Testing non-combustibility of insulation materials
Marine insulation materials are tested to document that the material itself is non-combustible according to the relevant IMO fire test procedures.
The evaluation includes:
- Oven temperature rise
- Specimen surface temperature rise
- Observed sustaitned flamings
- Calculated mass loss
The testing focuses on the material itself — not on the performance of a complete wall or deck construction.
Why insulation materials still require testing
Insulation materials used on ships are often based on stone wool, mineral wool or similar non-combustible base materials.
However, insulation products may also contain binders, organic components or surface materials used to achieve specific mechanical or installation properties. These components can influence how the material behaves during fire exposure.
The testing documents whether the complete insulation product meets the non-combustibility requirements used in marine applications.
Material documentation for marine constructions
Non-combustibility testing is often an early step in the documentation process for insulation products used in marine constructions. The material documentation is typically required before the insulation product can be used in fire-rated marine constructions such as such as A- and B-class divisions, bulkheads and decks.
DBI performs accredited testing and documentation of insulation materials used in marine applications.
