apparatus #7). Cormect one end of the

fill chamber exit hose (Apparatus #8.iii) ' to the intake of the overflow blower

(Apparatus #4) and the other end to the

fill chamber (Apparatus #6). The fill chamber shall be placed on a flat and

level surface. Connect one end of the variable length overflow exhaust hose

(Apparatus #8.iv) to the outlet of the overflow blower. The other end should be conveniently placed to reduce

insulation dust in the test area.

(iii) Weigh the empty insulation specimen container and record its weight.

(iv) Place the empty insulation specimen container in the fill chamber

(Apparatus #6) centered under the cyclone reciever (Apparatus #7), and

close the front cover.

(v) Adjust the blower control(s) (Apparatus #9) such that the supply and

overflow blowers will operate at a no

load voltage of 40 volts RMS.

(vi) Turn on the blowers

simultaneously and proceed to fill the

insulation specimen container by

picking up material from the holding container using the supply source hose.

A-1
(vii) The containet may fill unevenly,

i.e. a void may tend to form off center in the container. If this occurs, stop the blowing process and rotate the container 180 degrees and continue the blowing process until the container just begins to overflow. If, for any reason,

the filling process is interrupted for more

than one minute or for more than the one time allowed to rotate the container,

begin the process again.

(viii) Gently screed the excess

material using a straight edge so as to leave a uniform surface of the insulation

flush with the top of the container.

fix] Weigh the filled and leveled container and record the weight. Take

care not to bump or jar the container so

as not to introduce any extraneous

settling of the insulation.

(x) Cover the container to prevent

spilling and secure the container to the

shaker. Operate the shaker for a period

of 5 minutes±15 seconds.

(xi) Remove the container from the shaker and uncover, taking care not to bump or jar it. Lower the disc (Apparatus #2) very slowly into the container until it starts to contact the

insulation. At this point, release the disc and allow it to settle onto the insulation under its own weight.

(xii) Measure the volume of the space

occupied by the settled insulation using

the bottom edge of the disc as the upper datum point. If the disc is not level, measure the high and low points of the bottom of the disc and average the readings and use this as the height measurement in calculating the volume

(V,),. This settled insulation volume and

insulation weight (w] shall be used to calculate the settled density.

(xiii) Repeat this procedure {steps (i through xi)] using another specimen of

the insulation until four settled densities are obtained for a given material. Then

average these figures to arrive at a final settled density.

(2) Procedures for insulation intended

for pouring applications. If the

insulation is intended for pouring

applications, conduct the following

procedures;

(i) Weigh the empty insulation specimen container and record its weight.

(ii) Using a shovel (Apparatus #12) remove insulation from the simulated

allic space and place it into the specimeil container until the container

just begins to overflow.

(iii) Follow steps (vi) through (xii) as

specified under Procedures for

insulation intended forpneumatic

applications.

(iv) Repeat this procedure (steps (i) through (iii)] using another specimen of

the in^ation until four settled densities are obtained for a given material. Then

average these figures to arrive at a final settled density.

(e) Insulation intended for pouring

andpneumatic applications, ff the

insulation is intended for both pouring

and pneumatic applications, or if it is tmcertain whether the insulation will be

poured or installed pneumatically, the

insulation shall be tested for settled density ttshtg the test specimen

preparation and test procedures at

§ 1209.4 (c) and (d) for each of the

applications. The larger of the two

settled density values shall be used in pesfonning the corrosiveness test at

i 1209.5 and the smcddering combustion

test at i 1209.7.

(f) Caloufations: Calculate ithe settled density of each specimen usiqg the following formula:

Settled Density in kg/m*=W/V,. where W=combined weight of the container and

insulation in grams, minus the weight of

the container in grams. V,=vainme of insulation in liters after shaking.

A-2
NBS-114A (REV. 9-78) r

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM.

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBSIR 79-19302lwT 5. Racjptent's Ace^i^sioa No,

'TLE and SUBTITLE

INTERLABORATORY EVALUATION OF THE CYCLONE SETTLED

DENSITY TEST FOR CELLULOSIC LOOSE FILL INSULATION

5. Publication Date December 1979

7. aJTHOR(S)

J. Randall Lawson

8. Performing Organ. Report No.

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, DC 20234

10. Pro]ect/Task/Wofk Unit No.

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. SPONSORING ORGANIZATION NAME AND COMPLETE ADDRESS rsfreef. City, st^te. ziP)

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Textile and Mechanical Engineering Group

Bethesda, Maryland 20202

13. Type of Report & Period Covered Final

15, SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

I I Document describes a computer program; SF-185, FIPS Software Summary, is attached.

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or leas factual summary of moat significant information. If document includes a significant bibliography or

literature survey, mention it here,) The cyclone settled density test for cellulosic loose fill insulation

was evaluated in an inter laboratory test program. Seven laboratories tested seven cellulosic loose fill insulations manufactured for the home insulation

market. The participating laboratories were surveyed to evaluate the test

apparatus and test methodology used at each location. It was concluded that none of the apparatus used in the program completely met the prescribed

dimensional requirements for the test. However, statistical analysis- of the

test results showed that the repeatability coefficient of variation i mged

from 2.3 to 3.7 percent with a median of 2.9 percent, and the reproducibility

coefficient of variation ranged from 4.4 to 9.9 percent with a median of 8.4

percent. The median difference in density for the materials was 28 percent

when blown density was compared to settled density. This study indicated

that there is reasonable assurance that test results on the same material

obtained at one laboratory can be reproduced in one of the other laboratories

17. KEY WORDS (six to twelve entries; alphabetical order; capitalize only the first letter of the first key word unless a proper name;

separated by semicolons)

Cellulosic thermal insulation; cyclone settled density test; precl.si m estimates

18. AVAILABILITY EUnlimited

I I For Official Distribution. Do Not Release to NTIS

I I Order From Sup. of Doc., U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC

20402, SD Stock No. SN003-003-

Order From National Technical Information Service (NTIS), Springfield, VA. 22161

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCLASSIFIED

20. SECURITY CLASS

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PRINTED PAGES

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