Fire testing of plastic fuel tanks

Purpose

In most cases, each vehicle model has a uniquely designed fuel tank that must meet the requirements of the method. The current tank must, according to the method, be installed in a test rig that simulates a real installation. In practice, this usually means that the tank is installed in the current vehicle. Components, such as heat shields, plastic shields, etc., that protect the tank or affect the the cource of the flames must as far as possible be installed before each fire test. For practical reasons, one cannot normally use an entire vehicle. When tanks for passenger cars are tested, a half BIW (Body In White) chassis is normally used, i.e. no windows, seats, interior etc. The chassis should normally be used for at least three tests, which means that any combustible parts must be replaced between tests.

The tank is exposed to the fire according to a special procedure for 2 minutes. The tank shall be half filled with fuel and the requirement is that there shall be no leakage of liquid fuel from the tank.

Method

Fire tests are carried out in our large fire test  hall in accordance with UN Regulation 34 annex 5, chapter 5. RISE is accredited for the method and has been designated by the Swedish Transport Agency (TS) as the Technical Service for testing plastic fuel tanks. 

Deliveries

Performed testing with associated report can be used as a basis for certification of the plastic fuel tank. Often, certification organizations (TÜV, VCA, RDW, TS etc.) require tests to be witnessed by the relevant organization.